Common FAQ’s:
Most commonly asked questions:
Q: Why do I need to have x-rays?
A: To do an accurate diagnosis we must be able to see more than is visible to the naked eye. To see if there is decay at the area where one tooth touches another, or to see any abnormalities in the bone on or around the root of the tooth.
Q: Will my insurance cover this?
A: All insurance coverages are unique. To know what your insurance covers you should check with your insurance carrier, or your benefits book. For major services we are happy to send a predetermination of recommended treatment to your carrier.
Q: What are sealants?
A: Sealants are an acrylic-like material that helps to shield out decay causing bacteria, from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It bonds to the chewing surface of the back teeth forming a protective barrier covering the pits and fissures of these surfaces.
Q: Will I need a shot? (Do I have to be numbed?)
A: Not necessarily, sometimes if the decay is not too large or too deep, we can use the laser on you and an injection is not needed.
Q: Will I have a silver or a white filling?
A: We almost always use composite (white) fillings.  We only use silver fillings in specific situations.  White fillings bond to your tooth, and so help strengthen the tooth.  They are also less likely to have a detrimental effect on the environment. 
Q: Are you accepting new patients?
A: Yes, most definitely. We are always ready to welcome new patients into our practice, and to be given the opportunity to serve their dental needs.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are conveniently located on the Ramblewood bus route at 2757 44th Street S.W., in Wyoming, Michigan, on the third floor, suite 303. We are in the Ramblewood Center, on the North side of 44th Street between Ivanrest and Byron Center roads.
Q: Do you take payments?
A: We expect payment at the time of service.  We will gladly submit your insurance form for you, but all copays, deductibles and patient balances are due at the time of treatment. We have several options to assist you in financing your dental needs.
Q: Will it hurt?
A: We take every measure possible to reduce or eliminate any discomfort you may experience during dental treatment. We use a topical agent prior to administering anesthesia. We offer nitrous oxide (gas) to help relax you, and use the laser whenever possible (no injection necessary when using laser). We offer a cd headset so you can listen to the radio, our cd’s, or the ones you want to bring from home.
Q: How long has Dr. Texer been in practice?
A: Dr. Texer celebrated 30 years in May of 2005. We celebrated this milestone by mailing quarterly newletters to all of our patients informing them of some of the “new” technology in dentistry, and in our office. We shared short bio’s of our staff members, introduced our new associate doctor, and gave each adult patient a commemorative “30 year” pen.
TIP: Dental Hygiene Tips:
Keep preventive maintenance appointments regularly. Once every 6 months is the recommended time for persons that have healthy teeth and tissues. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease you may need to be seen more frequently, usually every 3 to 4 months.
When using a manual toothbrush, we recommend only a soft bristled brush. Harder bristles can incur damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues. Manual toothbrushes should be replaced every 4 – 6 months, or immediately following an illness.
Our office recommends Sonicare, the sonic toothbrush. It is used by more dental professionals than any other brand of power toothbrush, and is recommended most often by orthodontists.
The most common cause of bad breath is the presence of sulfonamides
(Volatile Sulphur Compounds). This can be reduced by the use of a tongue scraper, and antibacterial mouth rinses such as Listerine and ClosysII. Be sure to check the labels, not all rinses are antibacterial, some are only “breath fresheners”.