Patient Information
Welcome
Crabapple in Dr. Mazoch's yard
Thank you for visiting the web site of Dr. Anna Marie Mazoch. Our site provides important information that will help you become familiar with our practice. It also answers frequently asked questions. Please feel free to call us anytime. we appreciate this opportunity to introduce ourselves and look forward to providing you with quality dental diagnosis and care.
We encourage you to involve yourself in your own treatment and to ask questions throughout our relationship. In our opinion, an informed and involved patient is most likely to achieve the highest level of health, and we look forward to working with you to achieve this goal.
First Visit
Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and professional cleaning, necessary x-rays and a gathering of information concerning your existing dental and medical conditions. Subsequently, a comprehensive examination appointment with Dr. Mazoch will be made to explain your diagnosis and treatment options. A complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation andan additional appointment to provide explanations or treatment on another day.
Dr. Mazoch's garden
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
- X-rays and records from previous dentist
- A list of medications you are presently taking (including herbals) and physician’s name and phone number.
- If you have dental insurance, bring your insurance card. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
IMPORTANT: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 at the consultation visit.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial joints, heart condition, radiation treatment or chemotherapy, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)
X-Rays
If your previous dentist has taken x-rays recently, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional films are necessary, they can be taken at our facility. We can provide you with necessary request and release forms. We need a full series of x-rays of no more than five years and bitewing films of no more than one year.
Scheduling
The practice of Dr. Mazoch is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; every other Wednesday 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and every other Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.. We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact that our practice provides many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Please call 302-998-9594 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Coming soon!!! New, more convenient office hours: Tuesday through Thursday 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and every Monday 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Financial Information
View of the Kwaanza Cherry tree
from the treatment room window
Patient Billing
For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. We also have available interest free financing through Citihealth. Our financial coordinator will be happy to discuss your method of payment with you. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance (our estimated co-payment if you have dental insurance). If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 302-998-9594. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.
Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.
We will send you a monthly statement. Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated.
Ask us about our dental hygiene on-call club for patients without insurance who are able to come in for appointments within a very short notice. You can save 20% of the fee for your professional cleaning!
We also offer a 5% discount on more costly treatment when the entire fee is paid in advance of treatment.
Insurance Information
At our office, we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at 302-998-9594. Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit. Please bring your insurance information with you at your first visit so that we can expedite reimbursement.
Dr. Mazoch's garden
Your dental plan is a form of compensation provided by your employer. You can expect the carrier (insurance company) to reimburse you for a portion of our fee. That portion is determined by the contract between your employer and the insurance company. The higher the premium paid by your company, the more generous the reimbursement. Please remember that dental insurance is assistance only and is not meant to cover the majority of the cost of your oral health needs.
Although we are not a party to the contractual arrangement with your insurance company, we do want to help you receive the maximum reimbursement to which you are entitled. As a convenience to you, we will help you process your insurance claims in order for you to receive the maximum benefit. We will also gladly provide dental x-rays and a written diagnostic report should your insurance company have any questions about the services provided.
At all times, you can be confident that we will always provide you with our best services without regard to the limitations imposed by your insurance coverage. To do otherwise would violate our contract with you — a contract we feel morally obliged to honor.
Infection Control
Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Mazoch and receive a straightforward answer.
Dr. Mazoch and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA,) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:
Magnolia tree in bloom
at Dr. Mazoch's home
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before every use
- Disposable materials
- Plastic barriers
- Isolite System. This latex - and silicone - free device provides our patients with beautiful results by keeping the oral environment dry, well lit and more easily accessible. By isolating the teeth, it prevents our patients from worrying about ingesting foreign matter, keeping a numb tongue out of the path of the drill or trying to stay open. We can work at a faster pace, keeping appointment time to a minimum. The Isolite allows our patients to truly relax (believe it or not) while receiving treatment and to, more often than not, fall asleep during procedures. Ask your assistant if it's appropriate for your care.
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat, and pressure.
The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.
Home Care Instructions
After Cosmetic Reconstruction
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
Spring daffodils from the yard
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or ibuprofen (Motrin) every three to four hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
Any food that can crack, chip, or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, pencils, and/or sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.
If you engage in sports, let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the nightguard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.
After Crown & Bridge Appointments
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off.
Dr. Mazoch's garden
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporary in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary, but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 302-998-8207.
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad over the wound and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids in healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site. After 24 hours you may very gently rinse with salt water to clean the surgical site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two to three days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 302-998-9594.
After Composite or Amalgam Fillings
When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lips while you are numb.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every three to four hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases or lasts for more than two weeks, contact our office.
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off. Composite fillings are fully set when you leave the office. Please wait for 24 hours before chewing on your silver fillings. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 302-998-9594.
Privacy Policy
This section of our website is in development. We apologize for the inconvenience, please check back later.
Dental Emergencies
Don't let this happen to you; prevent
most dental emergencies with regular
recare appointments and great oral
hygiene. Be confident in the fact that
Dr. Mazoch (or an on-call dentist) is
always available if an emergency
situation should arise.
This section of our website is in development. We apologize for the inconvenience, please check back later.