2675 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518
Phone: 203.288.0951

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re always looking for ways to make your visit more comfortable. Since you may have many questions before your appointment, Dr. D’Andrea, Dr. Pantera, and Dr. Michael have selected some of our more frequently asked questions to post on this page. If you have a question that you don’t see listed below, call our practice at 203-288-0951 so we can help you.

What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?

Many things make us different. First, Dr. D’Andrea, Dr. Pantera, and Dr. Michael have the knowledge, experience, and skill to provide high quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry to you and your family. Our dental team wants to provide you with the most relaxed and comfortable dental care possible. We all take great care to provide our services in a pain-free, gentle manner. We offer numerous amenities to help you feel calm in our office.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while and you’re ashamed of the state of your teeth, don’t be. We know that some people dislike going to the dentist. Rather than lecture you, our dentists want to help you. That’s why we offer the Wand, a computerized anesthesia delivery system, nitrous oxide, and sedation dentistry to help you relax and receive the treatments you need.

One of the best ways to experience what makes us different from other area dentists is to schedule an appointment at our office. Call us today at 203-288-0951 to schedule your first consultation.

Back To Top


How do the doctors keep up to date on all the current techniques and materials?

All of our dentists are extensively trained, but because dentistry is constantly changing, we do a number of things to stay up-to-date on all of the current findings. We frequently attend continuing education courses that focus on the latest in dentistry. We also belong to a variety of organizations which offer seminars and conferences on changes in dentistry.

We feel following the latest developments in dentistry is an important part of our job and we are always happy to share our research and information with you. Talk to us during your visit, or if you have questions about something you’ve heard, call our practice at 203-288-0951 for more information.

Back To Top


Do you accept my insurance plan?

Our practice participates with some Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Delta Dental, and ConnectiCare insurance plans. No matter what dental insurance you have, however, we’ll be happy to file your claims for you.

If you have insurance, we know that it may be essential to your dental care. That’s why we recommend that you review your insurance policy before your appointment. Many services that are necessary for your dental health are not covered under some plans.

We hope that you can choose the care you need when you need it and not when your insurance company dictates it. If you need extensive or long-term care, we offer Care Credit to help you finance your treatment. We’re always happy to answer your finance or insurance questions during your appointment or when you call us at 203-288-0951.

 

Back To Top


Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?

We know your schedule can change abruptly. Please call us immediately so we can reschedule you. If you cancel within 24 hours before your scheduled time, we reserve the right to charge you a cancellation fee.

Back To Top


What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

If you have an emergency, call 203-288-0951 and follow the instructions to contact our on-call doctor.

Back To Top


I have a temporary crown in my mouth.  What happens if it comes off or breaks?

When a temporary crown falls off or breaks, reattach the crown using dental adhesive or tooth paste. Then, call us  to schedule an appointment to re-cement or remake the temporary crown.

Back To Top


What different payment options do you provide?

We accept cash, check, or Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American Express. You can use these methods to cover your co-pay amount at the beginning of your treatment. For extensive treatment, we provide a 5% courtesy discount  when you pay for your entire treatment with cash or check before or at the beginning of treatment.

 

Back To Top


How can I safely whiten my teeth?

All it takes is someone to flash a bright, clean-looking smile for our patients to ask, “How can I get my smile to look like that?” Since each mouth is unique, we need to examine your mouth to recommend a specific method. We offer NuPro Gold at home whitening gel in our office, but if your teeth are cracked, chipped, or discolored, Dr. D’Andrea, Dr. Pantera, or Dr. Michael may recommend one of our restorative services, such as veneers or bonding, instead. To find out which method may be best for you, call our practice at 203-288-0951 for more information. 

Back To Top


What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We take several precautions to ensure your safety as our patient. First, we keep up-to-date on the latest sterilization procedures and research. Our instruments are thoroughly sterilized in accordance with ADA accepted guidelines. Most importantly, we have a sterilization center where we can maximize efficient sterilization and minimize the chance of contamination through human error.

Your safety and comfort are extremely important to us. If you have any questions or concerns about sterilization, anyone on our team would be happy to demonstrate our sterilization procedures.

Back To Top


My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Yes! You should be very concerned about bleeding gums, especially if you haven’t had a check-up in a while. Bleeding gums can mean a variety of different things. Sometimes, it may mean you are brushing too hard. Or it may mean you’ve developed gingivitis, one of the first stages of gum disease.
We won’t know for sure why your gums are bleeding until you schedule an appointment with Dr. D’Andrea, Dr. Pantera, or Dr. Michael. Call our practice today at 203-288-0951 so we can help you.

Back To Top


Do I have to floss every day?  Is it really that important?

When you brush, you clean about 80% of your teeth. Flossing covers the remaining 20%. Although that seems like a small percentage, this area is where all of the big problems originate. That’s why our dentists and dental hygiene team agree that cleaning this area is very important.

One of our dental hygienists can discuss flossing with you when you visit our office. They may recommend techniques to improve the way you brush and floss or discuss alternatives to flossing.

Back To Top


I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We work very hard to make our office a calm, relaxing environment where you can  receive your dental care. Part of the reason is that we want you to enjoy your visit, so you will feel comfortable and confident about coming back for check-ups and cleanings. The other reason is that we can work more gently and efficiently when you’re relaxed.

That’s why we offer sedation dentistry, a safe, effective way to help people who truly hate visiting the dentist’s office receive the dental care they need. If you need extensive or complex dentistry, we can also use it to help you receive treatment in as few appointments as possible.

There are several types of sedation we offer. If we need to numb an area in your mouth, we use the WAND, a computerized anesthetic delivery system. We also offer nitrous oxide (better known as laughing gas), which helps you feel comfortable during your appointment and clear-headed when you leave. If you want little to no recollection of our appointment, we offer oral and IV sedation.

If you hate the dentist, don’t wait in pain or fear anymore. Call our practice at 203-288-0951 to talk to one of our dental professionals to see how sedation dentistry can help you.

Back To Top

Mission Statement

High quality dental care and patient comfort is our highest mission.

We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our patients who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed and comfortable environment.

Our practice is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our patients, advancing their well-being and meeting all of their real and perceived clinical, psychological, emotional and personal needs.

We recognize that every patient has unique wants and needs, and it is our highest priority to provide individualized care for every patient.

     

Home I About Us I Patient Services I Dental Library | FAQs I Financial Options I Hours and Map I Contact Us

©2005 DP General Dentistry ~ Site designed and maintained by TNT Dental