15 Cornerstone Ct, #1, Plantsville, CT 06479

15 Cornerstone Ct, #1, Plantsville, CT 06479

Welcome New Patients

Dental FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

General Dentistry

  • If I have a dental emergency, what should I do?

    When the unexpected happens, call Plantsville Family Dental as soon as possible. From there, we’ll provide you with the instructions you need to help restore your oral health.

  • Why is it important to brush and floss at home?

    At our dental practice in Plantsville, Connecticut, we aim to provide you with a healthy, beautiful smile. We do our best to improve your oral health. Although we can help you walk out of our office with a healthier, brighter smile, visits at our office cannot replace consistent home hygiene care.
    To maintain your oral health between visits to our office, you should:
    ● Brush at least twice a day, including the tongue, inside of the teeth, and outside of the teeth● Floss at least once each day to prevent gum disease● Rinse with water after you brush your teeth and if you are unable to brush after meals

  • What is cosmetic dentistry?

    Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry done for the purpose of improving the aesthetic appeal of your smile. Our cosmetic treatments, including teeth whitening and veneers, can improve the shape and alignment of the teeth, close gaps between the teeth, and fix chipped or worn teeth. If you are interested in enhancing your smile, call our office to schedule your cosmetic consultation with our dentist soon.

  • How long will treatment take?

    Because we use the latest dental techniques and technology, treatment and recovery times are often shorter than ever before. The time it takes to complete your treatment will depend on several factors, including your schedule and what treatments you need. Call Plantsville Family Dental to schedule your appointment with Dr. Thomas L. DeRienzo and begin improving your smile soon!

  • Will my treatment hurt?

    With our gentle hands and advanced technology, we do our best to ensure that your treatment is as comfortable and pain free as possible.

  • What does Plantsville Family Dental offer to help me relax?

    Our caring team will do everything in our power to help you relax. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for those who have anxiety. Taking care of you is always our goal, so if you have a special request, feel free to let us know. We’d love to help make your appointment as relaxing as possible!

  • Why do I need X-rays?

    Digital X-rays allow our dentist to see between the teeth and detect tooth decay that is invisible to the naked eye. When we can see the decay, we can take care of it. Digital X-rays should be taken once or twice a year for optimal results.

Children and Dentistry

  • When should I schedule my child’s first dental visit?

    The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist occurs between 6 and 12 months, or when the baby’s first tooth erupts. Starting dental care early can increase the chances of your child having a lifelong beautiful, healthy smile.

  • Why does my child need to visit the dentist at such a young age?

    To avoid dental problems, preventive visits to our dentist are crucial. Even when children are young, they are at risk for tooth decay. In addition, these visits help children establish a good oral hygiene routine at home. Our team will teach your children how to brush and floss properly for a healthy, beautiful smile.

  • Is thumb-sucking a bad thing?

    Thumb-sucking is a normal habit for infants. Most children have grown out of this habit by the time that they are two years old. However, a professional evaluation is recommended if a child continues to suck his or her thumb after the age of three. Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause crooked teeth and/or bite problems. For more information, or to schedule your child’s appointment, please call Plantsville Family Dental today.

  • How soon should I begin cleaning my baby’s teeth?

    The earlier, the better. It is even a good idea to begin cleaning your child’s gums before the teeth come in using water and an infant toothbrush. After the teeth begin to come in, start brushing them with fluoride toothpaste and a child’s toothbrush twice each day.

  • What should I expect at my child’s dental checkup?

    At your child’s checkup, our dentist will go over their medical and dental histories. In addition, he will examine their gums, teeth, and jaws for any infection or decay. Following the examination, your child’s teeth will be cleaned and a fluoride solution will be used to help protect their teeth against cavities. We will also do our best to help your child understand how to take care of their teeth at home.

Dental Implants

  • What are dental implants?

    Dental implants are titanium cylinders that a dentist or oral surgeon will place in the jawbone. Implants are used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. When in place, they have a high success rate and can last for an entire lifetime with the proper care.

  • Why should I consider dental implants?

    There are many reasons to choose dental implants. Implants are a permanent, convenient, and affordable treatment option that offers more security and stability than dentures alone.

  • What are some of the benefits of dental implants?

    Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth. When in place, implants improve the beauty and function of your smile. In addition, implants allow you to eat any food you’d like, including corn on the cob. When dental implants are in place, they can also reduce the bone shrinkage and loss that commonly occurs when teeth are missing.

  • Who will place a dental implant in my mouth?

    Many dental specialists, including periodontists, oral surgeons, and implantologists, are qualified to place dental implants. Dentists who have received additional implant training, such as dentist, Dr. Thomas L. DeRienzo, can also place dental implants. Dr. Thomas L. DeRienzo will also be able to place the implant restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) when necessary.

  • Is dental implant surgery painful?

    No. At Plantsville Family Dental, we do all that we can to make your implant experience completely comfortable. During the procedure, we will use local anesthetic to eliminate any associated pain. Following the procedure, you may feel slightly sore, but this will subside as time goes on.

Insurance

  • Do you accept my dental insurance?

    Plantsville Family Dental does accept most dental insurance plans. We also file your claim as a courtesy to you. The best way to determine if your insurance is accepted is to contact our office.

  • What do my insurance benefits cover?

    As your dental care provider, our goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health. Our dentist will base his treatment recommendations around what he believes will help achieve that goal. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most from your dental insurance plan, and we will also estimate your co-payment and file your claim as a courtesy to you. For information about your individual insurance benefits, it is best to contact your dental insurance provider.