FAQ's
Provided I have no pain, how long does it take and what will get accomplished on my first visit?
Drs. Matt and Jody typically prefer to see new patients for the first time through a hygiene (teeth cleaning) appointment. At this appointment the patient will generally have all their existing restorations and any areas of decay charted on the computer, the hygienist will check the status of their gum tissue health, their teeth will be hand scaled and polished and digital x-rays will be taken. The patient will then be examined by one of the dentists and a comprehensive oral exam will be completed, including an oral cancer screening. With the cleaning appointment and the consultation, the patient will be with us for 1 to 1.5 hours. If a patient has a particularly complex treatment plan, we will typically schedule a specific consultation so that we may address the patient's needs thoroughly and answer any questions.
What do I do if I have a toothache or other pain?
Emergency appointments are always welcomed. We try to see patients in pain as soon as possible but we request you call us early so that we may schedule you an appointment. To best utilize the Drs. schedule we prefer no walk ins. , but since they believe in a complete treatment plan, it's always better to view the patient's mouth as a whole, instead of piece by piece. The best way to achieve this complete picture is with x-rays and the measurements of the gum tissue taken by the hygienists, not to mention examining clean teeth.
Why are x-rays so important?
It is critical to evaluate all structures in the oral cavity, not only the teeth, but also the bone. There is only so much that can be seen visually, and so x-rays are used to see the "in-betweens" of the teeth. If a patient has numerous fillings or crowns, x-rays are especially important to address the health and stability of them. With x-rays, we can treat decay while it is minor, and the subsequent restoration is small.
We welcome all types of insurance, but since there are so many different plans, we encourage you to call the office directly, and Terri can answer that question specific to your needs. If you are considering a new dental insurance policy in the future, Terri will be more than happy to help assist you in your decision-making process.
Do you offer payment plans?
We provide an out-of-house financing option for those patients requiring a complex treatment plan, or anyone who qualifies to take advantage of this service. A simple credit application is required, and approval is ready in minutes.
Can I request a specific doctor or hygienist?
Of course you may-we want your experience to be as comfortable as possible. Just ask Terri when you schedule, and she'll be happy to make sure you're scheduled with the provider you want.