Questions and Answers

Over the years, Dr. Friend has learned that many patients have the same questions about dental care. The questions and answers below might be all you need.

Remember though, that Dr. Friend and his team treat all patients as individuals, so bring your unique concerns to your appointment.

How can I get over my fear of dentists?
This is the most common concern expressed by new patients. Our goal is to always make our patients comfortable, to make all procedures pain-free and to actually have fun while building great smiles!
Can I have a beautiful smile?
Many patients simply want a gorgeous, "Hollywood", smile. A number of options are available, suited to individual situations and needs. Some patients may only need at-home whitening, while others may require porcelain veneers.

Whitening trays are custom built in our lab and we provide the very best whitening gel on the market today. Excellent results are usually obtained in about a week of daily use at home. Emergency whitening - for a party, wedding or special event - is available as well and produces dramatic results in about an hour.

With veneers, we can often correct minor orthodontic problems, change the shape of your smile and achieve a dental shape and color which is attractive and appropriate for your age. It's a truly custom-designed smile.
At what age should my children first see the dentist?
We recommend bringing children with you at two or three years of age, when their teeth are in. Children are able to adjust to seeing Dr. Friend and his team, and dental problems can be diagnosed early before they affect the development of the child's permanent teeth.
What are sealants, and why are they necessary?
Sealants are great! Teeth normally decay in the grooves and fissures of the teeth. Sealants are a very thin, light-cured material that fills these grooves and fissures, reducing the chance of decay.

We usually recommend that sealants be applied when a child's adult molars come in at about age six.
Why does my jaw hurt in the morning?
Nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching is a common problem which can not only be annoying for a person's partner, but can also cause damage to tooth structure and jaw joints.

Often the patient is unaware of the problem, and instead is told about this by his or her partner who describes nighttime noises. We can help resolve grinding and clenching in conservative ways. Mild bite adjustments and therapy with custom designed occlusal guards will often relieve the problem and prevent further annoyance and damage.
I HATE my partial denture! How can I get rid of it?
Partial dentures are sometimes uncomfortable, and patients often want an alternative.

Sometimes, a simple, permanent bridge can be made to replace the removable partial denture. Bridges also give me the opportunity to cosmetically correct your smile by adjusting tooth length, size, color, shape and arrangement.

Partial dentures become uncomfortable as they move about, and patients also dislike the need to remove partials for cleaning. Fixed bridges resolve these problems and provide a solution which improves your smile.
Does Dr. Friend take insurance?
Yes. Simply call the office at (804) 282-3838 and we will be happy to determine if we can accept your insurance. Please be ready to provide contact information for your insurance company.
Does Dr. Friend offer payment plans?
Yes. Financing is available through CareCredit. With credit approval, interest-free financing is available. We also accept major credit cards.
How soon can I get an appointment to see Dr. Friend?
Right away! Most of our patients are seen within a week of their call, depending on their schedule. If you have an emergency, you're seen the same day.
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