FAQs
- How can I safely whiten my teeth?
- What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?
- Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials. Where can I learn more about these procedures?
- Do I have to floss everyday? Is it that important?
- I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
- What is smile analysis?
- Does your office use lasers?
- I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
- Do you accept referrals?
- What payment options do you provide?
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
We have the capability to provide in-office tooth whitening for fast bleaching. If you prefer a home-whitening system, optimal results take about two weeks. Both techniques are tailored to each patient and offer dazzling results.
One tell-tale sign that it's time for you to whiten your teeth, is if you're embarrassed to smile because of the discolored enamel. Yellowish teeth are the result of years of coffee or tea drinking, and/or smoking. Greenish teeth are usually the result of tetracycline exposure as a child. We can reduce or eliminate these and other stains with our professional-grade whitening systems. Call our office to schedule a teeth-whitening appointment today!
What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?
We can sum up the difference in one word---commitment. Our team strives to provide each patient with the highest quality dental care and most rewarding experience possible. Dr. Tartagni invests in hundreds of hours of continuing education each year to improve our skills and knowledge as a team. We are committed to excelling in the latest procedures and technology so that we will provide you with the very best care available. Using the finest materials and master lab technicians allows us to deliver the quality we would be proud to offer our own families.
Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials. Where can I learn more about these procedures?
At your next appointment, Dr. Tartagni will be happy to explain any of these procedures to you. While you're here, you can also watch an interactive video or computer program that explains these techniques in a way that is easy to understand. In the meantime, you can see our services pages and visit the website of the American Dental Association at www.ada.org to find out more.
Do I have to floss everyday? Is it that important?
The use of dental floss is essential in preventing gum disease. Many oral health problems are related to dental plaque--the soft, sticky layer of bacteria on the surface of teeth, particularly along the gum line. When dental plaque grows, it releases toxins that irritate the gums and cause gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Your toothbrush may not reach difficult areas in the mouth, like between teeth and along the gums. Using dental floss at least once a day will reduce your potential for plaque, tartar, and decaying food particles between your teeth, which, in turn, will improve your oral health.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
There are actually several options to consider, including bonding and porcelain veneers. An all-porcelain restoration can be bonded to your teeth to change the color, correct the alignment, and create a naturally beautiful smile. It takes about two or three dental appointments, versus the traditional two years it takes for braces to move crooked teeth.
What is smile analysis?
Smile analysis is a consultation in which we evaluate your smile and needs. We will consider your face, the color of your hair and skin, your bone structure, lip line, how many teeth you show, and your gums, as well as where your midline and balance are. Does your smile sing? If not, what do we need to do to make it sing? We will perform diagnostics, make models, and take photographs and X-rays. After examining this data, we will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan to deliver the smile you want.
Does your office use lasers?
We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry... Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery. Our hard tissue laser removes decay, replacing the traditional dental drill.
I avoid dental visits because of anxiety... is this normal? Can you help?
Many people fear dental visits because of negative past experiences or control issues. We understand dental anxiety and offer a solution to help you overcome your stress. With oral conscious sedation, we can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We employ a comprehensive dental sterilization program. In addition, our entire staff has completed training with an extensive monitoring program to provide a sterile and safe environment for patients. All procedures comply with guidelines established by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control to protect you from exposure to infectious diseases. You can be confident we will never compromise when it comes to your health and safety.
How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Although he received his dental degree in 1985, Dr. Tartagni has since taken thousands of hours of continuing education because he believes his schooling should not stop after graduation. Dr. Tartagni has also taken numerous courses at the New York University College of Dentistry, where he studied laser therapy and electrosurgery, tooth-colored restorations, soft tissue surgery, osseous surgery, ceramic restorations, and clinical diagnosis. He has also attended many other courses at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Tufts University, Infonet Academy, AGD Connecticut, Medsafe, Inc., Pro-Dentec, American Society for Clinical Research, Vantage Institute, Practical Endodontics, Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies, and the University of California School of Dentistry.
Do you accept referrals?
Yes, we do. Thank you for the vote of confidence. When you recommend a family member or friend to us, we believe it's one of the highest compliments you can give. We're always looking forward to new patients so that we can provide the same excellent level of dentistry we provide to our existing patients.
What payment options do you provide?
We accept all major credit cards and checks, and we provide low or no-interest plans, Care Credit, in which you pay off your dental treatment in smaller monthly payments. We'll also be happy to file any insurance forms for you, so just give our West Haven or Milford office a call.