FAQs

• New Patients
• Services and Cosmetic Procedures
• Post Operative Care and Accidents
• Prevention and Home Care
• Miscellaneous

Beyond the Bare Minimum

At our Fort Worth dental office, communication is a two-way street between you and our team. That's why we strive to provide clear, accurate, and straightforward answers to all of your questions at each visit. For your convenience we've also outlined our responses to the questions we get most often, so that you can find your answers online day or night, from your own computer. Of course, we encourage you to contact us directly for any information not covered here. When it comes to communication, we always want to go beyond the bare minimum.

• New Patients
• Services and Cosmetic Procedures
• Prevention and Home Care
• Miscellaneous

New Patients

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Our office accepts almost all of the major dental insurance plans. We do not participate in dental HMO or PPO plans. Please call our Fort Worth dental office if you have questions about your dental benefits. Also, we are well versed in the latest coverage trends and are more than happy to discuss the particulars of your plan with you prior to any treatments you may undergo.

What if I need to cancel an appointment? Will I be charged?

In order to maintain a well-run office, we suggest that all appointment cancellations be made at least 24 hours ahead of time. This simply helps us with our time management and preparation; it also enables us to work in other patients' emergency visits. However, we do not bill for missed appointments. We only ask that you respect the fact that our time is limited. In return, we'll respect your time by making sure that you spend little or no time in our waiting room prior to your appointment.

What payment options do you accept?

We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. On your first visit we ask that you pay the entire fee. If you give us your insurance information (employer name, carrier name, address, and phone number), we'll file for your reimbursement. If on any other visit your fee exceeds $160, your insurance plan co-pay and deductible are due at the time of service. Our office will accept assignment (payment from insurance companies) for the balance. We also offer other payment options for major treatment. Please call Pat for more information.

We accept all indemnity insurance plans. Check with your insurance carrier or Human Resource personnel for information about your policy. At this time we do not accept HMO or DMO plans.

I'm a new patient and I know there's probably something I will have to fill out before I see the doctor. Is there any way I can get copies of any forms that you need me to complete in advance?

Please download and complete your new patient forms and fax them to our Fort Worth dental office (817-292-9464). Or call the office and ask for these forms to be mailed or faxed to you prior to your appointment.

Services and Cosmetic Procedures

Can you show me what my smile will look like ahead of time?

We routinely use three-dimensional models to help our patients visualize the end results of aesthetic and restorative work. By simply asking the right questions, taking various photos of your current smile, and carefully constructing the model to correspond to your input, we'll generate an excellent example of how your procedure will affect your smile.

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials... Where can I learn more about these procedures?

Our Services page and patient library are great resources for learning about dental procedures. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call us. We'd be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.

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

We understand that many people have qualms about having their teeth worked on. So, we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. At the time of your evaluation, we'll talk with you about your concerns and may prescribe a sedative for you to take before your treatments. Once you're familiar with our staff, we're sure that you'll find their gentle, personable care will eliminate your anxiety and put you at ease.

I don't like drills. Are there any other options?

Fortunately for patients like you, Dr. Knox has mastered his drilling technique to the point of creating "just enough" room for a filling. It's now a much more conservative procedure that requires removal of only a tiny portion of the tooth to be treated. What that means to you is that the drilling is over almost before it starts! We don't use air abrasion because it's simply not cost-effective or necessary with our refined drilling procedure.

How can I make my smile brighter?

We offer custom-made take-home trays with professional teeth whitening gel for safe and effective teeth whitening in the comfort of your own home. Home whitening yields excellent results - up to eight shades or better! Two weeks of use produces optimal results, but if your teeth reach the desired shade before then, simply discontinue treatment.

What can you do to straighten my smile?

Porcelain veneers can correct slight misalignments and gaps, as well as discolorations, chips, and other imperfections. From Fort Worth to Beverly Hills, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available today. Learn more about porcelain veneers on our Services page.

Prevention and Home Care

Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?

Yes! Floss loosens food particles, plaque, and tartar trapped between teeth. In addition to irritating gums, causing gum disease, and promoting cavities, these three culprits cause bad breath. If you need help learning how to floss quickly and effectively, our hygienist will gladly teach you some tricks to make your daily oral care easier.

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

Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of infection, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to alleviate your symptoms and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults and has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to significantly damage your health, so call for an assessment now. We'll help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

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

We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.

I brush every day, but my breath just isn't fresh. Is there anything I can do?

At your checkup, we can look for the cause of your bad breath, also known as halitosis. Some patients suffer from bad breath caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or a smelly substance put off by bacteria. With modern procedures and products to promote fresh breath, our team can help you regain your confidence!

Miscellaneous

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

When you become a patient in our practice, we think of you as a person, not just another set of teeth to fix and clean. Our goal is to help you understand your oral health and make informed decisions about attaining and maintaining your goals as they relate to your overall wellbeing. This includes helping you learn the ins and outs of preventive care through comprehensive patient education that results in a long-term, practical, and effective plan to give you a beautiful, healthy smile.

Do you accept referrals?

Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends, family members, and coworkers that we give you every time you visit. We ask that a patient evaluation form be completed prior to the first visit. Call our dental office in Ft. Worth for more information. If you have current dental X-rays, please forward them to our office.

How does the doctor keep up to date on current techniques, technology, and materials in dentistry?

Our dentist - and our team - take more than the state's requirement for continuing education each year. We also read trade journals, attend professional association meetings, and do everything we can to keep in tune with the latest developments in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry, as well as dental technology. We are passionate about our careers, so we enjoy soaking up new information on our profession, then sharing it with you!

Is there a way I can ask the doctor questions directly?

We encourage our patients to have open, direct communication with Dr. Knox. Please e-mail your questions or call our office. Depending on office traffic and the complexity of your questions, Dr. Knox will make every effort to respond within 24 hours.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We follow strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.

When do you like children to have a first dental visit?

We want to see your child when they have teeth! Most children respond well to a dental visit around age three, though the ADA recommends children have a first visit at one year of age. Bring your child with you to your appointment so that he or she can become acclimated to our office and our team. If you notice any development problems with your child's mouth or teeth, call us to schedule a visit immediately. Otherwise, we'd like to begin teaching your children how to care for their teeth and gums when they reach three or four years of age. By age four or five, they can begin hygiene treatments and regular checkups.

My spouse snores and keeps me up all night. I've heard that a dentist might be able to prescribe an appliance that prevents snoring. Is this true?

Snoring is tough on any relationship! And, since it can be caused by a number of factors, we encourage you to have your spouse come in for a consultation and analysis with Dr. Knox to determine the cause. In some cases, a person may actually stop breathing for short periods during the night - a condition called sleep apnea. In other cases, snoring can be caused by enlarged anatomical structures in the mouth and throat. During sleep, the throat area relaxes, allowing these structures to collapse against one another and obstruct airflow. To remedy this situation, Dr. Knox can prescribe and fit a special appliance called a snoreguard to keep airways open during slumber and prevent snoring.

4900 Overton Ridge Blvd • Suite 109 Fort Worth, Texas 76132 • 817-292-6090