Appointments
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
• Online scheduling: To request appointment availability, please click here to fill out the form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
• Call our office.
• Email us with your preferred date or day of the week and time range, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we’ll be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
• Completed new patient forms which will be emailed to you
• Insurance card/information
• List of current medications and medical conditions
• X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. We’ll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you find that you must change your appointment, we require a minimum of 24 business hours notice in most cases so that we may make every effort to accommodate all of our patients. Cancellation notices will only be accepted via telephone. We will not accept cancellation notices via text message. If proper notice is not received, a fee of $50 may be charged for every appointment canceled.
If you’re aware you’re going to be late for your appointment, please call the office as soon as possible so we can try to accommodate all our patients, including you. Patients who arrive for their appointments more than 15 minutes late will have to be rescheduled. If you need to be rescheduled, you may be charged a fee of $50 for your original appointment.
What if I need emergency dental care?
If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you within 24 hours.
TREATMENTS
What happens during my first visit?
We will conduct a thorough examination on your first visit to determine the best course of action to achieve dental health and your goals. We will:
• Take full mouth x-rays to identify any current problems and to use as a baseline on future visits to detect early signs of problems.
• Assess gum condition and health.
• Examine teeth for cavities and condition of old dental restorations.
• We will then bring you back for a cleaning and other treatment/s based on your dental needs.
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with the dentist?
Many health conditions are indicated in the mouth and can affect oral health, so your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums, and mouth.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you’re experiencing any pain. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Are x-rays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with x-rays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series every three years.
CHILDREN
When should I start cleaning and brushing my child’s teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth soon after birth. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and just a smear of fluoride-free toothpaste. When you come in for your child’s first visit, we’ll show you how to brush properly.
At what age should I schedule my child’s first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the child’s first birthday. We can look for potential problems and help your child get to know us as their friend. These early visits can make your child’s experience with a dentist a positive one.
Can my teenager come alone to the appointment?
Please note that patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits. We want to meet with both of you to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.
PAYMENTS
Do you require payment at the time of the visit?
If you have insurance through one of our approved providers, only your estimated portion of the fees will be required at the time of service.
If you do not have insurance, we will require payment at the time of service or as specified in your payment plan.
You can request our Financial Payment Policy from any of our offices.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our office to verify your insurance is one of our accepted providers.
Do you accept financing
All major credit cards, CareCredit® 0%-interest plans, and Cherry™ pay-over-time financing. We’ll review choices with you before treatment begins so costs are always clear.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
New patients only. The cost of a New Patient Appointment will be $150. Cannot be combined with any other offer or insurance. Limited time offer. Call (248) 557-8120 for details.
Thank you for booking your appointment!
We’ve received your request and will contact you soon to confirm the details. We look forward to seeing you at Fortson Dentistry South Lathrup.