Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are a couple of benefits to using white (composite) fillings. First, white fillings bond securely to the remaining healthy tooth structure. This is important because only the diseased part of your tooth needs to be removed so the integrity of the natural tooth is preserved.

We want to help keep your teeth healthy and intact for many, many years. Using conservative treatments like tooth-colored fillings is just one way we can accomplish this goal.

Another benefit of white fillings is the way they look – or don’t look! The composite material used in white fillings can be colored to match the natural shade of your tooth. This creates a discreet, seamless repair that looks completely natural.

In the great majority of cases, we can create white fillings that will not be noticeable to anyone. In fact, even you may not be able to tell where the filling and tooth meet. That way, we can keep the dental work you’ve had done between you and us!

If you’re not sure if white fillings are the best choice for you, please contact Oak Grove Dental to arrange a convenient appointment. We will be happy to discuss your needs and the option that is most appropriate for your situation.

The cost of dental treatments is a big concern for everyone, but it should never be the deciding factor in the type of care that you receive. We're committed to protecting your oral health, and we'll do everything we can to help you finance your treatment and get the care you need. CareCredit is a credit card that allows you to get the treatment you need today. It covers healthcare and wellness expenses that are not covered by dental or medical insurance. Financing is interest-free as long as you pay the balance within the agreed period of time.

We will be happy to help you apply for CareCredit the next time you stop by our office.

There are several reasons for the popularity of dental implants. Basically, they are the only option that is actually a complete, free-standing tooth replacement.

The secret of dental implants is that they are supported by a small titanium post that is surgically inserted in your jaw. Over time, this post bonds securely with surrounding bone tissue and acts as the replacement root for your missing tooth.

One benefit of using dental implants is that they actually improve your oral health. When you lose a tooth and its root, that part of your jaw can begin to deteriorate. Another advantage is that the replacement root prevents surrounding teeth from moving out of alignment.

Since a dental implant essentially becomes part of your jaw, it functions just like a natural tooth, allowing you to eat with ease and speak properly. Also, their design makes dental implants perfect for holding bridges and dentures securely in place.

Dental implants are appropriate for the majority of people, but they won’t work for everyone. Since your jaw supports the implant, there must be sufficient bone density to hold it in place. If this is the case, we can discuss other options like bridges and full or partial dentures.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants and our other options for tooth replacement, please contact our Oak Grove dental office. We’ll be happy to arrange a convenient consultation with Dr. Schaus to discuss your needs.

We welcome patients who have dental insurance, and we accept most dental insurance plans. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and call your insurance provider to verify benefits. Also, as a courtesy to you, we are happy to file all of your insurance claims for you. If you have questions about your specific insurance, please feel free to contact our office. A helpful member of our team will be happy to assist you and help you get the answers you're looking for.

The foods and drinks you consume throughout the day leave behind a sticky film of bacterial called plaque. When plaque is not removed, the bacteria can grow and spread below your gum line. As plaque collects near your gums, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed during a professional cleaning.

Proper oral hygiene at home can remove much of the plaque on your teeth. That’s why a good routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are so important for good oral health. As essential as brushing at home is, regular dental cleanings are the key to keeping your teeth clean and healthy.

One of the problems with periodontal disease is that it can develop rapidly, and you may not know you have it. Here are some symptoms to look for:

• Receding gums
• Tender, puffy, red gums
• Persistent bad breath (a result of bacteria in your mouth)
• Loose teeth or a change in the spacing of your teeth
• Bleeding when you brush and floss

These are only a few of the signs of gum disease, and in some cases there are no symptoms. The only way you will know if you have this chronic infection is by coming to our Oak Grove dental office for regular cleanings and exams. If you’re ready to schedule your next cleaning, please give us a call.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines state that a child should have their first dental visit by age one. We are happy to see your child when they are a year old if you have particular concerns regarding his or her oral health.

However, we find that most kids feel more comfortable and can tolerate a dental visit better when they are between the ages of two and three. It’s important that your child retains only positive memories of dental treatment.

Dental fear is very common in adults, and part of it stems from bad experiences in childhood. With caring, compassionate treatment and an effort to make dental visits fun, we can ensure that your child has a good foundation for taking care of their oral health as an adult.

During their first appointment, we try to take x-rays, do a dental cleaning, exam, and fluoride treatment. Each child reacts differently to his or her first visit, so we will adjust accordingly. Our goal is to get as much done as possible and answer all of your questions so that your child’s first dental experience is positive.

If you have questions about your child’s oral health or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our Oak Grove dental office.

Dental insurance is, in every way, as different from medical insurance as night is from day. Many people expect dental insurance to "act" just like a medical policy. This can lead to disappointment and can sometimes be damaging to the relationship between the dental office and patient. 

Every insurance company's guidelines are different, every policy is different, and even routine services are covered differently from one policy to the next. The terminology used – exclusions, annual maximums, limitations – can leave your head spinning! We assure you that you're not alone; even the most experienced professionals find it challenging to work through the dental insurance maze!

At Oak Grove Dental, we want you to be fully aware of the cost of your treatment and the portion for which you're responsible. Our team will work with you to help you maximize your insurance benefits, so that we can recommend the most appropriate treatment for you, based on your specific condition and needs. We never begin treatment until you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you. If you have insurance questions, we will do everything we can to get you the answers you need. Please give us a call for more information. 

Yes! We don’t ever want our patients to wait for treatment in the event of a dental emergency. Simply call our office at (612) 916-2121 during business hours and Dr. Schaus will be happy to evaluate your situation.

If needed, we will make an appointment so you can get in to see us the same day, especially if you’re in pain. Otherwise, he will suggest steps you can take to stay comfortable until you can get to our Oak Grove dental office.

In our experience, a dental emergency is most likely to happen at the most inconvenient times. Many times, emergency situations are painful and waiting for relief just makes things worse.

 Prompt attention gives you the relief you need and can prevent serious damage to your oral health. Whether you have a simple emergency like a cracked crown or something more complicated like a knocked-out tooth, fast treatment is critical.

If you think you may have a dental emergency but you’re not sure, please don’t hesitate to contact our office as soon as possible. A helpful member of our team will take your call, and we will do everything we can to help you get the prompt relief you need.