FAQs
Noor A. Shamim DMD
How are appointments scheduled?
We strive to arrange appointments that fit your schedule when time slots are available. Dental visits are considered excused absences from school. Regular dental care helps minimize school absences. We reserve specific times exclusively for each patient and kindly request adequate notice for cancellations. We understand that unexpected events can disrupt daily routines and appreciate your cooperation in this matter.What is due at the time of the visit?
As a courtesy, we'll submit claims to your participating insurance for your child's dental treatment. However, any remaining balance after insurance discounts is due when treatment is provided. For non-participating insurance, full payment is required at the time of service. We accept various payment methods including cash, personal checks, major credit cards, and Care Credit. Complimentary parking is provided for your convenience. We're committed to helping your child join our 'No Cavity Club'!What is the best time for orthodontic treatment?
Malocclusions, or improper bites, can be identified as early as 2-3 years old. Early intervention can often reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.What are space maintainers?
Space maintainers are devices that keep the space open where a tooth has been lost prematurely. They prevent tooth movement until the permanent tooth emerges. Using a space maintainer is more cost-effective and less invasive than correcting misaligned teeth with orthodontic treatment later. To care for space maintainers, avoid sticky sweets and gum, refrain from pushing or pulling on them, maintain good oral hygiene, and continue regular dental check-ups.Why are the primary teeth so important?
Primary teeth play a crucial role in a child's development. They aid in proper chewing and eating, reserve space for permanent teeth, guide them into correct positions, and allow normal jaw and muscle development. They also contribute to speech development and facial aesthetics. Front teeth typically last until age 6-7, while back teeth remain until age 10-13. Neglecting cavities in primary teeth can adversely affect developing permanent teeth.What is conscious sedation and why is it used?
Conscious sedation is a technique used to relax a child while maintaining consciousness. It helps calm anxious children, allowing them to accept dental treatment more easily. This approach prevents potential injury to the patient and creates a better environment for delivering quality dental care, as it's challenging to perform procedures on a restless child.Do I stay with my child during visits?
We encourage allowing your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. Our team is well-versed in helping children overcome anxiety. While separation anxiety is common, it typically diminishes over time. Parents or guardians are welcome in treatment rooms, but we've found that most children over 3 years old respond positively when experiencing the visit independently in our child-friendly environment.How will financial considerations be addressed?
Payment for professional services is expected at the time of treatment. We'll provide treatment plans as needed and promptly file insurance claims. For your convenience, we accept various payment methods including cash, personal checks, and major credit cards.What is the office policy on dental insurance coverage?
We're happy to file insurance claims on your behalf once we have all necessary information on the day of your appointment. Please note that this is a courtesy service. We're not responsible for your insurance company's claim handling or reimbursement rates. We'll assist in estimating your portion of the treatment cost, but remember that no insurance covers 100%, benefits aren't determined by our office, and deductibles and co-payments need consideration.When should I expect my child's teeth to erupt?
Tooth formation begins before birth. The first primary teeth, usually the lower incisors, typically emerge around 4 months, followed by the upper central incisors. While all 20 primary teeth generally appear by age 3, the timing and order can vary. Permanent teeth start to appear around age 6, beginning with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until about age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including wisdom teeth.





