Why do you do what you do?
We believe that all dentistry prevention and intervention should be performed with the long-term picture in mind.
Why is that important to the people you serve?
Continual interventional dentistry is expensive, and we want to minimize the actual amount of dentistry that a person will need by recognizing the tiny signs that may lead to dramatic needs if neglected or ignored.
We will aim to help you maintain the best dental health within your own constraints be it time, health, or financial.
Why does the existence of our office matter?
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What is the functional benefit to your patient?
Our patients have someone who is an advocate for their teeth — someone who can translate what the body is trying to say through its teeth into a story that patients will understand.
This empowers you to make appropriate plans and decisions for yourself.
What is the emotional benefit to your patient
Our patients have an ongoing relationship with us, someone who is invested not only in the health of their teeth, but also their whole well-being.
The relational component of dentistry is something we value — your story impacts ours. Your smile brightens ours.
What is the ultimate value to your patient?
Our patients are not fearful of us. Our patients trust us. Our patients value our dedication to excellence in our profession.
You will receive our best, and rest easy under our care.
How is the comprehensive approach of your practice different from the usual and customary approach?
Most dentistry addresses emergency needs or the repair of a single tooth at a time. The comprehensive approach involves a whole lot more.
We take time getting to know you and do a very thorough clinical exam to discover your complete oral health circumstances. Dr. Rolfes and Dr. Koo explore with you what is possible to achieve in your mouth, what needs to be done, and what you want to achieve. Prior to treatment, Dr. Rolfes and Dr. Koo carefully plan the treatment that addresses not only your immediate objectives but also the long-term health of the whole mouth.
For your oral health, we have a preventative and restorative agenda. Our ideal plan for your oral health includes healthy gums and soft tissue, healthy jaw joints, comfortable muscles, all teeth working in harmony without damaging stress, naturally beautiful esthetics that light up your smile, and dental restorations that are predictably long lasting. Even for patients with complex problems, this can be achieved with careful planning and well-coordinated, expertly-executed treatment.
Learn more abou our signature oral health evaluation.
What will happen at my first appointment?
The comprehensive oral health evaluation is always an important process for the new patient in a practice. Dr. Rolfes and Dr. Koo will be concerned first with getting to know you as a unique individual. They will be concerned next with a co-discovery clinical examination, which will allow both of you to determine the aspects of your oral health and appearance that can be improved.
The evaluation begins with discussing your medical history and previous dental experiences. The doctors will gain valuable insights as you talk about your past experiences and express where you see your present level of oral health. They will invite you to talk about your concerns, expectations, and desires.
The complete clinical examination will be thorough, perhaps more thorough than you have experienced before. Depending on your circumstances, the entire process might take place over more than one visit. Any urgent needs will be address quickly.
Learn more about our signature oral health evaluation.
Do you take insurance?
We are committed to maximizing your insurance benefits. We will fill out your insurance forms at no cost and mail them. Insurance payments, however, will come directly to the patient, not our office. We want to work 100% for our patients, not the insurance companies.
What are your financial policies?
We want to help you afford the dentistry you need. There are a variety of financial options including payment plans and payment by credit card, check or cash. We also have arrangements with financial institutions for unsecured loans with low interest rates for our patients who qualify. Phasing your dentistry over time, if appropriate, can be of great help in affording the dentistry you need.
Will you mind if I want a second opinion?
Not at all, and in fact we often encourage it. Particularly with more complex and extensive care, it is paramount that both parties feel comfortable with the choice to work together.
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Dr. Rolfes and Dr. Koo can always be reached at the number listed on our office message center. In the unlikely event they are both away for any reason, a doctor on call, whom they know personally, will be available.
Why is my bite so important, and just what is occlusion, anyway?
Have you ever had a raspberry seed stuck in your teeth? It might as well have been a boulder, right? Occlusion has to do with the way the teeth fit. If the teeth fit, but the muscles that support the jaw are not happy in that position, the result can be headaches, neck aches, TMJ (jaw joint) problems, broken or severely worn teeth and restorations, receding gums and loosening of the teeth. When the teeth, bones, joints and muscles are in harmony, the “permanence” or longevity of the dentistry required is highly predictable.
I read somewhere that headaches can be related to my bite. Is that true?
There is a matrix of muscles involved in lower jaw movement that surrounds the jaw joints and connects the lower jaw to the skull, neck (cervical spine), and the shoulder girdle (what physical therapists call the “upper quadrant”). There are also peripheral muscles used in swallowing and head posture. When any of the masticatory system muscles are stressed by poor occlusion, they can be in low-grade spasm that affects other connective muscles and ultimately result in headaches.
I want to improve the appearance of my teeth but I’m afraid of what it might cost and what I might have to go through. Can you help me explore the range of what is possible and make choices that are best for me?
You have likely seen a host of advertisements promoting cosmetic smile makeovers. While these may have inspired you to seek the services of a highly trained dentist, they also may have made you a little concerned about the extent to which a dentist will advise you to go. It’s important to remember the best dentists are always interested in your personal concerns and preferences. They value your wellbeing above personal gain and will fully inform you about your options so you can make the right choices for yourself. Dr. Rolfes will be happy to help you decide what is most appropriate for you.