(972) 539-3800

3380 Long Prairie Road #200, Flower Mound, TX 75022 Lauri Barge DDS, PA

FAQs

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How does Dr. Barge ensure my safety during dental procedures?

We follow a number of health and safety guidelines. First, our office complies and exceeds OSHA standards for safety. All of our staff also maintains their current CPR certification. With every patient, we follow universal precautions. These safety procedures are established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA). Under these precautions, our dental team is required to use the appropriate protective wear, such as gloves, masks, and eyewear. After your visit, we disinfect the operatory and sterilize all of the equipment. We have a sterilization center where we can maximize efficient sterilization and minimize the chance of contamination through human error. We use a cassette system that allows the instruments for your procedure to remain in a sterile tray and wrap until they are in your room and ready to be used. This is another area where we surpass all requirements to ensure the best quality of care for our patients. If you have any questions, we would be happy to demonstrate our sterilization procedures.

How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?

We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.

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My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

I have chronic headaches. Can you help?

Chronic headaches may be a symptom of a misaligned bite, bruxism (grinding), or TMJ disorder. Our dentist will carefully examine your occlusion (bite), jaw, head, and neck to determine the underlying causes of your pain. Oftentimes, we can correct the problem with a custom nightguard. Call our office if you have more questions about headache relief with non-surgical therapies.

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What is an implant and how long do they last?

Implant restorations are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once the implants are secured, your dentist will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime.

What is a digital X-ray, and how is it different from traditional X-rays?

When compared to traditional radiography, digital X-rays emit 80-percent less radiation. Detailed images are immediately available for view on a chairside monitor in the operatory. We can transfer digital X-rays and photographs quickly via the Internet to insurance companies and specialists, as well. Digital X-rays require no hazardous developing chemicals, so they're earth friendly!

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I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?

Many people fear dental visits because of negative past experiences or control issues. We understand dental anxiety and offer solutions to help you overcome your stress. With nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, we can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve.

What is a cosmetic dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, so any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. To choose a good cosmetic dentist, review the doctor’s before-and-after photos of actual cases, ask about his or her postgraduate education in cosmetic dentistry, and make sure that you feel confident and comfortable in the office.

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I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?

An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you'll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Absolutely. We bet you didn't know that teeth whitening, in some form, has been around since the 1700s. Modern whitening uses safe and effective bleaching gel to remove stains and discoloration. Choose from Zoom! Whitening in our office or convenient take-home teeth-whitening kits.

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How can I pay for my dental care?

We accept cash, personal checks, and Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Can I finance my dental work?

We offer financing through CitiHealth Card and CareCredit. To investigate financing through these organizations, visit CitiHealth and click on “Medical Loans” to review their financing options and plans. You can visit CareCredit and click on “Patients,” then click on the “Apply Online” icon in the left tool bar.

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Do you accept insurance?

We’ll be happy to file your insurance as a courtesy. Please prepare to pay your estimated co-pay at the time of your visit. If the actual insurance payment varies from the initial estimate, the remaining balance is your responsibility, and we will notify you of the accounting adjustment.

Here are some important facts you should know about dental insurance. Be sure to call us if you have any questions.

In 1965, 2 million people were covered by dental insurance. Presently, over 33 million people have insurance plans. Since dental insurance is a major fringe benefit in many major companies, it is rapidly playing an increasing larger role in helping people to obtain much needed dental treatment.

We strongly feel that our patients deserve the best possible dental care we can provide. In an effort to maintain this high quality care, we would like to share with you some facts about dental insurance and how it works.

Dental insurance is meant to be an aid to help restore your mouth to sound dental health.

It has been the experience of many dentists that patients have gotten the impression their plan will pay up to 80%, even 100% of their dental fees. In spite of what you are told, we've found many plans cover about 40% to 50% of an average fee. For the same procedure, some plans pay more - some less. The amount your plan pays is determined by how much your employer paid for the plan. The less paid for insurance, the less you will receive (in simple terms, did they purchase an economy car, or a luxury car?).

It has been the experience of many dentists that sometimes insurance companies tell their clients that certain dental fees are "above the usual and customary" or UCR, rather than tell them that the insurance benefits are too low. We know that some insurance companies do not upgrade fee schedules, even with the cost of living index. Dental insurance in the 1960's paid out an average of $1,000 of dental benefits per year. Today, more than 40 years later, the average is still $1,000.

Remember, since the insurance company must make a profit, you can only get back in benefits what your employer puts in, less the profit the insurance company wants to make (i.e. the less they pay, the more they profit).

Please read your policy so that you are fully aware of any limitations of the benefits provided. Many routine and recommended dental services are not covered by insurance carriers. In fact, some preventive procedures are not covered at all. There are a number of clauses insurance companies use to deny payment, such as pre-existing conditions, procedure exclusions, and alternate (cheaper) benefits.

We are happy to cooperate with any patient whose treatment is covered by dental insurance and will be happy to fill out the forms and submit the claims as a service to you.

Insurance is submitted after each visit. The patient, however, is responsible for the total fee and will be expected to make up for any deficiencies in the insurance coverage.

We are here to help you sort through the confusing issues related to your dental insurance and would be happy to discuss our fees and policies with you at any time. Our computer can give an estimate of what your insurance plan should cover, but remember this is only an estimate.

In Summary:

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