FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, we can direct bill your insurance company as long as the policy holders benefit provider will allow us and as long as we have a valid credit card number on file to cover any unpaid balances. However, on a rare occasion assignment of benefits will not be permitted due to benefit issues or balance on account issues. Also, there are a few insurance policies which will not permit the benefits to be assigned to the dental office and will only forward payment to the patient; we will require full payment at the time of treatment in these instances.

Unfortunately, we are unable to know exactly what every patient's dental benefits will pay. We will do our best to find out when asked - but it is the responsibility of the patient to know the details of their dental benefit policy.  In order to help you we encourage you to bring your policy booklet with you and we can help explain your insurance benefits.

In certain instances, due to privacy codes, the benefit provider will not disclose your insurance information. Your benefit information can be obtained either by contacting your human resources officer or by logging into your insurance company’s web page.

We hear this question often. Usually the patient has looked at his EOB (explanation of benefits statement) which tells you what the provider paid and notices that the fee charged by the dentist exceeds the fee guide amount set by the insurance company. The fee covered by the provider is whatever has been negotiated between your employer and the benefit provider, and is directly dependent upon the premium you and/or your employer pay for your specific benefit policy. This is why coverage can vary even between the employees of a same company or other patients covered by the same Benefit Provider.

Of course, the answer is “Yes.”  It happens more often than you think.  You’re visiting from out of town and you bite into some food and break a tooth, a filling falls out, or a crown comes loose.  We understand how these things can happen and we are just a phone call away from helping you get the assistance you need. Call 403-455-5087.

Our primary goal is not to allow the cost of treatment prevent you from benefiting from the quality care you need or desire. In our office, we strive to maximize your insurance benefits and make any remaining balance easily affordable.

AEIR DENTAL IS HAPPY TO ACCEPT ASSIGNMENT. If you are covered by a dental insurance plan, we will gladly file your insurance forms for you with the request to have the benefits assigned to our office. If you are responsible for a co-payment or deductible, we require full payment for your portion at the time of treatment.

We accept the following forms of payment: Visa, MasterCard, cash and debit.

Because we can not guarantee any estimated coverage and because your insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company, we will require a credit card number to be kept on file for anyone requesting assignment of benefits. Charges will only be put through on the credit card if there is a discrepancy between the original amount quoted to be assigned to our office from the insurance company and the actual final payment received from the insurance company.

We would be happy to discuss our charges and how they relate to your particular situation. We also realize that temporary financial situations may affect the timely payment of your account with us. If such problems arise, we encourage you to contact us promptly for assistance in the management of your account. Most often, financial misunderstandings can be managed with a phone call. Please feel free to contact our wonderful staff at any time to discuss any concerns you may have.

We now offer payment options through PayBright. So you can get the work you need done now and get the smile you have been waiting for. To find out more visit, PayBright.com.

Our Partners in Your Dental Health

3M ESPE Dental Solutions - Canada

Aqua Dental Laboratory – Fine European Craftsmanship & Dental Restorative Design

BioHorizons Dental Implants – Canada

Canadian Denture Centres

Cobalt Medical Solutions Calgary – Medical & Dental Waste Materials

DenMat Dental Products

Dentsply Tulsa – Canada

Hubermed

Hu-Friedy

KAVO – Innovative Products

Lock Dental Lab – Denture Fabrication

MacPractice Dental Practice Software

Myotronics – Supplier of TENS Units, Restoring Functional Smiles

NuBird Designs & Manufacturing Suction Mirrors

Nuon - Diagnostic Imaging Accessories, Supplies & Equipment

Oral B - Canada

Patterson Dental - Calgary

Peak Sleep Centre – Quality Respiratory, Allergy & Sleep Apnea Testing

Phoenix Dental Laboratory – Dental Appliance Design

Planmeca - High-tech dental units designed in Finland

Planmeca Romexis - Cutting edge 3D digital dental imaging devices & software

Phillips – Sonic Care - Canada

SciCan - Your Infection Control Specialist

TePe - High Quality Swedish Oral Health Care Products

VELscope – Enhanced Oral Assessment

Voco Canada –Dental Products

Partners in Clinical Services

722 World Bier Haus – Restaurant & Lounge

Able Woodwork Ltd.

