Questions

We find that many of our patients have questions about what is possible. While we'll answer your questions in detail, we have found it helpful to explain some of them in a way that you can review at your leisure.

How does Dr. McConnell keep up to date with all the current techniques and materials?
Can you show me what my smile will look like ahead of time?
How do I know it's time to come in for a check-up?
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Do you accept referrals?
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been knocked out. What do I do?
What different payment options do you provide?
Is there a way I can ask Dr. McConnell questions directly?
How can I have whiter teeth?
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth?
I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…where can I learn more about these procedures?
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. Is there anything you can do to help?
What is Smile Analysis?
What is Smile Design?
I'm a new patient and I know there is probably something I will have to fill out before I see the Doctor. Is there any way I can get copies of any forms that you need me to complete in advance?

How does Dr. McConnell keep up to date with all the current techniques and materials?

Dr. McConnell and our team regularly take continuing education courses to stay current with the latest techniques and materials. Dr. McConnell also regularly attends classes at the internationally renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Can you show me what my smile will look like ahead of time?

Yes we can. You will have a very good idea of what your smile will look like with our computer imaging system. In fact, we'll let you keep your before and after photos to inspire you further.

How do I know it's time to come in for a checkup?

We will schedule you for your next visit, then make a point of sending a reminder card and calling you to confirm. We believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and regular dental check-ups can help you avoid the larger and more expensive procedures later.

Do you accept my insurance plan?

While we do not participate with any insurance plans, our team will do everything possible to help you maximize your benefits. Our financial policy allows us to provide you with the best treatment available and does not limit your health to just what your plan covers. We will be happy to submit your insurance paperwork for you at the time of treatment. If you have any questions about your insurance, please feel free to call for more information.

Do you accept referrals?

We definitely accept referrals. We feel it's the highest compliment you can give us when you refer a friend or family member.

What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

Dr. McConnell is always available to assist patients of record with dental emergencies. Don't hesitate to call after hours and he will be paged.

My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been knocked out. What do I do?

There is a chance we can get the tooth back in your child's mouth, so please rush your child and the tooth to our office right away---within the hour. If possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk, so that the calcium and vitamin D from the milk can continue feeding the tooth bone.

What different payment options do you provide?

We can arrange payment options that best fit your dental needs and budget. Payments are also accepted through credit cards. We can help you receive financing with low or no-interest through the Dental Fee Plan or Care Credit.

Is there a way I can ask Dr. McConnell questions directly?

Yes, you can email Dr. McConnell with questions, and he'll get back to you just as soon as possible. Of course, you are always free to call the office. He or a member of his staff will be more than happy to chat with you about dentistry.

How can I have whiter teeth?

If you're like most of our patients, you want the simplest way possible to whiten your smile. Our revolutionary in-office whitening system, ZOOM! whitens your teeth in just one hour! You can sit back and enjoy your favorite movie on our video glasses while your teeth become whiter and brighter. By the end of the appointment, you may have a seven to nine shade difference in your smile. The single appointment procedure is quick and easy, allowing you to get back to your busy life with a brilliant white smile the same day.

We also offer the take-home whitening system, which allows you to whiten your teeth over five to seven days. Please come in for a free consultation to discuss how we can whiten and brighten your smile.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We use state-of-the-art sterilization procedures. We dispose items whenever possible, and we pride ourselves on a clean and neat facility. We follow all OSHA and ADA requirements. We are also HIPAA compliant. This is a new regulation that protects the rights of patients with the distribution of their health information. It insures patient confidentiality.

What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

We don't rush our appointments with you. Instead we like to take the time needed, so that you can feel relaxed and comfortable. We want to make sure you are receiving the best dental care possible, and that you are well-informed.

Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth?

Yes it is. Bleeding is not a sign of optimal oral health. Our goal is have you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.

I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We understand that some patients are very nervous about going to the dentist. For those patients, we offer nitrous oxide and other medications, as needed. We also offer DVD movies, CD headphones, and video goggles to really help take you away from the dental procedure being performed.

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…where can I learn more about these procedures?

At your first appointment, Dr. McConnell will be happy to explain any of these procedures to you. You can also visit the website of the American Dental Association at www.ada.org to find out more.

I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. Is there anything you can do to help?

We offer an initial complimentary cosmetic consultation. If your front teeth are a little crooked or if they have a gap, a new and practical option to braces is porcelain veneers or composite bonding. Both of these techniques can provide "instant orthodontics" for some patients. Come in and talk to Dr. McConnell about this exciting possibility.

What is Smile Analysis?

We offer an initial complimentary cosmetic consultation to analyze your smile. Each person has a unique "perfect" smile, one that is proportional and flattering to his or her face. With Smile Analysis, we can show you what your best smile can look like.

What is Smile Design?

Dr. McConnell will sit down with you and measure your teeth. He will determine whether your smile is in harmony with your face. Everybody's smile is unique to them and with a few simple measurements or lab procedures we can find that best smile that is uniquely you.

He can show you pictures of other people's smiles to give you a sense of how your smile can be enhanced. He can also provide you with a picture of what your smile can look like. You can take that picture home, talk about it with your friends and family, and make an informed and well thought-out decision. In some instances, he can provide a "temporary" enhanced smile, one that you can "test drive" for a while to see if it's the smile you'd like to have permanently. That way you can get used to your new look before you make a permanent commitment to a new smile.

I'm a new patient and I know there is probably something I will have to fill out before I see the Doctor. Is there any way I can get copies of any forms that you need me to complete in advance?

Yes, they're available to you on this website. Just click here.