FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EMERGENCIES
For any emergency during or after hours please call our AEIR Dental office, 403-455-5087. If your emergency is after hours, you will be further instructed by our answering machine.
I have a dental emergency; can I really get what I need done today? Our answer is almost always Yes! We know you may have taken off work or hired a sitter for the kids, so most often, we will ask, “Would you like to take care of that today?” In addition, we are here at 7am as well as on Saturdays in order to accommodate our patients. We realize that you have busy, sometimes stressful lives so our goal and mission is to provide world-class dentistry in a comfortable and anxiety free environment.
Same Day Or Emergency Issues We Can Help With
- Soft tissue injuries
- Objects caught between the teeth
- Root canals
- Crowns – lost or broken
- Extractions
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Fillings that have fallen out
- Teeth that have been knocked out
- Abscessed teeth
- Dry socket issues
- Swelling
- Extruded teeth
- Painful and swollen wisdom teeth
HOW MUCH WILL MY INSURANCE COMPANY COVER?
Unfortunately, we are unable to know exactly what every patient’s dental benefits will pay. We will do our best to find out when asked – but it is the responsibility of the patient to know the details of their dental benefit policy. In order to help you we encourage you to bring your policy booklet with you and we can help explain your insurance benefits.
In certain instances, due to privacy codes, the benefit provider will not disclose your insurance information. Your benefit information can be obtained either by contacting your human resources officer or by logging into your insurance company’s web page.
MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAYS THEY PAY 100% FOR MY DENTAL TREATMENT, WHY DO I STILL OWE MONEY?
We hear this question often. Usually the patient has looked at his EOB (explanation of benefits statement) which tells you what the provider paid and notices that the fee charged by the dentist exceeds the fee guide amount set by the insurance company. The fee covered by the provider is whatever has been negotiated between your employer and the benefit provider, and is directly dependent upon the premium you and/or your employer pay for your specific benefit policy. This is why coverage can vary even between the employees of a same company or other patients covered by the same Benefit Provider.
WHAT IF I AM NOT IN CALGARY? CAN I STILL GET HELP?
Of course, the answer is “Yes.” It happens more often than you think. You’re visiting from out of town and you bite into some food and break a tooth, a filling falls out, or a crown comes loose. We understand how these things can happen and we are just a phone call away from helping you get the assistance you need. Call 403-455-5087.
WHAT IS OUR FINANCIAL POLICY?
Our primary goal is not to allow the cost of treatment prevent you from benefiting from the quality care you need or desire. In our office, we strive to maximize your insurance benefits and make any remaining balance easily affordable.
AEIR DENTAL IS HAPPY TO ACCEPT ASSIGNMENT. If you are covered by a dental insurance plan, we will gladly file your insurance forms for you with the request to have the benefits assigned to our office. If you are responsible for a co-payment or deductible, we require full payment for your portion at the time of treatment.
We accept the following forms of payment: Visa, MasterCard and debit.
Because we can not guarantee any estimated coverage and because your insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company, we will require a credit card number to be kept on file for anyone requesting assignment of benefits. Charges will only be put through on the credit card if there is a discrepancy between the original amount quoted to be assigned to our office from the insurance company and the actual final payment received from the insurance company.
We would be happy to discuss our charges and how they relate to your particular situation. We also realize that temporary financial situations may affect the timely payment of your account with us. If such problems arise, we encourage you to contact us promptly for assistance in the management of your account. Most often, financial misunderstandings can be managed with a phone call. Please feel free to contact our wonderful staff at any time to discuss any concerns you may have.
PRE-OP CARE
Before your appointment, keep the following in mind:
- Please wear loose fitting clothing. A sleeve may need to be rolled up to allow monitoring of your blood pressure.
- Please refrain from wearing heavy make up.
- Please eat something 2-3 hours before the procedure.
- Please brush and floss before your appointment.
- Take any medication prescribed by Dr. Williamson according to the directions on the bottle.
- Medications prescribed by your physician should be taken at their regular time and dosage unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Williamson.
POST-OP CARE – CROWN & BRIDGE WORK
When anaesthetic has been used, your lip and tongue may be numb for a few hours following the procedure. It is important to avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off, as it is very easy to bite or burn your tongue and/or lip whilst you are frozen.
Crowns and bridges usually take two (2) visits to complete. The teeth are shaped and impressions of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns are placed to protect the teeth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated (this usually take 7-14 days). The temporary crown has two (2) functions. It covers and protects the tooth from being sensitive, while also preventing the adjacent teeth from shifting and compromising the fit of the final restoration.
