Dexter Dental Front Desk

Asked Do I need to fast before a cleaning, and how early should I arrive?

Answered No fasting needed — you can eat normally before your cleaning, and it's fine to brush beforehand if you're able to. As for arrival time: if it's your first visit with us, please arrive 15 minutes early to get paperwork and introductions sorted. If you're an existing patient and your details haven't changed, 5 minutes early is plenty. Let me know if you'd like help scheduling a cleaning or have any other questions!

Asked How much is a crown without insurance?

Answered

A crown at Dexter Dental costs $1,340 for self-pay patients without insurance. If you have insurance, we're in-network with Delta Dental PPO, Cigna, MetLife, and Guardian, and most of those plans will cover a share of the cost — we'd give you a written…

A crown at Dexter Dental costs $1,340 for self-pay patients without insurance. If you have insurance, we're in-network with Delta Dental PPO, Cigna, MetLife, and Guardian, and most of those plans will cover a share of the cost — we'd give you a written estimate before starting any treatment so you know exactly what you'll owe. Also, since a crown is over $800, you'd be eligible for our in-house interest-free payment plan: one-third due the day of treatment, with the rest spread over three months. And if you're self-paying for a larger course of treatment that includes a crown, it's worth asking about the 5% discount for paying in full upfront. Let me know if you'd like help scheduling an exam to see whether a crown is actually what's needed — that determination is something the dentist would confirm at your visit.

Asked Do you take Delta Dental?

Answered

Yes — Dexter Dental is in-network with Delta Dental PPO. That means most preventive care (like check-ups and cleanings) is typically covered in full, and other treatments are usually covered at a percentage, though the exact amount depends on your specific…

Yes — Dexter Dental is in-network with Delta Dental PPO. That means most preventive care (like check-ups and cleanings) is typically covered in full, and other treatments are usually covered at a percentage, though the exact amount depends on your specific plan. If you'd like, bring your insurance card to your visit and we can give you a written estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before any treatment beyond an exam gets started. We're also in-network with Cigna, MetLife, and Guardian, in case that's helpful to know. If you have a different insurer, we can still bill them as out-of-network and estimate your reimbursement ahead of time.

Asked I'm in pain today. Can you see me?

Answered

I'm sorry you're dealing with pain — let's get you seen. We keep two emergency slots each morning and one each afternoon, so please call us as early as you can at (630) 555-0164, since those spots fill up quickly.…

I'm sorry you're dealing with pain — let's get you seen. We keep two emergency slots each morning and one each afternoon, so please call us as early as you can at (630) 555-0164, since those spots fill up quickly. If they happen to be gone by the time you call and you're still in real pain, we will work you in at the end of the day rather than turn you away. An emergency visit for pain includes an exam and X-ray and runs $135 if you're paying without insurance. One important note: if you have swelling that is spreading, or you're having trouble swallowing or breathing comfortably, please don't wait on us — go to an emergency room right away, as that needs immediate attention beyond what we can assess by phone.

Asked I haven't been to a dentist in years. Will you tell me off?

Answered

Not at all — you won't be the first, and you certainly won't be judged for it. Plenty of patients here have had a long gap before coming back in. The best next step is to book a new-patient exam.…

Not at all — you won't be the first, and you certainly won't be judged for it. Plenty of patients here have had a long gap before coming back in. The best next step is to book a new-patient exam. It takes about 60 minutes, and includes an exam, X-rays if needed, and a clean, for $265 without insurance (fully covered or partly covered under most plans — we're in-network with Delta Dental PPO, Cigna, MetLife, and Guardian). We'll simply start by telling you honestly where things stand, and if there's anything worth addressing, we'll walk you through the options and costs before doing anything. A couple of practical notes for that first visit: try to arrive 15 minutes early (or fill out the forms we email you the day before), and bring a photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, and a list of any medications you're taking. If you've had X-rays elsewhere in the last year, ask that office to send them over so we don't need to repeat them. Would you like help finding a time that works, or do you have other questions about what to expect?

Asked Do you do braces or Invisalign?

Answered We don't provide braces or Invisalign in-house at Dexter Dental, but we do offer a free assessment and can refer you to an orthodontist we work with closely. If you'd like, I can help you book that assessment — just give us a call at (630) 555-0164, or email us and we'll get back to you the same working day.