FAQ

Do you take my insurance?
We routinely submit insurance claims to hundreds of insurance carriers for our patients. We file all of our claims electronically, ensuring the fastest claim handling and payment for your dental treatment. Our office will help you maximize your insurance benefit and handle the entire claim submission process for you.


How does dental insurance work?
Dental insurance is technically not "insurance" in the sense that it does not pay expenses from a loss or catastrophic event. Rather, it is a benefit that is available to you as a result of a contract between your employer and the insurance carrier. The procedures that are covered (and the amount paid for those procedures) result from a negotiation between your employer and the insurance company. Policies are designed with more or less benefit depending upon the premium the employer will pay towards the policy. The determination of UCR fees (usual, customary, and reasonable) are also a result of this negotiation, so the actual fees being charged in a region seldom match the UCR. The annual maximum benefit also varies from one insurance plan to the next. Customary fees and patient need have nothing to do with the annual maximum benefit that you might receive from your insurance. For many dental insurance plans, the annual maximum benefit amount has not increased in decades, so as dental procedure fees rise, you get a smaller benefit each year!


I think I need a lot of dental treatment. Do you offer payment plans?
Absolutely! We offer 3 and 6 month interest free payment plans, and longer financing for treatment through our financing partner, Care Credit. You can save up to 5% on more costly treatment by paying in advance for your treatment. For more information, please read our Financial Resonsibility and Payment Options documents.


I'm concerned about X-rays; why do I need them?
Dental x-rays provide valuable information that helps to evauate your oral health. Radiographs (the term for pictures taken with x-rays) allow your dentist to see hidden abnormalities such as tooth decay, infections and signs of gum disease, including changes in the bone and ligaments holding teeth in place. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. How often x-rays should be taken depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease you may be experiencing. The amount of radiation you are exposed to from dental x-rays is very small.


I feel great! Why do I need to see the dentist at least twice a year?
There are many reasons. For starters, only a dental hygienist can get the hard tartar off of your teeth. An examination from the dentist at these intervals usually allows us to detect problems in your mouth when they are small. When small problems become large, treatment becomes more involved, more expensive, more time consuming, and less predictable.


How should I prepare my child for their fist dental visit?
We do everything possible to make your child's dental experiences very positive. Here are some things that parents can do with their child prior to the appointment to help their first visit be more comfortable:

  • Take an "online" tour of our office.
  • Read books aimed at children about going to the dentist.
  • Review what the dentist will do at the first visit.
  • Speak positively about your own dental experiences.

Do I need fluoride in order to have healthy teeth?
Fluoride is critical in helping developing teeth to become strong, and in helping developed teeth to stay healthy. Fluoride treatments and fluoride toothpastes are keys to good oral health. We will help you to determine what fluoride products and supplements you or your family should be using.


Is it safe to have dental treatment while I'm pregnant?
Yes. Did you know that pregnancy can make you more susceptible to certain dental conditions? This is why it is very important for you to maintain your dental health through pregnancy. Even most dental procedures can be performed safely while pregnant. The healthier you are the healthier your baby will be.