What can I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit, you will receive a comprehensive exam, a full set of x-rays and intraoral pictures. With the exam, the doctor will provide a very thorough explanation of your treatment plan, options and priorities.
Based on the condition of your gums, a regular cleaning/prophylaxis will be done on the same visit or a periodontal/gum cleaning will be scheduled.
The dentist or hygienist will go over hygiene instructions and will answer any questions you may have regarding your oral health.
What Do I Do if I Have an Emergency Outside of Your Normal Hours?
Call at any time at 210-788-1967. If the office is closed, please listen to the instructions allowing Dr. Dianne Galan to be personally messaged to call you back, answer any questions pertaining to your emergency, and then come to the office for emergency treatment if needed. He lives close to the office and will surprise you with her willingness and availability for your emergency care.
Do You Accept My Dental Insurance Plan?
We want to save you the time and frustration it takes to review your dental insurance policy. We will gladly review your insurance benefits to determine which treatments are covered by your plan. All of us at Park Hill Dental are confident that our fees fairly reflect not only the quality of service and materials we provide but also the advanced education and expertise of our staff, as well as their laboratory support. Please call us to see if we can help you navigate the process of understanding your insurance plan. We also have Dental Financing Available through Care Credit.
What Are the Various Payment Options that You Provide?
Our relationship with our patients is of paramount importance and we will do everything we can to provide you with effective treatments that fit your needs as well as your budget. For your convenience and comfort, we offer a wide variety of financial options and welcome your suggestions and questions. We also have Dental Financing Available through Care Credit.
At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months of age and no later than one year of age. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.
What are Dr. Dianne Galan’s credentials on cosmetic dentistry?
Dr. Dianne Galan was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas where she attended St. Luke Catholic School and Clark High School. She received her Bachelor in Biology at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX and returned to San Antonio for her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at UT Health. Dianne is passionate about helping patients achieve their optimal oral health and creating beautiful smiles.
How Does the Park Hill Dental Team Keep Up-to-Date On All of the Current Techniques & Materials?
Dr. Dianne Galan loves being a dentist. It is not only her job but also her passion. She routinely attends over the required amount of continuing education hours each year. We all stay up-to-date at a rate that most dentists do not, and you’ll be able to tell through the quality of our dentistry and the technology in our office.
I Have a Temporary Crown on My Teeth. What Happens if it Breaks or Falls Off?
We recommend that you put it back into its original place and call our office so our dentists can reset the crown right away. Making sure your tooth is covered is overwhelmingly important. If this has happened to you, contact us immediately.
What Makes You Different from All of the Other Dental Practices I Can Visit?
Our number one goal is for you to have a great visit. A great visit is defined by top quality dentistry and outstanding service. It starts with a sincerely interested member of our team greeting you in an upbeat manner when you call our office. Then, you will have a personal introduction upon your arrival. We make sure you’re completely comfortable with every procedure we propose. Our dentist in San Antonio uses cutting-edge technology and educational resources to help aid in the conversations about your treatment and help you see what we’re talking about for yourself. We are trained in caring not only about your teeth but who you are, what your desires and needs are, and how you like to be treated. Our staff takes pride in addressing comfort and providing effective, life-long care of your oral health.
I Want My Teeth to Look Better, but I Don’t Want to Wear Braces. What Would You Recommend?
Clear Correct© is a great option because it is, in fact, the clear alternative to braces. There is also the option of cosmetic dental enhancements to make an amazing improvement in your smile. Call to schedule a FREE smile design consultation with the Park Hill Dental.
Does Dental insurance cover cosmetic dental services?
Every dental insurance plan is unique, and coverage can vary. Most of the time, cosmetic services are not covered by insurance; however, there may be exceptions, it is up to the insurance company and the clinical explanation of the treatment. Before we perform any work, we can evaluate your plan and let you know the out-of-pocket costs you’re responsible to pay. Our team can file your insurance information and help you get the most out of your insurance plan. To break up the cost into small, more manageable monthly payments, we offer financing through CareCredit with little to no interest, making any service fit within your budget.
How quickly can I get a smile makeover?
Depending on the treatment solution you and Dr. Dianne Galan decide on, you could have an updated smile in as little as one or two appointments. For Clear Correct©, treatment will likely be completed by 18 months at the most. At your consultation, Dr. Dianne Galan can give you a more accurate estimated timeline for achieving the final results.
How can I make my smile makeover last?
Unfortunately, as with all things in life, your smile makeover won’t last forever, but you can certainly make it last for as long as possible through the right care. In most cases, care is exactly the same. Daily brushing and flossing and visiting our office for your six-month checkup and cleaning become imperative whether you get porcelain veneers or whiten your teeth. At that appointment, we can ensure that your smile continues to shine beautifully and make any necessary adjustments to keep up the “wow” factor of your pearly whites.
Why is visiting the dentist so important?
Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:
– Helps prevent tooth decay
– Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
– Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath
– Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence
– Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, drinks, and tobacco
– Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!
My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?
Your teeth may feel fine, but it’s still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile’s appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today’s dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:
– Professional teeth whitening
– Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth
– Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers
– What should I look for when choosing the right dentist for me?
Choosing a dentist who “vibes” with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:
– Is the appointment schedule convenient?
– Is the office easy to get to and close by?
– Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?
– Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
– Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?
– Is information about the cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?
How can I take care of my teeth between dental checkups?
– ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once per day!
– Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.
– Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the number of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
– Don’t be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
– Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.
How often should I see the dentist?
Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.
What is a filling?
A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.
How often should I brush my teeth?
According to your dentist and the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeth. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue; it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!
When should I change my toothbrush?
Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you’ve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.
What is gum disease?
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:
– Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
– Chronic bad breath
– Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
– Extreme tooth sensitivity
– Receding gum line
– Abscessed teeth
If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
How do I schedule my next dental exam?
Simply call our office or book online! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.
Do You Accept Referrals & New Patients?
Yes. We love referrals and do accept new patients. Great people also refer wonderful people, so we look forward to treating your friends with the same expert care we provide for you.
What is a dentist?
A dentist is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at least eight years of schooling and received either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. Specializations in dentistry include:
– Endodontics (root canals)
– Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgery)
– Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
– Periodontics (gum disease)
– Prosthodontics (implants)
What is dentistry?
Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry can have an impact on the health of your entire body.
