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Northland Dental

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can we help you?

Patient education plays a large part in providing quality dental care, and at Northland Dental, we always welcome your questions. They show us that you're engaged and interested in your oral health and also help inform us on what the issues are that matter to you. 

Dr. Atchison and his team have decades of combined dentistry experience and are always available to provide any oral health information you need. Some of the questions that we hear most often are listed below, but we encourage you to contact us if you have a concern that's not addressed here. 

Other

At Northland Dental, we are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, and United Concordia and are happy to file PPO insurance claims on your behalf, even if you’re out-of-network. Brittany is our finance manager, and her job is to make the entire insurance process easier for you.

If you are out of our network, you can still receive benefits when you see Dr. Atchison but without the in-network discounted rate. Patients at our Moorhead dental office discover that, while out-of-pocket expenses may be higher, the quality of the dentistry they receive more than makes up for the slight cost difference.

Dental Treatment Plans to Fit Your Budget

Of course, we understand that dental care is an investment, even with insurance. We are committed to helping you maintain excellent oral health regardless of whether or not you are insured. If you are on a tight budget, we will adapt your treatment to fit your needs by planning it in stages over a longer period of time.

CareCredit Financing for Dental Costs

If you are uninsured or want to finance your out-of-pocket costs, we also offer CareCredit. With CareCredit, you are covered as soon as you receive approval, which can take just a few minutes. You will be eligible for treatment that day, and you can pay off the balance over several months.

We also accept debit cards and major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Call Us with Your Dental Insurance Questions

Our goal at Northland Dental is to make it as convenient as possible for you to receive quality dentistry, so don’t hesitate to call our Moorhead, MN dental office if you have insurance or financing questions.

Dental Exams and Cleanings

Routine exams and teeth cleanings are crucial, regardless of whether or not your teeth feel okay. In fact, visiting the dentist when you aren’t experiencing any pain allows us to see if a cavity or other problem is brewing that we need to treat.

Dental Exams and Cleanings Every Six Months

We recommend preventive exams and teeth cleanings every six months for children and adults, the same frequency recommended by the American Dental Association. Patients with a history of gum disease may require more frequent dental cleanings to protect their oral health.

It is always easier on you and your oral health to practice prevention by being proactive with routine dental appointments. If you don’t, you may be at greater risk for cavities and gum disease that cause discomfort and may require involved treatment to correct.

Schedule a Dental Cleaning in Moorhead, MN

At Northland Dental, we are always happy to welcome new patients and families to our extended dental family. If it has been a while since your last exam and cleaning, you will receive no judgment from us; we care more about where your oral health is going than where it’s been, and we are excited to be taking this next step with you.

General Dentistry

Yes, we are pleased to welcome family members of all ages to our comfortable, friendly dental office in Moorhead, MN. We treat everyone, from toddlers ready for their first dental exam to parents and grandparents interested in dental crowns or implants. 

General Dentistry in Moorhead, MN

Included in general dentistry are all the services adults and kids need to achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Everyone should have dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months, including children.

These routine checkups give Dr. Atchison a current picture of your oral health and recommend prompt treatment if he detects a cavity or gum disease. You can view these appointments as an investment in your oral health because it’s far easier to prevent a cavity than it is to treat one once it develops.

Prompt Care for Dental Emergencies

If you have a toothache, broken tooth, or lost crown, we also offer emergency dentistry so you don't have to wait for pain relief. We leave extra time in our daily schedule for patients who can’t wait to be seen. If your tooth emergency occurs after hours, call our main number to be connected to a dentist in our network who can help you.

Schedule Your Next Dental Exam

Would you like to schedule an appointment for your next dental exam and cleaning? Please call our Moorhead, MN dental office, and we will be happy to help you!

Dental Implants

Modern dentistry gives us several options to help patients who want to replace missing teeth and improve their smiles. We offer dental bridges, dental implants, and implant dentures at our Moorhead dental office, and Dr. Andrew Atchison would be happy to meet with you to determine which is best.

Fixed Dental Bridges

We commonly recommend a dental bridge for patients with one or two teeth missing from the same spot in their mouths. Bridges are designed as a unit, with an artificial tooth that sits in the gap and dental crowns secured to adjacent teeth. This means that the anchor teeth on either side must be strong and healthy enough to support crowns. 

Dental Implants

A dental implant is unique because it is a standalone tooth replacement. A tiny titanium post is surgically implanted in your jaw and replaces the lost tooth root. As the implant heals, it forms a secure bond with bone and tissue and becomes stable enough to place a crown, bridge, or denture on top of it. 

Implant-Supported Dentures

Removable dentures are a popular tooth replacement but come with drawbacks, including unpredictable movement and embarrassing moments with friends. At our Moorhead dental office, we take the best of implants and dentures and merge them to deliver stable implant dentures.

Held firmly in place with dental implants, these dentures will never move, slip, or fall out because they are secured in your jawbone.

Learn More about Tooth Replacement in Moorhead, MN

If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth and want to schedule an appointment to discuss your options, please call Northland Dental. We look forward to helping you!

Teeth Whitening

As you age, it’s common to notice that your teeth don’t look as bright and vibrant as they once did. Depending on your lifestyle habits, this can begin to happen as early as your twenties.

There are many different foods and drinks that stain your teeth. Some may be obvious, but there are probably others that you never suspected could be adding to the discoloration of your smile.

Here are some of the most notorious culprits:

Beverages That Stain Teeth

  • Coffee (with or without lightener)
  • Dark teas
  • Red and white wine
  • Colas 

Foods That Stain Teeth

  • Blueberries and blackberries
  • Beets
  • Tomato sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Some curries

These foods and beverages leave staining pigments behind, but highly acidic foods like fruit juices are also a problem because they eat away at tooth enamel.

It may seem impossible to be able to enjoy all the foods you love and still keep a bright, white smile. The key is moderation and conscientious oral hygiene. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water frequently and wait about 30 minutes then brush your teeth if possible.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Moorhead, MN

If your teeth are already stained, or you just want to brighten a faded smile, you can always opt for professional teeth whitening at Northland Dental. We offer several whitening options, including in-office treatment and customized take-home whitening kits.

Please call our Moorhead dental office to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning to get started. 

Emergency Dentistry

Seeking prompt treatment for a dental emergency is important, and in some cases, can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. However, not all problems require you to disrupt your day to visit our Moorhead dental office for emergency dental treatment.

How do you know the difference? You call Northland Dental first! Our dental team is very knowledgeable and has been trained to take your emergency call. They will ask what symptoms you are experiencing and calmly explain steps you can take to handle your situation until you can see us. 

Dental Emergencies We Treat 

At Northlands Dental, we can treat any dental emergency you face:

  • Tooth pain
  • Broken teeth
  • Lost fillings and crowns
  • Bleeding gums
  • Jaw pain and swelling
  • Abscessed and infected teeth
  • Dental trauma

Dr. Andrew Atchison is an experienced dentist who offers prompt emergency treatment for patients with dental problems that can’t wait. Please don't ignore tooth pain as it is your body’s way of telling you that something serious is happening with your oral health.

Cavities and tooth infections don’t heal themselves, and the sooner Dr. Atchison sees you, the better it is for your long-term oral health. 

Call for Emergency Dental Treatment in Moorhead, MN

If you are experiencing any of the dental emergencies listed above or have another issue you don’t see here, please call Northland Dental. We will listen to your concern and get you on our schedule as soon as possible.

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