What assistance do you need from us?
At our practice, patient education is one of our core principles. We believe in sharing our knowledge with patients so they can effectively maintain their oral health. Our team takes pleasure in answering questions about our practice, preventive care, payment options, and recommended treatments. To make it convenient for you, we have provided answers to some commonly asked questions below. However, if you have a question that is not addressed, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (814) 899-0444. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have, as there is no such thing as a silly question. We are eager to hear from you!
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We warmly welcome new patients, particularly those who have been recommended by our existing patients.
Caring Dental Staff
If you haven't been to the dentist in a while, we want you to know that we are a non-judgmental dental office. We won't criticize you for neglecting your oral health; instead, we will be glad that you are taking steps to address it now. The past is behind us, and we are focused on helping you achieve good oral health in the future.
If it turns out that you require treatment beyond a regular checkup, we will discuss your options and create a plan that you feel comfortable with.
Regular Dental Cleanings
We recommend that patients visit us twice a year for examinations and cleanings. Additionally, we suggest taking x-rays once a year to monitor any developing issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. This also allows us to keep an eye on your gum health. Gum infections can occur without any noticeable symptoms, so regular exams are essential.
Yes!
Dr. Sambuchino offers a five-year guarantee on all dental crowns and a 10-year guarantee on all dental implants for his patients. The only requirement is that you stay current on regular examinations and cleanings with your dentist in Erie, PA. This means you must come in twice a year for routine appointments. During these visits, Dr. Sambuchino will assess any restorative work and monitor any signs of wear and tear. By taking good care of your restorations, they should last for many years. Remember, they are an investment and should be treated as such.
Importance of Preventive Dentistry
While dental crowns and dental implants cannot develop decay, it is still important to protect your gum health. Regular flossing is crucial, and you should avoid chewing on hard candies or ice. It is also important to never use your teeth, even your natural teeth, for anything other than chewing food. Biting fingernails or opening cans with your teeth can cause significant damage to both natural teeth and restorations.
If you have any questions about caring for your dental crowns or dental implants, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here to assist you!
Yes, we can see every member of your family, from the youngest member to the oldest. childrens dentistry Erie, PA
We typically suggest that young children accompany their parents to our office for routine examinations and cleanings. This allows kids to witness their parents in the dentist chair and realize that there is nothing to be afraid of.
Caring Children's Dentistry
We prefer to start seeing children themselves around the age of two. It is crucial that you bring your children in for appointments twice a year. Children who are accustomed to regular dental visits are more likely to continue this habit into adulthood. Additionally, children who are familiar with the dentist tend to experience less anxiety when they grow older.
Child's First Dental Visit
During your child's first appointment, we will conduct a brief examination, assess the condition of their teeth and gums, and address any concerns you may have. We can also provide guidance on proper home care and recommend the best tools to use. Until your child develops the dexterity to brush and floss on their own (usually around the age of six), you should assist them with these tasks.
Many individuals experience a genuine fear of visiting the dentist. Some may feel embarrassed about this fear and therefore choose to avoid dental appointments altogether. However, neglecting dental care can put both your oral and overall health at risk.
Dr. Sambuchino and his team are experienced in working with patients who have dental anxiety. As a one-doctor practice, you can be assured that you will always see the same dentist at every appointment. Building a personal relationship with the doctor and staff can provide comfort to some patients.
Transparent Dentistry
We understand that fear of the unknown can contribute to anxiety. That's why we believe in being transparent about every step of the dental treatment process. We want you to feel completely at ease with the expected treatments, so we will explain everything in detail. If you have any questions, we will take the time to answer them thoroughly.
Sedation Options
If the familiarity of our office alone isn't enough to alleviate your anxiety, we can offer sedation dentistry options such as nitrous oxide. This safe and effective gas helps patients relax while remaining fully conscious and able to respond to questions as needed.
We don't want fear to prevent you from receiving the necessary dental care. Please let us know how we can assist you!
Insurance coverage for dental procedures varies depending on the specific procedure and your insurance plan. Each person's insurance coverage is unique. Generally, many insurance plans fully or mostly cover preventive care treatments such as examinations, cleanings, and annual x-rays. Common procedures like fillings and dental crowns often receive a discount, along with other more invasive treatments.
