FAQS
Appointments
What are your office hours?
Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center is open Tuesday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
- Online scheduling: To request appointment availability, please click here to fill out the form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Call our office at 904-395-5501.
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we’ll be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- List of current medications and medical conditions
- X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. We’ll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise that are out of your control. Two no call/no show appointments will lead to dismissal from the practice.
What if I need emergency dental care?
If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you within 24 hours. If you need urgent dental care after our office hours, please call our emergency line at 904-395-5501.
TREATMENTS
What services do you provide?
For information on the services we provide, please click on our treatments tab for more details.
What happens during my first visit?
We will conduct a thorough examination on your first visit to determine the best course of action to achieve dental health and your goals. We will:
- Take full mouth x-rays to identify any current problems and to use as a baseline on future visits to detect early signs of problems.
- Assess gum condition and health.
- Examine teeth for cavities and condition of old dental restorations.
- Perform a head and neck exam, including salivary glands and lymph nodes, for swelling or other abnormalities.
- Screen for oral cancer and TMJ (jaw joint).
- Clinical pictures and Impressions to aid the treatment planning process.
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with the dentist?
Many health conditions are indicated in the mouth and can affect oral health, so your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums and mouth.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you’re experiencing any pain. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Do you use composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (silver) fillings?
Composite fillings are widely preferred to amalgam today to fill new cavities and replace old fillings needing repair. However, there are some instances when amalgam is still recommended, based on your individual health profile.
Are xrays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental xrays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with xrays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series every three years.
SEDATION
What types of sedation do you use?
Many dental procedures can be completed under local anesthesia. However, to help more anxious patients relax, or for more complex procedures, inhalation sedation, oral sedation and IV sedation are available.
What is Novocaine?
The most common anesthesia, Novocaine, works by blocking the nerve that supplies sensation to the teeth in a specific area. You feel no pain during the procedure and are totally alert, aware, and able to function normally. The effect wears off fairly quickly with no side effects.
What is Inhalation Sedation?
Known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” you’ll experience a feeling of euphoria after just 2-3 minutes of breathing in the gas. You’ll be aware of your surroundings and able to respond to questions. Inhalation sedation has very few side effects and is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped.
What is Oral Sedation?
This general anesthetic allows you to be conscious but feel nothing during treatment. We provide you with medication to be taken before your appointment, allowing you to be fully relaxed by the time we begin your dental treatment. You may not be safe to drive, so you should expect to have someone bring you to our office and take you home after your appointment.
What is IV Sedation?
These drugs are administered into the bloodstream, allowing you to close your eyes and relax in a semi-conscious state with little or no memory of the treatment. You will not be safe to drive, so you should expect to have someone bring you to our office and take you home after your appointment.
CHILDREN
Do you see kids as well?
We accept patients 16 years of age and older. All patients 15 years and under will be accepted by way of referral from a pediatric dentist only.
Can my teenager come alone to the appointment?
Please note that patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits. We want to meet with both of you to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.
INSURANCE/FINANCIAL
What payment options do you offer?
- Cash, check or credit card at time of service
- Payment plans – For major treatments, we will work with you to develop a payment plan
- 10% Military discount to all veterans for any of our services rendered. Must show proof of DD-214 or ID card for acceptance.
Do you require payment at the time of the visit?
We require payment at the time of service.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance as payment for our services. We will be happy to provide you with all necessary information for you to submit to your provider.
Do you accept Medicare?
No, we do not accept Medicare in our office. However, we do have a number of payment options and will be happy to discuss these options with you before your appointment.
Do you accept CareCredit payments?
We are pleased to accept CareCredit, a medical credit card that can be used for dental health expenses. For more information, please ask our staff or visit the website at www.CareCredit.com.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we offer through our partnered 3rd party financers, both short-term, interest-free financing and longer-term financing with low monthly payments. We will be happy to work with you to find the best payment option for you!
Request An Appointment Today
We make requesting an appointment quick and easy. Follow the link to request an appointment time that best fits your busy schedule.