Common Questions we get

• What Is Dentistry?

  Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patients teeth, gums, mouth and jaw. Dentistry performed properly is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patients entire body.

• What Is A Dentist?

  A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat and prevent oral health conditions problems. Dr. Tex Mabalon has completed many years of health science and dental education in order to practice dentistry. After schooling a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means that he or she works with children from infancy up through teen age years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for: Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology and surgery) Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics Endodontics (specialization in root canals) Periodontics (specialization in gum disease) Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)

• Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?

  Here at Lifetime Smiles in Sacramento we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into your busy schedule seems to be one of the most difficult things you have to do. Proper oral hygiene is difficult to maintain. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing after every meal will keep many oral hygiene problems away, but not all. Dr. Tex recommends seeing you two to four times a year to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.

• Do I Need To See A Dentist Even If My Teeth Feel Fine?

  Dr. Tex recommends seeing you once or twice a year for an oral exam. There are many problems with can exist without knowing. Not only can we identify problems before they become a painful and expensive but we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we offer many treatments to help p improve patient aesthetics.

• What’s A Dental Cleaning Like At Lifetime Smiles

  Sixth month cleanings are recommended for proper oral hygiene. At Lifetime Smiles an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional x-rays to catch cavities and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris and plaque from your mouth. Dr. Tex will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at (916) 972-0788 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.

• At What Age Should I Bring My Child To See The Dentist?

  Recommendations by professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is as early as six months of age. This is when a child’s teeth begin to show. Dr. Tex will be able to examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.

• When Should I Change My Tooth Brush?

  Dr. Tex recommends at least every three months. If you’re using and electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation of the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush often. If a patient has gum disease Dr. Tex recommends that you change your brush more often then every three months. Also, after brushing it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your tooth brush clean.

• How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

  Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria builds up in a patients mouth. When this build up is not treated in early stages it can cause gum disease. Periodontal disease can also be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause bone and tooth loss as well as permanent damage. Dr. Tex recommends that brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling dental appointments every six months is the best way to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following: Abscessed teeth Extreme tooth sensitivity Chronic bad breath Loose teeth and or loss of teeth Red, swollen or bleeding gums Receding gum line If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at (916) 972-0788 to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is out highest concern.

• Do You Accept Insurance?

  We participate in the Preferred Dentist Program offered by Met Life and Dental Health Alliance We have been a Premier Dentist with Delta Dental for 30 years. We are happy to bill your insurance for you. There is however, important information about dental benefit plans that you should know. Unlike medical insurance, where most treatment is covered, most dental benefit plans contribute only a small amount. We tell all our patients that dental benefits should be thought of as a discount for dental treatment.

• What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

  For your convenience here at Lifetime Smiles we accept cash, check, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, Amex and Discover. We also accept payments via Paypal and Venmo. If none of these payment methods suite your needs we also provide payment plans through our office or third party financing through Care Credit. We also provide discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods please give us a call at (916) 972-0788 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.