Patient Info
Patient Info
Answers to the questions patients ask most, the form we ask you to fill out before your visit, and how payment and insurance work at our office. Everything on this page is also a phone call away at 912-966-5489.
Questions patients ask
FAQ
Which type of toothbrush should I use?
The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It's unnecessary to "scrub" the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.
Is one toothpaste better than others?
Generally, no. However, it's advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride.
How often should I floss?
Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.
What's the difference between a "crown" and a "cap"?
These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as "crowns," however, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as "caps" and the gold or stainless steel ones as "crowns."
What's the difference between a "bridge" and a "partial denture"?
Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.
What about "silver" fillings versus "white" fillings?
Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they "bond" to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. They are also usually less sensitive to temperature, and they also look better. However, "white" fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is very badly broken down, a crown will usually be necessary and provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.
Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?
No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.
What is the difference between a DMD and a DDS?
The DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and the DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) are the same degree. The difference is a matter of semantics. The education and degrees are the same.
Before your visit
Patient Forms
In order to expedite the process at the waiting room, please fill out the form below and bring it with you on your visit.
Dental Registration and History
Download, print, and fill out this form ahead of your appointment so we can get you back faster.
We use a 256-bit SSL certificate to protect any information you send us online, the same level of security banks use.
Paying for care
Payments & Insurance
Payment options
You can pay for your office visits and any treatments by cash, credit, or debit card at the time of treatment. If you plan to pay with a debit card, check with your bank first, since some banks place a maximum daily amount on purchases. If a third party is going to make payment, please call in advance so we can make those arrangements. To discuss payment options or insurance coverage, call 912-966-5489.
Insurance we accept
We're in network with the following plans:
- Delta Dental Premier
- Aetna
- Aetna Medicare
- Cigna PPO
- Humana
- United Concordia
- Unum
Our office accepts most dental insurance that allows you to go to the provider of your choice. Please check with your insurance company about your "out of network" coverage, since some plans that allow out-of-network care reduce your benefits or pay the subscriber directly instead of our office. We do not accept medical coverage, Medicaid, or Medicare. The day of your visit you'll need to pay your deductible and any percentage not covered by your insurance.
Secondary insurance
Secondary coverage is not accepted as payment directly, but we can easily file it for you after your primary insurance has made payment.
Getting an estimate (predetermination)
We can only estimate your benefits for same-day service, and after insurance pays there may be an account balance or credit, which we'll bill or refund. If you'd like a more accurate estimate before treatment, we can file a "predetermination" with your insurer. That requires an exam and X-rays here so a complete treatment plan can be made, which we then send to your insurance company. About 3 to 5 weeks later, they'll send back a written estimate of what they'll pay.
Missed-appointment policy
Effective June 1, 2022, there is a $50.00 no-show or cancellation fee for any appointment not cancelled at least 24 hours before the scheduled time.
Still have questions?
We're glad to walk you through it
Insurance and paperwork can be confusing. Call us and we'll answer whatever you're wondering about before your visit.