Membership Plan for Uninsured Patients

Criscione Family Dental began offering a membership plan to uninsured patients in January 2015. We found that patients without insurance tend to avoid coming in on a regular basis due to the expense. The result of not being monitored on a regular basis was predicable…decay, emergency dentistry, gingivitis, and a variety of other avoidable dental conditions. By joining the Membership Plan, patients are receiving care on a regular basis, reducing out of pocket expenses, getting needed dental treatment completed, and enjoying better overall dental health.

 

The Membership Plan offers a discount comparable to what a patient would receive if they had an insurance plan. The plan is not insurance and does not offer reimbursement. Patients receive a 15% reduction on all services. Routine care and periodontal maintenance plans can be paid on a monthly basis or a one-time payment that covers care for one year.

 

Here’s an overview of the membership plan:

-          The plan is only for our office. Patients can choose any provider at Criscione Family Dental.

-          The 15% fee reduction is for services only, not products.

-          The plan is only for uninsured patients of any age.

-          The plan is not transferable to another patient or to another office.

-          Payments for the Membership Plan can be made on a monthly basis or a one-time payment to cover one year of care.

-          Select patients may be eligible for short term payment plans for treatment.

 

If you have questions about the plan, please call the office at your convenience and we will be glad to provide more information.

 

503-636-7601

Lake Oswego, Oregon

 We look forward to your call!

 

 

The Purpose of Night Guards

 

A night guard is a piece of hard plastic made from impressions of your teeth that is placed on the upper and lower teeth while you sleep. Reasons for needing one include bruxism, the act of grinding your teeth while you sleep. The purpose of the night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. Here at Criscione Family Dental we offer custom-made night guards to our patients to fit your bite evenly providing a more effective form of treatment. 

If you already grind your teeth, you will grind them much harder in sleep than while you are awake. When this action occurs, it can cause chipping, fractures, excessive wear and loosening of the teeth. Overall, the night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching. When your lips come together, your teeth will be apart which initiates a muscle relaxation process. When muscles are relaxed, your teeth will rest on bite pads which are made of hybrid resilient material that slips comfortably between your teeth. 

If you grind your teeth or find yourself waking up with jaw pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about night guards as well as other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

A night guard is a piece of hard plastic made from impressions of your teeth that is placed on the upper and lower teeth while you sleep. Reasons for needing one include bruxism, the act of grinding your teeth while you sleep. The purpose of the night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. Here at Criscione Family Dental we offer custom-made night guards to our patients to fit your bite evenly providing a more effective form of treatment.

If you already grind your teeth, you will grind them much harder in sleep than while you are awake. When this action occurs, it can cause chipping, fractures, excessive wear and loosening of the teeth. Overall, the night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching. When your lips come together, your teeth will be apart which initiates a muscle relaxation process. When muscles are relaxed, your teeth will rest on bite pads which are made of a hybrid resilient material that slips comfortably between your teeth.

If you grind your teeth or find yourself waking up with jaw pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about night guards as well as other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

 

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

 

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the final set of molars to erupt. Not everyone decides to keep these teeth, nor are they necessary for having a healthy, beautiful smile. Here at Criscione Family Dentistry we may suggest wisdom teeth removal if they are causing pain to the patient or look prone to infection. Another reason for wisdom teeth extractions is overcrowding in the mouth if they don’t fully emerge.

Once it has been determined that a wisdom tooth is problematic, extraction is performed. If the wisdom teeth are impacted and embedded in the bone, our doctor will put an incision into the gums and remove the tooth or teeth in sections in order to minimize the amount of bone being removed. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure the tooth can be pulled out with any discomfort and several stitches may be required to close the surgical site and promote healing of the overlying tissue. 

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about wisdom teeth as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the final set of molars to erupt. Not everyone decides to keep these teeth, nor are they necessary for having a healthy, beautiful smile. It may be recommended to remove wisdom teeth if they are causing pain to the patient or look prone to infection. Another reason for wisdom teeth extractions is overcrowding in the mouth if they don’t fully erupt.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about wisdom teeth as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

 

Dental Bonding

 

Dental bonding is a great way to quickly and affordably repair small imperfections on teeth. It is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. If you have decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth, our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry are happy to discuss dental bonding to see if it’s right for you.

Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared to these two cosmetic options, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. If you have very small imperfections on your teeth, bonding could be the answer. In addition to providing cosmetic relief, bonding can also be used to fill cavities. 

If you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about bonding as well as the other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

Dental bonding is a great way to quickly and affordably repair small imperfections on teeth. It is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. If you have decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth, our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry are happy to discuss dental bonding to see if it’s right for you.

Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared to these two cosmetic options, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. If you have very small imperfections on your teeth, bonding could be the answer. In addition to providing cosmetic relief, bonding can also be used to fill cavities.

If you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about bonding as well as the other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

 

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Your smile is the first thing anyone notices about you, so you want it to be as bright as your personality. Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth white and healthy, but if you feel that your smile is lacking some sparkle our staff at Criscione Family Dental offers teeth whitening services. Teeth whitening is a simple process and we use safe bleaches that break stains into smaller pieces, which make the color on your teeth less concentrated and brighter.

Tooth whitening is a process that lightens teeth and helps removes stains and discoloration. It is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look. With all of the lifestyle habits that we practice on a daily basis such eating foods that have the ability to stain our teeth, smoking or drinking coffee, wine, and tea, our teeth can leave us feeling a lack of confidence. However, once you complete a whitening treatment your self-esteem will receive quite a boost.

If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about teeth whitening as well as the other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

Why a Healthy Mouth Is Important

Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means your teeth are clean and free of debris, gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss, and bad breath is not a constant problem. At Criscione Family Dental, our staff can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and will point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention while brushing and flossing.

Taking good care of your mouth – teeth and gums – does more than help ensure you have a bright, white, smile. The mouth is the doorway to our body and its first line of defense. It performs more essential functions than any other part of the body. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years. When your mouth is unhealthy, your body will feel the effects in many ways and your health in general, will suffer.

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include brushing thoroughly twice a day, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals, as well as using dental products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

If you need assistance with your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601. 

The Root Canal Procedure

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, depending on the severity you may need a root canal. At Criscione Family dental we can save your tooth with this procedure if the tooth itself is badly damaged or infected. The term “root canal” comes from cleaning the canals inside the tooth’s root. It is a scary term for most, but we hope to put our patients more at ease by explaining the procedure step-by-step.

The area around the tooth is first numbed with an anesthetic to start the procedure. One of our dentists will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. They will then be able to remove the infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the space is filled with a sealant called gutta percha. Your tooth will then be placed with a temporary crown until you are able to be fitted with a permanent one.

If you have questions about an upcoming procedure, give us a call. To learn more about root canals as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.