FAQs

Frequently Asked Dental Care Questions

How can we assist you in making informed decisions about your dental health? At Ackerman Family Dentistry, we encourage your questions. While we've addressed some common queries, if you seek answers beyond these, please don't hesitate to contact our Boise, ID, dental office at (208) 376-7954.

Other

  • What Is the Cost of My Procedure, and What Payment Options Are Available?

    Your dental care is an investment in both your oral and overall health. The cost of treatment can vary based on the procedures you require. Dr. Daniel or Dr. Robert will discuss your treatment options with you, ensuring your choice aligns with your dental health and budget. We always establish a financial arrangement before proceeding with dental treatment, eliminating surprises and clarifying out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Accepted Dental Insurance and Financing at Our Boise Clinic

    Ackerman Family Dentistry accepts various dental insurance plans, with our dentists being in-network for select providers like Delta Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross, Regence, and Aetna. Even if your specific insurance plan isn't listed, you may still be eligible to utilize your insurance benefits at our Boise office, so please discuss your payment options with our knowledgeable treatment coordinators.

  • CareCredit Financing

    For more flexible payment solutions, we offer third-party financing through companies such as CareCredit, which allows patients to divide more complex treatment plans into manageable monthly payments. We're happy to provide additional details about CareCredit and assist you with the application process.

  • Additional Payment Options

    We also accept cash, checks, and major credit cards as payment options for dental services. If you have any questions or need further information regarding payment methods, don't hesitate to contact Ackerman Family Dentistry at (208) 376-7954.

Additional Dental Services

  • What Solutions Do You Offer for Teeth Grinding?

    Detecting clenching and grinding, medically known as bruxism, can be tricky, as it commonly occurs while you sleep. Your bed partner may hear it, or you may notice unusual wear or even fractures on your teeth. Other symptoms include jaw joint (TMJ) discomfort and frequent headaches. Over time, long-term grinding can result in a loss of tooth height, necessitating expensive full-mouth treatment. It can also lead to heightened tooth sensitivity.

  • Diagnosis and Treatment for Bruxism

    At Ackerman Family Dentistry in Boise, we're skilled at diagnosing and treating bruxism. We recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard to safeguard your teeth and TMJ from further damage. These mouthguards are comfortable and easy to wear during sleep, preventing teeth grinding and its associated irreversible harm.

    If you suspect that you or your partner may be experiencing teeth grinding at night, don't hesitate to contact our Boise dental office. Schedule an examination with Dr. Daniel or Dr. Robert to address your concerns.

Dental Implants

  • What Are My Options to Replace Missing Teeth?

    Living with missing teeth can bring discomfort, frustration, and embarrassment. Everyday activities we often overlook, like eating, chewing, speaking, and socializing, can suddenly become challenging.

  • Oral Health Concerns Arising from Missing Teeth

    Besides the immediate issues, missing teeth can lead to dental health complications. When no root supports the jawbone, it may start to deteriorate. Additionally, the absence of teeth can cause neighboring healthy teeth to shift, potentially resulting in bite misalignment.

  • Tooth Replacement Choices

    The great news is that there are several options for replacing missing teeth, depending on your unique requirements. These options include:

    • Tooth Implants: These provide a new tooth with a root firmly anchored in the bone.
    • Dental Bridges: Utilizing dental crowns to support one or more artificial teeth.
    • Removable Partial Dentures: This appliance supports the remaining healthy teeth and provides a solution for replacing one or more missing teeth.
  • Get in Touch With Our Boise, ID, Dental Practice

    When you visit our dental office, Dr. Daniel and Dr. Robert will thoroughly assess your unique needs and discuss the most suitable treatment options. We base our recommendations on your immediate concerns, lifestyle, and budget. Don't hesitate to contact Ackerman Family Dentistry today to schedule an evaluation with your Boise dentist.

Emergency Dentistry

  • What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?

    The steps to take during a dental emergency depend on the nature of the oral health issue. If you're experiencing a toothache or jaw swelling, please get in touch with our dental office as soon as possible to schedule emergency treatment, usually on the same day.

    We recommend collecting the pieces when your tooth is knocked out and placing them in a cup of warm salt water or saliva to preserve the tooth's viability before your appointment. Timely dental care may allow us to reinsert the knocked-out tooth.

