PATIENT INFO
We have compiled some of our most frequently asked questions to make your visit to BMC Family Dentistry smooth and uncomplicated.
APPOINTMENTS
WHAT ARE YOUR OFFICE HOURS?
BMC Family Dentistry is open:
- Monday - 9:00am to 6:00pm
- Tuesday - Varies, please call the office for information
- Thursday - 9:00am to 6:00pm
- Closed Wednesday and Friday
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
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 this form with your preferred date or day of the week and time range, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Call our office at 708-755-7605.
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 (click here to download)
- 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?
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise that are out of our control. If you miss an appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible to reschedule and so that we may accommodate other patients.
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.
FINANCIAL INFO
WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER?
BMC Family Dentistry offers several payment options:
- Cash, check or credit card at the time of service.
- Payment plans – For major treatments, we will work with you to develop a payment plan.
- Insurance – For your convenience, we will submit your insurance claims.
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.
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 MEDICARE?
No, we do not accept Medicare in our office. However, we do have a number of payment options and will be happy to discuss these options with you before your appointment.
DO YOU ACCEPT CARECREDIT PAYMENTS?
We are pleased to accept CareCredit, a medical credit card that can be used for dental health expenses. For more information, please ask our staff or visit the website at www.CareCredit.com.
DO YOU OFFER FINANCING OPTIONS?
Yes, we offer both short-term, interest-free financing and longer-term financing with low monthly payments. We will be happy to work with you to find the best payment option for you!
TREATMENTS
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
BMC Family Dentistry provides general, pediatric, cosmetic and restorative dental services. Please click on our SERVICES tab for more details.
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.
- Perform a head and neck exam, including salivary glands and lymph nodes, for swelling or other abnormalities.
- Screen for oral cancer and TMJ (jaw joint).
- Clean and polish your teeth.
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.
DO YOU USE COMPOSITE (TOOTH COLORED) OR AMALGAM (SILVER) FILLINGS?
Composite fillings are widely preferred to amalgam today to fill new cavities and replace old fillings needing repair. However, there are some instances when amalgam is still recommended, based on your individual health profile. In addition, some insurance providers will not approve composite fillings in posterior teeth, which would increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
ARE X-RAYS NECESSARY?
Absolutely. Dental xrays 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 xrays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series every three years.