INFORMATION

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FEES

Like all dentists in Ontario, our fees have increased for 2022 as they do every year at this time. The Ontario Dental Association releases a fee guide every year that most insurance companies use. However, many companies use guides that are years out of date or may use the guide rigidly, as if all people and all dental offices were identical. As before, if you have insurance, your coverage may or may not match our fees exactly. Our relationship is with you, not your insurance company and as such, you are responsible for the entire fee, regardless of your degree of insurance coverage. To make life easier for our patients, we only require the estimated difference between our fees, and what your insurance might pay, on the day of treatment. Should you require an estimate to submit to your insurance before treatment commences, please advise us well in advance as replies from them can take as long as 6 weeks. For those without insurance coverage, the same payment policies will apply as in previous years.

We are very proud of the services we offer and the people who make it all happen. Our staff of senior dentists and hygienists are well prepared to offer the best of what dentistry in 2022 has to offer. Our experienced and knowledgeable support staff are also well prepared to help you at every turn. An additional twist for 2020-2022, the pandemic has created many challenges for everyone including our staff and supply chain. Our dental office has stepped up to the challenge, providing one of the safest environments available today. Our commitment to maintaining that safe environment is exemplary and is noted and reviewed by our patients and we thank you for noticing. We hope that everyone is staying healthy during these difficult times and know that we continue to be here for you when you need us.

With respect to how fees are determined, see below an excerpt from the Ontario Dental Association regarding their Fee guide:

"ONTARIO DENTAL ASSOCIATION SUGGESTED FEE GUIDE FOR DENTAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY GENERAL PRACTITIONERS

This Guide is published by The Ontario Dental Association. The Guide is based on the provision of dental services which are performed under normal conditions and is intended to serve only as a reference for the general practitioner to enable development of a structure of fees which is fair and reasonable to the patient and to the practitioner. The Guide is not obligatory, and each practitioner is expected to determine independently the fees which will be charged for the services performed. This Guide is issued merely for professional information purposes, without any intention or expectation whatsoever that a practitioner will adopt the suggested fees."

How are fees determined?

Dentists are obligated to adhere to a high standard of dental care and must comply with strict statutory requirements designed to ensure the highest level of patient safety. Dentists are responsible for the costs related to operating a dental office.

Specialized equipment, products and materials used in dental treatment

The complexity of the treatment

Sterilization and safety protocols

Hiring trained and licensed staff and

Ongoing continuing education for the dental team

Practice location and other overhead costs.

Like any business owner, dentists must pay for the full costs of running their business. These costs can vary depending on many factors like location, the size of the practice and the number of staff. These variables are reflected in the fees charged to an individual patient for dental services. Dentists have to consider countless factors when determining their fees. Operating costs will vary between dental offices as well as provincially.

FINANCING

It is our commitment to provide the highest quality of care available. Our treatment Coordinators will be pleased to sit and discuss your recommended treatment and the associated fees to help organize your appointments and budget.

We are pleased to offer direct billing to your insurance company, you only pay the difference day of service. Our office can assist you in gathering the specifics about your plan and its limitations so you have all the information prior to booking your appointments. Please print this form and contact your insurance company, they will assist you in filling it out prior to your first visit with us.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

We are also pleased to provide financing through Paybright to ensure you get the treatment that you need, when you need it. The application process is quick and easy. The financial agreement is arranged between you and PayBright Financial Group directly, allowing you the freedom to proceed with your dental treatment when you are ready. Applications are processed same day, so you will not have to wait to start your treatment and with interest free options you can find a payment plan that works for you!

Treatment of our patients is not based on their insurance, but rather, based on their dental exam, medical history and the communication between the dentist and the patient.

Please keep in mind that your insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company/employer. You are ultimately responsible for your account. We offer electronic insurance submissions where possible. We ask that you provide the front desk team with your policy numbers/information and inform them of any changes to your policy.

We accept debit transactions and most major credit cards.

WHAT'S NEW

We are billing directly to your insurance company! Pay only your balance on the day of service. Call the office for more information.

Social Media 

Like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Tag us when you visit & don't forget, a compliment is the greatest review we can ask for :) 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pefferlaw_dental_centre/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Pefferlaw-Dental-Centre-191184940920461/


ORAL CANCER SCREENING

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to all cancers of the oral cavity, which include the following:

  • Lips and tongue
  • Teeth and gums
  • The lining inside the lips and cheeks
  • The roof and the floor of the mouth

During regular check-ups in our office, we will perform Oral Cancer screening exams in an effort to help detect any irregularities early. Prevention is the key - knowing what to look for, don't be afraid to ask us to look at something you may be concerned with. Keep track and take photos if you notice something and bring it to us to help you determine the next course of action. 

Oral cancer symptoms include:

  • A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
  • A lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat.
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth.
  • Unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth.
  • A sore throat that does not go away, or a feeling that something is caught in the throat.
  • Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing.
  • Swelling of the jaw causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
  • A change in voice and/or pain in the ear.

 

PATIENT EDUCATION

Glossary

Decay: is the slow degradation of a tooth as a result of acid production generated by the bacterial digestion of sugars.

Caries: The technical term for the progressive decay of a tooth or teeth.

Plaque: is a sticky build up of saliva, food and bacteria that attaches to the teeth.

Impacted: a tooth that is not yet come threw the gum tissue.

Abscess: a localized infection of a tooth and/or the gum.

Extra oral: is the outside of ones mouth.

