FAQs
- Dental visits make me feel nervous…can you help?
- My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
- My denture comes loose at the most inopportune times. What can I do?
- I have not been to the dentist in years, and I’m ashamed to let a professional see the condition of my mouth. Is your staff judgmental?
- What can you do to improve the appearance of my smile?
- My tooth hurts. Why do I need a root canal?
- Why do some dentists do extractions and root canals, while others refer patients to specialists?
- Can I finance my dental work?
- How can I ask the doctor questions directly?
Q) Dental visits make me feel nervous…can you help?
A) Once you experience care with Dr. Dougherty, a compassionate and non-judgmental sedation dentist, your anxiety will dissipate. Dr. Dougherty has over 20 years of experience helping fearful patients overcome their apprehension. He offers many options for sedation dentistry, delivered in a calm, inviting atmosphere where you can feel safe. With sedation dentistry, you can receive years’ worth of dental work in a single visit. We can repair broken, worn, or cracked teeth, replace missing teeth, treat gum disease, and more. Call Dr. Dougherty to learn more about sedation dentistry.
Q) My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
A) You'll need to first schedule a consultation with Dr. Dougherty. He can assess your oral health and discuss options for replacement teeth. In general, you can choose from crown and bridgework, partial or full dentures, or dental implants. As the most natural prosthetic to natural tooth structure, a dental implant offers the most long-lasting, comfortable, natural-looking choice.
Q) My denture comes loose at the most inopportune times. What can I do?
A) Bring your denture to our office for an analysis. Because gum tissue changes over time, it’s a good idea to have your denture relined every 7 to 10 years. Dr. Dougherty can also secure your denture with dental implants. Anchored securely by the jawbone, dental implants will permanently hold your denture in place, eliminating slipping, clicking, and the need for denture pastes or creams.
Q) I have not been to the dentist in years, and I’m ashamed to let a professional see the condition of my mouth. Is your staff judgmental?
A) First of all, congratulations on your wise decision to prioritize dental healthcare. Your mouth is a big part of your overall health, quality of life, and self-esteem. We will not judge you, but help you by addressing your oral problems, explaining treatment options, then scheduling a plan of action that suits your schedule and your budget.
Q) What can you do to improve the appearance of my smile?
A) Well, we'd like to start by evaluating your oral health, existing smile, and discussing your idea of a spectacular smile. We may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, replacement teeth, and replacing metal dental work with esthetic restorations. Maybe a smile makeover will be right for you. Call to schedule a cosmetic consultation, and together, we'll determine the best road to your ideal smile.
Q) My tooth hurts. Why do I need a root canal?
A) If your tooth pain is caused by an infection within the tooth, then a root canal will alleviate your discomfort and restore the tooth. Left untreated, an infected tooth will worsen and eventually require extraction and replacement with a prosthetic. Dr. Dougherty has over 15 years of experience performing root canals. He uses gentle techniques and offers sedation to ensure your experience is comfortable.
Q) Why do some dentists do extractions and root canals, while others refer patients to specialists?
A) Every general dentist receives a similar education in dental school. However, general dentists can choose which continuing education courses to take each year. Dr. Dougherty has taken advanced coursework in root canals, dental implants, sedation dentistry, and oral surgery, including wisdom teeth extractions. We proudly treat a variety of complex needs in our office, so our patients don’t have to visit multiple specialists to receive the care they need.
Q) Can I finance my dental work?
A) We have partnered with CareCredit, a trusted name in third-party financing, in order to make dentistry more affordable. CareCredit offers revolving credit, low monthly payments, and no interest for up to 12 months for patients who qualify. Visit the CareCredit website to fill out an online application.
Q) How can I ask the doctor questions directly?
A) At our dental office, we take pride in having open and honest relationships with our patients. Feel free to call the office any time to speak with your dentist directly. We’re happy to explain treatment options, offer advice, and answer any other questions you may have. You can also fill out the form on our Ask the Dentist page, and we’ll reply to your question as soon as possible.
Delmarva Sedation Dentistry – The Shore Choice
Take the first step toward health and wellness, call our West Ocean City dental office and reserve your appointment with Dr. Edward T. Dougherty. Delmarva Sedation Dentistry serves the entire Delmarva peninsula including, Bethany Beach, Selbyville, Rehobeth, Fenwick, Ocean Pines, Salisbury, and Berlin with gentle, holistic care for smiles that last a lifetime.