Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Wilcox Has The High Tech Soft Touch Answers

Location
Where is Dr. Wilcox’s dental office located?

Dr. Wilcox and his dental staff treat patients at their Uptown Albuquerque office centrally located, just 1 BLOCK FROM CORONADO MALL at:

7111 Prospect Place NE, Suite D
Albuquerque, NM  87110

Click here to print a map with directions from your location to ours.

Office Hours
Is the office open Fridays?

Dental appointments are available Monday – Friday, even on your lunch hour. Help us make your visit fast and friendly by completing our patient information form before your visit. Call 505-268-4484 to book an appointment at our Albuquerque location.

Insurance
What kinds of insurance does Dr. Wilcox accept?

Dental insurance is often included in employee benefit plans. Many dental plans cover 50% to 100% of dental services. Dr. Wilcox accepts most dental insurance and military dental plans including:

• Delta Dental
• United Concordia
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Met Life
• And many others

Our insurance specialist will consult with you prior to any procedure, provide a complimentary insurance check to review your benefits, advise about out-of-pocket costs, and file all claim forms. We can bring a smile to your face with affordable payment plans!

Patient Information Form
What kind of medical information will Dr. Wilcox need to know?

There is a simple 2-page patient information form we ask you to complete before your appointment. The information you provided is strictly confidential. Save time! Click here to complete the patient information form and bring it to your next visit.

Cavities / Prevention
What Are Cavities?

Tooth decay, better known as cavities, is the destruction of tooth enamel. Cavities occur when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on teeth.

Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in cavities.

How Can I Prevent Cavities?

Dr. Wilcox recommends the following tips to help you prevent tooth decay:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.

• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.

• Check with Dr. Wilcox about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and ask about dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.

• Visit Dr. Wilcox and his dental office staff regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.

Check Ups for Children
How often should I bring my child in for a check up?

Twice yearly annual check ups and teeth cleanings are recommended by the American Dental Association to help teeth stay healthy – for kids from age 4 and for adults of all ages.

Aren't Cavities Just Kid's Stuff?

No. Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay.

Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of periodontal (gum) disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque.

Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold.

Braces
Does Dr. Wilcox work with braces?

No. But he can refer several of New Mexico’s leading orthodontists if you or a family member needs braces.

Sedation Dentistry
What is “Sedation Dentistry?

It’s an art and a science to help patients. Dr. Wilcox is a dental sedation expert, with more than 700 satisfied patients treated with sedation methods.

Licensed by the State of New Mexico Board of Dental Examiners, Dr. Jean-Claude Wilcox is one of the few licensed experts in New Mexico certified in anesthetic, sedative and other anxiety and pain control procedures for patients. He’s the high tech dentist with a soft touch.

Dr. Wilcox helps patients relax during dental procedures and overcome fear of visiting dentists. Experienced, gentle and kind, he is one of New Mexico’s leading and trusted experts in sedation dentistry.

Is Sedation Dentistry for You?
Dr. Wilcox can alleviate pain and minimize the fear of visiting a dentist. He recommends sedation dentistry for people like you who:

• Fear visiting the dentist
• Remember traumatic dental experiences
• Have difficulty getting numb
• Experience a bad gag reflex
• Have very sensitive teeth
• Face complex dental problems
• Have a limited time to complete dental care
• Hate needles and shots
• Dislike dental noises and smells and tastes
• Are afraid or embarrassed about your teeth

Learn how sedation dentistry can help you:

• Save time
• Reduce fear
• Eliminate worry

Digital X-Rays
Are digital X-Rays safe?

Yes. Dr. Wilcox and his staff rely on the latest technology to ensure your dental visit is calm, comfortable, and safe. We use digital X-Rays to take comfortable pictures of your teeth in real time, while reducing your exposure to radiation by up to 90%.

Broken / Lost Teeth
What should I do if I break or lose a tooth?

Dr. Wilcox recommends:

• Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it’s dirty.

• Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments.

• If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket.

• If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist office as quickly as possible.

• Remember to take the tooth with you!

Crowns
How many visits do I need to get a crown?

Crowns and bridges take just 2 appointments. During the first step, Dr. Wilcox prepares your tooth and creates a custom mold. On the second visit, the new crown or bridge is cemented and the procedure is complete!

Root Canals
Do root canals hurt?

Your teeth and your comfort are Dr. Wilcox’s top priority. He’s specializes in sedation dentistry and offers a “no fear” promise. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Wilcox and his friendly staff promise to help you relax, put you at ease, and send you on your way smiling.

False Teeth
I lost my false teeth. Can I get them replaced?

Yes. Dr. Wilcox creates various types of complete dentures that can help you eat and speak normally again. Schedule an appointment to get the best fit fast.

Veneers / Bonding
What is the difference between veneers and bonding?

Veneers are thin enamel layers placed on top of an entire tooth or set of teeth to correct nature's mistakes or the results of an injury to help you have a beautiful smile.

Bonding is made from composite resin materials that match the color of your existing teeth to hide chips, gaps or stains on your teeth. Dr. Wilcox uses the following approach for bonding:

• He prepares the surface of your tooth with an etching solution.

• Then, special composite resin materials are carefully blended to create a color that matches your own teeth.

• These materials are applied and shaped to match the specific contours of your teeth.

• Finally, they are hardened with a curing light and bonded in place.

Whitening / Cosmetic Dentistry
I want a bright, white smile. How can Dr. Wilcox help?

Offering the latest in modern dentistry, Dr. Wilcox can help you appear more youthful by brightening your smile. That’s why he was voted as one of New Mexico’s top cosmetic dentists by Albuquerque The Magazine.

Even the most subtle change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel about yourself, without surgery, and sometimes in just one visit. Talk to Dr. Wilcox about the most suitable cosmetic dentistry options for you.