FAQ's
Craig Hendrickson, President and CEO of Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington, presents the Red Cross Hero Award to Dr. Kal Klass, December, 2006.
What sets you apart from other dental offices?
I learned a lot from my background, working in difficult settings (including nursing homes, clinics with disabled children, prisons and foreign countries). Our office has a reputation for the following: We are always on time. We deal with phobic patients exceptionally well. The dentist will clean your teeth himself if preferred. We are one of the only offices in all of the Capital Hill/First Hill area which treats children (ages 6 months to 18 years). Finally, it will be hard to find another dentist in this area who does as much volunteer work in the community as Dr. Klass.
What will happen on my first visit?
First, we will review and discuss your health history to make sure we understand all of your health issues. We will discuss what we can do for you in an unrushed manner. This can sometimes be a lengthy conversation where we will get to know each other. We will conduct a comprehensive examination that will include an oral cancer screening exam, cavity check, periodontal screening and recording. We will also take x-rays and other diagnostic information to help create a comprehensive plan for you. We do this in a very relaxed atmosphere and our waiting room is more like a living room.
What kind of fillings do you do?
We do it all! Fillings can be made out of tooth colored composites (the most common in our office), silver, gold, and porcelain. We let the patient make their own choice. However, in certain instances one material may by advantageous to others and I will give my advise on these situations.
Which are better? Crowns, implants, cemented bridges, or removable bridges?
It is always best to save the original tooth and when that is possible, a crown sometimes is necessary to prevent further fractures. This can occur in teeth with large fillings or when a person grinds their teeth in their sleep. Implants are the best way to replace missing teeth in many instances. Cemented bridges also replace missing teeth and may be the best option if teeth on either side of the missing tooth also need crowns. A removable bridge also may be a good option to replace several missing teeth and is more affordable for some patients.
Dental Implants — what are they?
As mentioned above, dental implants have become a treatment option for many patients who are missing one or more teeth. A dental implant is a replacement tooth “root” constructed of medical grade titanium. A separate crown is made to be cemented or screwed over this “titanium root”. Dental implants are extremely stable, strong and natural looking. Patients with dental implants are able to eat, smile and laugh just like anyone else with natural teeth since it actually does feel like a real tooth.
Will it hurt?
If you haven’t been to a dental office in a while, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Today’s dentistry is faster than ever before, and procedures are virtually pain-free. Drilling that used to take 1-2 hours now can often be accomplished in 5 minutes, thanks to the use of newer high speed dental drills. All of our staff members are highly trained to make each of your visits as pleasant and comfortable as possible. We have many options to help you relax here, including topical anesthetic to numb the gums before the injection, new, stronger local anesthetics, nitrous oxide and oral pre-medication. We have been able to relax and calm even the most phobic dental patient.
Do you accept my dental insurance?
Our front office staff are experts with dental insurance and they will do everything possible to help you maximize your benefits. Our financial policy allows us to provide you with the best treatment available and does not limit your health to just what your plan covers. We will be happy to submit your insurance paperwork for you at the time of treatment. Remember, your insurance is, unfortunately, not meant to cover what treatment is necessary. It is only meant to help pay for the overall cost of your treatment.
If you have any questions about your insurance, please feel free to call for more information.
Call for an appointment today:
(206) 324-3800
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