FAQ

I AM A NEW PATIENT AND WOULD LIKE TO GET STARTED. WHAT WILL MY FIRST APPOINTMENT BE LIKE?
A: Congratulations on your decision to get started with Carter Sledge Family Dentistry! We welcome new patients for both consultations and new patient exams. Our new patient exams consist of a meet and greet with your doctor, followed by any necessary radiographs (xrays), photos, and a cleaning with one of our hygienists. The doctor will perform a thorough exam and answer any questions you might have. Our doctors will then form a customized treatment plan, tailored for you and your specific needs.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
A: We accept most dental insurance plans, including CHIPS. We have an Insurance Coordinator in office whose main concern is helping you get the most from YOUR insurance plan. Our goal is to make the experience at Carter Sledge Family Dentistry an affordable one for you and your family.

I HATE GOING TO THE DENTIST. HOW IS YOUR OFFICE DIFFERENT?
A: Unfortunately, experiences in the dental office in bygone years were not pleasant ones. But now, at Carter Sledge Family Dentistry—we find that you may even ENJOY coming to the dentist! With relaxing surroundings, professional, fun-loving staff, and up- to-date technologies—we bet that your perception of the dentist’s office will be changed! We love making each patient feel special. Come and see for yourself!

WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?
A: We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. We also offer financing through CareCredit. CareCredit offers payment plans for 6 months with 0% interest, or extended plans with interest. One of our staff will be happy to review the CareCredit plans with you at your appointment.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
A. Our office is conveniently located to the Jackson metro area, including Madison, Rankin, and Hinds counties. We are at 5604 Old Canton Road.

WHAT EXACTLY IS ZOOM! WHITENING?
A: Zoom! is an in-office whitening procedure that can be performed only in a dental office. A patented teeth whitening solution is applied to your teeth and a specialized light activates the whitening solution. The result is a whiter smile in about an hour (total appointment time is about 2 hours). Zoom! has been featured on ABC’s hit TV show “Extreme Makeover“.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SILVER COLORED FILLING AND A TOOTH COLORED FILLING?
A: Another name for the silver colored filling material is “amalgam”. Amalgam is a more traditional filling material that has stood the test of time as far as longevity; however, it is unesthetic. The tooth colored fillings, or “composites”, are a relatively newer material, but research has shown that their longevity is close to that of amalgam. They are significantly more aesthetic. Our dentists at Carter Sledge Family Dentistry, using composite material, can usually restore your tooth so that no one else would ever know you even had a filling. We do offer silver fillings for teeth in the back of the mouth if it is what a patient prefers, but we place them much less frequently than tooth-colored ones.

WHAT IS THAT BLACK LINE I SEE AROUND THE GUMLINE OF MY CROWNS (OR SOMEONE ELSE’S CROWNS)?
A. The black line is the metal underneath an old PFM, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, crown. Over time the gums can recess, or “move up”, and due to gingival inflammation or other issues, expose the metal that is underneath the crown. But it is no longer necessary to live with that unsightly black line. Dr. Carter and Dr. Sledge can place all-porcelain restorations, giving a much more esthetic result.

WHAT ARE VENEERS?
A: Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to achieve the smile that you have always wanted. They are a thin piece of porcelain that actually bonds to the front of your natural teeth, and can improve both their shape and color. The bonding material used is very close to the strength of natural tooth enamel. If you are looking for veneers in Jackson, MS, we would love to help you get started at Carter Sledge Family Dentistry!