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Decatur Smiles

Common questions

The questions our front desk hears most, answered. Don't see yours? Call, text, or email us — we're glad to help.

General

How often should I visit the dentist?

For most patients, we recommend a routine checkup and professional cleaning every 6 months. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, gum health, or ongoing treatments, we may suggest a more frequent schedule or even different types of cleanings that are better suited for you.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring a valid photo ID, your dental insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any current medications. We also recommend filling out our online new patient forms beforehand to save time at check-in.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, heavy bleeding, or swelling, contact our office immediately at (404) 328-7171. We reserve time in our schedule for emergency dental care and will do our best to see you as quickly as we can.

Insurance & payment

Do you accept my dental insurance?

We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans and are out-of-network with all plans effective January 2027. Our team will gladly file claims on your behalf to help you maximize your out-of-network benefits.

What payment options are available if I don't have insurance?

We believe quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. We accept cash, major credit cards, and offer flexible financing options like Care Credit and Cherry to help break costs into manageable monthly payments through those third party providers. Credit-card payments carry a 3.5% surcharge; debit, cash, or check avoid it.

How much will my dental treatment cost?

Treatment costs vary depending on the specific procedure and your insurance coverage. Before starting any treatment, we provide a cost estimate and explain the estimated reimbursement from your insurance company as accurately as we can.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that schedule changes happen! If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice will be subject to a $75 fee.

Treatments & procedures

Does getting a filling, root canal, or procedure hurt?

Patient comfort is our top priority. We use local anesthetics to completely numb the treatment area so you don't feel pain during the procedure. We also offer gentle techniques and comfort options to ensure a relaxing experience.

How can I make my teeth whiter?

We offer both in-office professional whitening for immediate results and custom take-home whitening kits for a more gradual approach. Schedule a consultation, and we can recommend the safest, most effective option for you.

How do you test for oral bacteria?

We go beyond traditional exams by using advanced tools like phase-contrast microscopes. This allows us to evaluate a sample of your saliva to identify specific, harmful bacteria that may be contributing to gum disease or systemic inflammation (such as heart disease or diabetes), allowing us to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms. We also send off salivary tests for you to an outside lab for diagnosis when we see certain markers that are alarming, if the patient would like to take that step when it is recommended.

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A dental crown is a cap designed to cover and restore a single damaged or weakened tooth. A dental bridge uses artificial teeth anchored to neighboring natural teeth or implants to fill a gap left by one or more missing teeth.

Do you treat snoring or sleep apnea?

Yes! We practice airway dentistry and offer take-home sleep tests billed through your medical insurance. These sleep studies are read by board certified sleep specialist ENTs, and then the results are sent to our office. By evaluating your airway, bite, and jaw alignment, we can provide oral appliances that naturally open your airway, helping to reduce snoring, sleep apnea, headaches, and daytime fatigue.

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

We recommend scheduling your child's first visit about six months after their first tooth appears. This initial appointment helps them get comfortable in our office, allows us to count their teeth together, and builds a positive foundation to prevent future dental anxiety.

What does it mean to "test drive" my new smile before committing to treatment?

When looking at full-mouth rehabilitation through advanced Digital Smile Design (DSD) technology, we take digital scans and photos of your face to design a custom smile that perfectly complements your facial features. We can even create a physical mock-up so you can visually "test drive" your new smile in the mirror before we do any actual dental work.

Do you offer treatments for TMJ/TMD/jaw pain?

Yes, we are more than just a dental office — we provide treatments (such as Botox) that can help relieve pain and TMJ symptoms. We also offer T-Scan/Tek Scan which is a digital scan that shows us how your occlusion works by showing where you put force and timing of how you put force on your bite. With this we can make adjustments that help relieve jaw pain and TMD issues.

Do you accept pediatric patients?

We welcome children of existing, established adult patients into our practice. This allows us to provide comprehensive, personalized care for your family while ensuring every patient receives the dedicated attention they deserve.

Patient comfort & care

I feel nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist. How can you help?

Dental anxiety is very common, and you're in good hands. We offer a welcoming, modern environment, and a compassionate staff. Sedation options such as nitrous oxide are available if needed, but we also offer various items like use of the television, blankets, and pillows to help you feel completely relaxed during your visit.

What causes tooth sensitivity, and how can I treat it?

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can be caused by worn enamel, exposed tooth roots, cavities, or gum recession. Desensitizing toothpaste can help, but we recommend an examination to identify and address the underlying cause.

Still have a question? Contact us