What kind of practice do you have?
We have a general dentistry practice with an emphasis in cosmetics and prevention. Our practice is distinguished by its commitment to personalized attention and service to our patients. Appointment confirmation calls are routine, as well as follow-up calls after longer procedures. Technical and professional excellence is expected and our staff is superbly competent and personable. You are treated like a guest in our home.

Does your office accept insurance?
Our office works with any insurance company that allows you to choose your personal doctor. We are not affiliated with any insurance companies, which limit your choice of dental offices. We submit your claims electronically to minimize delay in reimbursement.

Is your office technologically up-to-date?
Dr. Wade has practiced in Mesa since 1984, and regularly participates in continuing education courses. Our office offers state-of-the-art-sterilization, cosmetic imaging, intra-oral cameras and digital radiography, which reduces radiation by 80%. Each treatment room has its own computer station.

Do you offer the new techniques in cosmetics?
Our office is at the forefront of cosmetic smile design with all-porcelain restorations. We are very experienced at designing smiles with porcelain veneers, bonding and all porcelain crowns. We use a local lab with master lab technicians, who work closely with us to customize your new smile.

Does your office offer payment plans?
We have partnered with a company that has convenient payment options, offers 90 days same as cash, and provides rapid approval. Please ask if you would like to take advantage of this service.

Does Dr. Wade treat children?
We like to see that children get started in a warm, friendly atmosphere so that going to the dentist will be a pleasant experience for them. We see children starting at the age of three.

What are dental implants?

People often refer to a dental implant as a replacement tooth, but it is actually a metal post or appliance that replaces the patient's tooth root or roots. Once the artificial root or roots are in, replacement teeth are put in place and thus anchored firmly to the bone by the implant. The patient's new teeth look, feel and work just like natural teeth. There are several types of dental implants suited to various dental conditions.

What are the benefits of implants?

Dental implants are an alternative for:

• The patient who cannot function comfortably with conventional dentures.
• The patient who has lost teeth and wants to avoid removable partial dentures.
• The patient who needs a crown or fixed bridge but doesn't want to damage his or her adjacent healthy teeth.
• The person who wants to have the dental solution that is the closest to what Mother Nature created.

Do all patients who want cosmetic makeovers get the same kind of teeth?

Absolutely not! Each person has a look they want for themselves and they have facial structure and skin tones that guide us in making individual selections that vary in size, shape, and color for each person.

Do I have to get my teeth capped to get rid of spaces between my front teeth?

In most cases capping to correct spaces isn't necessary. Today with beautiful, natural looking porcelain veneers (also called porcelain facings) we can easily make dramatic cosmetic changes to remove spaces, fix cracked teeth, do minor tooth straightening, and change the color of your teeth. In many instances, little or no tooth structure needs to be removed to create the smile of your dreams.

Is "tooth whitening" safe?

Bleaching procedures are safe and approved by the American Dental Association. Bleaching does not wear away any tooth structure or make a tooth more susceptible to staining.

Is gum surgery essential if I have periodontal (gum) disease?

We have found, many times, surgery is not necessary following a conservative course of periodontal treatment. This type of care typically includes a series of nonsurgical gum treatments. Even when surgery is required, it often is needed only in a few areas of the mouth and results can be greatly enhanced by nonsurgical preparation.

If periodontal disease is such a problem, why doesn't it hurt?

This is, unfortunately, a very good question. Periodontal problems can become quite serious and extremely advanced without any pain whatsoever. That is why it is so important to be attentive to the warning signs - bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, swollen gums, receded gums, teeth changing position, pus or swelling around gums - to name a few.