FAQs

Common Questions

Are you accepting new patients?

We are always accepting new patients at Hawthorn Dental. In fact, we value new patients so much that if you refer a new patient, we will send you a special gift to show you our extended gratitude.

Do you accept my insurance plan?

We accept almost all insurance plans. After confirming your eligibility and benefits, we will ask you to only pay your estimated co-payment at the time of service. We will then send your claim and accept the payment.

How do I maintain optimal oral health?

Preventive dentistry, stopping problems before they start, is the foundation of optimal oral health, and it starts with personal hygiene. To maintain a healthy smile, you should:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. By doing this, you will remove plaque and other debris from your teeth, gums, and tongue.
• Floss every day. You can do this any time. Flossing removes the plaque between teeth, in hard-to-reach places where a toothbrush can’t get.
• Visit us for regular checkups and professional hygiene. Though it depends on your current oral health, many patients see us every six months. Some see us more frequently to keep bacteria low because of gum disease and the tendency towards tooth decay.

What can I do to have whiter and straighter teeth?

There are several ways you can transform your smile to make it whiter and straighter, and you don’t have to use traditional metal braces.

For whiter teeth, we recommend professional teeth whitening. It is the most conservative method. We do in-office teeth whitening, which consists of us applying a bleaching gel that removes stains in less than an hour, and at-home teeth whitening, which allows you to whiten your teeth comfortably and conveniently at your own pace. If you still aren’t satisfied with the color of your teeth, we may recommend porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding.

We offer a few different procedures for straightening teeth. Porcelain Veneers are a permanent way to realign teeth. Taking about two weeks for results, they can change the color of teeth and realign teeth with minimal or no tooth reduction. Crowns also correct misalignment, even severe cases, as well as large existing fillings. The results can be seen within two weeks.

How can I help my kids avoid cavities?

You first need to make sure your kids are brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. If your children are young, you may want to brush their teeth for them. Also, you should check their diet. Certain foods, like those with lots of sugar and starch, can cause tooth decay. Last, you need to bring them in for professional cleanings every six months, and Dr. Stolle can place sealants on their permanent teeth where needed. Preventive dentistry is the key to a bright and healthy smile.

What are sealants?

Kids are highly susceptible to cavities because they have bumps and grooves on their chewing surfaces, especially on their back teeth. Bacteria, as well as other debris, often get stuck in these areas, called pits and fissures, which can cause more problems for some children than others. Sealants close these pits and fissures, decreasing the risk for tooth decay. Using a slightly acidic solution that is designed to help the sealant bond to the tooth surface, we seal the tooth and then “paint” it with a super thin layer of the sealant coating.

Because the coating is clear or white, sealants blend with the natural tooth color. Even though they can last for many years, we recommend letting us check the sealants regularly and assess them for possible re-application.