Frequently asked questions.
What if I have an emergency?
That’s when you need us most! We’ll do everything we can to shift our daytime schedule in order to see you. (We schedule fewer appointments than most dental offices to provide more time to care for our patients.) Should you have a dental problem during the evening or on a weekend or holiday, call us and follow the simple prompts on our voicemail. Dr. Miller or an associate will get back to you promptly.
How do I make an appointment?
If you'd like to make an appointment, please call the office at 415.453.6409 . Or complete the form at the Appointment Request Page.
My gums bleed when I brush, is that bad?
Bleeding gums when brushing usually means there is some level of gum disease (periodontal disease). The bleeding doesn't tell us the level of disease though, so it would be a good idea to have a dentist examine your mouth.
I have a tooth that is very sensitive to temperatures, does that mean I have a cavity?
Not necessarily. Temperature sensitivity can be symptoms of a cavity but there are other possibilites. Sometimes your gums can move lower on a tooth, exposing some of the tooth root and this can make it sensitive. It's best to have your dentist check the area.
Does whitening your teeth damage them?
There is no literature that we have come across showing any structural changes or irreversible damage to the tooth structure. It is worth noting that most of the studies were done with 10% bleaching solution and more powerful solutions are now more common.
MEDICAL INSURANCE for the Dentist?
Medical Insurance can be billed for several procedures we do in the office. If the dental work you need is a result of trauma (or dry mouth a medication you are taking is giving you) most insurances will pay. Implant placement, wisdom teeth extraction, nightguards, bone addition for future implant placement(graft), gum surgery and more. Ask us about your case. Ask about our 12 month interest free payment plan.
Do all dentists place dental implants?
No, but let me explain. There are usually two steps in the process. Some dentists do the first step and send you elsewhere for the second. Other dentists do the second step but send you elsewhere for the first. Dr. Miller has earned his Fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and in most cases can complete your treatment in one office. In more complex cases more than one dentist may be involved in your treatment.
How much is a cleaning?
If all you need is an ordinary tooth cleaning it is $106. However, if it has been too long since your last exam and x-ray appointment we will need to do this as well.
My teeth are crooked, but I don't want braces. Is there another option?
Yes. Sometimes called instant orthodontics, veneers can be a speedy alternative to a beautiful new smile.
I grind my teeth at night, do I need a nightguard?
Probably. Grinding your teeth is often a symptom of another problem. Headaches, sore teeth and tender neck and jaw muscles may be other signs that something more is going on. If you have symptoms it is a good idea to have a dentist to evaluate you. Medical insurances often help pay for nightguards.
I don't want a crown, can't I just have a large filling?
Maybe. Many of our patients find that if we fill a tooth that really needs a crown that they ultimately have a problem with it. Sometimes the tooth will break in a way that we can't fix it. This actually happened to my dad. Dr. Miller will discuss your particular situation with you, one way or another we will find a solution.
I heard that a few implants can make my loose dentures stable, is that correct?
In most cases that is correct. In fact, with a full lower denture you can often leave the same day with implants stabilizing it. Time and again I find patients just love this treatment.
I need my teeth cleaned more than twice a year, how come my insurance doesn't pay for more than two cleanings?
Most insurances function with a one size fits all approach. There are many people who have a genetic predisposition to gum disease. Those of us with these genetics need to have our teeth cleaned three or even four times a year. We can write your insurance explaining your situation, but most patients wind up paying out of pocket for these visits.
Will my Dental Insurance pay for it all?
Insurance limitations continue to influence dentistry. Most Dental Insurances will cover yearly x-rays, exams and usually two cleanings a yaer. For actual treatment they will pay a percentage up tp a certain dollar amount per year. We do what we can to make your dollar go further; Dr. Miller makes sure his fees are reasonable, most are the average of dentists in our area. We also take advantage of billing your medical insurance for procedures most people aren't aware they cover. Ask us about our 12 month interest free payment plan.
Our Patients Come From
Belvedere/Tiburon(94920,)Corte Madera(94976), Fairfax(94930,94978),Greenbrae(94904),Kentfield(94914),Larkspur(94939,94977),Marin City,Mill Valley(94941,94942),Muir Beach,Novato(94949,94998),Point Reyes,Richmond(94801,94802,94806,94807,94808,94850),Ross(94957),San Anselmo(94979),San Geronimo(94963),San Quentin(94964,94974),San Rafael(94901,94903,94912,94913),Sausalito(94965,94966),Stinson Beach(94970),Terra Linda, Tiburon,Woodacre(94973) and more.