I avoid going to the dentist because I had a bad experience when I was a child. How can you make me more comfortable?
Today’s dentistry is far gentler than it used to be and I specialize in patient comfort! I take advantage of patient friendly equipment such as our advanced teeth cleaning system, our computer delivered anesthetics, and our drill-free (air abrasion) cavity preparation methods. I also provide Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) if needed. I have a caring and concerned staff that truly care that you are as comfortable as possible.
How do I find out if my insurance plan covers the treatment you prescribe?
I have two staff members whose primary responsibility is to keep up to date with your insurance coverage. As a new patient, we’ll take your information and verify coverage before you even come in for that first visit. Since we will have contacted your insurance company, we will be able to inform you of your coverage and advise you on how to get the maximum benefits you deserve. For major work, we have some creative ideas to maximize your benefits, such as staggering your treatment from the end of one calendar year to the beginning of the next one in order to gain two years worth of benefits for your treatment.
Does Dr. Logmann run on time?
I will respect your time and make every effort possible to see you at your appointed time. This is a high priority for me and I take it seriously. My full-time scheduler allows time within my daily schedule to see emergencies, so that running behind is an infrequent situation for me.
Will I have to wait to get in for an appointment?
Having a full-time scheduler allows us to get you in as soon as possible. Our scheduler is aware of daily scheduling changes, so it is even possible to move your appointment to an earlier date if that is your request. We also offer evening and Saturday hours for your convenience.
Do you sterilize instruments?
All instruments, equipment, and materials that are placed within the mouth and are not disposable are autoclaved (high heat sterilization) for each patient. We test each and every load of instruments to assure sterility, and we have our autoclave tested each month by a state approved biological monitoring facility. We use disposables whenever possible. We also sterilize our water lines and have the ability to use a closed water system. All of my technical staff wear gowns, safety glasses, and gloves for your safety and for theirs. I care about my patents, and my staff.
What options do I have to repair a chipped tooth?
Chipped teeth can be repaired using a tooth colored bonding material that is molded and hardened to the desired shape. Veneers can also be used to correct or even change the shape and color of your teeth. Thin, tooth-shaped veneers are cemented to the fronts of your own prepared teeth. Another option is to fit the tooth with a crown. It is possible to correct gaps, chips, crooked teeth, and stained teeth with any one of these methods.
What can you do to make my teeth whiter?
I offer several methods to whiten your teeth. The most cost effective are the “Crest Supreme White Strips” (much stronger solution than you can purchase in the store) that you place over your teeth like a piece of tape and twice a day for about 2 weeks. For even whiter teeth, I offer a 
two-week at-home method that uses a gel in custom made mouth trays and can be worn during the day or at night while you sleep. My easiest and quickest method is the “weekender” at-home method that takes 2-3 days. With the home methods, you have your plastic liners so you can touch-up any time in the future. Touch-up kits are available at our office and are inexpensive.
I've always wanted to get my teeth straightened, but I don't want to wear metal braces. Do I have a choice?
You might be a candidate for Invisalign. The aligners are plastic and removable so you can eat and brush with ease. And, with no wires or brackets, there is less discomfort.
I need extensive dental work. Do you have a payment plan?
I offer easy and quick “No Interest” loans where monthly payments can be made. With major work, even if you have insurance, the percentage remaining can be paid with the “No Interest ” monthly payment loan.
Do I need X-rays?
Yes, if you have not had full-mouth x-rays done within the last several years. If you are coming from another office and have had full mouth x-rays done recently, I can use a duplicate of these. Accurate images of teeth are essential for the detection of tooth decay, gum disease, infection, and many other dental diseases. Most of these problems are difficult or even impossible to detect without an x-ray. Dental x-rays produce very low radiation exposure.
I hate "the drill." Is there an alternative?
Yes, Air Abrasion (Kinetic Cavity Preparation, KCP). This method can many times eliminate the need for anesthetic, so there is no numbness. There is less noise, and it reduces or eliminates vibration, heat, and pressure. It is more comfortable than the traditional drill and can be used in many cases.
I can't seem to get rid of my bad breath. Can you help?
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth can be warning signs of gum (periodontal) disease. Regular dental check-ups will help detect and treat periodontal disease at an early stage. I have specific professional products (toothpaste, mouthwash, and mints) designed specifically to prevent bad breath.
