FAQs

Pine Belt Dental & Dr. John Guillot & Matthew Guillot

  • How often should I see a dentist?

    The American Dental Association recommends biannual dental visits for checkups and professional cleanings. At Pine Belt Dental, we also advise patients to come in at least twice a year. This schedule allows for proper monitoring of any existing or recommended restorative treatments. However, some oral conditions may necessitate more frequent visits. We will assess your individual needs and determine the appropriate visit frequency for you.
  • What should I expect during my appointment?

    Your initial visit will include a comprehensive examination by Dr. Guillot. This thorough assessment covers all hard and soft tissues in your mouth, including teeth, bone, gums, throat, cheeks, and tongue. We also perform an oral cancer screening. If necessary, we'll take additional diagnostic records such as x-rays or study models. This detailed examination helps us identify and address any existing dental issues. We use this information to create a personalized treatment plan. While we often begin with a cleaning, in some cases, we may need to review the gathered information further before determining the best course of action.
  • What types of payment options are available for my dental treatment?

    We accept various dental insurance plans and will process your claim upon receipt of your co-payment. For your convenience, we also accept Visa, MasterCard, and CareCredit. Our Financial and Treatment Plan Coordinator is available to discuss these options with you and assist in maximizing your insurance benefits.
  • Can the dentist whiten my teeth?

    Yes, we offer professional teeth whitening services. We use Philips Zoom whitening products, which include in-office treatments that take about an hour and provide rapid, noticeable results. For at-home whitening, we create custom mouthguards filled with bleaching gel that you can wear overnight or for a few hours during the day. We also offer Sheer White® professional whitening strips. While over-the-counter options exist, the American Dental Association recommends consulting a dentist for a professional examination and diagnosis before starting any whitening regimen.
  • What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth, or teeth that don't respond to normal bleaching methods?

    Dr. Guillot offers several cosmetic dental procedures to address these issues. Porcelain veneers, individually crafted to match your natural teeth, can be permanently attached to your existing teeth to close gaps or improve appearance. Composite bonding can fill in areas and correct chipping or shape problems. Crowns can adjust the size and position of teeth. All these options are color-matched to blend seamlessly with your other teeth, enhancing your smile's overall appearance.
  • Why is a crown, rather than a large filling, sometimes the best option for my tooth restoration?

    The choice between a large filling and a crown often depends on the amount of remaining tooth structure. While a large filling may be possible in some cases, it might only delay the eventual need for a more stable and permanent crown restoration. Dr. Guillot can discuss these options with you to determine the most suitable long-term solution for your individual needs.