Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues.  If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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A:

We accept all insurance, however not as the primary form of payment. Our office has a fee- for- service financial policy. We will provide a form that is ready to mail/fax to your insurance company each time treatment is completed. Your insurance company will directly provide you with reimbursement. We will also gladly generate pre-estimates for your insurance company for treatment planned. We accept; Cash, Personal Checks, Debit and Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express).  We also have Dental Financing, Care Credit, available for those who qualify.

For more information, please see our Financial Policy.
A:

The doctors provide a thorough dental examination prior to a dental cleaning.  This ensures that the patient is receiving the correct type of cleaning.  It also allows the doctor to look at the patient’s overall dental health in order to provide a proper treatment plan. 

For more information, please see First Visit.
A:

Yes, the doctors and staff look forward to providing children with quality dental treatment.  We hope to create a fun and positive environment for children’s dental experiences. We recommend that children have their first visit by their first birthday.

For more information, please visit our Children's section.
A:

We recommend children be seen for their first visit by their first birthday. Please visit our children’s section for more information.

For more information, please visit our Children's section.

A: Yes, it is very important to have regularly scheduled dental cleanings with any orthodontic treatment to maintain proper oral health and ensure the success of the treatment.
A:

Our office does perform extractions.  The doctors will provide a thorough dental examination and x-rays prior to a tooth being extracted.  There may be certain situations that require the care of an Oral Surgeon.  At that time, the doctors will provide a referral to an Oral Surgery office.

For more information, please visit our Services section.

A: Yes, we do offer gas or Nitrous Oxide to make our patients feel more comfortable.  The doctors will determine whether you are a candidate for this treatment. There is an additional fee for the service.
A:

Yes, it is very important and safe to maintain regular dental cleanings during pregnancy.  We encourage pregnant patients to maintain regular visits to ensure their own oral health and that of their future child. Please see our children’s section for more information.

For more information, please visit our Pregnancy page.

A:

Yes, we use local anesthesia that is safe for you and your baby. If the doctor has any concerns, we will contact your Obstetrician. Unless it is emergency treatment, we prefer to provide dental treatment requiring local anesthesia during the second trimester.

For more information, please visit our Pregnancy page.

A:

Our office will only take x-rays during pregnancy that are necessary in emergency situations.  If the treatment is elective or non-emergent, we will postpone x-rays until after the pregnancy.

For more information, please visit our Pregnancy page.

A: Since the American Heart Association and American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons has recently changed the recommendations for premedication, we recommend that you contact your primary care physician with any questions. At your initial exam appointment, the doctors will review your medical history and make recommendations as needed.
A: There are four doctors in our office.  We prefer to assign you to one of the doctors in order to build a good doctor/patient rapport.  We believe it allows for more consistent dental care.  If a dental emergency arises and your doctor is not available, you will then be asked to see one of the other doctors in the office who has available appointment time. Of course, all of the doctors look forward to the opportunity to meet all of our patients.
A: The doctors will make recommendations for xrays, however it is the patient’s responsibility to determine coverage by dental insurance.  We will gladly provide a pre-estimate as needed for treatment planned.
A:

We accept; Cash, Personal Checks, Debit and Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express).  We also have Dental Financing, Care Credit, available for those who qualify.

For more information, please visit Financial Policy.

A:

Our office does not utilize insurance as the primary form of payment.  It is the patient’s responsibility to submit the claim.  We provide an insurance form that is completed with proper treatment information.  The patient will only need to mail/fax the insurance form. This will ensure that the patient directly receives reimbursement for the dental service.

For more information, please visit Financial Policy.

A:

We expect payment in full at each dental visit.  For long- standing patients, a payment plan may be available.  Please speak with our Office Manager for more details.

For more information, please visit Financial Policy.

A:

No, we do not accept Medicaid.  Please contact the Chemung County Health Department at (607)737-2878 for a list of Dentists that do accept Medicaid.

For more information, please visit Financial Policy.