FAQs

Answering Your Questions

What happens on my first visit?
Unless there is some cause for concern, the first visit at our office involves:

  • A review of your dental and medical history
  • A thorough oral exam including:
    • Oral cancer screening
    • Periodontal analysis
    • Tooth-by-tooth inspection
    • Cavity screening with Caries ID
    • Digital X-rays (when necessary)
    • Bite evaluation
    • Intraoral images
  • Complete diagnosis and master treatment plan designed to achieve optimal comfort, function, health, and esthetics

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Will you care for my whole family?
Absolutely. We enjoy creating gorgeous, healthy smiles for patients of any age. If we find that your child – or you, for that matter – would benefit from seeing a specialist, we'll refer to a trusted colleague. Some children deal with dental appointments better at a pedodontist's office, that's what a children's dentist is called. We also refer patients who have extensive dental problems, like advanced periodontitis or problematic root canals, to specialist for optimal care. As a general dentist office, our preventive, restorative, prosthetic, and cosmetic dental services include treatments suitable for patients of all ages.

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When do you like children to have their 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 the dentist's office. 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.

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How can you straighten my teeth without using metal braces?
We offer a removable alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses 3D imaging to design a custom set of aligners, then the patient wears a new aligner every few weeks. For big events, simply remove the aligner. This makes cleaning easy, too. This less obvious orthodontia is popular with teens and adults. Make an appointment to learn if Invisalign is right for you.

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Why do some dentists do extractions and root canals, while others refer out?
Every general dentist receives a similar education in dental school. However, general dentists can choose which continuing education courses to take each year. Some dentists learn advanced techniques for root canals, dental implants, and laser dentistry, while others focus on administration and practice management. In addition, each dentist has his or her area of expertise. Some prefer to send root canal patients to endodontists for better care, while others enjoy root canals and have invested in the tools and training to perform them regularly.

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What are mini dental implants?
MDIs are dental implants that hold dentures in place, and they can be surgically implanted in one day. Implant-supported dentures create a reliable hold and freedom from messy adhesives! Learn more about MDI on their website.

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What are the benefits of a digital X-ray over traditional radiographs?
Digital X-rays offer unparalleled benefits over traditional radiographs: they’re convenient, safe for the environment, provide a great opportunity for patient education, can be transferred and copied accurately, and best of all, they’re safer for our patients. Digital X-rays emit about 80-percent less radiation than traditional methods.

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Do you offer Teeth Whitening? Absolutely!
We offer a White for Life program that will give you that white smile you always wanted in the comfort of your own home. When you come in to our office we will take impressions of your teeth to create your custom whitening tray and supply you with a bleach kit to take home with you. As long as you keep your 6 month routine check-ups with our office you will receive FREE bleach touch-ups for as long as Dr. Elmore is in practice. Call our office to ask about how you may get started today!

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My spouse complains that I snore. Can you help?
Yes. Visit us for a consultation so that Dr. Elmore can diagnose your conditions. Snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition in which the patients stops breathing for ten seconds or longer during sleep. Dr. Elmore treats snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea with a custom snoreguard. The snoreguard will open your air passages, so you – and your spouse – can sleep soundly.

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What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Call or come by our office. We realize that dental emergencies require immediate attention, and we do our best to handle dental emergencies promptly, on the same day if possible. If you experience a dental emergency after our business hours, call our 24-hour answering service for further instructions. If you’re a patient of record, Dr. Elmore may be able to see you after hours.

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Do you accept dental insurance?
We work with many insurance companies and will file your claim as a courtesy. Call our office to speak with our friendly financial coordinator. She’ll be able to give you more detailed information.

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Can I finance my dental work?
Dr. Elmore works with CareCredit  a trusted name in third-party financing, so you can get the care you need without letting financial concerns stand in your way. Visit their websites to fill out an application and see if you qualify for an instant line of credit.

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Call today to reserve your appointment with Dr. Benjamin Elmore. Our state-of-the-art dental office located in St. Joseph is convenient to residents of Wathena, Elwood, Savannah, Hiawatha, and the surrounding areas.

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