Intraoral: is the inside of one mouth.

Apex: The very bottom of the root of your tooth

Periodontal disease: is inflammation and irritation of the gums which, if left untreated, can cause the jawbone and teeth to deteriorate and fall out.

Gingivitis: A disease of the gum tissue that can cause inflammation and bleeding.

Osteoclasts: Cells which help create the sockets in bones.

Osteoblasts: Cells which aid the growth and development of teeth and bones.

Edentulous: when all of their teeth are missing from either their upper or lower jaw

Desensitizing: is the application of a desensitizing agent to remove the sensitivity of ones tooth.

Interproximal: is the space in between ones teeth.

Distal: the surface of the tooth that is between ones tooth towards the back of the tooth.

Mesial: the surface of the tooth that is in between ones tooth towards the front of the tooth.

Incisal: The biting edge of your centrals and laterals.

Labial: The tooth surface next to your lips

Buccal: The tooth surface which is next to your cheeks.

Lingual: The tooth surface next to your tongue.

Occlusal: the chewing or grinding surface of ones teeth.

Anterior: An adjective used to describe things pertaining to your front teeth.

Posterior: An adjective used to describe things pertaining to your back teeth.

Pit & fissures: a small defect in the tooth enamel, usually found on the back teeth.

Retained roots: root remaining in jaw after tooth is extracted or broken off.

Pulpotomy: the removal of the infected portion of the pulp.

Pulpectomy: total removal of the pulp.

Gingivectomy: removal of gum tissue.

Pulpitis: inflammation of the pulp.

Maxilla: your upper jaw

Mandible: Your lower jaw

Air abrasion: removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive.

Local anesthetic: A local anesthetic is a type of medication that is administered to numb the pain in a specific area of the body.

Topical anesthetic: is a gel that is applied to ones gums before the local anesthetic is given to numb the area of injection.

Maryland Bridge: a bridge that is bonded or cemented only to the backs of the adjacent teeth.

Fixed bridge: A porcelain ceramic tooth that is bonded to two adjacent porcelain-crowned teeth without the ability to remove it.

Bridge: A type of prosthetic appliance that is used for the purpose of replacing a missing tooth or teeth.

Crown / Cap: A type of restorative prosthetic appliance that is used to help strengthen or replace parts of a missing tooth.

Implant: A type of prosthetic device that is inserted into the upper or lower jawbone, onto which an artificial tooth, crown or bridge can be anchored.

Pontic: A type of artificial tooth mounted on a fixed dental bridge and used to replace a missing natural tooth.

Denture: Artificial teeth that are intended for the partial or complete replacement of missing teeth.

Over denture: denture that fits over tooth roots or dental implants.

Abutment: Supports a fixed or removable dental bridge used to replace a missing tooth.

Inlay & Onlay: Are restorative devices that can be used in place of dental fillings to treat tooth decay / damage.

Post & core: a post and a buildup of material that replaces the lost tooth structure.

Scaling: Refers to the removal of plaque and other such staining from the surface of a tooth.

Flouride: A type of topical gel / liquid for the purpose of preventing tooth decay.

Root planning: procedure used to remove plaque and calculus from the root of the tooth.

Bonding: A technique used to bind an artificial material with the surface of a tooth for restorative purposes

Composite resin: is a plastic material used in bonding, restorative, and replacement procedures

Amalgam: A silver/mercury mixture which is used for fillings

Root canal: A procedure where the nerve of a heavily decayed tooth is removed from the tooth replaced with a filling material to illuminate pain.

Fracture: is when the tooth, cracks or chips, may cause pain.

Extraction: Removal of a tooth or teeth.

Veneer: A type of thin material that is used for restorative or aesthetic purposes to improve the look of one smile.

Ceramic: material used for crowns.

Porcelain: materials used for crowns.

Pulp: A soft tissue located in the centermost part of a tooth.

Dentin: The calcium part of a tooth below the enamel containing the pulp chamber and root canals.

Calculus or tartar: is hardened mineralized plaque that adheres to the teeth and roots.

Cementum: A fibrous connective tissue that envelopes the root of a tooth.

Enamel: The hard white substance on the outside of the tooth and it is one of the most mineralized substances in the body.

Bruxism: Defined as the clenching or grinding of the teeth at night.

Prophylaxis/ prophy: professional cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or hygienist.

Radiographs / X-ray: a photo of ones tooth structures.

TMJ (temporal madibural joint): is the joint where your lower jaw connects to your skull.

Over bite: A vertical overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth.

Over jet: increased projection of the upper teeth in front of the lower teeth.

Cross bite: the bottom teeth are shifted to one side or shoved forward or backward.

Open bite: is when ones teeth do not make contact with each other.

Recession: is the shrinking of ones gum tissues away from the tooth.

Pocket: the space between the root of ones tooth and there bone.

Gingiva: another name for ones gum tissues.

Malocclusion: Refers to the misalignment of the lower and upper teeth.

Furcation: region of division of the roots of the tooth that is exposed.

Mobility: the looseness of ones teeth.

Orthodontics:  is the practice of preventing and correcting the irregularities of ones teeth.

Decalcification: is the loss of calcium, due to bacteria and plaque sitting on the teeth.

Periodontal exam: is the measurement of the depth of the pocket between the root and gums.

Amalgam Tattoo: is the discoloration of the gums due to little bits of amalgam becoming embedded in the gum tissues, at the time of an amalgam filling.