Common Questions
- What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
- I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
- How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
- How can I ask the Doctor questions directly?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- What different payment options do you provide?
- I do not like drills. Are there any other options?
- What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
We want to make certain that we stand out as being the very best health care practice you have ever visited. We are committed to making sure you feel like you are part of a family. We are a unique practice consisting of a small team of 6, taking pride in treating everyone as an individual and customizing your dental wants and needs in a fashion that best suits you. Since comfort is a big concern for most people in the dental office, we are highly trained to offer many different options for sedation if desired.
I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
Once you've experienced the care of an excellent sedation dentist, you'll never be afraid to go to the dentist again.
You'll be sedated just enough to be unaware of your treatment. At the completion of our care, you'll feel relaxed and comfortable. You'll discover how quickly and easily years of neglect can be corrected. We can replace crowns or missing teeth, treat gum disease, whiten yellow or stained teeth, repair a chipped tooth, and more. People with very busy schedules can receive the dental care they need, easily, quickly and comfortably.
Dr. Dougherty has trained with some of the world's most prominent sedation dental specialists. He will provide exceptional dental care in an environment where you will feel relaxed and safe. Learn more about Sedation Dentistry.
How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
He travels all over the country attending well in excess of requirements for continuing education in order to give his patients the benefits of the latest advances in dentistry.
Because we care for fearful patients it is necessary for us to master expertise in all areas of dentistry. Dr. Dougherty is a Fellow of the Misch Implant Institute, member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, Crown Council, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantology. Dr. Dougherty is certified in IV sedation and oral sedation and has trained with some of the world's most prominent sedation dental specialists.
How can I ask Dr. Dougherty questions directly?
Please contact Dr. Dougherty at 301.530.2434 or submit a question online. He will answer your questions quickly and privately.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Dr. Dougherty provides excellent private care on a fee-for-service basis. He does not participate in any Managed Care Insurance Plans. Our team will gladly provide you all the necessary documentation you will need to file your insurance and maximize your benefits.
What different payment options do you provide?
We offer excellent financing arrangements through Care Credit, which has a variety of financing options. There is a very simple application process, and response is usually received within minutes of filing the application.
Generally speaking, the best time to contact team members for administrative assistance is between 8AM and 3PM Monday thru Thursday. On Fridays we normally attend continuing education courses or complete administrative tasks on behalf of our patients.
I do not like drills. Are there any other options?
Fortunately for patients like you, there is a relatively new filling preparation technique known as 'air abrasion', which both removes decay and prepares teeth for fillings. Dr. Dougherty simply cleans out and prepares the site to be filled by sending a blast of tiny, high-speed aluminum oxide particles into the cavity itself. The particles hit the tooth under high pressure, bounce off at high speeds, and consequently blast away any decay. Air abrasion is quiet, quick, relatively painless and avoids sacrificing tooth structure.
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Tooth Loss Accident - Proper First Aid
If the tooth is loose, but is still attached in any way, leave it in place; do not remove it. If it is out of its socket completely and unattached, but still in the mouth, it is best to have the person hold it there, if possible, until a dentist can attempt re-implantation. If it is out of the mouth, do not let it dry out. Handle it as little as possible. Do not attempt to disinfect the tooth, scrub it, or remove any tissue attached to it. If it is recovered from the ground or other soiled area, gently rinse it off in lukewarm water. Preserve it in milk until a dentist is available. If milk is not available, lukewarm water will suffice.
The length of time the tooth is out of the socket is critical in the long-term success of re-implantation. After 30 minutes, the success potential begins to decline. However, re-implantation is still possible after several hours, so the attempt can still be made even if the tooth has been out for a long period.
Emergency Contact
In the event of an emergency, dial 301-530-2434. You will be instructed in the following manner for pager notification:
Leave a detailed message which includes your name and telephone number. Then simply press the # sign on your telephone keypad followed by the numbers 911. This will activate Dr. Dougherty's pager, and he will return your call as soon as possible. In the event that Dr. Dougherty is out of paging range, he will check messages every 3 hours and return your call.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Your safety and comfort is very important to us. Our team keeps up-to-date on the latest sterilization procedures and research. We have a sterilization center to maintain the highest infection control standards. All instruments and handpieces are sterilized between patients.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
Starting with healthy teeth and gums, we can perfect your smile through porcelain restorations, veneers, teeth whitening, and other state-of-the-art treatments. Unlike plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry isn't a major operation. Imagine coming in for a single appointment or two and emerging with the smile you've always wanted...no pain, no strain, no time taken away from your busy life. The results are immediate and dramatic.
Come in for a consultation. There are many ways we can give you a youthful, attractive, natural looking smile!