FAQ
Your family dentist in Springfield
Dr. Welch and the rest of our team at McKenzie River Dental remain committed to providing our patients with the best, most advanced dental care possible. We know that you have a lot of options when searching for a “dentist near me”. That’s why we always go above and beyond to meet our patients needs and exceed their expectations.
Whether you’re a first time or returning patient, we understand that you may have some questions about our practice and the services we provide. With that in mind, here are a few answers to some commonly asked questions.
What are your hours?
You can find Dr. Welch and the rest of our team happily helping treat patients during the following hours:
- Monday: 8 am to 5 pm
- Tuesday: 8 am to 6 pm
- Wednesday: 8 am to 5 pm
- Thursday: 8 am to 5 pm
- Friday: By appointment only
- Sat & Sun: Closed
What dental insurance plans do you accept?
At McKenzie River Dental, we want to make it easier and more affordable than ever for our patients to receive the quality dental care they deserve. We accept most major insurance plans, including but not limited to: Delta Dental, PacificSource, Cigna, Aetna, Regence, Guardian, MetLife, and United Concordia Dental.
If you have any questions about the types of treatments and procedures your insurance will cover, please feel free to give us a call. A member of our front office staff will be happy to assist you in determining your available insurance benefits.
Are you currently accepting new patients?
Yes! Dr. Welch are currently accepting new, referral, transfer, and walk-in (schedule permitting) patients of all ages.
What types of services do you offer?
As an experienced family dentist in Springfield, Dr. Welch offers a comprehensive range of dental care services, including preventative, cosmetic, and restorative treatments. Whether you need a routine cleaning and exam, desire a whiter smile, or need to repair a hole in your smile with dental implants, Dr. Welch have you covered.
How often should I visit the dentist?
It’s easy to think of your oral health as only having to do with your teeth and gums. However, the impact your oral health has on your body may be surprising. Recent research has found connections between our oral and overall health. Studies have found that individuals dealing with tooth decay, gum disease, and permanent tooth loss have a significantly higher risk for developing a range of chronic illnesses that include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and cancer.
Protecting your oral health means staying committed to daily oral hygiene and scheduling regular visits to see your family dentist in Springfield. Dr. Welch and the American Dental Association recommend that patients see a dentist at least once every six months. However, depending the current state of your oral health, more frequent visits may be required.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a small hole that develops in the surface of a tooth’s enamel. While most of us have heard since childhood that cavities are caused by eating sugar, that’s only partly true. Cavities are actually caused by plaque, a sticky biofilm comprised mostly of germs. Plaque uses the sugars we eat to produce acids that slowly erode away at our tooth enamel. Given enough time, unremoved plaque buildup can lead to the development of cavities.
The damage done to our teeth by plaque doesn’t stop unless treated. A cavity will continue to grow larger until plaque has eaten all the way through to the delicate root and nerves that lie beneath. When this occurs, permanent damage can occur that could require a root canal to treat. That’s why it’s important that you schedule an appointment to have a cavity filled with Dr. Welch as soon as possible.
Protecting your oral health means staying committed to daily oral hygiene and scheduling regular visits to see your family dentist in Springfield. Dr. Welch and the American Dental Association recommend that patients see a dentist at least once every six months. However, depending the current state of your oral health, more frequent visits may be required.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a chronic infection of the soft tissues that hold our teeth into place. Much like cavities, gum disease is caused by the inflammation that occurs due to the buildup of plaque. Early stage gum disease, referred to as gingivitis, causes gums to become red, swollen, and to bleed easily, especially after brushing and flossing.
When gum disease is allowed to progress, it becomes the far more dangerous periodontitis. At this stage, the disease begins to attack the underlying bone and tissue structures that hold our teeth into position. When left untreated, periodontitis can result in teeth that move, shift, and eventually fall out. Periodontitis ranks as the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults.
The damage done to our teeth by plaque doesn’t stop unless treated. A cavity will continue to grow larger until plaque has eaten all the way through to the delicate root and nerves that lie beneath. When this occurs, permanent damage can occur that could require a root canal to treat. That’s why it’s important that you schedule an appointment to have a cavity filled with Dr. Welch as soon as possible.
Protecting your oral health means staying committed to daily oral hygiene and scheduling regular visits to see your family dentist in Springfield. Dr. Welch and the American Dental Association recommend that patients see a dentist at least once every six months. However, depending the current state of your oral health, more frequent visits may be required.
I have a fear of the dentist, can you help?
Dr. Welch truly empathize with the fact that for some, visiting a family dentist in Springfield may not be the most anticipated activity. It's important to remember that if you experience dental anxiety, you're certainly not alone. In fact, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that between 50 to 80 percent of adults in the U.S. share similar feelings. The good news is that there are effective strategies and techniques available to help you feel more at ease during your dental visits. By addressing these concerns, we're ensuring that millions of adults can receive the essential dental care they need to maintain a healthy, radiant smile. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.
At McKenzie River Dental, our staff works hard to create an office environment that takes the stress out of visiting the dentist. To help put you at ease, Dr. Welch and our staff will work with you to address any discomfort during every step of the treatment process. From providing detailed explanations of what to expect to moving at a pace you’re comfortable with, feel assured that your comfort is our top priority. If you ever feel uneasy, simply tell us and we will stop your treatment until you’re ready to proceed.