Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need X-rays?
Do you see children?
What should I do in an emergency?
I don't like seeing the dentist. What do you recommend?
My gums bleed after I brush. Should I be worried?
What are my payment options?
Does my insurance cover that?
Will you file to my insurance?

Do I need X-rays?

To provide optimal care, we take cavity-detecting X-rays once a year and a panoramic X-ray every three years. Because we use a digital system, our patients are exposed to about 80-percent less radiation than with a traditional radiograph. X-rays and intraoral photographs help us track your oral health and address problems early, when conservative dentistry can correct most issues. If you haven't had a checkup and X-rays in a while, call us for an appointment.

Do you see children?

We not only see children, we love children! Dr. Stofer is the proud father of a new child, Harrison, and our entire team would be honored to help your kiddos establish a solid foundation for optimal oral health and a lifetime of healthy smiles. One way we help children ward off tooth decay is by applying dental sealants to back teeth. Call to schedule a visit for your kids today. We can't wait to see them smile!

What should I do in an emergency?

If you're a current patient, we're always available to help you. Simply call our main number and follow the instructions to contact us after hours. If you have not visited us before, we suggest you go to your local emergency room for emergency care. Some situations can be handled temporarily until our office opens. For instance, if a temporary crown falls out, you can use toothpaste as an adhesive until you get to our office the following day. Should you or your child knock a tooth out, put it in a glass of milk, then see us as soon as possible – and bring the tooth!

I don't like seeing the dentist. What do you recommend?

If your anxiety is mild, you may be surprised how comfortable you feel in our office. Our inviting, caring team will help you relax, and we are all happy to answer questions. However, if you are one of the many people who avoid the dentist out of fear or anxiety, Dr. Stofer may recommend oral conscious sedation. You can get the dental work you need and want with complete peace of mind. Just give us a call to learn more, or read the sedation article in our patient library.

My gums bleed after I brush. Should I be worried?

Bleeding gums could indicate that your toothbrush is too hard, or maybe you press to hard when you brush. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of periodontal disease, A.K.A. gum disease, as well. If your gums bleed, something is wrong. Please call us for a checkup. In the early stage, called gingivitis, gum disease is easily thwarted. Left untreated, it can advance to cause tooth loss, bone degeneration, and serious health risks, such as for stroke, heart attack, respiratory problems, and osteoporosis.

What are my payment options?

We make paying for dental care easy. You may pay with check, cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or through the trusted third party financing institutions, CapitalOne Healthcare Finance and American General.

Does my insurance cover that?

Dental insurance is diverse. Some policies cover only a small percentage of fees, while others cover 50 percent or greater. The more you or your employer pays for premiums, the better the coverage, in most cases. Generally speaking, dental insurance covers some restorative and preventive procedures. Cosmetic treatment is not usually covered. Dr. Stofer accepts CapitalOne Healthcare Finance and American General financing to make cosmetic dentistry affordable for all of his patients. If you have questions, give us a call. We'll be happy to give you an estimate of what your insurance will cover.

Will you file to my insurance?

Yes. We will do a complimentary verification of dental benefits, and as a courtesy, we electronically file all dental claims for our patients. We will accept your co-pay or deductible at the time of your visit, unless prior arrangements have been made with our financial coordinator.