Patient Information
Dr. Hughes and staff are dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results that you’re proud to show off. Our administrative staff is ready to help you with questions about infection control, patient billing, and accepted insurance, to make that part of the process as simple as possible.
Select a topic to learn more.
First Visit
Your initial appointment usually will consist of an examination, x-rays, and a review of your treatment options. Once treatment is diagnosed you will be given a treatment plan with the cost of treatment as well as the number of appointments it will take to complete treatment.
Please provide the following information at the time of your consultation:
Any x-rays taken by a previous dentist, if applicable.
If your dentist or physician has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office.A list of medications you are presently taking.
If you have dental insurance, bring the card so we can take a photocopy.
IMPORTANT
All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).
Infection Control
Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone of a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Hughes and receive a straightforward answer.
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental handpieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat, and pressure.
The best defense against disease is information. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel and the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care.
Preventative measures in place include:
Use of disinfectant hand soap
Use of gloves and face masks
Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
Sterilization of all equipment before every use
Use of Disposable materials
We follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you can breathe. It has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide. The patient is able to breathe on their own and remains in control of all bodily functions. The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.
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The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
There is no after effect such as a "hangover".
Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain-killing properties develop.
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You should not utilize Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold, or other difficulties with breathing.
You may want to ask your dentist for a "5-minute trial" to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.
Home Care Instructions
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After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow down the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at 903-593-1300 if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 903-593-1300.
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When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol, or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at 903-593-1300.
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off since they are fully set when you leave the office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 903-593-1300.
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Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at 903-593-1300 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
Any food that can crack, chip, or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.
If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, we can make a custom occlusal guard. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.
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Bridges usually take two appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at Tyler Office Phone Number903-593-1300 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), or hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 903-593-1300.
Accepted Insurance
At Nathan Hughes Family Dentistry we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this, we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. However, it is your responsibility to know what your benefits are and what your insurance covers. We do our best to get the most information from your insurance company possible. Although, they provide more information to the members in an initial coverage booklet than they do to the provider’s offices.
Please bring your insurance information with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement.
Please call our staff if you have any problems, concerns, or questions. They are well-informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at 903-593-1300.
Patient Billing
For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We also accept financing through CareCredit. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 903-593-1300. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.
We will gladly file your dental insurance for you and allow your insurance to pay to us directly. We will make every effort to accurately estimate what your specific policy will pay. We ask that you be prepared to pay your estimated portion of all services at the time services are rendered. Please note that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. We are not a party to this contract. Although we will estimate what your insurance company will pay, it is your insurance company that makes the final determination of what will be paid
We will send you a monthly statement. Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has been paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated.
Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.