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What are the benefits of professional teeth cleanings?

- Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized mobile dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.

- A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the aesthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.

- Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

As a mobile operation, we meet our patients at the communities where they live! An initial appointment usually consists of a limited oral evaluation and a dental screening. Usually, we provide preventative care treatment on the same day as the consultation.

If possible, please assist us by providing the following information at the time of the consultation:
-Any x-rays taken by a previous dentist, if applicable.-A list of medications you are presently taking.-If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims

IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For adults that require a Power of Attorney (POA), we require the consent of the POA via our enrollment form.Please alert your hygienist if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).

X-Rays

If your dentist or physician has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to Sound Dental Care. Please note that Sound Dental Care is not able to provide x-rays; however, providing Sound Dental Care with your previous x-rays does inform the care that we are able to provide

What exactly is scaling & root planing?

When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.

‍Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

What is a fluoride treatment?

Fluoride varnish is a highly concentrated form of fluoride which is applied to the tooth’s surface by a dentist, dental hygienist or other health care professional. It is not a permanent varnish; however, due to its adherent nature it is able to stay in contact with the tooth surface for several hours. It may be applied to the enamel or root surfaces and can be used to help prevent decay, remineralize the tooth surface, and treat dentine hypersensitivity.

Sound Dental Care provides fluoride varnish treatment as part of every appointment unless the patient denies the treatment. A patient’s Power of Attorney or Guardian can also request that we skip fluoride treatment; however, we do recommend it for most patients and the high majority of patients take advantage of the opportunity.

How often should I get a dental exam?

Sound Dental Care is not able to offer the same type of exam that a dentist can provide. Dental exams should generally take place every six months. Consult with a dentist to decide how often you should be examined. We may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities, and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.

How does Silver Diamine Fluoride work?

Silver Diamine Fluoride is composed of two primary components: silver and fluoride. Silver acts as an anti-microbial agent.

Fluoride strengthens the underlying protective layer of the teeth called dentin.

There are some risks associated with SDF, which include, but are not limited to the following:

‍– Any decayed areas will stain black. Healthy tooth structure will not stain. Stained tooth structures can be replaced with a filling if the patient has cosmetic concerns. SDF may discolor dental fillings and crowns.

– If SDF is applied to the skin or gums, a harmless temporary brown or white stain may appear on the area. The stain to the skin or gums will disappear in one to three weeks. It cannot be washed off.

– The patient may notice a metallic taste after an application. This will go away rapidly.

– Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure the success of the treatment. If an application is not successful, the tooth may require further dental treatment with a licensed dentist.

Some alternatives to SDF include, but are not limited to:

– No treatment, which may lead to an increase in symptom severity as well as a worsening of the tooth structures and cosmetic appearance.

– Other options may include placement of fluoride varnish, a filling, crown, extraction or referral for advanced treatment with a dentist.

How often should I get a dental cleaning?

We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for patients with periodontitis. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools Sound Dental Care uses to prevent its progression.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing & flossing.

‍Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

What does a patient screening involve?

During a patient screening, we will evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene. We will also note your risk of tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease. We will document your history of tooth restorations or tooth replacements. Our goal is to get a snapshot of your needs; however, we are unable provide any type of diagnosis.

Will I need scaling and root planing?

Sound Dental Care will only perform scaling and root planing after completing a limited oral evaluation and measuring the depth of the patient’s pockets. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, we may recommend scaling and root planing.

What are the benefits of a deep cleaning involving scaling & root planing?

If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the blood stream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing removes the bacteria that cause these conditions.

Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.

Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing, and should reduce bad breath caused from food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding an extra bonus to the procedure.

What is silver diamine?

Sound Dental Care offers silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatments. The information provided below provides general clinical information about the procedure.

It is important to note that SDF is not a replacement for the restorative services offered by a qualified dentist; however, this alternative treatment is appropriate in numerous circumstances. The non-invasive nature of the procedure is often appropriate for elderly patients and patients with developmental disabilities.
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What is our payment policy?

