FAQ

It’s important to go to the dentist because your oral health is directly tied to your overall health. Without regular care, cavities, plaque, tartar, and food buildup, will quickly take over your mouth. This is a one-way ticket to painful infections, bad breath, and sore teeth—eventually taking a toll on your physical and mental wellness. Attending your scheduled appointments and receiving care from our experienced dentist will keep your smile happy and healthy.

To keep your teeth in optimal health, we recommend you come in every 6 months for a checkup. During these visits, we will give your teeth a thorough exam, take X-rays, inspect for cavities, remove plaque, and polish your teeth for extended health. Regular appointments also give you the opportunity to discuss any dental problems you’re having with Dr. Tsimis or make cosmetic changes to your smile. Regular oral hygiene is a must for maintaining your teeth and avoiding gum disease.

Not all practices are the same, but at Tenafly Family Dental, we accept patients with or without insurance. To make your billing experience more convenient, we accept a variety of payments such as Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express®. We also offer financing through CareCredit® if you’re unable to pay out of pocket. For any questions about prices, or how to finance your treatment, our financial coordinator is available to assist you.

Our goal is to keep you comfortable as soon as you arrive until the moment you leave. Pain is a common concern for visiting the dentist, but with frequent communication and generous pain-management, we ensure you don’t feel a thing. From topical anesthetics to Novocain injections, we will adjust to ensure your pain level stays at 0 the entire appointment. If at any point you feel discomfort, our staff will immediately stop treatment and provide you with an adequate amount of anesthetic until you are comfortable.

The key to preventing cavities is a regular oral hygiene routine. Over time, plaque and tartar build up on the teeth causing decay, which leads to cavities. Brushing your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes, flossing, and using a quality mouthwash, will keep your teeth healthy, strong, and cavity-free. Proper oral care will also keep your gums healthy. This means avoiding periodontal disease and retaining your adult teeth for the rest of your life.

The first step to improving the look of your smile is by properly taking care of it. This means brushing and flossing twice a day, every day. If you neglect regular oral hygiene, or avoid treating decay and damage, your teeth will become discolored, misshapen, and unhealthy. On top of everyday maintenance, there are more advanced ways you can achieve the improved smile you want:

• Receive bi-annual cleanings to remove stains, buildup, and tartar
• Avoid dark-colored drinks like coffee, wine, and soda
• Get professional whitening that brightens your smile
• Replace missing or damaged teeth with implants and crowns
• Customize a new brand-new smile with veneers

We understand that for many, the dentist can be scary. You may hesitate to make a new patient appointment because of this fear. Our compassionate staff is ready to make the process as easy and anxiety-free as possible. Using appropriate anesthetics, you won’t feel any pain during your visit. Our staff will communicate with you every step of the way.

Here are some of our favorite dental anxiety tips:

• Communicate your anxiety to our staff
• Listen to music or a podcast during your appointment
• Practice deep breathing or meditation
• Eat a balanced meal beforehand
• Have a reward prepared for afterwards

Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, we’re happy to help you regain your oral health. Our dentist, Dr. Michael C. Tsimis, specifically has a passion for helping patients who have neglected their oral hygiene. We understand you might feel embarrassed or worried that the damage to your teeth is too severe, but our compassionate staff is here to help you get the treatment you need. From general and cosmetic dentistry to restoration and endodontic work, we offer an easy, one-stop-shop that’ll get your oral hygiene back on track ASAP.