What people ask before they call

We are out of network with every dental plan, so we don't bill plans directly. You pay at the visit and get an itemized receipt to send to a plan that reimburses out-of-network care. The plan decides what it pays.

Most of our patients pay for their own visit, and we are built for it. You get a written estimate before any treatment, and you decide with the estimate in your hand.

No. We are not enrolled with Medicaid or CHIP, so we can't bill either one. Your plan or the state can tell you which dentists near you are enrolled.

Yes, always. Ask when you call, or at the start of the visit. It lists each step and its fee, and you can take it home or decide on the spot.

We numb the area before we work, and you can ask for a break at any time by raising your hand. Some treatment leaves a tooth sore for a day or two, and the dentist tells you what to expect.

Only if it will change what we do. The dentist decides after the exam, and tells you why before she takes it.

No. We have no hygienists. We treat the problem that can't wait and send you back to your regular dentist for cleanings and checkups. If you don't have one, we'll tell you how to find one.

We see children with an urgent problem when a parent or guardian comes with them. For a child's regular checkups, a dentist who treats children is the better fit.

A knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, a toothache that won't let up, a lost crown, or a swollen gum. Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing, needs an emergency room or 911. Our emergency page has the first steps.

No. We use local anesthetic, which numbs the area. If you need more than that, we'll refer you to a dentist who offers it. Tell us when you call, and we'll go at your pace.

Call first. We hold time for urgent visits when we can, and we tell you on the phone if we can't, so you don't wait for nothing. Walk-ins are seen when a chair is open.

Call us. We hold time for urgent visits, so tell us as early as you can if you can't come, and we'll offer it to the next caller.