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Over the years, our patients have asked us many questions about their health, our treatments, and our practice. We’ve posted some of our most commonly asked questions and their answers below. If you have a question that isn’t posted, call our practice at 409-384-5438 so we can help you.
How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Dr. Koch is extensively trained, but because dentistry is constantly changing, he does a number of things to stay up to date on all of the current findings. We frequently attend continuing education courses that focus on the latest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He also belongs to a variety of organizations which offer seminars and conferences on changes in dentistry.
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How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
When you first visit our practice, we will recommend a maintenance program that is customized for you. The time between visits will be at three, four or six month intervals. If you take good care of your teeth, we may adjust this time period depending on the state of your teeth and gums.
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At what age should my children first see a dentist?
 We would like to see children after their third birthday. At this time, we will perform a visual exam, a tooth polishing and x-rays if possible to see how their teeth are doing. We do not force any young child to take x-rays if they are not ready. When your child is older, we will complete a more comprehensive exam.
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Do you accept referrals?
Yes. We always welcome new patients to our office.
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Do you accept my insurance plan?
In this day and age, we know deciphering your insurance benefits can be confusing. We are happy to help you with insurance concerns.
We feel, however, that your insurance should never dictate the quality or timing of your treatment. If you have extensive or long term dental care, our office offers financial assistance through an outside financing company with competitive interest rates. If you have any questions, call us at 409-384-5438.
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Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?
We know your schedule can change abruptly. Please call us immediately so we can reschedule you. If you cancel within 24 hours before your scheduled time, we reserve the right to charge you a cancellation fee.
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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
If you have an emergency, please call our office number at 409-384-5438 and follow the instructions to contact our on-call doctor.
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I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
When a temporary crown falls off or breaks, reattach the crown using dental adhesive or tooth paste. Then, call us immediately so we can schedule an appointment to evaluate the damage.
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My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
If your child’s tooth is knocked out during office hours and there is no imminent medical emergency, please contact us immediately. There is a chance we can replace the tooth if we see your child within the first hour. Place the tooth in a cup of milk, do not try to clean the tooth.
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What different payment options do you provide?
Our office accepts cash, check, and credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. Any amount not covered by your insurance is your responsibility.
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How can I ask Dr. Koch questions directly?
Dr. Koch welcomes any of your questions during your visit. If you have questions before your visit, you can also call our office to ask Dr. Koch questions directly.
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How can I safely whiten my teeth?
Many of our patients ask about whitening their teeth. Since each mouth is unique, we need to evaluate your teeth to recommend a specific method. If your teeth are cracked, chipped, or discolored, Dr. Koch may recommend restorative services, such as veneers or bonding. If you want to bleach your teeth, we use Opalescence in our office.
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What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
 We take several precautions to ensure your safety as our patient. First, we keep up-to-date on the latest sterilization procedures and research. Our office complies and exceeds OSHA standards for safety. Our instruments are thoroughly sterilized in accordance with ADA accepted guidelines. Most importantly, we have a sterilization center where we can maximize efficient sterilization and minimize the chance of contamination through human error. If you have any questions, we would be happy to demonstrate our sterilization procedures.
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What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
First we want to make sure we address your primary concerns. Afterward Dr. Koch wants to help you develop a lifetime strategy for your dental health. Dr. Koch has taken advanced training courses and offers a wide range of dental services. There are few dental conditions that he is not able to treat.
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I do not like drills. Are there any other options?
The whining sound of a drill can make the most comfortable person squirm. Depending on the procedure, we can use laser and air abrasion tools that are quieter and more comfortable. If you are still concerned, Dr. Koch is always happy to demonstrate how these tools work.
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My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Yes! You should be very concerned about bleeding gums, especially if you haven’t had a check-up in a while. While it may seem harmless, bleeding gums may indicate a variety of serious health problems, including gum disease. If your gums are bleeding, call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment so we can analyze the cause.
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I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
The first thing we do is listen to your concerns. We can tell when people are nervous about being in a dentist’s office. Nothing seems to help them relax.. We offer several amenities to make your visit comfortable. Dr. Koch has been using oral conscious sedation for his patients since 1995. This technique allows people to have their dentistry done in a safe and relaxed manner. Please let the office know if you are interested in having your dentistry done with sedation.
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Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials…where can I learn more about these procedures?
Dr. Koch usually recommends these restorative procedures as part of a permanent restoration. They are more durable, easy on your mouth, and aesthetic looking. You can learn more about these procedures on our Patient Education page. Our Favorite Links page also has links to Empress crowns and veneers.
If you are curious about any procedure we recommend, we welcome your questions. Dr. Koch strives to keep up on the latest research and findings. You can also use Caesy, the patient education system in our office, to show you information on a particular procedure.
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Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
Brushing cleans about 60% of your teeth while flossing covers the remaining 40%. Although that seems like a small percentage, this area is where all of the big problems originate. That’s why Dr. Koch believes cleaning this area is very important. If you have difficulty using traditional dental floss, however, our practice recommends using a Hydro-Floss oral irrigator.
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I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
There are a variety of ways to improve the appearance of your teeth without braces. We offer many cosmetic services to straighten your teeth. If you would like to enhance the appearance of your smile, call us so we can schedule an appointment with Dr. Koch. After listening to your goals and concerns, she can suggest ways to help you straighten your smile.
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My spouse snores and keeps me up at night. I have heard a dentist might be able to prescribe an appliance that prevents snoring. Can you help?
 We encourage your spouse to come in for a consultation with Dr. Koch to determine the cause. Sometimes people who snore may actually stop breathing for short periods during the night — a condition called sleep apnea. In other cases, snoring can be caused by enlarged anatomical structures within the mouth and throat. In the latter situation, we offer snore-guards, a small appliance that holds the mouth and throat open while you sleep and thus, prevents snoring. These devices are easy to use and we custom fit them to ensure your comfort.
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