Knowledgeable Staff
If you require treatment beyond regular checkups, it is advisable to consult with our office. Our staff stays updated on insurance coverage information and ensures that you receive the maximum coverage you are entitled to. We understand that concerns about insurance coverage should not hinder you from receiving the necessary care to maintain your oral health.
Accepted Insurance Plans
For your initial appointment, please bring your insurance information to our office. We accept various insurance plans, including BAI, United Concordia, Cigna, Delta Dental, Aetna, UPMC, MetLife, Ameritas, Guardian, United Health Care, Principal Life, Anthem, Humana, Coventry Dental, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan. If your insurance company is not listed, please inquire about it when scheduling your appointment.
We also provide multiple payment options to accommodate different budgets.
Emergency Dentistry
At Harborcreek Dental, we prioritize the dental health of our patients by offering dental cleanings and exams to prevent dental emergencies. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur, leading to toothaches, broken teeth, and other urgent dental issues.
Dr. Kevin Sambuchino strives to prevent problems, but it's important for you to be prepared in case of an emergency. Here are some common conditions that may require dental emergency procedures in Erie, PA:
- Toothaches: Any level of tooth pain, whether mild or severe, should not be ignored and requires immediate dental treatment.
- Lost dental crowns or fillings: If you lose a dental filling, we will need to replace it. In the case of a lost dental crown, we may be able to re-cement it if you seek prompt assistance.
- Broken or chipped teeth: Even if you are not experiencing pain, it is crucial to address broken or chipped teeth to prevent further damage or fractures.
- Infected or abscessed tooth: Symptoms such as severe toothache, inflamed or swollen gums, or a bump on your gums may indicate an infected tooth that requires root canal treatment.
- Knocked-out tooth: This is a clear dental emergency, and there is a limited window of a few hours during which we can potentially save the tooth. Contact us immediately for guidance until you can reach our dental office.
Dr. Kevin Sambuchino and our experienced dental team are dedicated to providing emergency dental procedures in Erie, PA. We are always available to assist you. Please call us at (814) 899-0444, so we can schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
If you're experiencing a dental emergency and unsure of the urgency of your situation, our experienced dental team in Erie, PA is here to provide peace of mind. We are always available to take your call and listen to your concerns.
When it comes to a broken tooth, it is typically not an urgent situation that requires immediate treatment. However, if you are in pain or experiencing bleeding, we will make every effort to schedule you for a same-day appointment to provide relief.
Even if you're not in pain, it is important to address a broken tooth sooner rather than later. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage and the need for more extensive procedures in the future. For instance, if you seek treatment promptly, Dr. Sambuchino may be able to repair the tooth using tooth-colored filling material. However, if you wait too long, the tooth may become severely damaged, requiring a dental crown for strength and protection.
If you require emergency dentistry in Erie, PA, please don't hesitate to call Harborcreek Dental at (814) 899-0444. Our friendly team will be happy to assist you.
At Harborcreek Dental, we specialize in providing emergency dental procedures to address any urgent dental problems you may be facing. We understand that dental emergencies can vary greatly, which is why our experienced team, led by Dr. Kevin Sambuchino, will carefully assess your situation and tailor your treatment to meet your specific needs.
The first step in receiving emergency dental care is to contact our office and inform us about your situation and the symptoms you are experiencing. By doing so, we can customize your treatment plan to provide you with the immediate relief you require.
Here are some of the emergency dental procedures available at our dental office in Erie, PA, designed to restore your oral health and get you back on track:
- Removal of tooth decay and filling of cavities using tooth-colored fillings
- Repair of chipped or broken teeth through fillings or dental bonding
- Re-cementation of a lost dental crown onto a tooth
- Removal of stuck food particles from between teeth
- Emergency root canal procedures for infected teeth
- Tooth extraction when it is the only viable option
If you believe you are facing an urgent dental situation that is not specifically mentioned here, please do not hesitate to contact Harborcreek Dental and speak with a member of our team. We are here to assist you in scheduling a convenient appointment as soon as possible. If you are in pain, we will make every effort to see you on the same day for treatment.
