What to Expect
Set up your appointment
Patients can make an appointment online or over the phone. Bi-annual hygiene appointments take about 45 minutes. If you are experiencing symptoms or have health concerns, we set aside one-and-a-half to two hours for diagnostic and treatment appointments depending on the level of care you need. But remember, we practice slow dentistry because it’s better dentistry. An extra hour at our office will add years, if not decades, to the lifespan of your restoration.
In some cases, we may refer to you a specialist before treating you at our office. When scheduling your appointment, please describe any symptoms you are currently experiencing or have experienced in the past. We will contact you to discuss your symptoms and provide referral information if needed.
If you have questions about scheduling your appointment, please contact us at office@allemancenter.com or (801) 717-9860.
Help us get to know you
After scheduling your first appointment, you will receive a welcome email from our Patient Care Coordinator, Sheila, to help us prepare for your first appointment and learn about your medical history. If you are a returning patient and we have questions about your upcoming visit, we will be in touch.
If you have questions at any time, whether about your visit, getting to our office or what to expect after your visit, please reach out to Sheila at any time office@allemancenter.com or (801) 717-9860.
At your appointment
At your appointment, we will review x-rays and check in on any symptoms you may have experienced recently or in the past. We will complete a full mouth exam and hygiene cleaning to assess your oral health. If there are any concerns that should be addressed, we will discuss treatment options with you and plan next steps.
Learn more about the steps in a biomimetic restoration on our page About Biomimetic Dentistry.
The tools we use
At the Alleman Center, we use specialized tools that you might not see at other offices because these tools help you receive the best possible treatment. Here are a few of the tools you may not be familiar with:
Rubber Dental Dam
Using a dental dam helps keep your tooth dry for the best possible bond in your restoration. Isolating it in this way allows for deeper decay and cracks to be treated, reducing the likelihood that more aggressive treatment is needed in the future.
Camera
Oral photography helps you and your doctor visualize your treatment plan. We will take photos before and during treatment.
Microscope
You can’t treat what you can’t see. We work through a surgical microscope to ensure exact treatment.
Air Particle Abrader
A strong bond is essential to a long-lasting restoration. Part of the biomimetic process includes using an air particle abrader, which helps prepare the tooth for adhesion.
Follow-up appointment
In some treatment plans, two or more appointments are necessary. We will schedule any additional visits upon completion of your initial appointment. Between your initial and final appointments, your tooth will be sealed with the “biobase,” so it will be protected against cracks and decay and be symptom-free.
For cases involving multiple teeth, we will work one quadrant (lower left, upper left, etc.) at a time to minimize disruptions to your regular chewing.
Billing
Flexible billing: If you don’t have insurance or prefer not to use your insurance, we offer payment plans if you are unable to pay for your bill in full. At your appointment, we will give you an upfront cost for work because we don’t like surprise charges either.
We work with all insurance companies: While we do not bill insurance companies directly, we work with you to have your insurance help cover the costs of your biomimetic treatment. Notify us before your appointment if you would like to use your insurance. Patient Care Coordinator, Sheila, will help you gather and fill out the documents you need to request reimbursement from your insurance provider. Questions? Email us at office@allemancenter.com.
Caring for your biomimetic restoration
Care for your biomimetically restored tooth just like you would a natural tooth. We recommend twice-daily brushing and daily flossing to maintain good oral health.
For a day or two after your appointment, it is normal to feel some soreness around your gums, especially if you had deep decay or cracks in your tooth, had a traditional crown replaced or have an endodontically treated tooth. To create the strongest possible bond, we use materials that isolate your tooth by pushing down the gum, so every affected portion can be treated. Don’t worry though. After a day or two, your gums will feel back to normal.
During your appointment, we will adjust your occlusion (how your teeth come together when you bite), but this is best done when your jaw is no longer numb. If you experience tooth pain over the following days, we will have you come back for a follow-up appointment to adjust your occlusion again.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, we want to hear about it! Please don’t hesitate to reach out at office@allemancenter.com or (801) 717-9860.