 Before your appointment, you may have questions about our policies or the treatments we prescribe. We have posted the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions on this page. If you don't see the information you need here, please call us at 561-622-8013 so we can help you.
How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
When you first visit our practice, we usually will want to see you every three to four months. We may adjust this time period depending on the state of your teeth.
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 At what age should my children first see a dentist?
We would like to see children after their third birthday. At this time, Dr. Ma will perform just a visual exam to see how their teeth are doing. When your child is older, he will complete a more comprehensive exam.
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Do you accept referrals?
Yes. Dr. Ma is always eager to meet new people and help them have better dental health.
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How can I ask Dr. Ma questions directly?
There are a number of ways to ask Dr. Ma questions directly. He always welcomes your questions during your visit. Before your appointment, you can also call our office or Ask Dr. Ma questions directly using our online form.
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My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
If your child's tooth is knocked out during office hours and there is no imminent medical emergency, please contact us at 561-622-8013 immediately. There is a chance Dr. Ma can replace the tooth if he sees your child within the first hour. When you call, he can advise you on the safest and most appropriate plan of action.
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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Dr. Ma is always ready to help you, even when the office is closed. If you have an emergency, please call our office number at 561-622-8013 and follow the instructions to contact him.
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 My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Yes, you should be very concerned about bleeding gums, especially if you haven't had a check-up in a while. Bleeding gums can be caused by a variety of things, from a leaky filling to gum disease. While it may seem harmless, bleeding gums can cause a variety of serious health problems. If your gums bleed after you brush, call us as soon as possible at 561-622-8013 to schedule an appointment so Dr. Ma can analyze the cause.
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Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials. Where can I learn more about these procedures?
Dr. Ma usually recommends these procedures as part of a permanent restoration. They are long-lasting, comfortable in your mouth, and look just like your natural teeth. You can learn more about these procedures on our Education Articles. Dr. Ma also recommends visiting the American Dental Association's Patients and Consumers Guide website.
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Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
Brushing cleans about 80% of your teeth while flossing covers the remaining 20%. Although that seems like a small percentage, this area is where all of the big problems originate. That's why Dr. Ma believes flossing is very important.
There are other ways to help you clean your teeth if you don't like flossing. Electric toothbrushes, such as those made by SonicCare and Oral B, also help clean this area. When you come to our office, Dr. Ma can tell you about the alternatives to flossing and explain the benefits of one over the other.
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 I want my front teeth to look better. What would you recommend?
There are a variety of ways to improve the appearance of your teeth. While Dr. Ma is trained in orthodontics, he is also certified in Invisalign®. He may recommend it or porcelain veneers or crowns to improve the appearance of your teeth within two to three visits.
Before we can make a recommendation, however, we must examine your mouth. Call us at 561-622-8013 so we can schedule an appointment with Dr. Ma. After listening to your goals and concerns, he can suggest a way to help you straighten your smile.
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My spouse snores and keeps me up at night. I have heard a dentist might be able to prescribe an appliance that prevents snoring. Can you help?
Certainly. We offer snore-guards, a small appliance that holds the mouth and throat open while you sleep and thus, prevents snoring. These devices are easy to use and we custom fit them to ensure your comfort. If you or your spouse snores, we suggest visiting us for an evaluation.
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What is Smile Analysis?
In a smile analysis, Dr. Ma looks at all the factors that compose a smile; these are the shape of a smile, the size, the smile line, and the position of your teeth, lips, and gums when you smile. He listens to what you want to accomplish and any concerns you may have. Once he has this information, he can provide a custom smile design.
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What is Smile Design?
Using his digital camera and wax-ups of your teeth, Dr. Ma can create a model of your new smile, review the smile design results with you, and discuss the next steps to make it happen.
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Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time?
Yes. We can create diagnostic wax-ups of your teeth to point out a trouble area and show you how a particular treatment or procedure would change the appearance of your teeth.
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 How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Dr. Ma is extensively trained, but because dentistry is constantly changing, he does a number of things to stay up to date on all of the current findings. He frequently attends continuing education courses that focus on the latest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He also belongs to a variety of organizations which offer seminars and conferences on changes in dentistry. He reads every dental journal and even encourages his team to never stop learning. If you have a question about a new development, Dr. Ma is always happy to speak with you about it.
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What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
We do a variety of things that make us unique. Not only is Dr. Ma exceptionally skilled and trained, he is very enthusiastic about his patients and their dental health. Dr. Ma and his team strive to listen and recommend treatments that are beneficial to you. He is always happy to explain a service and take the time to perform it to the best of his abilities.
When you walk through our doors, you will see immediately what makes us different. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 561-622-8013.
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How can I safely whiten my teeth?
Many patients ask Dr. Ma about whitening their teeth. Since each mouth is unique, he needs to evaluate your teeth to recommend a specific method. If your teeth are cracked, chipped, or discolored, Dr. Ma may recommend restorative services, such as veneers or bonding. If you want to bleach your teeth, we use several whitening systems in our office and Dr. Ma can recommend one that will be perfect for you.
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I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
We can tell when people are nervous about being in a dentist's office. Nothing seems to help them relax. That's why we offer several amenities and oral sedation to make your visit comfortable. When you meet Dr. Ma, however, you may not need these. We have patients who once hated going to the dentist and now enjoy coming to see Dr. Ma. He has a very reassuring demeanor and is always happy to explain what he is going to do. If you need time to get ready, he will take that time to get the job done right.
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What different payment options do you provide?
You can pay for all of our services with cash or check. We also accept Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Discover. You are responsible for any amount not covered by your insurance.
Dr. Ma feels that he would rather treat your needs, not lead you down a treatment path dictated by your insurance company. If you have extensive or long term dental care, our office offers financial assistance through Care Credit and Capital One. We are happy to help you with insurance or financial concerns, so if you have any questions, please contact us at 561-622-8013.
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Do you accept my insurance?
At our office, we accept all traditional insurance plans. To find out if we
are providers for you insurance carrier or for more information, please call us
at 561-622-8013 or visit the insurance and finance section of our web site.
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Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?
We know your schedule can change abruptly. Please call us immediately so we can reschedule you. If you cancel within 24 hours before your scheduled time, we reserve the right to charge you a cancellation fee.
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