FAQ

Welcome to the FAQ page of Holmes Dental, your trusted family dental practice in Fort Collins, CO! We understand that you may have questions about our services, dental treatments, appointments, and more. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to provide you with all the information you need.

Our team of experienced and friendly dental professionals is committed to delivering the highest level of care to every member of your family. We prioritize your comfort and strive to create a positive and relaxed environment for your dental visits. Whether you’re a new patient or a longtime member of our dental family, we want you to feel confident and well-informed about your dental health.

If you can’t find the answer to your question here, or if you need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff. We’re always here to assist you and provide the guidance you need!

Are you accepting new patients?

YES! We are always excited to welcome new patients at Holmes Dental, PC! We value and pride ourselves on offering first-class, hi-tech, state-of-the-art dental care to our community! Our team specializes in providing a warm and welcoming environment where you are met with professionalism, comfort, and understanding for your dental needs. 

• Comprehensive Dental Service- Whether you’re new to the area or looking for a change in dental care, here at Holmes Dental, PC we invest our time with you to set the foundation of success for your overall health and beautiful smile.
• Modern Dental Technology- Holmes Dental, PC offers the latest dental technology, including digital scanners, dental laser, dental CAD/CAM (CEREC) technology, 3D dental radiography (CBCT cone beam and digital x-rays), and most recently, we began using Pearl AI, an artificial intelligence program that can detect caries and other oral pathology (bone loss, dental abscesses, etc.) within the digital x-rays we take.  This is all a part of our high-quality care and ability to offer our patients same-day treatment options.

What services does Holmes Dental offer?

We offer a variety of dental services in Fort Collins, CO. From routine preventative care to fillings, emergency care, oral surgery, and pediatric care, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy smile. 

How long does it take to get an appointment at Holmes Dental?

Most emergencies can be seen within 48 hours, depending on the type of appointment requested. New patients are usually able to schedule within the next two weeks.

Does Holmes Dental take my insurance? 

We work with all carriers that offer PPO plans as well as Medicare plans that have PPO riders. If you’re unsure if we accept your insurance, give us a call and we’ll look into it for you. 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are made up of an implant post and a dental restoration. The implant post will permanently replace lost tooth roots. The dental restoration, which is often a dental crown, is affixed to the top of the implant post.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants are designed to fuse with your jawbone, making them a permanent part of your smile. Implants will last for many years, or even a lifetime. They are more comfortable than dentures because they will not slip. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth.

How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?

The duration of your results will depend on your diet and habits. If you expose your teeth to staining foods and beverages, the brightness of your smile may begin to fade in as little as one month. If you avoid foods and drinks that can stain the teeth, you may be able to wait for a year or longer before you need another whitening treatment or touch-up treatment.

Is a root canal painful?

Though root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, it actually relieves pain caused by infected dental pulp. Most people say that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a dental filling placed.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a revolutionary approach to straightening smiles. Instead of the traditional wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable aligner trays to guide your teeth to their ideal positions.

As a new patient, will I get the “free cleaning” that my insurance covers?

We usually will schedule all new patients time for a “healthy mouth” cleaning. However, this does NOT guarantee that you will receive a “healthy mouth” cleaning at your first appointment. We must first give you a complete exam and discuss with you your oral diagnosis.  Most dental insurances include policies that provide only basic “healthy mouth” care for specific dental services.  As a high-quality, high caring provider, we are here to serve our community for better oral health and to make accurate diagnoses of oral conditions, NOT to serve insurance’s bottom line.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

Everyone’s dental needs are different. Depending on your oral health history, gum, tissue, and bone levels can determine whether you’re seen every six months or more frequently. 

What are the benefits of having dental implants?

Dental implants can be the best value your money can buy, especially when you consider the long-term benefits and, importantly, your quality of life. Not only can dental implants last a lifetime, but they also look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. With dental implants, you can truly enjoy any meal you want without the discomfort of dentures or getting food caught in open spaces. If you are interested in dental implants and would like to see if you are a good candidate, please call our team to schedule a free 30 min consultation appointment.

I need an extraction and bone graft, but they talked to me about (PRF) sticky bone?

Platelet-Rich Fibrin, or (PRF) is a 100% natural element of your blood chemistry that reduces the risk of infection, disease, allergic reaction, and rejection. This is a treatment option that utilizes your own body’s blood elements and greatly increases the body’s ability to heal naturally and more rapidly, with significant results.  During this procedure, our in-house phlebotomist takes a small sample of your blood and then spins it in a centrifuge machine, which separates the platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. By spinning out the needed cells, the healing and growth factors are concentrated, and this liquid is then reintroduced at the surgical site to promote healing. This can be introduced on its own or mixed with bone graft material for faster and more predictable bone growth in the socket area, allowing for a more predictable ridge for implant placement.

Why does Holmes Dental, PC recommend having a night guard?

There are many reasons we recommend a nightguard, or custom splint.  The most important are for TMJ soreness and protection of the teeth and any dental work that has been done in your mouth.  

The mouth has many different parts, not all of which fit together perfectly. We unconsciously grind or clench, usually while sleeping and during times of stress (let’s face it, in today’s world, we’re all stressed).  Clenching and grinding increases wear to the surfaces of the teeth, and the undue forces created by this habit can cause significant tooth wear, tooth pain, headaches, and muscle pain in the TMJ region and cracked or broken teeth. 

It also aids in protecting your restorative dental work. After investing time and money to improve your oral health, why would you not protect your investment? That’s like leaving your Ferrari uncovered out in the rain.

What if I’m not happy with my smile?

Holmes Dental, PC offers many easy and affordable options to elevate your smile. For example, our in-house whitening system, Zoom!, can brighten the color of your teeth in just one visit. Dr. Nikki and Dr. Dan can make you red-carpet-ready with anything from clear aligners that can reposition your teeth and can reinvent your smile to porcelain veneers that can change the shape and color of your teeth to elevate your smile. We offer many other oral health care procedures to keep your mouth at its healthiest and you looking your best such as dental implants, same-day CEREC crowns and onlays, tooth colored fillings, botulinum toxin (Botox® and Xeomin®), facial skin care with PRF, and many options using our Fotona Lightwalker Laser.

Thank you for visiting our FAQ page! We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to call our office. Our team is here to help and ensure you have the best experience possible. We look forward to hearing from you!