Here's what to
expect before
your first visit.
Nobody enjoys a new dental office. The unfamiliar paperwork, the wondering what insurance will cover, the hope that the dentist is actually gentle. We get it. Here's exactly what to expect — so there are no surprises.
PPO plans
What to
bring.
Make your first visit smooth. Bring these four things and we can get you seated quickly instead of filling out paperwork at the front desk.
Driver's license, state ID, or passport. Standard for any medical visit.
Physical card or a clear photo of the front and back. We'll verify benefits and tell you what's covered before any work.
Including over-the-counter and supplements. Many affect dental treatment and bleeding. A photo of your pill bottles is fine.
If you've had X-rays at another office within the last year, we can request them directly — or you can bring a copy. Saves us from retaking them.
We'll email you a link to secure online forms after you book. Fill them out on your phone or computer — takes about 10 minutes. Get seated right when you arrive.
Book now to get forms →What happens
once you're in the chair.
Plan on 60–90 minutes for a typical first visit. Here's a walk-through so nothing is a mystery.
Front desk confirms your insurance, reviews your paperwork, and walks you to a treatment room. Comfortable waiting area with free water & coffee if there's any delay.
A set of digital X-rays (much lower radiation than film) and a few intraoral photos. This gives us a full baseline of your mouth so we can catch anything concerning early.
Dr. Buckley or Dr. Darrow examines each tooth, checks your gums, screens for oral cancer, and reviews your X-rays with you on the screen. We explain what we see and ask about your priorities.
If your gums are healthy and you're due for a cleaning, the hygienist handles it in the same visit. If you have gum disease requiring deep cleaning, we'll schedule that separately.
If we found anything that needs attention, we give you a written treatment plan with costs — including what your insurance covers and what's out of pocket. You decide what to schedule and when. Nothing is pressured.
- ·Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available for anxiety. Takes the edge off without making you loopy.
- ·Noise-canceling headphones & blankets available on request.
- ·Hand signals agreed up front — if you need to pause, lift your hand. We stop immediately.
- ·We explain before we do. Nothing surprises you mid-procedure.
- ·IV sedation available for longer procedures, administered by a licensed anesthesiologist.
How insurance
actually works here.
We accept most major PPO dental plans. We are not a registered Medicaid provider. Here's what that means in practice.
After you book, we call your insurance to confirm coverage, remaining annual maximum, and deductible status. You'll know what's covered before you walk in — not after.
We bill your insurance directly. You don't fill out claim forms or mail receipts. You pay your estimated portion at checkout, and we handle the rest.
Before crowns, implants, or major treatment, we submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance. They send back exactly what they'll cover. Only then do we finalize your out-of-pocket cost — and put it in writing.
Four ways
to pay.
Insurance & copay
For routine work — cleanings, exams, fillings — insurance typically covers 80–100%. You pay a small copay at checkout. Cash, check, debit, or credit.
Pay in full
For cash patients or larger cases: pay in full at the time of service. We offer a 5% courtesy discount for upfront payment on cases over $5,000.
CareCredit financing
Dental-specific financing with 0% promotional terms on 6–24 month plans, or extended terms up to 84 months at standard rates. Approval usually happens in minutes.
HSA, FSA, & tax deductions
Dental work is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Large cases may also be deductible if medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI.
Questions
new patients ask.
How far in advance should I book my first visit?
Can I request a specific dentist?
Do you see kids?
I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will you judge me?
What if I don't have insurance?
Is the office wheelchair accessible?
Ready to
get on the schedule?
Book your first visit online or give us a call. We'll verify your insurance, email you the forms, and get you in soon.