Office Policy

The Process

First, and most importantly, your comfort and your care are our single overriding concerns. Because we are primarily a referral-based practice, your general dentist or another specialist probably referred you to us. In all cases, we begin by collecting information needed to register you as a patient of our practice. All of this information is recorded digitally and is maintained with high-level encryption for your security. During your first visit, you will meet one of our doctors and be evaluated to determine a diagnosis for your specific problem. Your dental problem and the options available to treat this problem will be explained to you. You will have an opportunity to ask questions to ensure that you fully understand the situation. If root canal treatment is the best solution for your problem, the course of treatment, probable number of visits, their length, and the associated fees and payment policies will be explained. After treatment you will be given specific post-operative instructions. Before you leave the office, you will be given contact information to ensure that you have access to our doctors at all times.

Fees

The fee for your endodontic treatment will be based on the extent of treatment. During your first visit we will discuss the probable number of visits, their length, and the fees involved.

For our patients without dental insurance, we will ask for payment at the time your treatment is initiated.  For our patients with dental insurance, we will contact your insurance company before we provide any treatment.  In most cases they will provide us with basic information about your insurance benefits and give us an estimate of how much of the cost they will cover.  That way, we will be able to give you an estimate of your out of pocket cost. In most cases, at least 50% of the fee is due at the time your dental treatment is initiated. Some plans may require a higher out of pocket payment. Please keep in mind that all insurance companies are different and coverages vary widely. We generally do not submit written pre-treatment estimates because they provide the same information electronically or over the phone. The evaluation fee is always due in full at your initial visit.  We will file your insurance claim electronically that same day to expedite payment. If the insurance payment is less than the estimated amount, you will be responsible for the balance.  If the insurance payment is more than the estimated amount, you will be sent a refund check from our accounting office at the completion of your treatment.

Dental insurance is meant to be an aid in receiving dental care.  Many patients think that their insurance pays 90%-100% of all dental fees.  This is not true!  Most plans only pay between 50%-80% of the average total fee. Some pay more, some pay less. The percentage paid is usually determined by how much you or your employer has paid for coverage, or the type of contract your employer has set up with the insurance company.

We accept cash, Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover.  For your convenience we also accept Care Credit.  You can apply for Care Credit at http://www.carecredit.com/ or by calling toll free (800) 365.8295.  Our office accepts the 6-month at zero interest plan.


FAQs

Are you a member of my insurance network?

Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Davis are not a members of any insurance network plans.  However, as long as you are on a plan that allows you to see a dentist of your choice, we will file your insurance for you and maximize your benefits.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Do you have any type of financing available?

Our office accepts Care Credit.  You can learn more about Care Credit at www.carecredit.com  or by calling them toll free at (800) 365.8295.  We accept Care Credit’s 6 month, zero interest plan.  We do not offer any in-office financing or payment plans.

Who files my insurance?

We are always happy to file your insurance for you. Be aware that your estimated co-payment is due at the time dental treatment is initiated.

What if I have an emergency and your office is closed?

If you are a patient of record and are experiencing a dental emergency after hours, you can always reach Dr. Schwartz or Dr. Davis.

Are you seeing new patients?

We are always accepting new patients.

Where do I park?

There is ample parking directly in front of our building. 

Will the treatment be painful?

In virtually every instance, it is possible to get even the most painful tooth completely numb. Sometimes it requires more than the usual amount of anesthesia. Our goal is that your appointment will be comfortable and relaxing. For most patients, the feeling of numbness subsides after 2-3 hours.

Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?

Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office 6 months after the procedure is completed to check on healing. In some cases, we may ask you to return for additional recall appointments. These appointments will be brief and there is no additional charge. We will schedule this appointment for you at the conclusion of your root canal treatment.

I am a very fearful patient. Do you offer sedation?

As specialists, we are referred many nervous or fearful patients. We offer the full range of sedation options, from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to oral sedation (Halcion) to I.V. sedation. These incur an additional charge that is generally in the range of $150-$600. For most patients, sedation is not necessary, but for those who need it, we have it available.

Do you treat children?

Yes. We treat children frequently. Many of the children we see have had traumatic injuries from a fall or sports injury. There are specific protocols that must be followed to the letter to get a good treatment results with traumatized teeth, and endodontists have special training in these protocols.