Common Questions

We want to be sure you're comfortable with every aspect of our practice. So we're committed to communicating with you clearly and conveniently. That's why we've included the information below-- to answer many of your questions before you've even asked them! However, if you have concerns we haven't addressed here, please feel free to contact our Keller, TX dental office.

• How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
• At what age should my children first see a dentist?
• Do you accept referrals?
• What about insurance and financing options?
• What do I do if I have an emergency and the office is closed?
• How can I have whiter teeth?
• What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
• What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
• Do I really have to floss every day? Can't I skip it now and then?
• Is it bad to have bleeding gums after brushing?
• I really don't like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
• Crowns, Veneers, Onlays, Inlays…where can I learn more about what these things mean?
• I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces, what can you do to help?
• How do I know when it’s time to come in for a checkup?
• Is teeth whitening safe?
• My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
• How does gum disease affect the body?
• My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
• Who is a candidate for dental implants?

How does the practice keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

We subscribe to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. We also take time on a regular basis for continuing education. As a team and as individuals, our Keller office makes it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.

At what age should my children first see a dentist?

We like to see children in our office by the age of three, so that we can anticipate the development of their overall bite and dental development. At this young age, it's quite simple to recognize and take steps to prevent potential future problems. The first time we meet them, it's often at the time of one of the parent's appointments. We'll just introduce ourselves and make them comfortable with our team, do a 'look-see-count' of their teeth, and let them sit on the dental chair if they're interested. Then, on their first real visit, we treat them gently and with special care, ensuring the experience is positive and non-threatening. Of course, if your toddler accidentally chips or knocks out a tooth prior to this age, you should let us know right away.

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Do you accept referrals?

We're more than happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends.

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What about insurance and financing options?

Our office accepts nearly all of the major insurance plans that allow a choice of dentists. We will be happy to help you file your insurance.

Realistically, many dental procedures and long-term treatments are quite costly. So, in addition to accepting cash, checks, and major credit cards, we are happy to make available two interest free financing options: Care Credit or the Dental Fee Plan. Simply click on these links to find out more.

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What do I do if I have an emergency and the office is closed?

In case of a true dental emergency, call our office at 817-741-1240. We're 'on call' 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and will return your call as soon as possible, providing as much helpful information as possible over the phone and arranging to see you in person as needed.

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How can I have whiter teeth?

There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home bleaching products to in-office supervised treatments. We can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Once we've helped you decide on the most appropriate method, you'll probably spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing a series of simple teeth whitening treatments.

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What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

Our entire practice team is well versed in state-of-the-art sterilization techniques designed to ensure patient safety. This goes beyond wearing gloves and facemasks to prevent passing germs, but includes a specialized sterilization center and a water filtration system that guarantees a fresh, self-contained water source for each patient.

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What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

It's really a matter of priorities. In our practice, we've put a tremendous amount of thought into how to make our patients comfortable: with our office, with our expertise, and with the treatment we provide. To this end, we've created a warm and friendly office environment, undergone extensive hands-on training in many areas of dental care, and cultivated a truly caring dental staff.

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Do I really have to floss every day? Can't I skip it now and then?

It's been said that you should only floss those teeth that you want to keep. And it's true! A little regular flossing goes a long way, and is truly critical for your overall oral health. It loosens food particles in tight spaces that your toothbrush cannot reach; it gets rid of plaque build-up that toothbrushes alone cannot remove; and it protects your gum tissues from irritation. All of which is necessary to avoid gum disease. So, just think of daily flossing as the finishing touch after brushing—insurance for your smile’s future.

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Is it bad to have bleeding gums after brushing?

It’s never desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.

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I really don't like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We understand that many people have anxieties about seeing the dentist. So, we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. For entertainment and distraction, we have special headphones, CDs, radio, and TVs available in all rooms so that you can keep your mind on more pleasant things. And for the more complex procedures, we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), local anesthesia, or specialized sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

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Crowns, Veneers, Onlays, Inlays…where can I learn more about what these things mean?

With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or crooked teeth…bringing them back to their original shape and function. By principle, we'll typically recommend the most conservative of these options.

First, for large decayed or damaged chewing areas requiring restoration, we can apply a protective covering/filling or "onlay" made of porcelain, thereby adding strength and preventing decay. If you need fillings, we use porcelain 'inlays' or composite tooth-colored fillings instead of silver amalgam… actually strengthening the tooth and protecting it against further fracture. For larger areas of decay or for cracked or broken teeth, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a thimble or 'cap', that covers the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled.

Similarly, we can restore cracked, discolored, crooked or otherwise unattractive front teeth to attractive, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. If you're interested in finding out more about these procedures, just let us know and we'll provide further information to help you make an informed decision.

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I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces, what can you do to help?

We have a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We’d be happy to consult with you about the appearance of your front teeth and create a treatment plan to accomplish your objectives.

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

For patients with good oral health, we recommend coming into Dr. Patel’s Keller dental office twice a year. If more frequent visits are required to help you achieve optimal oral health, we’ll let you know. Even if you’re not experiencing any problems with your smile, checkups are important as we may find warning signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Plus, we’ll use your hygiene appointment to clean built-up plaque, tartar, and food particles from your smile, in addition to checking on the strength and health of your gums.

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Is teeth whitening safe?

Absolutely. Teeth whitening as a cosmetic solution has been around in one form or another since the 1700s. Today, professional whitening utilizes safe and effective bleaching gel to cut through stains and reveal a brighter, more dazzling smile. At Dr. Patel’s Keller dental office, we offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options with Zoom! to help our patients meet their whitening needs. I have old, dark fillings. Is there any hope for my smile?

Dr. Patel offers tooth-colored fillings as one of our many general dentistry services. With tooth-colored fillings, we can provide patients with a strong, aesthetic alternative to dark fillings and metal crowns.

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

Bleeding gums are typically caused by brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. To help you treat your bleeding gums, Dr. Patel can talk with you about how to select a toothbrush and the proper pressure for safe and effective daily brushing. If your gums are beginning to show signs of gum disease, Dr. Patel may recommend of a special hygiene treatment to help you restore your gums to their optimal health.

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How does gum disease affect the body?

Not only is gum disease the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, it has also been linked to other heal conditions, including heart attack, stroke, respiratory problems, diabetic complications, and premature birth. If left untreated, gum disease can significantly damage your health, so call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel. We can help your teeth and gums stay strong for life!

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My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?

If your smile has one or more missing teeth, you’ll need to first schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Patel. With a consultation visit, Dr. Patel can have a chance to assess your particular situation and discuss your treatment options. At our Keller dental office we offer crowns and bridgework, partial and full dentures, and dental implants. As one of the most popular and effective restorative solutions, dental implants offer long-lasting, comfortable, natural-looking results.

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Who is a candidate for dental implants?

While most patients are candidate for dental implants, the ideal implant patient will have excellent oral health, adequate bone structure, and avoids tobacco use or alcohol. Dr. Patel will evaluate your smile during a consultation visit to our Keller dental office to determine if implants are right for you.

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