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

More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on April 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM
More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

As a practicing dental anesthesiologist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kevin Mahoney has never seen a situation quite like COVID-19. Regardless, he continues to see to his patients' unique needs, delivering quality dental care tailored to the individual — just as he has for over three decades. If you're looking to establish a routine appointment schedule once government closure mandates lift, you can trust Dr. Mahoney to provide for you safely and capably.

For emergency dental care

Oral health closely correlates to overall health, so when a dental emergency arises, it’s important to get care fast. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney offers same-day appointments to patients and non-patients alike, to address severe pain or swelling of the mouth or jaw, infections and abscesses, or broken or cracked teeth, crowns, or fillings. Don’t fret about payment or lack of insurance — between our work with insurance carriers and our monthly payment plans, our office makes a coordinated effort to ease your financial burden.

If dental fear or phobia is preventing you from getting the urgent dental care you need, do not let it. Dr. Mahoney is the only dentist in the Erie area licensed to administer general anesthesia, characterized by a deep state of unconsciousness. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the emergency procedure, but the relief you feel afterward will be something to remember going forward. 

For routine dental care

Of course, trips to the dentist shouldn’t just be reserved for emergencies. It’s recommended that dental visits occur every 6 months, or at least annually — by monitoring the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth consistently, there is a lesser chance of dire situations popping up in the first place! Furthermore, by seeing you more frequently, we can hone in on achieving your best smile through our array of cosmetic (aka aesthetic) dentistry services.

We understand that even routine dental procedures like bonding and fillings can be stressful or difficult for folks with anxieties, phobias, or special needs. For these patients, Dr. Mahoney can administer sedation or general anesthesia before he performs his work, getting more done in fewer visits. He also collaborates with the compassionate canine, Dogtor Gizmo — a certified dental therapy dog who's happy to sit or snuggle with you during your procedure. Dogtor Gizmo is wonderful with children and special needs patients.

It is these efforts to reinforce calm and reduce stress that set Dr. Mahoney apart.

dr kevin mahoney sleep dentistry procedure

Kind words from our patients

We know that deciding on one dentist can seem overwhelming when there are so many options available. We encourage you to choose the dentist best for you — who you’re both comfortable with and who delivers the care you need. In the meantime, here are a few examples of why our patients feel we’re the best for them.

From our Google Reviewers (5.0 stars, 13 reviews)

“Friendly, Professional, Compassionate, Experienced”

— 5 star review from Glenn Henry (Local Guide)

“Dr. Kevin Mahoney and staff have always made me feel at ease. I quite often call myself ‘Chicken Little’ when it comes to dentistry. The Sleep Dentistry is a bonus, the main reason I started to go there. They are very professional, friendly and informative. Thank you for making my visits stress free!”

— 5 star review from Kim Tavernese

From our Facebook Reviewers (4.3 stars, 52 reviews)

“The only phobia I have bigger than spiders and needles is going to the dentist, and I must say in all my years of going to a dentist, Dr. Mahoney has made that phobia go away. I was not put to sleep [when I] didn't need to be, I had my teeth cleaned and 2 fillings done all the same day and I felt no pain and never felt the needles. Dr. Mahoney has mastered his craft and makes you feel so comfortable and anxiety free, if there were 6-star [reviews], Dr. Mahoney definitely would have got one from me!!!”

— 5 star review from Butchie Knight

“My 6-year-old had some major problems with his teeth and needed surgery, [but] he was scared of the dentist ... When we finally thought we found an answer and had scheduled a surgery, the coronavirus outbreak made his surgery get cancelled and hope was lost. Of course my son's tooth took a turn for the worse. We got into [Dr. Mahoney’s] office the same day that we called them and the next morning my son had his surgery. WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Extremely satisfied with the service not to mention sanitary conditions in the office as well!”

— 5 star review from Katie Payne

If you, a friend, or a relative need emergency dental services during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Dr. Mahoney’s office at (814) 833-3505 to arrange a same-day appointment. When routine dental care is allowed to resume, please get in touch with us! We will be seeing new patients after previously scheduled appointments are fulfilled. 

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