Kimberly Higginbottom Fesler, DDS
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does Dr. Higginbottom keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
- What will happen at my first appointment?
- How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
- Do you accept referrals?
- What do I do if I have an emergency and the office is closed?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- What payment options you provide?
- What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
- Is there a way I can ask the doctor questions directly?
- I'm a new patient and know there is probably something I will have to fill out before I see the Doctor. Is there any way I can do this in advance?
- How can I have whiter teeth?
- I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What can you do to help?
- Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, partials; where can I learn more about these procedures?
- I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- What oral hygiene instructions do you recommend for home care of my teeth?
- Why do I need to floss every day?
- My gums bleed after I brush or floss my teeth. What should I do?
How does Dr. Higginbottom keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Dr. Higginbottom is dedicated to the concept of lifetime learning. In fact, he's logged over 1600 hours of postgraduate education beyond dental school, or about 55 hours per year; far beyond the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners' required 12 hours annually. As an active, perpetual student, he's convinced that a 'completed' education marks the end of a vibrant, progressive practice.
Dr. Higginbottom is also a dental educator. He is on the faculty at two dental schools and lectures nationally and internationally on Esthetic Dentistry and Dental Implants. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry in the departments of Restorative Sciences and Graduate Prosthodontics. He has made a weekly commitment to work with the Prosthodontic residents, supervising their clinical work. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
In addition, he has attended the following programs:
- Spoke at Southwest Dental Conference, Dallas. January 2007
- Spoke at Yankee Dental Congress, Boston. January 2007
- Attended American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, Chicago. February 2007.
- Attended American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, Chicago. February 2007.
- Attended SAC Consensus Conference, Mallorca, Spain. March 2007.
- Spoke at ITI World Symposium, New York City. April 2007.
- Spoke at Texas Dental Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio. April 2007.
- Spoke at American Academy of Periodontology, Washington, DC.October 2007.
- Attended Southwest Dental Conference, Dallas, January 2008
- Spoke and gave live patient demonstration at Southwest Dental Conference, Dallas, January 2008
- Spoke at Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, February 2008
- Attended Academy of Osseointegration meeting, Boston, February 2008
As a team and as individuals, we make it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.
What will happen at my first appointment?
This depends on your needs and your reason for seeking our care. Our goal is to address your primary concerns and create a plan for treatment and future preventive care.
We will perform a complete examination of your teeth, oral soft tissues, gums, and TMJ joints. We will usually take a full mouth series of radiographs (X-rays).
From our examination we will determine what type of cleaning you need, and you may schedule this time with our hygienist at your next appointment.
How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
Because patients are often unaware of early dental problems, regular checkups are essential. We recommend that all patients come in at least every six months. For some people, dental visits may need to be more frequent. We will work with you to establish the ideal recall interval.
Do you accept referrals?
Yes, we're happy to accept referrals from other dental offices. We also appreciate our current patients who recommend us to their family and friends!
What do I do if I have an emergency and the office is closed?
In case of a true dental emergency, call our Downtown Dallas dental office phone: 214-827-1150. The recording will tell you the pager number of the doctor on call. We'll return the call as soon as possible, providing as much helpful information as possible over the phone and arranging to see you in person as needed.
Do you offer payment plans?
We have arrangements with CareCredit and CapitalOne. Using one of these services, you can set up a payment plan that fits your budget while allowing you to begin treatment right away. Please ask our office manager for details. You can also learn more at the companies’ websites.
What payment options you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard and Visa.
What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
In our practice, the doctors perform most procedures themselves, as opposed to delegating to auxiliary personnel. Although this may seem time consuming, we find that it guarantees a particular level of expertise and quality in all the work we do. This extends from work you see (temporary crowns made by the dentist) to work you don't see (the dentist's personal attention to laboratory procedures).
Is there a way I can ask the doctor questions directly?
We welcome emails and phone calls from patients who have dental health questions. Please feel free to call our office receptionist and ask to speak to the doctor when you have questions or concerns. You may also email either of the doctors.
I'm a new patient and know there is probably something I will have to fill out before I see the Doctor. Is there any way I can do this in advance?
Yes! Simply click on our New Patient Forms button on the side bar of this page, and you'll find downloadable/printable forms for your convenience.
How can I have whiter teeth?
There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile. The simplest techniques involve whitening the natural teeth, either at home, using custom-made trays, or with teeth whitening, done in our Dallas dental office. When teeth are more severely discolored, composite resin bonding or porcelain veneers can provide amazing results. Please see the Patient Library for the whole story!
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What can you do to help?
This is a question that must be evaluated on a case by case basis. In some situations, we can use porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns to create a well-aligned, uniform smile. In other cases, we may find that orthodontics would be necessary to achieve an ideal result. We are happy to see you for an evaluation to determine the best strategy for you.
Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, partials; where can I learn more about these procedures?
The best way to learn more about these procedures is to visit our photo gallery and view the various results directly.
I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
We use nitrous oxide, a mild inhaled anesthetic which reduces anxiety for many people. Nitrous oxide combined with a careful, slow, compassionate local anesthesia technique is very satisfactory for most patients. Please mention your concerns to us so that we can discuss these and other sedation dentistry options for your anxiety.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Our team uses infection control techniques designed to safeguard our patients, and our office meets OSHA safety standards. All of our instruments and hand pieces are sterilized in an autoclave for each patient. We use disposable items where possible, such as plastic sleeves over the dental chair and plastic suction and air/water tips. We wear gloves, eyewear, and face masks.
What oral hygiene instructions do you recommend for home care of my teeth?
We recommend brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush. You can use any toothpaste you like, as long as it contains fluoride. However, many people find that tartar control toothpastes cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. You should also floss daily, at least once and preferably twice per day. Many patients find an electric toothbrush such as the Sonicare to be very helpful. Please feel free to ask the dentist or dental hygienist if you have any questions.
Why do I need to floss every day?
Flossing is essential to prevent gum disease and decay between the teeth. Many people think that floss is only meant to remove food trapped between the teeth. However, flossing’s primary purpose is to remove plaque from between the teeth
My gums bleed after I brush or floss my teeth. What should I do?
A very common cause of bleeding is gingivitis, or gum inflammation. Because gingivitis has the potential to progress to the more severe disease periodontitis, it is important to diagnose and treat the problem. Some systemic diseases, poor brushing technique, or choice of toothbrush (it should be soft) can also be to blame. Please call our Downtown Dallas dental office for an appointment if you have noticed that your gums often bleed.