Practice Introduction
Dr. Russell Nishimura has extensive education, training and experience including three post-graduate residencies, Professor Emeritus from the UCLA School of Dentistry as well as national and international recognition in Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics. (click here for full resume)
Our beautiful and clean office is designed for the comfort, safety and well-being of our patients. The range and quality of services offered are meticulously provided in a professional yet personal manner. An in-house dental laboratory further enhances our abilities to serve the needs of our patients.
Whether your dental needs are simple or complex, we welcome the opportunity to be of service to you.
Patient Information
Dr. Nishimura and staff are dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results that you're proud to show off. Our administrative staff is ready to help you with questions about scheduling, financial policy and insurance, to make that part of the process as simple as possible.
This section offers information from the administrative side of the practice, including:
- What to Expect on Your First Visit
- Scheduling
- Financial Policy
- Insurance
- Infection Control
- Home Instructions
First Visit
Your initial appointment will consist of listening to your needs and desires for dental care, review your past dental and medical histories, an extra- and intra-oral examination, and a consultation to discuss your existing dental condition and present the various methods and materials to meet those needs.
Please assist us by providing the following information at your consultation:
- Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable.
- A list of medications you are presently taking.
- If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
IMPORTANT A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 at the consultation visit.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern regarding your dental care. If your physician desires you to have antibiotics before dental procedures, please inform us when you schedule your first visit.
X-Rays
If your previous dentist has taken recent x-rays (within 6-months), you may request the dentist to forward them to our office. If there is no enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional films are necessary, x-rays can be taken at our facility.
Scheduling
Russell D. Nishimura, DDS, Inc. is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment only. The office is closed on Wednesday. We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact Dr. Nishimura provides many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Please call us at (805) 496-0026 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Financial Policy
Patient Billing
For your convenience we accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express as well as Cash and Checks. We are a "Fee for Service Practice" as payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have question regarding your account, please contact us at (805) 496-0026. Many times a simple telephone call will clear up any misunderstandings.
Please remember that you are responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage. Our staff can assist you in determining your insurance benefits and is able to electronically bill your dental insurance company. For covered benefits, you should be reimbursed directly from your dental insurance company. Most insurance companies will respond in 4-6 weeks. .
Insurance Information
Russell D. Nishimura, DDS, Inc. makes every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this, we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date.
Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.
Please bring your insurance information with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement.
Infection Control
Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Nishimura and receive a straightforward answer.
Dr. Nishimura and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
These measures include:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before every use
- Disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure. The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.
Advanced Technology
Intra-Oral Photography
Dr. Nishimura utilizes intra-oral photography when needed to document your dental condition, to assist in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of your dental needs. This includes appropriate communication with other specialists and laboratory technicians.
Intra oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.
Home Care Instructions
After Cosmetic Reconstruction
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of your teeth is changed, it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at (805) 496-0026 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You'll quicly adapt to speak normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.
If you engage in sports, let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.
After Crown and Bridge Appointments
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off. Call us at (805) 496-0026 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (805) 496-0026.