Questions people ask us
Plain answers about visits, paying and what to expect.
01What should I expect at my first visit?
A visit runs about an hour. Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, takes X-rays if they decide you need them and explains what they found. You leave with your options in writing. Bring your insurance card if you have one, a photo ID and a list of your medicines.
02Do you take my insurance?
We bill PPO and indemnity dental plans and file the claim for you. Whether a plan treats us as in network depends on the plan, so ask before you book. DHMO plans assign you to a dental office, so call us first. The details are on our How fees work page.
03What if I do not have insurance?
You pay the fee for your visit, and we give you a written estimate before treatment begins. Financing is offered by third-party lenders. Approval and terms are set by the lender.
04Do you accept Medicaid or CHIP?
Call us with your plan and we will tell you before you book whether we can see you under it. Coverage differs by plan, so we answer by plan.
05Will it hurt?
We numb the area before we begin and check that it is working. Tell us if you feel anything and we will stop and adjust. Some soreness afterward is common, and your dentist tells you what to expect for your treatment.
06How often do I need X-rays and a cleaning?
Your dentist decides, based on your mouth and your health history. Some people come back every six months and some less often. We explain why, and you can ask us to put it in writing.
07What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning cleans below the gumline when your dentist finds signs of gum disease. It is often done in more than one visit, and we numb the area first. Your dentist explains why they recommend it and what the alternatives are.
08Do you see children?
Yes. Our general dentists see children and teens. For a very young or very anxious child, we will tell you honestly if a pediatric dentist would be a better fit, and refer you.
09What counts as a dental emergency?
Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head or bleeding that will not stop needs an emergency room: call 911. For a toothache, a broken tooth or a lost filling, call our office and we will tell you what to do until you are seen.
10Do you offer sedation?
We offer nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, for patients who want help relaxing. Your dentist is present, and we check your breathing and how you are responding throughout. You stay awake and can talk to us. We do not offer stronger sedation here. If your dentist thinks you need it, we refer you to a practice that does and tell you who will give it and how you will be monitored.
11Can I get a written estimate before treatment?
Yes. Ask when you schedule or at your visit. After your exam your dentist lists the treatment, the visits it takes and what it is expected to cost, and the front desk goes through your benefits with you.
12How do I cancel or change a visit?
Call or message us as early as you can, and we will find another time. If you need to change a visit on short notice, call and speak to the front desk.
Still have a question?
Send us a message or call. We reply during office hours.