Aquaovo Experience – Raising Water Filtration To A Fine Art

Calgary Telephone & Wiring

Decca Design Inc., Jennifer Anderson

Deloitte LLP - Calgary

Field Law LLP – Calgary

Fleur de Sel Authentic French Brasserie

Insight Automation International – Entertainment, Communication, Security & Convenience

Jeffery J. O’Rourke Accounting

Naked Leaf Tea – Pure, Passionate, Tea

Payworks Canada – Payroll Services

Peasant Cheese Shop

Saje Canada - Natural Wellness & Fine Essential Oils

Tag Advertising

TD Canada Trust Commercial Banking

Treasure Tower Rewards - Canada

Zugalu – Coders, Gamers & Designers

When anaesthetic has been used, your lip and tongue may be numb for a few hours following the procedure. It is important to avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off, as it is very easy to bite or burn your tongue and/or lip whilst you are frozen.

Crowns and bridges usually take two (2) visits to complete. The teeth are shaped and impressions of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns are placed to protect the teeth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated (this usually take 7-14 days). The temporary crown has two (2) functions. It covers and protects the tooth from being sensitive, while also preventing the adjacent teeth from shifting and compromising the fit of the final restoration.

To keep your temporary crown in place, avoid eating any sticky foods like gum or toffee. It is also better to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You can brush normally around your temporary crown, but when flossing, please pull the floss out from the side and do not lift up on the floss. This avoids the possibility of dislodging the temporary crown as it is only held in place by a weak cement to facilitate its removal at the second visit. When the permanent crown is placed, with permanent cement, you will be able to floss normally again and resume your normal diet.

It is rare for a temporary crown to come off, but if it does, please contact the office at 403-455-5087 and we will put it back on. If this is necessary, this visit can be done without any freezing.

It is normal to experience some minor hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. The injection sight itself may also be a little tender. Ibuprofen (Advil), or Tylenol (one tablet every 4 hours) will work well to alleviate any tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increase, or your bite does not feel natural, contact the office at 403-455-5087.

You can chew on your temporary or permanent crown as soon as the freezing has worn off as the cement is fully set when you leave the office.

When anaesthetic has been used, your lip and tongue may be numb for a few hours following the procedure. It is important to avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off, as it is very easy to bite or burn your tongue and/or lip whilst you are frozen.

After a tooth is extracted, it is important for a blood clot to form in the socket to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.

Do:

1. Bite down on the area with a gauze pad for 45-60 minutes following tooth removal. 

   Take two (2) of the supplied gauze pads, fold them in half and roll them up and place it over the extraction area and bite down. It is best to change the gauze every 20 minutes over the course of the hour time frame. You may also bite down on a pre-soaked tea bag as the tannins in the tea aid in the clotting process.

   After the bleeding has stopped, and the blood clot formed, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids in healing.

2. Use any pain medications prescribed by Dr. Williamson and call the office at 403-455-5087 if the medication does not seem to be working. If antibiotics have been prescribed, please complete the full dose of the medication, even if the symptoms of the infection are gone.
3. Use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas over the area if you experience pain and swelling. This will help to keep swelling to a minimum and it will normally subside in 48 hours.
4. Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food the day of the surgery. You may resume your normal eating habits as soon as you feel comfortable enough to do so.

After the 1st 24 hours have past it is important to resume your normal dental routine which should include brushing and flossing at least twice per day to help speed the healing and to help keep your mouth fresh and clean. You may also start with salt-water rinses after the first 24 hours have past. Use one (1) teaspoon of salt in 120ml (or 4oz) of warm water, to gently rinse your mouth out three (3) times per day for three (3) days. You may also use an alcohol free mouthwash at this time.

FOR THREE (3) DAYS FOLLOWING AN EXTRACTION Do Not:

1. Smoke
2. Rinse vigorously
3. Suck on straws
4. Brush close to the extraction site
5. Drink alcohol

Do not do any vigorous activity for the 1st 24 hours.

Why?
These activities could dislodge or dissolve the clot leading to a condition called a dry socket. Excessive activity can elevate your blood pressure and cause more bleeding.

If stitches have been placed, you will be advised if they will fall out on their own which usually takes between 7-10 days, or if a follow up visit in necessary to remove them.

After a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities.

If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or have continued swelling for three (3) days, or have a reaction to any prescribed medications, please call our office at 403-455-5087.