Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you find answers to your questions in the following section. If you would like further information or have another question, please give us a call or ask during your next visit. We are always ready to help our patients in any way we can.

How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?

As a team and as individuals, our office makes it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.

Dr. Neal Benjamin’s commitment to education has resulted in a veritable alphabet soup of letters after his name. In addition to earning a D.D.S. degree at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1979, Dr. Benjamin also has completed the necessary requirements for fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry and the American College of Dentists. He has received advanced training in smiles, facial form and function, and is qualified to administer both conscious and IV sedation for the utmost in patient comfort. He has studied at the prestigious Las Vegas Dental Institute for Advanced Cosmetics, adding to his knowledge of treating the complicated dental concerns of an adult population.

Dr. Corey Husu earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1983, where he also received training in both oral sedation and IV sedation techniques. He has received extensive postgraduate education in the rehabilitation of worn adult dentition at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He is known for his common sense approach to the practice of modern dentistry and says, “If your smile isn’t becoming you should be coming to me.”

Dr. John Stentz is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Dental School.  For the past six years he was part of a dental practice in Coon Rapids. He has taken extensive continuing education and advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, laser surgery, and root canal treatments.  Dr. Stentz is also current in the latest techniques in preventative and restorative dentistry. It is his goal to keep abreast of advances in dentistry to bring the best care to his patients and community.

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Can you show me what my smile will look like ahead of time with imaging software?

At Circle Pines Dental, we routinely use imaging software to help patients visualize the end result of cosmetic or restorative work. By taking various photos of your current smile, we can generate an accurate graphic image of just how beautiful your smile can be.

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How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?

An average, healthy adult person typically benefits from a professional cleaning and check up every six months. While twice daily brushing and flossing go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth, it is wise to check for plaque that has hardened into tartar, which requires professional cleaning in order to avoid gingivitis.

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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

As part of our commitment to our patients, Dr. Benjamin, Dr. Husu and Dr. Stentz are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to emergencies and answer questions. If you have an emergency after hours, simply call the office and let us know the nature of your condition. We will return your call as soon as possible, give you helpful information over the phone, and determine if you need to be seen immediately.

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How can I safely whiten my teeth?

There are now a number of ways to whiten your smile, from at-home treatments to in-office treatments. Based on the current color of your teeth and the causes of any discoloration, we can recommend the whitening treatment that will work best for you. Once you've decided on the most appropriate method, it generally takes two to four weeks of simple whitening treatments to obtain the best results.

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What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

When you become a patient of Circle Pines Dental, we see our work as part of your overall health. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain the best possible dental health, with a balance between function and esthetics. We take time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your current dental status, and with you, determine the best course of action. We attend continuing education courses constantly to stay abreast of new developments in the field so we can offer you the best possible dental care and the newest procedures and techniques. Finally, when you become a patient of our practice, we see you as a person and treat you accordingly. We want you to be an active partner in your dental care!

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I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?

Modern dentistry offers us a number of pain-free procedures and treatments, but we understand that some people have qualms about having their teeth worked on. That's why we are qualified to administer both oral and IV sedation as well as nitrous oxide. In addition to a staff skilled at helping patients relax, we offer special chairs that massage your back, blankets, pillows and music with headphones. We want you to be comfortable during your visit to our office, and will do our best to make it a pain-free, pleasant experience.

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Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials.where can I learn more about these procedures?

Our website is designed to provide you with the information you need about the restorative and cosmetic procedures we offer, but if you desire more information, visit the American Dental Association.

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Mercury fillings - why not?

For years there has been debate in the dental profession regarding the pros and cons of using silver amalgam fillings, which contain about 50% mercury, to restore cavities. We use bonded ceramic composite resins. Not only do they look natural, they provide a much better service and protection for your teeth, as they eliminate all the shortcomings of the old fashioned silver fillings. They seal the teeth better, insulate against hot and cold better, and if they wear down they can be repaired easier. Many people who are undergoing a cosmetic improvement on their front teeth elect to have dark silver fillings in their back teeth replaced with the bonded ceramic resins to provide a total cosmetic improvement

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Do you accept referrals?

We are always pleased to accept referrals from other professionals, and are even happier when current patients recommend us to their family and friends. Your referrals are the best kinds of compliments!

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What payment options do you provide?

We are committed to providing you with the best possible dental care and will discuss fees with you at anytime. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. We offer a five percent discount if payment is made in full by cash or check on the day of service.

We are an independent provider for all dental insurance, and the amount of benefits you receive depends upon your plan. Our knowledgeable office staff will be happy to assist you.

If you need major treatment such as crowns, bridges, dentures or root canals, we can schedule your treatment in phases to fit your budget. We also offer a variety of payment options, including:

  • Care Credit: This plan offers three, six, and 12-month interest-free financing with payments on some plans as low as 3% of the balance. Care Credit also offers low interest plans for 24, 36 and 48 months.
  • Wells Fargo: This payment plan offers six and 12-month interest-free payment options, low monthly payments and no upfront costs or annual fees. It is a revolving credit amount.
  • Dental fee plan: You can select a monthly payment that fits your budget, and the rate and payments are fixed throughout the term of the loan.
  • CapitalOne

We want your dental experience to be comfortable for you in every way. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to talk with one of our knowledgeable team members.

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Circle Pines Dental website. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment to evaluate your dental health, please call us at (763) 786-3432. Thank you.

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