Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have payment plans? And do you take insurance?

We have both payment plans and we take insurance! We want to give you and your family every opportunity to have a beautiful smile. Qualified individuals can apply for monthly payment plans. We will process your dental insurance for you and calculate your co-pay after we have verified your enrollment in the plan.

I have a busy schedule; will I be able to see the dentist at a time that will work with my schedule?

Because we understand the difficulty of squeezing time out of your busy day for a dental appointment, we have an early morning appointment at 7:00 a.m. You can also schedule an appointment as late as 5:45 p.m. in the evening. Please call for availability.

It has been years since I have been to the dentist and it has really started to show. Is it too late for me to fix my teeth?

It's never too late to fix your smile! Today’s technology allows for many opportunities so you can get back on the road to dental health quickly. We can provide your dental treatment in one visit - with or without sleep dentistry.

What are porcelain veneers that I see on TV?

Porcelain veneers are a treatment to make your teeth white and straight, using a fine, porcelain covering or crown over your own teeth.

How often should I visit the dentist?

It is recommended that everyone visits the dentist every six months. However, in certain circumstances, you may be asked to come in more often. Schedule a routine check-up with Dr. Mahoney to find out what would work best for you.

Is flossing necessary?

Despite what many people may think, flossing actually is necessary for and beneficial to your oral health. While just brushing your teeth is better than doing nothing, flossing covers portions of the teeth that your brush cannot reach: the "in-between." These areas of your mouth are the hardest (and quite frankly the most annoying) areas to clean, causing them to be the most vulnerable to diseases. Flossing is the best way to help combat potential diseases.

Should I visit the dentist if I am pregnant?

For the majority of women, routine dental visits while pregnant are safe. For major dental work, however, it is generally recommended that the treatment be pushed back until after the baby is delivered. With that being said, everyone is different and you should be sure to consult with your doctor and your dentist to get the best professional advice possible.

What causes cavities?

Cavities are caused by two words: Plaque Formation. It's as simple as that! Plaque is formed by the combination of saliva, acid, bacteria, and food particles in the mouth. It builds up, attacks the enamel of your teeth, and eventually causes holes, otherwise known as cavities.

Should I visit the dentist if I wear dentures?

Yes, you should still visit the dentist if you wear dentures. Going to the dentist is about more than just checking on teeth. It is also about checking on the health of the tissue underneath your dentures, making necessary adjustments, and a possible oral cancer screening.

Ask Our Erie Dental Team

Recent Posts

Check Me Out in the Erie Times-News!

Posted on December 13th, 2018 at 4:22 PM
Check Me Out in the Erie Times-News!

This article was originally published on GoErie.com.

Erie’s dental therapy dog aids animal assistance groups

Meet Dogtor Gizmo, the dental therapy dog at Sleep Dentistry Erie.

An Erie dental therapy dog is at the center of an effort to collect money and donations for area animal shelters.

Dogtor Gizmo, who works with dentist Kevin Mahoney at Sleep Dentistry Erie, 3915 Caughey Road, helps calm patients who have dental anxiety as well as special needs patients. A photo contest on Gizmo’s Facebook page asked owners of adopted and rescued pets to submit photos to create a 2019 calendar.

Calendars are available for purchase for $15 each at www.dogtorgizmo.com/calendar. Net proceeds will benefit the A.N.N.A. Shelter, H.O.P.E., Millcreek Animal Hospital Angel Fund, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

An area also has been set up at the dental office for donations of food, bedding, toys, cleaning supplies, and more that will be donated to the A.N.N.A Shelter.

Dogtor Gizmo is available at the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by appointment.