Frequently Asked Questions
If there's anything we missed, you can find the answer here.
Appointments
What are your office hours?
Mayfair Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5pm and Friday from 8am to 12pm. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
- Online scheduling: To request appointment availability, please click here and fill out your information. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Call our office at (408) 923-8500.
- Email us at info@mayfairdentistry.com with your preferred date or day of the week and time range, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we’ll be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Completed new patient forms
- Insurance card/information
- List of current medications and medical conditions
- X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)
What if I need emergency dental care?
If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you within 24 hours.
Treatments
What services do you provide?
Mayfair Dentistry provides general, pediatric, cosmetic and restorative dental services. Please click on our Services tab in the main menu for more details.
What happens during my first visit?
During your first visit, we will conduct a thorough examination to determine the best course of action to achieve your ideal dental health and goals. We will:
- Take full mouth x-rays to identify any current problems and to use as a baseline on future visits to detect early signs of problems
- Assess gum condition and health
- Examine teeth for cavities and condition of old dental restorations
- Perform a head and neck exam, including salivary glands and lymph nodes, for swelling or other abnormalities
- Screen for oral cancer and TMJ (jaw joint issues)
- Clean and polish your teeth
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with my dentist?
Many health conditions are indicated in the mouth and can affect oral health, so your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums and mouth.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you’re experiencing any pain. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Are x-rays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental x-rays are essential preventative and diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with dental x-rays can make treatment much faster and less expensive if needed later on. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series of dental x-rays every three years.
Sedation
What types of sedation do you use?
Many dental procedures can be completed under local anesthesia. However, to help more anxious patients relax, or for more complex procedures, or for more complex procedures, inhalation sedation is available.
What is Lidocaine?
The most common anesthesia, Lidocaine works by blocking the nerve that supplies sensation to the teeth in a specific area. You feel no pain during the procedure and are totally alert, aware, and able to function normally. The effect wears off fairly quickly with no side effects.
What is Inhalation Sedation?
Known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” you’ll experience a feeling of euphoria after just 2-3 minutes of breathing in the gas. You’ll be aware of your surroundings and able to respond to questions. Inhalation sedation has very few side effects and is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped.