(317) 898-3384 8602 E. 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46219

Frequently Asked Dental Questions

Girl receiving toothbrush

Do you accept referrals?

Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends, family, and coworkers that we give you every time you visit.

Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?

Your time is an invaluable commodity, as is the time of all of our patients. If you let us know that you need to miss an appointment, we’ll give another person your time slot. Please provide 48-hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule to avoid being billed for our time.

What if I have an emergency when the dental office is closed?

If you’re a patient of record, call our main phone number to receive information on how to reach your dentist. New patients should go to the nearest hospital emergency room or visit us when the dental office is open.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, Visa, and MasterCard. Third party financing, often with no or low interest for qualified applicants, is available through CareCredit. Please see their website for details.

How can I ask my doctor questions directly?

We encourage you to have open, direct communication with your dentist. Dr. Farthing and Dr. Tepner are available during dental office hours to answer questions received via e-mail or phone. Depending on our daily schedule and the complexity of your questions, your dentist will strive to respond within 24 hours.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We follow strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave. The instruments are sealed prior to being placed in the autoclave, preparing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable masks and gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.

Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?

Yes! Floss loosens food particles, plaque, and tartar trapped between teeth. In addition to irritating gums, causing gum disease, and promoting cavities, these three culprits cause bad breath. If you need help learning how to floss quickly and effectively, we’ll gladly teach you some tricks to make your daily oral care easier.

What are my options to replace missing teeth?

We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and dental implants. Learn more about these options on our Services page, then call for a consultation. With digital X-rays, photos from an intraoral camera, and a thorough assessment of your smile, your dentist can help you decide which replacement option is best for you.

How do the doctors keep up to date on current techniques, technology, and materials in dentistry?

Our dentists – 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, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as dental technology. We’re passionate about our careers, so we enjoy soaking up new information on our profession, then sharing it with you!

How can I improve my smile?

That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we’ll discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, and/or replacement teeth. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile.

My teeth are stained. Can you help?

Yes. We offer teeth whitening solutions to brighten teeth dramatically at home or in our dental office. Call for an appointment today!