About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we’ll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don’t notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we’ll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We’ll take measures to make sure your gums stay healthy and strong.
How well do you look out for the safety of your patients?
Very well, actually! In addition to following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA, we use disposable products as often as possible. Between each patient visit, we thoroughly clean treatment rooms and sterilize reusable instruments in an autoclave. Because we value safety, we have invested in a digital radiograph, which emits about 80-percent less radiation that a traditional digital X-ray machine. We also use intraoral cameras and digital photography for close-up images, which promotes accurate diagnoses. If you have questions about our safety and sterilization methods, call our dental office in Naperville, IL. We’ll answer your questions with enthusiasm because we love dentistry and our patients.
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!
Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
Yes! Floss loosens food particles, plaque, and tartar trapped between teeth. These three culprits cause bad breath, cause gum disease, and promote cavities. If you need help learning how to floss quickly and effectively, our hygienist will gladly teach you some tricks to make your daily oral care easier.
I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?
An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services, and after your consultation, you’ll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.
My smile is missing teeth. What do you recommend?
You’ll need to first schedule a consultation with Dr. Caputo. He can assess your oral health and discuss options for replacement teeth. In general, you can choose from crown and bridgework or dental implants. As the most natural prosthetic to natural tooth structure, a dental implant offers a comfortable, natural looking, easy-to-care-for choice.
What can you do to straighten my smile?
Porcelain veneers can correct slight misalignments and gaps, as well as discolorations, chips, and other imperfections. From Hollywood to Beverly Hills, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available today.
Do you accept referrals?
Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends and coworkers that we give you every time you visit.
What is a digital x-ray, and how is it different than a traditional x-ray?
When compared to traditional radiography, digital X-rays emit 80-percent less radiation. Detailed images are immediately projected on a chairside monitor, providing visual aids for Dr. Caputo to explain your condition and treatment options. We can transfer digital X-rays and photographs quickly via the Internet to insurance companies and specialists, as well. Digital X-rays require no hazardous developing chemicals, so they’re earth friendly!
I have to undergo a particular procedure. Will it hurt?
In most cases, no. With all the advances in dentistry over the last decade, there’s no reason for a patient to be in pain during a procedure. Many of the tools we use today are quieter and less intrusive for patients. As a laser dentistry professional, Dr. Caputo can use our lasers to provide you with the treatments you need more quickly, more accurately, and less painfully. Our team is dedicated to making sure you are comfortable and relaxed during treatment. We will walk you through what to expect, and often our patients are surprised when we perform a presumably painful procedure doesn’t hurt a bit.
Nonetheless, we know you may feel jittery about your dental appointment. That’s why we provide The Wand, a computerized, needle-less anesthetic system, and nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) to help you feel more comfortable. We also offer a variety of amenities, such as music and TV, to help you get your mind off your visit. If you are concerned about pain, call our practice to talk to Dr. Caputo. He and our staff will do everything we can to help you feel comfortable and relaxed.
How much will my medical treatment cost?
The cost depends on the type of treatment you are undergoing. No matter what the cost is, however, we are dedicated to helping you get the treatments you need when you need them. That’s why we work with most insurance companies and accept cash, check, and credit cards, including Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express. If you need extensive treatment, we can also help you arrange financing through CareCredit.
Where is your practice located?
Our practice is conveniently located on Book Road in Naperville, near the Neuqua Valley High School. See our map here.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
That depends on the treatment and the type of insurance you have. Many patients walk into our practice believing that their insurance will cover the full amount, when in reality, most insurance plans only cover a portion of their treatment. That’s why we recommend you review your dental insurance policy before your visit. As your dental professionals, we are always happy to help you make sense of your dental insurance plan.
We hope that our patients determine their own treatment and not leave it up to their insurance companies. Most people don’t realize that dental insurance is designed to help you pay for a portion of your treatment, not the whole amount. Many of our patients also don’t realize that not all insurance companies are created equal. Some companies haven’t updated their fee schedules in years, even with the cost of living index, while others don’t include routine and necessary services, such as cleanings, in their coverage plan.
That’s why we’re here to help you. Before any treatment, we sit down and discuss all fees and financial arrangements with you. When necessary, we can coordinate our care around your dental insurance benefits. We accept cash, check, and credit cards, such as Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express. If you need extensive treatment, we can also help you arrange financing through CareCredit. If you have any questions, call our practice at (630) 922-1311 for more information.
How do I know that it is time for my next appointment?
We can schedule your next appointment as you’re leaving our office. Then, we’ll use Smile Reminder to send appointment reminders to you by email, text message, or handheld device.