Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When you visit the dentist, your primary concern may be whether you have tooth decay or gum disease, right? You don’t want to worry about how you’ll pay for your dental treatment or whether your insurance will cover routine examinations and cleanings or other services you might need.

So, does North Idaho Dental Group accept insurance? Keep reading to learn more.

Working with Your Insurance Company

Our dental office works directly with all Delta Dentals, as well as Regence, CIGNA, Blue Cross of Idaho, and GEHA Connection Dental.   We can directly bill most insurances, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office, or your insurance carrier directly.  

Looking for a Dentist in Sandpoint or Coeur D' Alene?

If you would like more information about our payment options, or if you have any other questions, we will happily help! At North Idaho Dental Group, we want to help make your dental care as affordable as possible.

To contact our dental office, call (208) 255-1255 or (208) 667-8282.

Absolutely! While manual and electric toothbrushes both remove plaque, the bristles of powered toothbrushes vibrate and rotate, creating more micro-movements which does a more thorough job.

However, not all toothbrushes are created equal, so we recommend different brands based on each patient's unique needs. 

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

There are many patients for whom an electric toothbrush is an excellent choice.

• Electric toothbrushes work well for everyone but are especially beneficial for dexterity issues, including those with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, the elderly, and people with developmental disabilities. 
• Children can also benefit from using an electric toothbrush since it's more engaging than a manual brush and can help them establish good oral hygiene habits. 
• Orthodontic patients may also find that electric toothbrushes help them do a more thorough job removing plaque with brackets and wires in place.

Is an Electric Toothbrush Right for You?

If you want to see which toothbrush is right for you, ask your hygienist at your next teeth cleaning. They will tell you what they recommend, and you can decide if you would like to invest in an electric toothbrush.

Call North Idaho Dental Group

Please call North Idaho Dental Group to schedule your next teeth cleaning at our Coeur d'Alene or Ponderay, ID dental office. 

Are you looking for a Coeur d'Alene dentist or Ponderay dentist? Great news––North Idaho Dental Group has highly skilled and experienced dentists in both cities! North Idaho Dental Group's Ponderay and Coeur d'Alene dental offices are warm, inviting, and easy to find.  

Visit Us in Ponderay

Located at 30336-A, ID-200 in Ponderay, our dental office is near the Sandpoint Elks Golf Course and Aiyanna Wellness Salon & Spa. We have plenty of parking spaces and gorgeous surrounding scenery. Dr. Chace Mickelson and Dr. Hatta Clark lead our team at the Ponderay location. 

Visit Us in Coeur d'Alene

North Idaho Dental Group in Coeur d'Alene is at 2165 N. Merritt Creek Loop in the woodsy, cabin-inspired business park of Merritt Creek. We are directly next to the North Idaho Dermatology building and have ample parking. You should be able to see First Interstate Bank from the parking lot. Lean Bean Coffee is across the street.

Dr. Ben Gates, Dr. Paige Landers, Dr. Hatta Clark, and Dr. Chace Mickelson treat patients at our Coeur d'Alene dental office. 

Need a Dentist in Ponderay or Coeur d’Alene?

North Idaho Dental Group is unique because it's one of the only practices that gives patients access to the skills and expertise of multiple dentists. Our Ponderay and Coeur d'Alene dental offices provide comprehensive dentistry to patients of all ages. Some of our services include preventive exams and cleanings, dental fillings, root canals, Invisalign, dental implant placement, restorative dentistry, and beautiful cosmetic dentistry––the possibilities for your smile are endless.

Our NIDG team looks forward to welcoming you! 

The greatest misconception about dentistry is that it has to hurt—it simply does not!

Many patients have the mindset that dentistry will be painful, often resulting from a negative experience in the past. At North Idaho Dental Group, our goal is to ensure you are as comfortable as possible at all times. 

A good example is someone who squirms when being told they need a root canal because of the stories they have heard. The reality is that, in many cases, patients at NIDG fall asleep during the procedure! 

Sedation Dentistry Helps You Relax

We are pleased to offer all levels of dental sedation for patients who want a more comfortable, relaxing dental experience. At our Coeur d'Alene and Ponderay dental offices, we offer mild sedation with nitrous oxide and oral sedation for moderate anxiety, 

If you have severe anxiety or prefer deeper relaxation, we offer IV sedation and general anesthesia administered safely by a trained dental anesthesiologist. 

And since we love going the extra mile for our patients, we also offer neck pillows, cozy blankets, and TVs in our treatment rooms.

Schedule a Dental Appointment to See for Yourself!

They say that seeing is believing, and we would love to show you how our caring approach to dentistry can improve your perception of the entire experience.

Please call North Idaho Dental Group to schedule a convenient appointment to get started!

At North Idaho Dental Group, our dentists are highly skilled and trained in dental implantology. If you are looking for tooth replacement, an implant can be an excellent choice. 

Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss

When you lose a tooth and its root, the bone that supported it starts to break down. Over time, surrounding teeth can become mobile and even lead to additional tooth loss. Bone loss can also contribute to a sunken, aged facial appearance.