To keep your temporary crown in place, avoid eating any sticky foods like gum or toffee. It is also better to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You can brush normally around your temporary crown, but when flossing, please pull the floss out from the side and do not lift up on the floss. This avoids the possibility of dislodging the temporary crown as it is only held in place by a weak cement to facilitate its removal at the second visit. When the permanent crown is placed, with permanent cement, you will be able to floss normally again and resume your normal diet.
It is rare for a temporary crown to come off, but if it does, please contact the office at 403-455-5087 and we will put it back on. If this is necessary, this visit can be done without any freezing.
It is normal to experience some minor hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. The injection sight itself may also be a little tender. Ibuprofen (Advil), or Tylenol (one tablet every 4 hours) will work well to alleviate any tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increase, or your bite does not feel natural, contact the office at 403-455-5087.
You can chew on your temporary or permanent crown as soon as the freezing has worn off as the cement is fully set when you leave the office.
POST-OP CARE – FILLINGS
When anaesthetic has been used, your lip and tongue may be numb for a few hours following the procedure. It is important to avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off, as it is very easy to bite or burn your tongue and/or lip whilst you are frozen.
It is normal to experience some minor hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. The injection site itself may also be a little tender.
Do:
- Use Ibuprofen (Advil), or Tylenol (one tablet every 4 hours), either will work well to alleviate any tenderness.
- Contact us, if pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increase, or your bite does not feel natural. Contact the office at 403-455-5087.
You may chew on your new white (composite) fillings as soon as the freezing has worn off, as they are fully set when you leave the clinic.
POST-OP CARE – IMPLANTS
When anaesthetic has been used, your lip and tongue may be numb for a few hours following the procedure. It is important to avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off, as it is very easy to bite or burn your tongue and/or lip whilst you are frozen.
After an implant has been placed, there is typically little bleeding associated with the procedure. You will be instructed to bite down on a gauze pad for 30 minutes after you leave the office. If stitches have been placed, a follow up appointment in two (2) weeks is necessary to remove them. This is typically a very quick visit with no need for anaesthetic.
Do:
- Finish any prescribed antibiotics to prevent the possibility of a secondary infection around the implant.
- Resume your normal dental routine. After the first 24 hours have past, it is important to brush and floss at least once per day to help speed the healing and to help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
- Start with salt-water rinses after 24 hours has past. Use one (1) teaspoon of salt in 120ml (or 4oz) of warm water, to gently rinse your mouth out three (3) times per day for three (3) days. You may also use an alcohol free mouthwash at this time.
- Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to your cheek to keep swelling to a minimum. After the implant is placed, you may experience some pain and swelling, it will normally subside in 48 hours.
- Use any pain medication prescribed and call the office at 403-455-5087 if the medication does not seem to be working.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food the day of the surgery. You may resume your normal eating habits as soon as you feel comfortable enough to do so.
After a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or have continued swelling for three (3) days, or have a reaction to any prescribed medications, please call our office at 403-455-5087.
Do Not:
- Disturb the implant healing sight for the first three (3) days following surgery
- Smoke
- Rinse vigorously
- Suck on straws
- Brush close to the extraction site
- Drink alcohol
The implant itself will require 4-6 months of healing time to fully integrate into the bone. After this time has passed, a new x-ray will be taken to check the health of the bone around the implant. If everything looks good on that x-ray, the crown or denture can be placed over the implant anytime after that.
DENTAL X-RAYS
Are dental x-rays safe? Yes. The amount of radiation exposure received from a full set of new patient x-rays at AEIR Dental is equal to the amount received in a single day outside, walking in the sun.
Our Planmeca digital, x-ray machine is the lowest radiation machine on today’s market. Additionally, it does not require patients to place any sensors in the mouth, thus is painless and safe.
DO YOU DO DIRECT BILLING?
Yes, we can direct bill your insurance company as long as the policy holders benefit provider will allow us and as long as we have a valid credit card number on file to cover any unpaid balances. However, on a rare occasion assignment of benefits will not be permitted due to benefit issues or balance on account issues. Also, there are a few insurance policies which will not permit the benefits to be assigned to the dental office and will only forward payment to the patient; we will require full payment at the time of treatment in these instances.
I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A NEW PATIENT OR HAVE MY TEETH CLEANED, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
We are happy you want to become our patient!
At Aeir we want to get to know you and take the time to gather as much information as we can about your health history, dental history and any dental issues you might have. In order to do this, we require 2.5 hours on your first visit. The first hour is spent with Dr. Ed. He will discuss the information you have given us as well as, taking a series of x-rays, a full oral exam and cancer screening. The next 1 hour is spent with our hygienist, when she will probe your mouth, checking your bone and gum levels. After determining your bone and gum health she will do an initial cleaning, polish and fluoride treatment. If our hygienist determines a further hygiene visit is required, it will be booked during your current appointment.
