General FAQ
At Madison Family Dental, we welcome any questions and appreciate interest in what we’re doing. You may want to know more about us and the services we offer, so we’ve answered many of the questions we commonly receive. If you have a question that you’d like answered, please fill out a contact form or call us at (608) 274-5970.
General Questions
Can I communicate with my dentist via email?
How do I receive my patient records?
Do you have Spanish (español) interpreters/translators on staff at MFDA?
What is your contact information (phone number and address)?
Madison
5709 Odana Road, Madison, WI
Phone: (608) 274-5970
Fax: (608) 274-0158
DeForest
502 Nelson Court, DeForest, WI
Phone: (608) 846-3302
Appointment Questions
What types of appointment confirmation or appointment reminders are available? Can I change my type of reminder?
How do I cancel my scheduled appointment?
How do I check my appointment? Can I do this online?
Do you offer childcare during parent appointments?
I’m a new patient. What paperwork is required of me to bring to my first appointment?
Company Questions
How is Madison Family Dental an actual family?
Who founded Madison Family Dental?
What job or career openings are available for hire?
How do I contact Human Resources?
Payment Questions
Can I get a loan for my dental services if I don’t have the cash upfront?
Are you wondering about financial arrangements and dental insurance?
We are committed to providing the best care possible and, if you have dental insurance, we are eager to help you receive your maximum allowable benefits. To do so, we need your assistance and your understanding of our payment policy.
In most cases, payment is due at the time of service unless special payment arrangements have been approved in advance by our staff. However, if you have been scheduled for a new patient exam and have proof of insurance, payment will not be due at the time of service and will instead be billed to your insurance provider. We will then notify you if additional payment is required.
If you do not have insurance, we offer a 5% discount if paid by cash or check on the day of service (returned checks are subject to additional fees and will be assessed to your account). We also accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express but no discount is offered. Interest-free financing is available through Wells Fargo.
Please understand that:
- Your insurance is a contract between you, your employer and the insurance company. We are not a party to that contract.
- Our fees are generally considered to fall within an acceptable range and, therefore, we are covered up to the maximum allowance determined by each carrier. This applies only to companies that pay a percentage (such as 50% or 80%) of “U.C.R.” U.C.R. is defined as usual, customary and reasonable. This statement does not apply to companies that reimburse based on an arbitrary “schedule” of fees, which bears no relationship to the current standard and cost of care in this area.
- Not all services are a covered benefit in all contracts. Some insurance companies select certain services they will not cover.
We must emphasize that, as dental care providers, our relationship is with you and not your insurance company. While the filing of insurance claims is a courtesy that we extend to our patients, all charges are your responsibility from the date the services are rendered. We realize that temporary financial problems may affect timely payment of your account. If such problems do arise, we encourage you to contact us promptly for assistance in the management of your account. If you have any questions regarding the above information, please don’t hesitate to contact our business office – we are here to help you!
Do you offer gift cards?
Do you offer sales or promotions?
Service Questions
Can I get my wisdom teeth pulled at MFD?
Can I get braces at MFD? Is there an orthodontist on staff?
Do you offer sedation dentistry? Do you have any types of anesthesia?
Do you offer endodontics (root canal treatment) services?
Insurance Questions
Who are your insurance plan providers?
What if I don’t have dental insurance? How do you make my dentistry more affordable?
I’m on Medicaid. What information regarding dental coverage is available to me?
Product Questions
I’m sensitive to the dental products available at my local store. What types of natural products are available on the market?
Do you sell toothbrushes? What toothbrushes to you endorse or recommend?
Care Questions
Will I need my wisdom teeth pulled?
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Teeth can become sensitive when the root surface of the tooth is exposed, which occurs when your gums recede. Gum recession is usually caused by aggressive tooth brushing and scrubbing along the gum line or by poor oral hygiene. In the case of poor oral hygiene, plaque can build up around your gums and teeth; plaque hardens into tartar, the bacteria in which can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease, which leads to gum recession.
Exposed roots are made up of microscopic tubes that lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. When the tooth is exposed to cold or pressure, the tooth nerve is stimulated and you feel discomfort. While sensitivity is often caused by root surface exposure, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. It’s important to see your dentist, who can evaluate your case and recommend appropriate treatment.
How can I treat my sensitive teeth?
Over-the-counter sensitivity toothpastes, which contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, are often very effective in treating sensitive teeth. It may take several weeks of continuous use before you notice a decrease in sensitivity. Foods that are highly acidic, such as soda, sports beverages and citrus fruits can increase tooth sensitivity. If you are consuming these foods regularly, they may counteract a desensitizing toothpaste.
If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using a desensitizing toothpaste, it’s important to see your dentist to rule out other problems. In addition, there are desensitizing products that we can prescribe for home use and special compounds that can be applied directly to the root surface to reduce your sensitivity.
How do I know if I have gum disease and what should I do about it?
-Bad breath or bad taste
-Bleeding gums
-Red, swollen or tender gums
-Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
-Sensitive teeth
-Pus coming from around the teeth
-Pain when chewing
-Any changes in the way your teeth fit together
Several factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal diseases:
-Smoking or chewing tobacco
-Systemic diseases like diabetes
-A number of medications, for example steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer drugs,
calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
-Dry mouth due to medications or diseases
-Crooked teeth or dental work that has become defective
-Pregnancy
If any of these risk factors or symptoms apply to you, visit the American Academy of Periodontology website and take their Periodontal Disease Risk Assessment Test. This tool will provide you with more information about gum disease and its risk factors.
As a patient at Madison Family Dental, your dental healthcare team (your dentist, your hygienist, and sometimes a periodontist) will annually measure your gum tissue health and recommend appropriate therapy when needed.
My dentist has diagnosed a crack in my tooth. Why is that important, especially if it doesn’t hurt?
Cracked teeth show a variety of symptoms, from no discomfort to erratic pain when chewing (possibly with release of biting pressure) or pain when your tooth is exposed to temperature extremes. In many cases, the pain may come and go. Unlike a broken bone, the fracture in a cracked tooth will never heal and is rarely detected on an x-ray. In spite of treatment, some cracks may continue to progress and separate, resulting in tooth loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important. Like cracks in a windshield, cracks in teeth often start small and progress slowly. The sooner a crack is detected and treated, the better the chance of saving your tooth. Placement of a crown on a cracked tooth provides maximum protection and reduces the likelihood that the crack will worsen. Once treated, most cracked teeth will continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing. Talk to your dentist about your particular diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
My teeth are crooked, but I don’t want to wear braces. Is there anything else I can do?
Yes – for a smile that can transform your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Invisalign aligners are practically clear, so hardly anyone will know you are straightening your teeth. The aligners are very comfortable and won’t interfere with your day-to-day life. Invisalign is removable and, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.
In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, Invisalign can also improve the health of your mouth. Straight teeth allow for easier cleaning, which will help keep your gums healthy and prevent cavities. Straight teeth also make chewing easier and prevent excess stress on the teeth and supporting tissues. So, if you are ready to take a look at the benefits of a properly aligned smile, our two certified Invisalign providers, Dr. Veerman and Dr. Julian-Hoernke, would be happy to meet with you to help determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Learn more about Invisalign®.