A tooth implant helps prevent further bone loss by stimulating bone regeneration as a natural root would. Protecting the jawbone's integrity also contributes to a fuller, more youthful facial appearance.

Other Benefits of Dental Implants in Coeur d'Alene

An implant tooth is the closest thing in dentistry to a real tooth. After it heals, the implant post becomes so stable that it can support a crown that allows you eat all your favorite foods comfortably again.

When we restore the implant with a beautiful custom dental crown, the result is a replacement tooth that mimics the form and function of a real tooth.

Are You a Good Implant Candidate?

Some determining factors for implant placement are bone quality and quantity, sinus proximity, and proximity to adjacent teeth. 

At NIDG, we use 3-D cone beam CT scans and state-of-the-art software to evaluate the bone and plan implant placement with a high degree of surgical precision. The result is a more comfortable, efficient procedure with better outcomes and less time in the dental chair for the patient. 

Our dentists would love to discuss all the benefits of dental implants with you. Please call our Coeur d'Alene or Ponderay dental office to schedule an appointment.

Invisalign clear aligners are highly effective and have transformed millions of smiles worldwide. Invisalign can correct numerous issues, such as mild misalignments and malocclusion. If you have any of the following, Invisalign may be the orthodontic solution for you:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite 
• Crooked teeth 
• Overlapping teeth 
• Twisted or protruding teeth 
• Gaps or uneven spacing between teeth

What to Expect During the Invisalign Process

Invisalign clear aligners are trays that fit over the teeth like whitening trays. Over time, the trays gradually move your teeth into the desired position until treatment is complete. Your dentist will take impressions of your smile, and an Invisalign specialist will fabricate the trays. For optimal results, we recommend wearing Invisalign aligners for 20–22 hours each day and only removing them to brush, floss, and eat. 

However, Invisalign isn't for everyone. We may recommend traditional orthodontics (metal braces) for patients with more complex bite issues. 

Call Us About Invisalign in Coeur d'Alene

If you have crooked or gapped teeth, why not try Invisalign? Please give our dental office a call to schedule your Invisalign consultation. Whatever your needs or goals are, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you and exceeds your expectations. 

We look forward to welcoming you to North Idaho Dental Group!

Before undergoing specific treatments like dental cleaning, your dentist or healthcare provider may recommend antibiotic prophylaxis, known as dental premedication. 

If premedication is required, the typical recommendation is to take the antibiotic orally one hour before your appointment. The purpose is to fight germs that might enter the system through the gum tissue and into the bloodstream.

Conditions That Might Require Premedication 

There are several reasons why you may need to pre-medicate before a teeth cleaning or other dental treatment: 

• If you have an artificial joint, such as a hip or shoulder, it's generally recommended to pre-medicate one hour before your dental appointment. We ask that you call your orthopedic surgeon's office to verify that this is what they recommend. 
• If you have had a heart valve replacement, it is typically recommended to pre-medicate before a dental cleaning or other treatment. 
• Your healthcare provider may also recommend premedication if you are at risk of infective endocarditis or IE. 

Other systemic conditions that may impair the ability to fight infection are diabetes, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Our dentists and hygienists will review your medical history thoroughly before your appointment and, along with your healthcare provider, determine if premedication is recommended.  

Please Call with Your Premedication Questions

Protecting your oral and general health are our highest priority, and we will do everything to ensure your safety during dental procedures.

Please don't hesitate to call our Coeur d'Alene or Ponderay dental office if you have questions about premedication.

North Idaho Dental Group offers various cosmetic dentistry services in Coeur d'Alene and Ponderay. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, we can help you attain the smile of your dreams.

Cosmetic Dental Services Available in Ponderay

Some of the services we offer are:

• Professional teeth whitening – removes stains and whitens dark or yellow teeth
• Porcelain veneers – covers cracks, gaps, and crooked teeth and improves the overall appearance of teeth
• Invisalign clear aligners – straightens teeth and corrects mild misalignments 
• Tooth-colored fillings – repairs decayed or damaged teeth and seamlessly blends in with your smile 
• Tooth-colored dental crowns – restores decayed, damaged, or misshapen teeth 
• Aesthetic bonding – corrects mild cracks, chips, shape irregularities, or discoloration

Our cosmetic dentistry services can repair, restore, or improve the following concerns:

• Stained or discolored teeth 
• Broken, chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth 
• Crooked, overlapping, or misaligned teeth 
• Asymmetrical teeth
• Gummy smiles
• Misshapen teeth 
• Teeth of odd or irregular sizes

Our dentists are highly trained and skilled in cosmetic treatments, and we customize each treatment to meet your aesthetic goals. Your new and improved pearly whites will look and feel natural and beautiful. 

Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Coeur d'Alene

Call us and see what cosmetic dentistry can do for your smile! 

A cracked tooth can be a real pain, no pun intended! Symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome are experiencing a "zing" or a "jolt" of pain when you chew. 

Many teeth have visible crack lines, and some of them may never present any problems; in fact, many people have cracked teeth and don't even realize it. Unfortunately, some cracked teeth can become a big, painful problem, especially if they're not treated immediately.