WHAT DO YOU REQUIRE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Please assist us by providing Aeir Dental the following information at the time of your consultation:
- Your contact information.
- Your medical history. Including: current doctor(s), health concerns and medications being taken
- Your dental history.* Including: recent x-rays (within 12 months) from your previous dentist
- Your dental insurance provider(s) and policy number(s).
*Upon your approval, we can request your previous dental records be forwarded to our office.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?
Our practice is dedicated to quality care and exceptional service. Dr. Ed Williamson and his team spend extensive amounts of time preparing for your visit. Missed appointments create scheduling problems for our team as well as other clients. If you find that you must change your appointment, we require a minimum of 48 hours notice so that we may make every effort to accommodate other clients.
Please note that if proper notice is not received, a fee of $100.00 will be charged for every hour of allotted time cancelled to your credit card on file.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS A NEW PATIENT TO YOUR OFFICE?
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment to facilitate the gathering of pertinent information.
Your initial appointment with Dr. Ed at AEIR Dental will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. To help aid in gathering as much information as possible during this first visit, a series of x-rays and camera photos will be taken of your teeth and mouth.
Occasionally, treatment can be provided the same day, however, if you have a complex medical history or an involved treatment plan, subsequent appointments may be needed to provide you with your complete treatment.
IMPORTANT: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 at the consultation appointment.
VENDORS WE USE
Our Partners in Your Dental Health
3M ESPE Dental Solutions – Canada
BioHorizons Dental Implants – Canada
MacPractice Dental Practice Software
NuBird Designs & Manufacturing Suction Mirrors
Nuon – Diagnostic Imaging Accessories, Supplies & Equipment
Peak Sleep Centre – Quality Respiratory, Allergy & Sleep Apnea Testing
Planmeca – High-tech dental units designed in Finland
Planmeca Romexis – Cutting edge 3D digital dental imaging devices & software
Phillips – Sonic Care – Canada
SciCan – Your Infection Control Specialist
TePe – High Quality Swedish Oral Health Care Products
Partners in Clinical Services
722 World Bier Haus – Restaurant & Lounge
Aquaovo Experience – Raising Water Filtration To A Fine Art
Decca Design Inc., Jennifer Anderson
Fleur de Sel Authentic French Brasserie
Insight Automation International – Entertainment, Communication, Security & Convenience
Naked Leaf Tea – Pure, Passionate, Tea
Payworks Canada – Payroll Services
Saje Canada – Natural Wellness & Fine Essential Oils
TD Canada Trust Commercial Banking
POST-OP CARE – EXTRACTIONS
When anaesthetic has been used, your lip and tongue may be numb for a few hours following the procedure. It is important to avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off, as it is very easy to bite or burn your tongue and/or lip whilst you are frozen.
After a tooth is extracted, it is important for a blood clot to form in the socket to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.
Do:
- Bite down on the area with a gauze pad for 45-60 minutes following tooth removal. Take two (2) of the supplied gauze pads, fold them in half and roll them up and place it over the extraction area and bite down. It is best to change the gauze every 20 minutes over the course of the hour time frame. You may also bite down on a pre-soaked tea bag as the tannins in the tea aid in the clotting process.After the bleeding has stopped, and the blood clot formed, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids in healing.
- Use any pain medications prescribed by Dr. Williamson and call the office at 403-455-5087 if the medication does not seem to be working. If antibiotics have been prescribed, please complete the full dose of the medication, even if the symptoms of the infection are gone.
- Use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas over the area if you experience pain and swelling. This will help to keep swelling to a minimum and it will normally subside in 48 hours.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food the day of the surgery. You may resume your normal eating habits as soon as you feel comfortable enough to do so.
After the 1st 24 hours have past it is important to resume your normal dental routine which should include brushing and flossing at least twice per day to help speed the healing and to help keep your mouth fresh and clean. You may also start with salt-water rinses after the first 24 hours have past. Use one (1) teaspoon of salt in 120ml (or 4oz) of warm water, to gently rinse your mouth out three (3) times per day for three (3) days. You may also use an alcohol free mouthwash at this time.
FOR THREE (3) DAYS FOLLOWING AN EXTRACTION Do Not:
- Smoke
- Rinse vigorously
- Suck on straws
- Brush close to the extraction site
- Drink alcohol
Do not do any vigorous activity for the 1st 24 hours.
Why?
These activities could dislodge or dissolve the clot leading to a condition called a dry socket. Excessive activity can elevate your blood pressure and cause more bleeding.
If stitches have been placed, you will be advised if they will fall out on their own which usually takes between 7-10 days, or if a follow up visit in necessary to remove them.
After a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities.
If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or have continued swelling for three (3) days, or have a reaction to any prescribed medications, please call our office at 403-455-5087.