Question 1

Will my insurance pay for this?

Accepted Answer

At Valley Ridge Dental, we believe that financial concerns should not dictate the decisions you make as far as the dental treatment you might need. As a professional, Dr. Katie Daniels’s job is to provide you with knowledge of the condition of your mouth and options to achieve optimal dental health. We accept nearly all forms of insurance, but sometimes insurance will not cover the cost of needed treatment. Rest assured that our knowledgeable staff will do all they can to make sure your insurance benefits are maximized. For your portion of the treatment cost, we offer a variety of payment options, including third-party financing through CareCredit and Wells Fargo Finance as well as credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. If you have any questions or concerns about paying for treatment, we invite you to give us a call before your appointment so we can go over your options.

Question 2

I'm nervous. How do you handle dental anxiety?

Accepted Answer

We try to keep our environment relaxed and personal. Treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs, and we take the time to get to know our patients so that they feel comfortable and confident in their provider. If someone needs a little extra TLC, we make sure we have the time set aside to do that. Our in-office amenities are also designed to keep our patients happy and calm. These include aromatherapy and paraffin hand wax treatments to help you relax. To keep you distracted and entertained while you are in the treatment room, we offer music. We can talk to you about anesthesia options before treatment to ensure you are completely comfortable. For those patients who are particularly anxious, we are able to provide nitrous oxide — also called laughing gas — to help you relax. Nitrous oxide is breathed in through a mask similar to the way oxygen is administered. Its effects are mild, and you will still be fully conscious and able to speak to Dr. Daniels and the rest of our team during treatment. Because nitrous oxide exits the body almost immediately once we remove the mask, you will be able to drive yourself back to work or home after treatment. Rest assured that our knowledgeable staff will do all they can to make sure your insurance benefits are maximized. For your portion of the treatment cost, we offer a variety of payment options, including third-party financing through CareCredit and Wells Fargo Finance as well as credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. If you have any questions or concerns about paying for treatment, we invite you to give us a call before your appointment so we can go over your options.

Question 3

My teeth are in bad shape. Have you ever seen teeth this bad?

Accepted Answer

We never want anyone who comes to see us to feel embarrassed about their smile, and we don’t want you to feel anxious about seeing the dentist if it’s been a while since your last appointment. You can feel confident in the fact that we are a judgment-free practice! We are just happy you are taking that first step toward dental health and have chosen us to help you. We have seen a wide range of conditions and are experienced in treating these to help patients achieve a healthy mouth and smile. We can’t change the past, but we can certainly alter the future of your oral health by taking care of your teeth and gums today. After a thorough cleaning and examination, Dr. Katie Daniels will talk to you about any needed treatment. She can answer any questions you might have about proper oral home care. She will also recommend that you plan to see us at least twice a year in the future. Don’t let fear get in the way of protecting your oral health. Make an appointment for an examination and cleaning so we can help lay the foundation for a healthy mouth.

Question 4

Do you accept payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We accept the following third-party payment options: CareCredit and Wells Fargo Finance. Both offer low- and no-cost financing so you can get the treatment you need while still staying within your budget with monthly payments. For your convenience, we also accept most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. If you pay upfront for treatment or you are a senior citizen with no dental insurance, we are pleased to offer a cash discount off of services. We don’t want financial worries to get in the way of you getting the dental treatment you need to enjoy optimal oral health. If you would like to talk about payment options, please take a moment with one of our team members so they can review your options. They are very knowledgeable and can walk you through a variety of scenarios. It’s also important to remember that coming to the dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings can save you money in the long run. When we see you regularly, we can detect dental problems while they are still small and easier—and less expensive—to treat. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

Question 5

What is a cavity and how did I get one?

Accepted Answer

Cavities occur when the bacteria in our mouths eat the food and sugars that have been left on our teeth. When they do this, they create acid, which dissolves the enamel on our teeth. Our saliva buffers this acid and remineralizes the enamel. When this process is out of balance, a cavity forms. Individuals with dry mouth, which can be caused by medication side effects or medical conditions, are therefore more prone to cavities. To prevent cavities, we can minimize the amount of sugary and starchy food we consume, remove the bacteria from our teeth with good brushing and flossing habits, and strengthen our teeth with fluoride, which makes the enamel more resistant to the acid created by the bacteria. It’s also true that some people are simply more prone to developing cavities than others. By coming to our office twice each year for examinations and cleanings, we are better able to spot tooth decay while it is still small. A filling will keep the decay from growing—and it will protect the health of your tooth. Skipping dental appointments means risking that an untreated cavity will grow, eventually creating a need for more invasive treatment, such as a root canal.

Question 6

I brush and floss my teeth every day; why do I need to come in to have my teeth cleaned regularly?

Accepted Answer

Even with the most diligent care at home and regular brushing and flossing, our teeth will still build up tartar or calculus. Calculus is hardened plaque on teeth that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. It is important to have this removed regularly by a dental hygienist to prevent gum disease. Along with your teeth cleaning at your regular check-up, you will also receive a thorough examination from Dr. Katie Daniels. She will check for tooth decay in addition to reviewing the overall health of your teeth and gums. Gum disease often presents with no symptoms whatsoever, and the only way to know for sure that your gums are healthy is to see your dentist. Dr. Daniels will also perform an oral cancer screening at these routine appointments; early detection means more successful treatment. Additionally, she will take the time to check the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for problems as well as examine the bone supporting your teeth. In dentistry, prevention is crucial, and seeing us twice each year for cleanings and examinations can help us stay ahead of any problems. When routine care occurs, issues that do arise can be detected—and treated—while they are still small ones. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, give us a call today!

Grace Dental is now Valley Ridge Dental

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