Frequently Asked Questions
I'm afraid to go to the dentist, but I know I should. What can I do?
Don't put it off any longer. Make a call to our friendly staff or e-mail Dr. Chera and tell them about your fears. By developing a relationship with us, you are also involving yourself with your treatment plan. We can discuss options to help you control and decide your own treatment and techniques to help you relax and feel more comfortable during your visit.
I really, really don't like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
We can provide a host of anti-anxiety measures. Please be open and unashamed in requesting assistance to control your anxiety so you can relax at your next visit.
Are you accepting new patients?
Absolutely! We will always accept new patients and look forward to exceeding your expectations with our dental care.
Do you accept referrals?
Yes we do! Your referral is the highest compliment that you can give our practice. It tells us you trust us enough to recommend your family and friends. We appreciate your trust, and will always strive to accommodate the needs of your friends and family.
Do you schedule early or late appointments?
The practice has extended hours to fit your schedule. Additionally we offer Same Day Emergency Services. If you desire an early or late appointment, we highly recommend that you pre-appoint your next visit before you leave our office. This will insure that you are able to schedule at the time most convenient for you.
What if I need to cancel an appointment, will I be charged?
Last minute cancellations deny other patients the benefit of treatment they need. We appreciate every effort you can make to give us as much notice as possible if you need to change an appointment. We do understand that occasionally an emergency will present itself and that there is no other option. Patients are not charged for these cancellations but if you have repeated occurrences, there will be a charge. If you feel that the charge was not warranted please ask to speak with Dr. Chera.
I'm a new patient and know there are probably forms to be filled out. Can I do it in advance?
Sure. We have our new patient forms set up so you can simply download it, print it and complete it at home. Don't forget to bring it with you for your first visit!
View formsCan I choose which hygienist cleans my teeth?
You can always request your "favorite" hygienist. We note this in your file and make every effort to insure that you get treatment from the person you want. Occasionally, due to illness or some unavoidable delay, we are unable to honor these requests. If this happens you will be offered the option to reschedule or see another dental provider.
Where are you located?
We are located at 838 Second Street in Santa Rosa, between Brookwood and E Street.
What payment options do you provide?
Our staff will estimate your insurance coverage at each visit and ask you to pay the difference each time. Please note that this is an ESTIMATE only. If there is an additional balance due after the insurance claim is paid we will bill you. We gladly accept MasterCard, Visa, Cash or Check. If you desire a payment plan, we offer the services of an outside company, CareCredit. They have excellent terms and offer the advantages of paying for your treatment over an extended period of time.
What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
We pride ourselves in our integrity and desire to listen. Don't look for any sales pitches here. We listen to what your needs and anxieties are, and will work with you on a program. Our concern is providing what you want or need in dental care, whether that be a new winning smile, or a gentle reminder that floss was not invented for emergencies.
How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
Although everyone has different requirements, most of our patients return every 3 to 6 months for a routine checkup. This timeframe varies depending on your particular oral health and needs. You will be offered an appointment before you leave. Our computer system will generate a postcard reminder which will be mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to your due date. Due to the nature of computers, postal delivery systems and of course, human beings, it's a good idea to flag your calendar to contact us when you will be due. Our appointment secretary will call you 48 hours in advance to confirm as well. We realize everyone is very busy, and we have found out that this system works best for our practice.
What about my children, at what age do they first see a dentist?
This varies with the child. Age 3 is typically a good age to have them come in with Mom or Dad and sit in the chair. If they will allow us to count their teeth, they will usually cooperate enough to have their first "official" visit. However, we will never suggest doing anything that might create stress in the mind of the child. Trauma at a young age can carry over to adulthood (as you may well know). If you wish to have your child seen prior to age 3, we may refer you to a pediatric dentist.
One reminder for young parents: please, do not let your child go to bed with a bottle containing milk or juice; only water. They will thank you for it some day.
My breath needs help and I brush everyday. Is it just me or is there something you can do to help?
It could, indeed, be your own imagination. This makes up about 10% of those who feel their breath needs help. However, if you are in the other 90%, there are various things we would suggest. First, there could be a health condition that contributes. If you have not had a recent physical with your physician of choice, we highly recommend it.
Second, it could be your gums. Sometimes untreated periodontal disease manifests itself this way. Our office screens and treats periodontal disease regularly, so showing up for your regular cleaning appointments will usually eliminate this possibility.
Next, we need to consider your tongue. It harbors 85% of the bacteria in your mouth, and if not cleaned regularly, volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) can proliferate and create an odor you are uncomfortable with. Regular tongue scraping with an instrument made for that task is helpful. Another method for ridding your mouth of those VSCs is by rinsing regularly with a stabilized chlorine dioxide mouthwash. These can be bought through our office. Unfortunately, the 3 companies who make them are all multilevel organizations, so the stores do not carry these.
Do I really have to floss every day?
Well, you don't HAVE to, but if you want our advice, try to get in the habit. You will keep your teeth longer, and it has been shown to increase your life expectancy by over 6 years! (How? I don’t know, but Oprah said it, it must be true)
What is a "fee-for-service" dentist?
