How can I schedule an appointment?
Appointments may be scheduled in one of two ways. First, you may call our office directly at 616-884-5767 and we will be happy to set up your appointment with us. You may also click on the Request a Dental Appointment form on the website and complete the information request and then we will call you back and set up your appointment. Please use whichever option works best for you. We look forward to hearing from you.
How far ahead should I schedule my appointment?
To ensure that we can accommodate your needs, we recommend that you schedule your appointment at least three weeks in advanced. However, in the case of dental emergencies, we will work closely with you to ensure that you get in as quickly as possible.
We offer a wide range of preventative, cosmetic and restorative dental services. Additionally, we provide advanced dental services including extractions, periodontal therapy, root canals, and Invisalign braces. You can find out more about our services on our dental services page.
What do I need to do prior to my first appointment?
Prior to your first appointment, please go to the new patient section on our website and complete the new patient health and registration information so we may meet all your dental needs effectively. Also contact your previous dentist to have records and x-rays sent to our office via email at daterdentistry@gmail.com.
What can I expect at my first new patient dental appointment?
Whether your appointment is with a hygienist for a checkup / routine cleaning or you are seeing the doctor due to a dental emergency, the following things are completed on the first visit:
- You will receive a warm welcome and we will introduce you to the office
- We will review your health history and insurance information with you
- We will update necessary x-rays
- We will take intra-oral images of any existing crowns or fillings you may have
- We will chart your previous dental treatment
- You will then have an opportunity to discuss your treatment needs with Dr. Dater
- A hygienist will clean your teeth if that was reason for visit OR treatment will be provided by Dr. Dater based on emergency dental needs.
- We will schedule follow up treatment or a routine checkup as needed
Do I need to arrive early for my appointment?
We would like you to arrive ten minutes early to electronically sign new patient forms that you complete prior to your first visit.
How long will my first appointment last? Who will I see?
Your first visit should be about an hour and a half to two hours as we do a complete exam, chart your existing dental work and determine if any treatment is required. The first part of the appointment will be with Dr. Dater, where he will do a complete exam and determine what type of dental cleaning you will need by one of our hygienists.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your dental insurance card and a list of your current medications.
What insurance providers do you accept?
At Dater Dentistry, we accept most major insurances. Please call or email us if you have questions and we will be willing to let you know if we accept your plan.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept a wide range of payment options including cash, credit card, cashier’s check or money order, personal checks or Care Credit in our office. We are also happy to work with you on a payment plan that you can afford, based on your financial situation.
Do you provide service to self-paid patients?
Yes, we accept patients without insurance that simply want to pay out-of-pocket for their services.
What types of equipment and techniques do you use?
We continuously strive to provide you with the latest procedures and equipment at Dater Dentistry. Each of our patients receives the most advanced, cutting-edge treatment and care available.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease (gum disease)?
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
- Bleeding gum during or after brushing teeth
- Formation of deep pockets between gums and teeth
- Shifting or loose teeth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures
How do you treat periodontal disease (gum disease)?
The goal of gum disease treatment is to promote the reattachment of the healthy gums to your teeth. Treatment can range from nonsurgical therapies to control bacterial growth and surgery to restore the supportive tissue.
Why is it important to treat gum disease immediately?
It’s important to be proactive in the treatment of gum disease because the infection eats away at the bone that supports your teeth. If not treated immediately, it can lead to excessive pain, tooth loss and can even enter the blood stream, leading to much larger and serious medial problems.
What can I expect with periodontal treatment?
Your comfort is our number one concern during treatment. We will provide you with a number of ways to keep your discomfort at a minimum.
When should I schedule my child’s first dental appointment?
We like to see children between the ages of 2-3 years old unless you have concerns regarding their oral health.
When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
You should start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they come in, using a soft cloth instead of a toothbrush until all of their teeth have come in.
How often should I schedule a routine teeth cleaning and examination?
Typically, we recommend you schedule a hygiene visit every six months. However, because every mouth is unique, various factors may require that you visit more frequently.