Dallas Esthetics
Frank L. Higginbottom, D.D.S. | Richard B. Derksen, D.M.D., M.S. | Sloan W. Hildebrand, D.D.S., M.S. | Priscila Schaefer. D.D.S.
New Patient Forms +Dental Emergencies
8201 Preston Rd #750
Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 827-1150

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has specialized in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures. A prosthodontist is an expert in cosmetics, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures and temporomandibular disorders.

What is the difference between a dentist and a prosthodontist?

A dentist is trained to provide a wide variety treatments, and may offer advanced cosmetic and restorative solutions alongside basic dental services. A prosthodontist, however, has 3 years of advanced training beyond what’s required to become a dentist.

How does your practice differ from other dental practices?

We strive to provide honest and quality work that will serve only the patient’s best interests. We will not over treat and we will not place any unnecessary pressure on any patient to complete treatment, unless their oral health is at risk.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

We understand that every patient is different. That’s why we use your first appointment to complete a full oral health exam and X-rays. We want to have the full picture of your oral health needs to provide you with the personalized service you deserve.

How often should I visit Dallas Esthetics for a checkup?

We recommend visiting our office every six months. Common dental problems develop without the patient’s knowledge, but with frequent exams and cleanings, we monitor your mouth for changes that might require attention.

Do you accept referrals?

We are happy to!  We also appreciate it when current patients recommend us to their friends or family members.

What should I do if I have an emergency after hours?

For true emergencies, you should call our Dallas office at (214) 827-1150 to notify us of your needs. The doctor on-call will contact you as soon as possible to provide helpful information, or make arrangements to see you in person.

Do you take dental insurance?

Although we do not take insurance as a form of payment for services rendered, we are happy to file any insurance claims to your insurance provider. Please understand that this does not mean that your insurance is not used, it simply means that the insurance company reimburses the patient instead of he doctor after the treatment has been provided.

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Do you offer payment plans?

Using CareCredit, you can set up a payment plan that matches your budget and lets you receive the important care you need right away. Please contact our office manager for more information about financing your procedure through CareCredit.

What payment options do you accept?

We accept payment with cash, check, MasterCard, and Visa.

Can I ask my doctor questions directly?

We always welcome emails and phone calls from our patients.

Are your new patient forms available on your website?

Absolutely! You can access them by visiting our Patient Forms page.

How can I have a whiter smile?

We offer two helpful solutions for patients who want a whiter smile: in-office whitening and take-home whitening. Both can help you get the confidence you are looking for.

How can I learn more about what’s possible with dental implants, crowns, veneers, and other restorative procedures?

Visit our case presentations to see the beautiful results we’ve helped our patients achieve with these services.

Do you offer sedation dentistry?

We’re happy to offer nitrous oxide, a popular and effective anesthetic that’s inhaled through a nasal mask. Combining nitrous oxide with local anesthesia allows us to provide our patients with comfortable and compassionate care. For those with more severe anxiety, IV sedation can be arranged and provided in our office by a dental anesthesiologist.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

Our team works hard to ensure that our office meets the safety standards established by OSHA. All of our instruments and hand pieces are correctly sanitized, and we use disposable items when possible. We also wear gloves, face masks, and eyewear.

Are dental implants right for me?

If you’d like to know if dental implants are right for you, please visit Dallas Esthetics for a special consultation. During your visit, your dentist completes a full oral exam to determine if this popular service is right for you. If it’s not, we would be happy to recommend alternative solutions.

How are your crowns and implant restorations unique?

All of our crowns are made locally by a master lab technician and not outsourced abroad to save on lab costs. Additionally, we use only first party implant parts. Many offices use third party (different manufactures of the implants themselves) implant parts that do not possess the precision and accuracy needed for long lasting implant restorations.

Do you place dental implants?

We do not place dental implants in our office. In the best interest of our patients, we choose to work with closely with highly skilled Periodontists and Oral Surgeons who have undergone additional years of specialty training. We feel this is the best way to achieve optimum and highly esthetic results.

How can I treat sleep apnea?

If you struggle with sleep apnea or snoring, our office creates custom oral appliances. Your oral appliance helps prevent snoring and allows you to sleep soundly throughout the night.

What should I keep in mind about my home care routine?

For a truly healthy smile, we recommend brushing at least twice a day with a soft bristle or electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss at least once a day. A fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash makes a great addition to your normal brushing and flossing routine.

Why do I need to floss every day?

Flossing helps prevent gum disease and decay from forming between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach. It does this by removing both food and plaque.

My gums bleed when I brush or floss. What should I do?

Bleeding is a common sign of gingivitis, which evolves into a more serious condition known as periodontitis. Gingivitis isn’t the only cause, though. Brushing with a hard bristle tooth brush or a poor brushing technique can also contribute. Contact our office to alert us to your situation and find out how we can help.