FAQ

Question 1

How often should I see a dentist?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What should I expect during my appointment?

Accepted Answer

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, make 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 for 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.

Question 3

What does “painless dentistry” mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What if I have a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

Please call our office — (360) 892-2994 — 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 your office to reach the doctor on call. If you call after 9 p.m. or before 7 a.m., the doctor on call will return your call the next day or after 7 a.m. If you feel you require immediate assistance after 9 p.m. or before 7 a.m., please consider going to the local emergency room.

Question 5

Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer third-party financing and also accept most major credit cards. See our Payment Options.

Question 6

Can the dentist whiten my teeth?

Accepted Answer

There are several methods available for teeth bleaching the teeth: in-office, overnight or daily. For overnight teeth whitening or bleaching, we make an impression of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits your bite. Each day you fill the mouthguard with a small amount of teeth whitening bleaching gel and wear it overnight or for a few hours during the day. This process takes approximately two weeks.

Other over-the-counter daily bleaching products are available, but it is important to use these products only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the ADA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any bleaching program.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Porcelain dental veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. 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.

Question 8

Can my teenager bring their siblings to their appointment?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately all patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during an office visit.

Question 9

Why can’t I find prices on the website?

Accepted Answer

The pricing for services and procedures varies. While we can quote you fees for an initial visit depending on your insurance, we cannot quote for treatment since that requires the doctor’s diagnosis. The best thing is to come in, meet the doctor and the staff and after your exam, we can give you a more precise quote. Our prices are very comparable to others within the area.

Question 10

I just want a teeth cleaning. Is that possible?

Accepted Answer

I just want a teeth cleaning. Why can’t I just schedule that? Based on your exam, the doctor will be able to diagnose the proper cleaning recommended for you. There are several types of cleanings that are dependent on the condition of your oral health that can only be diagnosed by a doctor.

Question 11

Do you accept Medicaid/Medicare, etc.?

Accepted Answer

Medicaid is not insurance, it is a state-funded plan, and unfortunately our office does not work with these programs. We do, however, offer third-party financing.

Question 12

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love to see children from the age of 3 and up and regularly provide pediatric dentistry services.