Patient Information

What to Expect at Your First Visit

During your first, our objective is to get to know you better, to become familiar with your past dental experiences and to establish a treatment plan that will best meet your current desires. When you arrive for your first visit, please be prepared to complete all insurance and health information forms.

Also, please assist us by providing the following information:

• Any panoramic X-ray taken within the past six months.
• If you have dental insurance, please bring your insurance card. This will enable us to give you an estimate of your costs.

Comprehensive Exam

Your initial exam will last approximately one hour. Your doctor will perform a thorough exam. In most cases, we will also clean your teeth. Generally, X-rays will be taken, allowing your doctor to examine your mouth for teeth decay, periodontal problems, jaw problems and any signs of oral cancer. These diagnostic records will help your doctor provide an evaluation outlining any existing dental problems and proposed treatment. We encourage you to ask questions. We'll be glad to discuss any concerns you may have.

F.A.Q

How often should I see a dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.

What should I expect during my appointment?

One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, take X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and fee payment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.

During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you fo oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you may be experiencing and answer any questions you may have.

What does "painless dentistry" mean?

Painless dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment options that may require no local anesthetic and whenever possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you.

What if I have an emergency?

Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you in to our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office for the doctor's emergency contact number.

What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?

We have many different procedures that can help these problems. Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Veneers can be positioned to close gaps. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.

Financial and Insurance

It is our mission to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget! Your treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered. We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs.

Insurance Policy

Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. Because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Your estimated patient portion must be paid at the time of service.

As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services and allow them 45 days to render payment. After 60 days, you are responsible for the entire balance, paid-in-full. If you have any questions, our courteous staff is always available to answer them.

Office Information

Appointments

Your scheduled appointment time has been reserved specifically for you. We request 48 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment. We are aware that unforeseen events sometimes require missing an appointment, and appreciate your cooperation.

Insurance Policy

Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. Because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Your estimated patient portion must b paid at the time of service.

As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services and allow them 45 days to render payment. After 60 days, you are responsible for the entire balance, paid-in-full. If you have any questions, our courteous staff is always available to answer them.