• Dr. Jacobi uses the latest technologies in pain control. He uses the WAND dental computer to get you numb like magic.  “Laughing gas” and oral medications can reduce dental anxiety and keep you comfortable during treatment.  Our main goal is to keep you comfortable.  Please discuss your concerns so we can suggest a solution for you.

If I whiten my teeth, how long will it last?

• Your teeth will always remain lighter than when you started.  Occasional touch ups, and good dental hygiene are necessary to maintain whiter teeth.

White fillings or silver fillings... which is better?

• Tooth colored fillings look better and bond to the tooth better than silver fillings resulting in a stronger tooth.  A new cavity can be filled with with a much smaller white filling resulting in a stronger tooth.  Now days most filling are tooth colored not only do they look nicer but are more conservative than silver fillings.

Will my insurance cover this?

• This can be a complicated answer.  The answer depends on the insurance contract you have.  Calling the Resources office at you work may help you understand the benefits you have.  We will supply you the information needed and answer any questions about your treatment.  We will not begin treatment until your questions are answered.

Why can’t you just fill my tooth?

• When a filling is very large or cracks are present in a tooth just replacing a filling with a filling may leave a very weak tooth that may result in a very painful situation.  A dental crown or cap may be needed to strengthen the tooth.

What is the difference between "Zoom! whitening" and "take home whitening"?

• Zoom whitening is a rapid in office treatment that is done in about an hour. You will see significant change. The degree of change depends on several factors but our patients are thrilled at the result.
  
  Take home whitening uses custom fitted trays and whitening gel.  This will take about 3-4 weeks using the trays 1-2 hours each day.  Most teeth can be lightened this way but it works best for medium shade.  Please note that only natural teeth can be lightened with these methods.  Fillings, crowns and non natural tooth structures will not lighten using these gels.

Why do I have to have x-rays?

• We only take necessary x-rays.  X-rays can detect abnormalities that are not visible to the eye. This includes tooth decay, abscesses, impactions, bone loss, etc.  Early detection and treatment means better results for you.

What is the best toothpaste and toothbrush to use?

• We recommend regular fluoride toothpaste (no tartar control or whitening) and soft bristle toothbrush. We find that tartar control and whitening toothpastes may cause the teeth to become very sensitive.

I don’t like to floss.  Can’t I just rinse with Listerine?

• Listerine can help your mouth feel fresh and clean but it is still necessary to floss to remove the plaque between your teeth that Listerine will not.  Plaque removal is a mechanical process not a chemical process.  Brushing and flossing are your best dental hygiene tools.

Why are my teeth so sensitive?

• Patients typically have sensitive teeth because of the toothpaste they are using.  Tartar control and whitening toothpaste have a tendency to cause teeth to be more sensitive to cold air and water.  We do not recommend these products as we see no advantage to using them.