For your convenience, we accept check, cash, all major credit cards, and most insurances. If you provide us with an email address, we will send an invoice to your email address. Our emailed invoices include a payment portal that allows you to make an online payment via ACH or credit card. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us.

‍Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by Sound Dental Care regardless of your insurance coverage. Medicaid patients are an exception to this rule. Sound Dental Care writes off any residual balances for Medicaid patients which results in no out-of-pocket cost to Medicaid patients.

‍Your prompt payment remittance is appreciated.

What if I have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

Let us know what kind of documentation you need to obtain your reimbursement. We are happy to customize our documentation to assist you with your claim.

If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 206-745-3808. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear up any misunderstandings about your invoice.

How can a care community enroll with us?

We understand the challenges that care communities face in delivering dental care. Reach out to us via our contact form to explore preventative mobile dentistry solutions for your residents. Our goal is to provide you with a solution that meets the needs of your entire community.

How is insurance handled at a care community?

At Sound Dental Care, we offer payment options that work for both patients and their families. Below you will find a list of insurance providers that we accept.

‍‍Dental insurance plans we work with:
- Aetna
- Guardian
- Ameritas
- Humana
- Apple Care (Medicaid)
- United Healthcare
- Delta Dental
- Renaissance Dental
- Careington
- Tricare
- Cigna
- United Concordia

Insurance can be complicated. If you have questions, please reach out and we will assist you with exploring your options.

What responsibilities will be required of me as a care community?

We view our relationship with your community as a partnership that provides access to preventative mobile dental hygiene services. We appreciate your advocacy and coordination in making these services available in your community; however, we do not ask you to bear the financial burden of facilitating the delivery of our services.

Most communities do not contract with Sound Dental Care under a fee-for-service model. Rather, Sound Dental Care works directly with patients, families, and POAs to enroll patients into preventative care with Sound Dental Care. Communities typically retain or contract Sound Dental Care at no cost as an authorized on-site provider. Payment for care is the responsibility of the patient, the patient’s insurance provider, and the patient’s family or POA.

‍It is important to note that patients who qualify for Medicaid will never see a bill from Sound Dental Care. We are able to offer our care as a "no out-of-pocket cost" service to Medicaid residents.

What Dental Insurance plans do we accept?

At Sound Dental Care, we offer high quality care and flexible payment options.If you don’t see your preferred method on our list, please call our office at 206-745-3808 to find out what other options may be available to you.

‍We work with:
- Apple Care (Medicaid)
- Delta Dental
- Dentegra
- Tricare
- United Concordia
- Guardian
- Humana
- Ameritas
- Cigna Dental
- Renaissance Dental
- Aetna
- Careington

‍We will send you an invoice and report after your appointment. If you are utilizing insurance, most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your invoice does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame.

What are my payment options if I don't have insurance?

We think that families and facilities should understand fees before we provide care. That is why we offer flat rate billing. Rates do vary slightly based on the type of community, the number of residents enrolled in the program, and the location of the community. It is important to note that our fees are typically 20% to 30% less than many dental offices. Furthermore, we accept Medicaid, as well as check or credit card.

When is payment due?

We believe patients should understand fees before we provide care. That is why we offer flat rate billing. Rates do vary slightly based on the type of community, the number of residents enrolled in the program, and the location of the community. It is important to note that our fees are typically 20% to 30% less than many dental offices. Furthermore, we accept Medicaid, as well as check or credit card.

What should a new care community expect upon enrollment?

We offer new communities a "no out-of-pocket cost" screening to assess the preventative dental needs of your residents. We do not charge a fee for this service, and we do not ask the residents to pay for the initial consult either. We have found that this approach is a good way for communities to understand what we have to offer, and it provides residents and families with an option to sign up for preventative care appointments with Sound Dental Care. We think of our approach to dental screenings as a win for everybody … patients, facilities, families, POAs, and Sound Dental Care.

‍It is important to note that patients who qualify for Medicaid will never see a bill from Sound Dental Care. We are able to offer our care as a "no out-of-pocket cost" service to Medicaid residents.

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We look forward to serving you. Call 206-745-3808 or click the link below and we’ll be in touch.

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4970 Auto Center Way • Bremerton, WA 98312

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