    If the emergency involves trauma outside the mouth, such as an auto accident, we advise seeking medical attention at your local ER first. Once you've been declared safe, you can contact a member of our dental team. Your overall health is our top priority!

  • Common Types of Dental Emergencies

    Dental emergencies in Boise, ID, may include:

    • Knocked-Out or Loose Tooth
    • Loose or Lost Dental Restoration
    • Toothache
    • Jaw Pain or Swelling
    • Soft Tissue Injury

    If you're uncertain whether your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, we strongly encourage you to contact our dental office. A staff member can assess your symptoms and make the appropriate decision for your oral health. We can also offer specific guidance to help you until your scheduled appointment. Contact us for dental emergencies in Boise, ID, at (208) 376-7954. Restoring your comfort and oral health is our priority.

Preventive Dentistry

  • How Often Should I Have a Professional Dental Cleaning?

    At Ackerman Family Dentistry, we strongly emphasize preventive care to help you maintain exceptional oral health and preserve your natural teeth throughout your lifetime. As a general guideline, our dentists typically advise scheduling a dental cleaning and checkup every six months. However, if you have gum disease, you may require more frequent cleanings to halt its progression.

  • Dedicated Dental Care for Kids in Boise

    For our youngest patients in Boise, Dr. Daniel and Dr. Robert recommend regular cleanings and checkups every six months, starting as early as three years old. We must prioritize your child's comfort and readiness and only pressure them to proceed once they are fully prepared.

  • Comprehensive Dental Cleanings and Checkups

    Regular professional cleanings play a crucial role in preventing the need for extensive and expensive restorative treatments. They effectively remove plaque buildup, which can lead to issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, your dental hygienist will use this time to review your at-home oral care routine, ensuring you're using the correct brushing and flossing techniques.


    Whether it's been some time since your last dental cleaning or you're a regular visitor, our Boise dental office welcomes you with open arms. We meet you where you are in your dental care journey, addressing your specific needs without judgment.

  • Can You Explain the Distinctions Between Silver and Tooth-Colored Fillings, and Which Option Would You Suggest?

    Although tooth enamel is incredibly tough, it's not impervious to harm. Sugar consumption nourishes mouth-dwelling bacteria, producing acid that wears away enamel and causes cavities. In the event of tooth damage, our dentists will remove the affected portion, resulting in a hole that requires filling.

    To address this, we offer a couple of filling options. Metal fillings are a robust amalgam of different metals, including silver, known for their durability, making them a preferred choice for molars subjected to intense chewing forces.

  • Tooth-Colored Fillings

    For aesthetic reasons, many individuals opt for tooth-colored fillings. Custom-shaded tooth-colored composite resin can seamlessly blend with your natural tooth, concealing the presence of your dental filling.

  • Contact Our Boise Dental Office

    We provide both filling materials at Ackerman Family Dentistry, including BPA-free composites. When selecting a dental filling, Dr. Daniel or Dr. Robert will discuss the options with you, ensuring you choose the option that aligns with your budget and your smile's goals.

  • What Type of Toothbrush Do You Recommend?

    While a manual toothbrush can be equally effective as an electric brush when used correctly, many individuals find it challenging to achieve the same results. For this reason, we often suggest an electric toothbrush as a cost-effective preventive option at Ackerman Family Dentistry. We offer affordable electric toothbrushes tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, we can recommend various options available through third-party retailers like Amazon or Costco.

  • Advantages of Electric Toothbrushes

    Electric toothbrushes streamline your brushing routine with features such as pressure alerts and two-minute timed sessions to ensure thorough and effective brushing. These advantages make electric toothbrushes an appealing choice for many.

  • Proper Tooth Brushing Techniques

    However, if an electric toothbrush doesn't fit your budget, it's essential to employ proper brushing and flossing techniques to maintain excellent oral health. The appropriate methods help ensure you effectively remove plaque buildup that can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. If you need help with brushing and flossing, our Boise dental hygienist will be delighted to demonstrate during your next preventive cleaning and checkup appointment.

For questions or to book an appointment, contact Ackerman Family Dentistry in Boise, ID, at (208) 376-7954.

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