What if I don't replace a missing tooth?
When teeth are missing, it’s difficult to chew. Teeth work together. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt into the empty space. Or the teeth in the opposite jaw may shift up or down toward the space. This can affect your bite and place unusual stress on your teeth. Chewing on one side only, may cause extra stress on your jaw joints. A missing tooth also results in “shrinking” of the jawbone. This can change how the lips and cheeks are supported. Teeth that have tipped or drifted are often difficult to clean. This makes them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. In the long run, more teeth may be lost.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Your gums and tooth enamel protect the porous part of your tooth, called dentin. The following can expose that dentin, resulting in sensitivity:
• Poor oral hygiene
Plaque builds up around the gums, hardens to tartar, and a bacteria in the tarter
causes gum recession.
• Improper brushing
An estimated 50-90 percent of people brush with too much pressure. Repeating this
over time can cause gum tissue recession.
• Tooth abrasion from using a hard-bristle brush
• Periodontal (gum) surgery
• Enamel corrosion caused by chemical agents
• Bite problems
• Trauma
• Medical conditions such as chemotherapy, bulimia and radiation therapy
• Clenching or grinding the teeth
Failing to treat your sensitive teeth can lead to tooth and gum disease or even tooth loss. With regular dental check-ups, we can treat the cause or suggest a preventative measure.
I drink a lot of soft drinks. Is that bad for my teeth?
Yes, there has been a steady rise in the amount of sugary soft drinks consumed every day by children and adults. It is not unusual for children to drink six to seven cans a day. The average American consumes more than 23 pounds of sugar from soft drinks yearly. Contrary to popular belief, diet or “sugar free” pop can be just as harmful to your teeth because of its high acid level. Even if your teeth are treated for tooth decay, if you continue to drink an excess amount of soft drinks, decay will return. Decay between and around the teeth is difficult to treat. Often, the only treatment is crowns (caps) on the teeth. Regular dental cleanings, check-ups, the use of fluoride, and proper brushing and flossing can reduce tooth decay.
I play sports. Should I wear a mouth guard?
Yes, mouth guards prevent an estimated 200,000 injuries a year in high school and college-organized sports alone. Unfortunately, about five million teeth are knocked out every year when mouth guards are not worn. Mouth guards protect the teeth, tongue, cheeks, lips, and jaw from injury. By absorbing the shock of impact, mouth guards protect teeth against chips, cracks, fractures, damage and dislodging. They also help avoid more serious injuries, including concussions, jaw fractures and neck injuries, by preventing the lower jaw from making contact with the upper jaw. A properly fitted protective mouth guard is an important equipment investment, especially when considering the cost of dental work for damaged teeth.
I'm pregnant and my gums seem to be more sensitive. Is this my imagination?
During pregnancy, your body experiences a surge in hormones. This can exaggerate your body’s normal response to plaque on your teeth. Pregnancy gingivitis, in which the gums become red, swollen, tender and prone to bleeding, affects most pregnant women to some degree. Following fluctuations in hormone levels, it usually starts around the second month and decreases during the ninth month. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, call us to schedule a cleaning and discuss your oral health.
What is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorder?
TMJ is not just one disorder, but several disorders that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing. The symptoms can be as minor as a slight clicking to popping sensations when the mouth is opened or closed, or as serious as chronic pain extending to the face, neck and shoulders. X-rays of your teeth and jaw can help determine if your problem is dental in 
nature. If it is, procedures can be done to improve the alignment of your bite. This may include the addition of crown or a reforming of tooth surfaces. If your problem is not dental in nature, we may refer you to an orthodontist, oral surgeon or medical doctor. Because other types of pain have been known to mimic a TMJ disorder, complete dental and medical exams are important steps in getting an accurate diagnosis.
What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
• Mouth sore that doesn’t heal for over one week
and bleeds
•
A lump or thickening of tissues
•
Red/white patched or lesions
• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
•
Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
•
Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
•
Numbness in areas of the mouth
•
Swelling of the jaw
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please make a dental appointment right away. Part of your dental exam includes checking for the above signs, so regular cleanings and exams are important to your health. Remember that the earlier oral cancer is detected and treated, the more likely it will lead to a better prognosis for a healthier life.
