Frequently Asked Questions
Do you use anesthesia?
Anesthesia makes dental work painless, so most patients prefer to be numb for most procedures. In certain instances, anesthesia is not even required.
Dr. Hanser has a special injection system called The WAND that is used for most procedures. This system increases the patient's comfort
during the injection.
Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas", helps patients relax and is available at Hanser Dental. It can be used on patients of all ages. However, insurance
may not always cover the cost of nitrous oxide.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Hanser Dental accepts most dental insurances that are fee-for-services (indemnity) or preferred provider plans. We do not take any HMO (health maintenance organization) plans.
We file the insurance claims with your insurance company as a courtesy and collect any applicable co-pays or deductibles at the time of the visit.
How do I contact you in the event of an emergency?
Dr. Hanser's home phone number is always on the office answering machine. If Dr. Hanser is not available, then a number for a covering dentist will be provided.
I've heard about sedation dentistry. Do you offer this?
While Hanser Dental does not use general anesthesia or conscious sedation for any procedure, we do offer a number of ways to
help you better relax for your procedure.
Do you provide orthodontic services?
No, but we are happy to refer you to an orthodontist who can handle your case.
Can a patient with braces still see you for his/her regular dental checkups?
Patients with braces should continue to be seen for regular six-month checkups and cleanings. Excellent oral hygiene is always important and becomes even more important with braces. It can be difficult to effectively clean teeth with braces. If the teeth are not being thoroughly cleaned daily, they can develop decalcifications (white spots) or cavities around the brackets.
How old should my child be when I start having their teeth examined?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin seeing a pediatric dentist as soon as
teeth begin erupting or no later than their first birthday. Although Dr. Hanser is not a pediatric specialist, she
is always happy to check a child at any age. She recommends dental visits start at about two years of age. A
pre-visit can be done when the child is in the office with a parent or older sibling. This makes the child comfortable
with the office before their first official visit.
Children should never go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup after teeth begin erupting. This can lead to baby bottle tooth
decay and is most likely to occur before the age of two. Cleaning the teeth as soon as they appear is
another way to prevent baby bottle decay.
I wear dentures. Do I still need to schedule regular check-ups?
Denture patients should have an exam at least once a year. At the checkup, Dr. Hanser checks the gum and bone supporting the dentures and screens the mouth for oral cancer. The dentures are also checked to ensure they fit properly.
Denture patients should also come in for an adjustment at any time if they develop a sore spot on the gums or other areas.
Is using over-the-counter whitening strips the best way to whiten my teeth?
Over-the-counter whitening strips are one option for brightening a smile. However, Hanser Dental offers professional custom
tray bleaching to achieve an even more noticeable brightening of your smile
My teeth are sensitive. What are my options for treating the sensitivity?
Many things can lead to sensitive teeth. Brushing too hard, gum recession or disease, whitening products, acidic foods, decay, fractures or grinding can all be causes of tooth sensitivity. Once the underlying cause is determined, Dr. Hanser can decide on the best course of treatment. It could be as simple as modifying your brushing technique or using toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Is it better to use a manual or electric toothbrush?
If used properly, either a manual or electric toothbrush can be effective in removing plaque buildup from teeth. Many people find that an electric toothbrush makes it easier to thoroughly clean the teeth.
How often should I floss?
Ideally, a patient should floss at least once a day. Flossing is the best way to clean in between the teeth.
Why are fillings necessary?
If a cavity has gone through the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth, then it is necessary to remove it and have a filling placed. If it is not removed, it will continue to grow and can lead to more extensive work such as a root canal or even an extraction.
Am I a good candidate for veneers?
Veneers can help improve the appearance of teeth by modifying the shape and color. There are limitations to what veneers can correct and not everyone is a good candidate. A consult with Dr. Hanser can help determine if veneers are the right choice for you.
What is your policy with cancelling appointments?
For the courtesy of all patients, we require a 24-hour notice for a cancellation.
