What's New

Spring Valley Dental Group dentistry offers an amazing array of treatment options to solve problems relating to comfort, function, and appearance. Most individuals who visit our dental practice regularly are aware of what we have to offer, but individuals who we don't see all that often may not be. The Spring Valley Dental Group would like to mention a few of those procedures in which our patients have expressed interest:

• White fillings. A durable alternative if you don't like the way your old silver fillings look.
• Snore guard. An appliance worn in the mouth at night which reduces or eliminates snoring for most snorers.
• Tooth whitening / bleaching. Most patients experience noticeably (sometimes dramatically) brighter/whiter teeth easily, safely, and comfortably.
• Fresh breath treatment to eliminate bad breath problems.
• SmileVision. We discuss what you want changed, and we can create before and after photos to show you how it would look.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a wonderful benefit and a great help for many people in paying for their dentistry. Some plans help a lot, some help only a little; it depends on the arrangement agreed to between your employer and the insurance company. Dental insurance is different from other types of insurance in several ways. Most types of insurance have a sizable deductible that eliminates coverage for small claims. These insurances are designed to help cover large, unexpected expenses. Dental insurance, on the other hand, has a small deductible, covers the smaller procedures to a great extent, but covers the larger procedures to a lesser extent. For example, routine dental cleanings might be covered at 100%, fillings at 80%, and crowns or bridges at 50%. There is also a yearly maximum of typically between $1000-2000 (which hasn't changed since the '60s).

In order for the employer to save premium expense, insurance companies offer certain exclusions. A policy might be written with no benefits for bridges, which are used to replace missing teeth, or no benefit for periodontal (gum) treatment. These exclusions have nothing to do with the dental needs of the patient. It doesn't matter how badly the patient may need the treatment; if it's not in the contract, it's not covered. It's tempting for patients to say they only want treatment that's covered by their insurance. However, it's important to understand that the insurance plan was not written with any patient's best interest in mind. Limiting treatment to what the insurance covers may be hazardous to you health.

New Patient Information

Prior to your first visit...

NEW PATIENT FORM

Please print out and complete the new patient form prior to your first appointment.
This form contains a demographics sheet, medical and dental history sheet, and medication list.

The form is in Adobe Acrobat format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat,
you may download it by clicking on the graphic link

Your first visit with us...

As you are new to us and we are new to you, your first appointment may be slightly different than you are used to.

Your first visit will include the following:

• A thorough review of your medical and dental histories
• A complete radiographic exam (unless previous x-rays have been provided)
  using digital radiography (90% less exposure than traditional film)
• Oral cancer screening, evaluating the tongue, cheeks, and soft tissue
• Forensic dental exam
• Comprehensive dental exam, checking for cavities
• Comprehensive periodontal exam, checking for gum disease
• routine cleaning (if appropriate, and time permitting)

Please allow up to 90 minutes for this appointment. Depending on how complex the treatment may be, we may ask you to return for a treatment planning appointment to discuss varying treatment options.

Your next visit...

It's up to you

After we have performed a complete examination and presented a treatment plan, you may want to get started on obtaining that beautiful new smile you've wanted, you may want to have your restorative work done, or you may want to think about it. Whatever you decide, we're here to work with you and help you in any way possible.

CareCredit

Spring Valley Dental Group now accepts 'CareCredit' - Please call our office for details on length of payment plans offered in our office.