Choosing a dentist is a big decision. When it comes to your oral health care, you might have some questions before you schedule an appointment. Listed below are some of the most common questions we receive from potential new patients. Take a moment to look through them. If you don't see your question listed, simply pick up the phone and give us a call. Our friendly and professional team looks forward to hearing from you.

  • When should my child first visit the dentist?

    Having a good foundation in oral health is important. That is why we welcome your children to our Modesto, CA dental office, where they will receive the very best dental care available from our caring and compassionate team. 


    We welcome your child to our practice around the age of four years – or earlier if you think their attention span and behavior will allow it. We will perform an exam and professional cleaning as well as introduce your child to our comfortable and family-oriented environment.


    When your child first visits our office, we will focus on welcoming him or her and helping them feel relaxed. We create a fun, interactive environment that promotes good health and encourages your little one to participate in their own dental care.


    We also work closely with parents on home care techniques and what to expect during development, as well as nutrition and behavior tips.


    As your child grows, we will incorporate preventive treatments such as fluoride, sealants, and digital dental x-rays that help prevent the most common childhood oral conditions – decay and gum disease. 


    When your child starts out with a good foundation in oral care, you can look forward to a lifetime of bright, comfortable smiles! We look forward to welcoming your entire family to Dr. Rosenbaum and Associates.

  • Why can't I have a regular dental cleaning? What is periodontal maintenance?

    At Dr. Rosenbaum and Associates, we treat each patient based on their individual needs. When you come to our office, we will evaluate your current health and create a treatment plan to improve your oral health.


    Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can affect your overall health when not addressed. An infection that causes inflammation, researchers have associated gum disease with heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. Advanced periodontal disease requires specialized dental cleanings and sometimes medication to control the infection. Once you have had periodontal disease, you are more susceptible to it in the future.


    The best way to keep gum disease under control is with periodic dental cleanings and exams. Periodontal maintenance appointments are specially designed to maintain the health of our patients who have had periodontal disease in the past. These appointments focus on preventing infection and periodontal pocketing by targeting not only the health of your teeth, but also your gums.


    Our hygienists are gentle and will work with you toward good oral health. Having excellent oral health contributes to your overall health and wellness. The frequency of your hygiene appointments will depend on your needs and the recommendation of our dentists. We will go over our findings with you so that you completely understand why we recommend your specific preventive care.

  • What is the difference between composite (white) fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings?

    Many of our patients have questions about the type of restoration that will work best for them and also have concerns about the appearance of their restorations. Sometimes patients have strong feelings regarding the use of one type of restoration or another. Here are some of the main differences between composite and amalgam fillings:


    Composite (white) fillings – One of the obvious benefits of composite fillings is that they match the shade of your natural teeth, so they do not adversely affect the appearance of your smile. In addition to aesthetics, composite fillings require the removal of less of your natural tooth structure and can help preserve the integrity of your tooth. Composite fillings are both strong and reliable. With proper care, you can expect them to last five to seven years or even longer.


    Amalgam (silver) fillings – These traditional fillings have some benefits and some drawbacks. Benefits include allowing us to place a filling even in a moist environment, something that is not possible with composite fillings, which need to be completely dry. Amalgam fillings also have more “give” and may provide greater longevity when the patient has a strong bite or grinds his or her teeth. Insurance companies often cover only amalgam fillings for posterior teeth.


    While some people have concerns about the mercury in amalgam fillings, the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration state that the small amount of mercury in amalgam fillings is not dangerous to patients when properly administered.


    If you have questions about the type of restoration that will work best for you, contact our office. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to discuss your options and the benefits of each.

  • Why didn't my insurance cover all of my treatment?

    With the thousands of available dental plans out there, it can be confusing when you try to determine your benefits. Some insurance companies cover certain types of treatment while others will deny it. Navigating the complex insurance system also poses challenges. At Dr. Rosenbaum and Associates, we are here to help in any way we can when it comes to filing claims and maximizing the benefits you pay for through your employer or through a private plan.


    The contract you have with your insurance company will determine the benefits you receive. We can in no way influence or change what your coverage might be. If you have questions about a procedure you thought would be covered, you should give them a call and find out what factors influenced their decision.


    Insurance companies are businesses and have the goal of making money, just like any other business. When you come to Dr. Rosenbaum and Associates, we are in the business of making sure our patients receive the very best dental care available. We will present your condition and possible treatment options so that you can make a good decision regarding your health. If you do incur out-of-pocket expenses, we offer financing options to help your treatment fit into your budget.

  • How often should I visit the dentist?

    Just like your medical needs, your dental needs will likely change throughout your lifetime. Age, health, and your dedication to home care will all likely play a factor in your oral health needs throughout your life. When you arrive at Dr. Rosenbaum and Associates as a new patient, we will evaluate your current health and make a recommendation for re-care frequency. For many patients, this can be as little as every six months. For other patients, such as patients who either have suffered from periodontal (gum) disease in the past or who currently suffer from gum disease, it could mean as often as four times per year.


    We understand that you probably have other places you would like to spend an afternoon than at our office, but we also know that being able to eat the foods you love and smile confidently are important to you. We recommend routine cleanings and exams as frequently as necessary to help you stay healthy. We understand that your insurance company may only cover two visits per year. Maintaining excellent preventive care, however, is still the best insurance to protect your health.


    If you have questions about the number of exams or dental cleanings you need each year, contact us! We want you to fully understand your treatment. We also understand that fitting additional dental care into your budget might be a concern. That is why we offer financing to help our patients fit their necessary care into their budgets.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    Fitting your necessary dental and medical care into your budget is probably important to you like it is to most of our patients. At Dr. Rosenbaum and Associates, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the dental care you need when you need it. That is why we accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, and CareCredit.


    CareCredit is a third party financing company that specializes in medical, dental, vision, veterinary, and cosmetic medical treatments. They offer short-term interest-free financing as well as longer term financing if you need more time to pay off your treatment. CareCredit can take the stress out of your medical and dental visits by offering an option to have the treatment you need now, but pay it off over time.


    It is important to remember that if you opt for an interest-free plan, you will need to make payments that will zero out your entire balance by the end of the financing terms. Your minimum payment and the payment necessary to satisfy your terms could be different. 


    If you have questions regarding your benefits, treatment, out-of-pocket expenses, or your payment options, contact our office and our helpful team will assist you.

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