FAQ

At Kennerly Dental Group we understand that our patients may have questions before making an appointment. Although you can always contact us by phone, (314) 842-5177 or by using the online form, we have also compiled some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) for your quick reference.

What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

Completed Health History and HIPPA Consent Forms
Dental Insurance Card (if applicable) and/or policy information including:
1. Insurance Company Name
2. Group and Member Number
3. Subscriber ID/Social Security Number
Photo Identification
Method of Payment

Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your first appointment to check-in and complete any necessary paperwork. We encourage patients to familiarize themselves with their specific plan benefits and limitations so there aren’t any surprises the day of your visit.

Why do I need regular dental checkups?

Semi-annual dental exams and cleanings are recommended for several reasons.

Regular visits to the dentist help to ensure that any problems are identified and treated as early as possible, thereby minimizing potential complications and avoiding additional costs.
Dental cleanings should be done twice a year to remove harmful buildup from your teeth and gum tissue. This helps patients avoid issues related to bad breath, gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, tooth abscesses, swollen or bleeding gums.

Why do I need to floss?

Even if you diligently brush your teeth twice daily, it is still important to floss in order to prevent cavities from occurring between the teeth. Flossing cleans the gum tissue from unwanted food, debris and plaque accumulation, which can lead to gum disease.

How does tooth whitening work?

Tooth whitening or bleaching works by using a chemical agent which oxidizes the tooth structure to remove internal stains from the enamel. Tooth whitening is not a permanent solution, but can be touched up to maintain a whiter appearance over time.

How do whitening toothpastes work?

Whitening toothpastes do not actually whiten the physical tooth like whitening procedures. Instead, these toothpastes work by adding abrasive agents which help to polish away some of the external staining on the tooth, effectively making the natural tooth color more vivid. However, caution should be used with these toothpastes (or any abrasive agent), as you could also be polishing away your teeth’s healthy enamel in the process, which can lead to sensitivity issues and general thinning of the enamel, which can actually cause your teeth to appear darker due to the underlying dentin showing through.

What is a root canal?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure where the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, resulting in the removal of the nerve, blood supply and any infectious bacteria. Removal of the source of infection helps eliminate debilitating toothaches and prevents further complications.

What is a dental implant?

An implant is a titanium “screw” that is placed into the jaw bone and mimics the presence of a natural tooth root. Once healing has completed and the bone is fused to the implant, it is ready for full restoration which usually includes an abutment and crown for a natural looking smile.