A fee-for-service dentist is a dentist paid directly by the patient for services provided, based on the dentist's cost to provide them. Treatment options and materials as well as the time the doctor spends with you is not controlled by an insurance group, company or third party.
Is there a way I can ask the Doctor questions directly?
During your appointment, feel free to ask the doctor any questions that you may have. If you need extended time for questions, we may suggest you reschedule for an individual consultation so you can have some uninterrupted time. If you wish to speak to one of the doctors via telephone, they are usually unavailable during working hours. Feel free to leave a message, and they will make every effort to contact you that evening. They also gladly receive e-mail messages and respond within 24 hours, sometimes within minutes!
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Again, this can vary with each individual, but in our opinion, the standard of care has become the electric toothbrush. They prevent you from causing damage to susceptible tooth structure, yet do a more thorough job on the plaque than a regular toothbrush. Our favorites are Sonicare and OralB. Depending on your gum condition and the restorations present in your mouth, we can recommend one or the other, just ask. By the way, using a new electric tooth brush, especially the Sonicare can be an intimidating task; so, after you purchase your toothbrush, bring it by for a free informative brushing session with our hygienist.
Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth?
Well, as someone once said “If your hair bled, would you be concerned? Likewise, if your gums bleed, it is a sign that there is an underlying problem that needs professional attention.”
I've always been nervous about getting x-rays. Are there any dangers? Do you have any way to cut down on the amount of radiation you use on me?
Realistically, x-rays are relatively harmless at the doses that are used in dentistry. However, we understand any concern you may have, and have therefore embraced the newest player in this arena. Digital radiography has come of age, and we are pleased to offer it in our office. It decreases the amount of radiation absorbed by up to 80-90%. The neat secondary benefit is the ability to show images to the patient. We can also blow the image up on our monitor, enhance the resolution, and search for abnormalities with many tools available.
I am really busy and can’t take much time off. Can you restore my teeth in one visit?
Yes we can. New advances in the field are allowing us to prepare a tooth, use a computer to image it, and design the restoration. This information is then transmitted to a milling machine which contours the new restoration. When this is done, the crown or onlay is bonded to the tooth. All in one visit, no temporary crowns involved.
I'm interested in some cosmetic dentistry but I'm afraid I won't like the result. How can I tell what I'll look like with a new smile?
What a great question! Well, part of our cosmetic work up is imaging. We take digital photographs of your smile and can have them analized and modified to give you an idea of the possible enhancements to your smile.
How can I have whiter teeth?
Your mouth is different from everyone else's, but generally, whitening your teeth at home with our lab-fabricated custom-made whitening trays is effective. You probably have several friends who have done this, so ask around! Another option is through the placement of porcelain veneers. These can also reshape teeth that are misaligned or abnormal in size. If you have specific questions on pricing, technique or feasibility for yourself, let us know. We would be happy to schedule a no-cost cosmetic consultation, which would include some imaging to show you what is possible.
I want my teeth to look straighter but I don't want to wear braces. What can I do?
As stated before, porcelain veneers are ideal for this. These can be used for "instant braces". In about 3 weeks, not only can front teeth appear to be straight, but also designed any color you want!
What about Invisible Braces?
You must be referring to the Invisalign process. Dr. Chera is a trained provider for Invisalign. The cost is about the same as regular braces, but with a few extra perks: they are almost invisible, you can remove them to eat and brush your teeth, and there are generally fewer cavities at the end of the process, compared with regular braces. They are not applicable to every situation, so please ask for a free evaluation to find out if you qualify.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
If you belong to a traditional insurance plan (sometimes called an indemnity plan) we can assist you by filing your insurance claim. Traditional insurance is typically one in which you can choose any dentist you desire. Our practice does not belong to any PPO or DMO insurance plans. If you are not sure what type of plan you have, we will be happy to call for you and explain your benefits to the best of our ability.
What is an HMO or PPO insurance plan?
An HMO/PPO insurance company sets a cap on fees that can be charged for procedures. By joining a HMO/PPO group, the dentist agrees to abide by these restrictions, which enables the company and the patient to know the predetermined costs. Because fees are controlled, it is possible that a participating dentist may need to control your treatment options, the materials used and the time that can be spent with you during treatment, none of which can be construed as beneficial to you, the patient.
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Dr. Chera is on call when the office is closed. If you are a patient of record you should call the main office phone number. There will be directions on how to contact us. A doctor or staff member will return your call as soon as possible. If the Doctor is out of town, or unable to be reached, there will be instructions on our answering machine with the name and the phone number of the doctor-on-call.
I have a temporary crown in my mouth, what happens if it comes off or breaks?
Unless it is a painful or cosmetic problem, there is no immediate concern. If it happens during business hours, we should be able to see you immediately. If after hours, we will let you be the judge, but generally, if it's OK with YOU to wait a few days, it's OK with US. However, we do not want a temporary to be off for longer than 2-3 days.
My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
Place it in a glass of milk and see a dentist immediately. There is a much better chance of successfully re-implanting the tooth if it is done within the first hour. Again, we can't stress "immediately" enough.
Sonoma County Smiles
Our family practice focuses on serving your functional and esthetic dental needs in a friendly and caring environment.
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