At Temple Choice Dental, we are pleased to welcome new and prospective patients who have questions about the services we provide and the care they can expect to receive when visiting our dental office. When looking for a “dentist near me,” we want you to feel comfortable reaching out to our team of experts to inquire about our office, technologies, hours, and commitment to excellence. But we also understand you may not have time to call and chat even for a few minutes. This is why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that we hope will provide clarification and additional insight into what we can do for you and your family. Should you not see your question listed below, please feel free to call our office.
How do I find the best place to get dental work done?
The answer to this question is ultimately based on what it is you’re looking for. Are you new to the area and looking for a dentist near Belton? Do you want a professional who offers comprehensive services for the entire family? Are you trying to find a Delta Dental dentist near you? Maybe you want someone who specializes in a particular type of dentistry. Knowing what you want from a dental practice can make a big difference in determining who you want to care for your smile. At Temple Choice Dental, we are pleased to care for patients of all ages and offer affordable dentistry that is ideal for any budget. Not to mention, we welcome dental emergency patients.
How do I get emergency dental care?
Before you begin to panic, it’s important to remember there are ways to address common dental emergencies at home while you wait to see a Medicaid dentist in Temple. The first step is to call our office and schedule an appointment. We will also go above and beyond to try and get you in the same day as your accident. In the meantime, we will offer tips and suggestions regarding what to do while at home. Should you face continuous bleeding from the mouth, a fractured jaw, or increased swelling, make sure to call 911 and get to your local emergency room as soon as possible.
However, you should keep in mind that preventive care and good dental hygiene are some of the best ways to avoid dental emergencies. Although not all are preventable, keeping your regular six-month appointments and maintaining good oral habits at home will help mitigate problematic toothaches that can lead to root canals or tooth extraction.
What do you do if you can’t afford a dentist?
Whether you’re struggling with a painful toothache or you need your wisdom teeth extracted, the number one thing to remember is that even if you don’t think you can afford to see a dentist, you should still schedule an appointment anyway. Leaving dental problems untreated can lead to more serious and problematic issues that require timely and costlier procedures. If you have dental insurance, you can rest easier knowing that your out-of-pocket expenses will likely be less, especially if you choose to see a dentist in Temple who is in-network with your insurer. If you do not have dental insurance, you’ll be pleased to know that Temple Dental Choice accepts Medicaid, CHIP, and offers flexible financing through CareCredit.
What level of education is required to be a dentist?
To practice within the United States, dental professionals must earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS) from an accredited dental school. Those who desire to pursue a career in dentistry must obtain a bachelor’s degree before applying to dental school. Students who enroll in an accredited dental school can expect the program to last at least 3 years and undergo both classroom and hands-on training. Should an individual choose to pursue a specialization, this can require an additional 3 years of training (there are 12 specializations recognized by the American Dental Association).
It is necessary for dentists to complete continuing education hours each year to keep their licenses.
How much does a dental check-up & cleaning cost in Temple?
The cost of a check-up and cleaning can vary depending on location as well as other factors such as the dental health of the patient. In average markets across the United States, these appointments range between $200 to $350.
Your check-up should include an overview of your health history and a discussion of your questions and concerns, a thorough examination of your teeth and gums by your dentist, a professional cleaning, X-rays, and an oral cancer screening.
If you have dental insurance, the fees for your check-up and cleaning (including applicable copays) are negotiated with us by your insurance company.
How can I make a same-day appointment with a dentist?
The fastest and easiest way to book a same-day appointment is to call us directly. Sending an email or using our website will not get you an answer as promptly. Phone calls are also typically more effective because they allow you to fully explain your problem to our team, and we in turn can get you scheduled as soon as needed.
The goal of a same-day appointment is to assess the problem, eliminate or reduce any associated pain, and finalize a plan for further treatment. Occasionally, we can completely treat the problem at this visit, though it depends on the situation.
What is the best way to find a cosmetic dentist?
While there isn’t a single designation to qualify a dentist to be a cosmetic dentist, there are many professional organizations that offer advanced training for cosmetic dentistry treatments. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist, we recommend you search for someone who is a member of this type of organization, including:
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
- American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED)
- Las Vegas Institute
Furthermore, most dental schools and other industry organizations also offer excellent continuing education programs for dentists looking to expand or enhance their cosmetic dentistry skillset.
How much does it cost to get a tooth pulled without insurance?
The cost of tooth extraction can vary depending on where you are located and other factors such as your overall dental health. The average fee for this procedure ranges from $150 to $400 in the United States, however additional fees may apply depending on the difficulty of extracting the tooth. Wisdom tooth extractions are typically more expensive than regular extractions, and may require the assistance of an oral surgery specialist.
If you have dental insurance, the fees for your extraction (including copays) are negotiated with us by your insurance company.
How can I find a female dentist?
About one-third of all dentists practicing in the United States are women, and more than 50 percent of all current dental school enrollees are women as well. If you are interested in finding a female dentist, searching Google for “female dentist near me” should yield helpful results. You can also check the “Meet Your Dentists” button on your prospective dentist’s website to learn more about the dentist and team.
At Temple Choice Dental, we are proud to have two female dentists on our team, Dr. Sharma and Dr. Sehmi!