How We Treat Cracked Tooth Syndrome

If your dentist recommends a crown due to a crack or fracture line, it's usually to prevent those cracks from spreading further down the tooth.

A crack starts superficially, but once it reaches the tooth's nerve chamber, we would recommend root canal treatment and a custom dental crown to protect it.

If the crack travels down the root of the tooth, we recommend removing it.  

Do You Feel Sharp, Sudden Pain When Chewing?

If you avoid chewing on a tooth because of a sudden "zing" of pain, it is a good idea to come in as soon as possible. If caught soon enough, a cracked tooth can be a simple fix. 

Our Coeur d'Alene and Ponderay, ID, dentists will evaluate the tooth for cracked tooth syndrome and plan prompt treatment if needed.

The first thing to do if you break a tooth is to make an appointment to see your emergency dentist. North Idaho Dental Group has offices in Coeur d’Alene and Ponderay, where we offer prompt same-day emergency dentistry.

If you break a tooth on the weekend or on vacation, you can buy temporary tooth repair products at the local drugstore. This material will temporarily fill the space and protect your tongue and cheeks from sharp edges that may be present.

Avoid chewing on the broken tooth as it is vulnerable to further damage.

Why We Need to Treat a Broken Tooth

Even if a broken tooth is not painful, you should still come in and see us. A tooth that’s already compromised can sustain further damage that may be more costly and complex to repair than treatment performed at the time of the injury.

A cracked or broken tooth left untreated can also lead to a pulp infection that would require a root canal to resolve.

Emergency Dentistry in Coeur d’Alene and Ponderay, ID

At North Idaho Dental Group, we understand how upsetting a dental emergency is and are here to serve you when you need us. Please call us, and we will get you on our schedule as soon as possible.

If you are missing teeth, you know how difficult it can be to eat and speak properly. In addition, you probably don’t love your smile. With today’s denture options, however, you no longer need to live with missing teeth. Continue reading if you’re wondering what types of dentures are available from North Idaho Dental Group.

Different Types of Dentures

In our dental office, we offer the following types of dentures to our patients:

• Complete dentures – If you are missing all of your upper or lower arch, we can replace them with a set of full dentures.
• Partial dentures – If you are only missing some of your teeth, partial dentures can replace them and attach to your remaining natural teeth.
• Implant-Supported dentures – If you don’t want any potential stability issues, we can combine dental implants with dentures to give you the functionality you desire. You can remove these dentures to clean them, however.
• All-on-4® dentures – If you don’t want your dentures to be removable, All-on-4 dentures may be the best choice for you.

Do You Need Dentures in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint?

If so, please get in touch with North Idaho Dental Group for a dental appointment. We are ready to help you replace your missing teeth and give you your life back.

When you hear the words "root canal," you may feel anxious or immediately think it is a painful experience, but nothing could be further from the truth! If your dentist says you need a root canal, rest assured that the process will relieve your pain for good.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal therapy is when your dentist removes an infection from the inner core of your tooth. When an infection spreads to that inner core or pulp where the nerves are located, that is when you feel pain.

At this point, your only options are a root canal or a tooth extraction. A root canal is the best way to stop your pain and save your tooth.

How Does North Idaho Dental Group Make You Comfortable?

The dental team at North Idaho Dental Group wants to ensure your comfort during the root canal procedure in Coeur d'Alene or Sandpoint. They do this by:

• Numbing your tooth with a powerful anesthetic so you won't feel any more pain.
• Using rotary endodontics technology to make your procedure go more quickly and efficiently.
• Disinfecting, filling the gap, and sealing the inside of your tooth to avoid another infection.
• Scheduling a follow-up appointment two weeks later for a permanent filling or crown.

Are You Curious About Root Canal Treatment in Coeur d'Alene?

If you would like to speak to a member of our dental team, please call one of our North Idaho Dental Group locations for more information.

Even if you go to the dentist twice a year and practice good oral hygiene, there may come a time when your dentist recommends a dental extraction. You will probably have questions about what the extraction process in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint will entail, and you will also want to know why your tooth needs to be extracted in the first place.

What Are the Reasons for Tooth Extraction?

There are a variety of reasons you might need to have a tooth extracted, including the following:

• Impaction – Tooth impaction occurs when one of your teeth is pushing against another tooth, so to maintain the integrity of your teeth, the tooth causing the problem may need to be removed.
• Overcrowding – If certain teeth are overcrowding other teeth, it can affect your teeth’s alignment, and you might have to get braces to correct the problem. Tooth extraction might be a better option.
• Tooth decay – When plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, they can deteriorate your tooth’s enamel. If too much deterioration occurs, you may need a tooth extraction.
• Periodontal or gum disease – Similar to tooth decay, plaque, and tartar can build up along your gumline; as a result, excessive bone or gum erosion may make it impossible to hold your tooth in place, and your dentist may have to extract the tooth.
• Trauma – If you suffer an injury or accident, your tooth could experience trauma and require removal.

Do You Need More Information About Tooth Extraction in Coeur d’Alene?

Please contact North Idaho Dental Group and a member of our team will be happy to visit with you.