Frequently asked questions

Yes. We submit your insurance claims for you and help you get the most from your benefits. Call with your plan name and we’ll help you understand your coverage before treatment.

Cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. For major treatment, we set up a payment plan with a schedule that fits. See our insurance & financing page for details.

Yes — we’re a family practice and see children, parents and grandparents. Ages we see: (to be confirmed). Dental groups recommend a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday.

Many patients come twice a year. Your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on the health of your teeth and gums. At each cleaning visit we also check for decay, gum disease and other problems.

If you can't keep an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours' notice so we can offer the time to another patient. A fee may be charged for missed appointments without notice.

In-network plans: (to be confirmed). Plans change often, so call us with your plan name and we’ll check.

(to be confirmed)

You’re welcome here. Ask us for the fee before treatment so there are no surprises, and ask about payment plans for larger treatment.

Yes. For patients who need major work, we design a payment plan with a schedule that fits.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by a child’s first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Ages we see: (to be confirmed).

Ask when you call and we’ll do our best to schedule family members back to back.

Brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but not in between them. Those areas are where decay and gum (periodontal) disease often start. Flossing cleans along the gumline and between the teeth and helps prevent the plaque build-up that can damage teeth, gums and even the bone underneath.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria that harm your teeth and gums.

Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria that grow on food left in the mouth and between the teeth. Brushing, flossing and regular cleanings help, and sugar-free gum or mints can mask odors for a while. If bad breath continues even with good care, tell us — it can be a sign of gum disease or another health problem, such as a sinus issue.

There are a few options. We can do a hard reline so your denture fits the current shape of your gums — you’ll be without it for a couple of days. A new denture is another option, which takes several visits. Dental implants can also hold a denture firmly in place. We’ll help you decide what fits your needs.

Dental implants, bridges and dentures (full or partial) can all replace missing teeth. The best choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your gums and bone, and your preferences and budget. Your dentist will go over the options with you.

An implant is anchored in the jawbone, so it doesn’t rely on the neighboring teeth like a bridge does and doesn’t come out like a denture. It looks and feels more like a natural tooth. Not everyone is a candidate; your dentist will check your gums and bone first.

Some plans cover part of implant treatment and some don’t. We’ll give you an estimate before you start, file your claim, and can set up a payment plan.

Usually two to three. At the first visit we prepare the tooth, take an impression and place a temporary crown; at the next, we fit and cement your permanent crown.

Porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or gold. Porcelain looks the most like a natural tooth. Your dentist will recommend a material based on where the tooth is and how you bite.

No. Whitening lightens natural tooth enamel; it doesn’t change the color of crowns, veneers or fillings. Your dentist will talk with you about this before you start.

Some people have temporary sensitivity while whitening. Tell us if it happens — we can adjust how often you whiten or suggest products for sensitive teeth.

Placing veneers usually means removing a thin layer of enamel from the front of the teeth, which can’t be undone. Veneers themselves may need replacing someday. Your dentist will explain what to expect before you decide.

We offer veneers to cover chips, cracks and stains; crowns that look like natural teeth; tooth-colored bonding; and take-home whitening. Ask for a cosmetic exam and your dentist will look at your smile, tooth position and tooth color and talk through your options.

With today’s techniques and good numbing, most patients find a root canal far more comfortable than they expected. You may be sore for a few days afterward; over-the-counter pain relievers usually help. Call us about unusual pain.

A tooth that has had a root canal can become brittle. A crown protects it from breaking and restores normal chewing.

A knocked-out or broken tooth, a toothache that keeps you up, swelling in your face or gums, bleeding that won’t stop, or a lost crown with pain. Call us as early in the day as you can. If swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, call 911.

(to be confirmed) For spreading facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.