1010 Gallia Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Q) How does Dr. Murray keep up to date on current techniques, technology, and materials in dentistry?
Q) Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?
Q) What is a cosmetic dentist?
Q) I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?
Q) What are my options to replace missing teeth?
Q) I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
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?
Q) How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
Q) What makes you different from any other practice I can visit?
Q) Do you accept referrals?
Q) Will you care for my entire family?
Q) When do you like children to have a first dental visit?
Q) My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
Q) I can’t take off work, so do you have extended hours?
Q) Insurance is very confusing. Can your office administrator help me file?
Q) Do you accept my insurance plan?
Q) Can I finance my dental work?
Q) What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
A) We follow strict guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.
Q) How does Dr. Murray keep up to date on current techniques, technology, and materials in dentistry?
A) Dr. Murray – and our team – take more than the state's requirement for continuing education each year. We also read trade journals, attend professional association meetings, and do everything we can to keep in tune with the latest developments in general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, as well as dental technology. We are passionate about our careers, so we enjoy soaking up new information on our profession, then sharing it with you!
Q) Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?
A) If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call us. We would be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.
Q) What is a cosmetic dentist?
A) Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, so any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. To choose a good cosmetic dentist, review the doctor’s before-and-after photos of actual cases, ask about his or her postgraduate education in cosmetic dentistry, and make sure that you feel confident and comfortable in the office.
Q) I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?
A) An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you'll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.
Q) What are my options to replace missing teeth?
A) We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and dental implant restorations to replace missing teeth. Learn more about these services on our services page, then call for a consultation. With X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your dentition, Dr. Murray can help you decide which replacement option will be best for you.
Q) I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
A) Many people fear dental visits because of negative past experiences or control issues. We understand dental anxiety and offer a solution to help you overcome your stress. With oral conscious sedation, we can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve.
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) How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
A) Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Read more about these procedures in our cosmetic services area.
Q) What makes you different from any other practice I can visit?
A) We are one of the few dentist’s offices in the Portsmouth area to feature the latest technology, including digital X-rays, three kinds of lasers, Invisalign, and Zoom! Teeth Whitening In addition, we make every effort to see emergency cases the same day, which is not something a lot of dentists will do. Your safety, convenience, comfort, and health are always our top priorities.
Q) Do you accept referrals?
A) Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends and coworkers that we give you every time you visit.
Q) Will you care for my entire family?
A) Absolutely. We enjoy creating gorgeous, healthy smiles for patients of any age. If we find that your child – or you, for that matter – would benefit from seeing a specialist, we'll refer to a trusted colleague. Some children deal with dental appointments better at a pedodontist's office, that's what a children's dentist is called. We also refer patients who have extensive dental problems, like advanced periodontitis or problematic root canals, to specialist for optimal care. As a general dentist office, our preventive, restorative, prosthetic, and cosmetic dental services include treatments suitable for patients of all ages.
Q) When do you like children to have a first dental visit?
A) We want to see your child when they have teeth! Most children respond well to a dental visit around age three, though the ADA recommends children have a first visit at one year of age. Bring your child with you to your appointment so that he or she can become acclimated to the dentist's office. If you notice any development problems with your child's mouth or teeth, call us to schedule a visit immediately. Otherwise, we'd like to begin teaching your children how to care for their teeth and gums when they reach three or four years of age. By age four or five, they can begin hygiene treatments and regular checkups.
Q) My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
A) Place the tooth in a glass of milk and call or come in to our office as quickly as possible. Don't forget to bring the tooth! Use a warm, wet washcloth to cover the gums where the tooth fell from.
Q) I can’t take off work, so do you have extended hours?
A) We offer early and late appointments, as well as extended office hours, for your convenience. Call to reserve your appointment.
Q) Insurance is very confusing. Can your office administrator help me file?
A) We understand that dental insurance can be confusing, but we'll make it easy for you. Simply bring your card or claim into our office, or call to speak with our friendly insurance assistant. We'll be happy to estimate what your insurance will cover and file your claim for you.
Q) Do you accept my insurance plan?
A) We work with many insurance plans and will file your claim for you. Please be prepared to pay your co-pay or deductible at the time of treatment, and we will provide all necessary paperwork to your insurance provider in order to maximize your benefits.
Q) Can I finance my dental work?
A) We have partnered with CareCredit and Springstone, two trusted names in third-party financing, in order to make dentistry more affordable. CareCredit offers revolving credit, low monthly payments, and no interest for up to 18 months for patients who qualify.
Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Murray. Families in the Portsmouth, South Shore, Wheelersburg, Lucasville, and Otway areas have trusted us with their smiles since 1988.
