FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We want you to feel informed and confident about your dental care. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often.
New Patients & First Visits
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam and X-rays as needed. Your hygienist checks which cleaning is appropriate; a regular cleaning may happen at the same visit or a separate appointment. Deep cleaning, when needed, has a separate fee. At Ahwatukee, Dr. Kaur or Dr. Thompson will review your oral health; at Chandler, Dr. Kaur will do so. Your dentist will discuss any concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan. We take intraoral photographs so you can see exactly what we see. Plan for about 80 minutes; our team will confirm the appointment length.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes! We're always welcoming new patients at both our Ahwatukee and Chandler locations. You can request an appointment online or call us to schedule your first appointment.
Do I need to fill out forms before my appointment?
Yes, completing your patient forms ahead of time helps us get you into the chair faster. You can download and fill them out from our Patient Forms page, or arrive 15 minutes early to complete them in the office.
What is the new patient special?
Our Ahwatukee location offers a $99 new patient special that includes an exam, X-rays, and cleaning. Our Chandler location offers a $59 special for an exam, X-rays, and cleaning. These specials are for new patients without dental insurance. The included cleaning is a regular cleaning when appropriate for your gum health. Deep cleaning has a separate fee; the exam and X-rays remain at the offer price. Visits may be split for scheduling.
Insurance & Payment
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most major dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, BCBS, Guardian, United Healthcare, Humana, and many more. If you're unsure whether we accept your plan, call us and we'll verify your benefits before your visit.
What if I don't have dental insurance?
No insurance? No problem. We offer competitive cash-pay pricing and flexible payment plans. We also accept CareCredit and other financing options to help make dental care affordable. Ask about our new patient specials for uninsured patients.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer in-house payment plans and work with third-party financing options like CareCredit. We believe cost should never be a barrier to good dental health, so we'll work with you to find a plan that fits your budget.
Why does my insurance not cover everything?
Dental insurance is designed to help offset costs, not cover 100% of treatment. Most plans have annual maximums, waiting periods, and coverage percentages that vary by procedure type. We'll always give you a clear breakdown of what your insurance covers and what your out-of-pocket cost will be before starting treatment.
Treatments & Procedures
Do you offer sedation for anxious patients?
Absolutely. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and combination sedation options. If dental anxiety has kept you from getting care, we can help you feel completely relaxed. There's no judgment here -- many of our patients use sedation and wish they'd asked sooner.
How long does a dental crown take?
A crown typically requires two visits. At the first visit, we prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown. Your permanent crown is fabricated by the lab and delivered at a second appointment, usually 2-3 weeks later. Each visit takes about 60 minutes.
Do you do root canals in-house?
We refer root canals to trusted endodontists (root canal specialists) in the area. This gives you care from a doctor who focuses on these procedures. We handle everything else -- the buildup, crown, and follow-up care.
What is the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar above the gumline and is recommended every 6 months. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is needed when tartar and bacteria have built up below the gumline, causing gum disease. Your hygienist will measure your gum pockets to determine which type you need.
Do you offer Invisalign / clear aligners?
Yes. We offer Invisalign at our Ahwatukee office and ClearCorrect at our Chandler office. Both are clear, removable aligners for straightening teeth without traditional braces. Dr. Kaur will evaluate whether you're a good candidate during a consultation.
Do you treat children?
Yes! We love seeing kids. We recommend bringing children in for their first dental visit by age 1 or when their first tooth appears. Our team is experienced with pediatric patients and we make every visit fun and comfortable.
Appointments & Scheduling
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can request an appointment online through our website 24/7, or call either office directly. Ahwatukee: (480) 283-0733. Chandler: (480) 895-3252. We'll find a time that works for your schedule.
What are your office hours?
Ahwatukee is open Tuesday–Friday, 7 AM–3 PM, with select Saturday appointments; call to confirm Saturday dates. Chandler is open Monday–Wednesday, 7 AM–3 PM. Check with your office for holiday changes and current appointment availability.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows us to offer the time slot to another patient who may be waiting for care. Repeated no-shows may result in a missed appointment fee.
Do you offer emergency appointments?
Yes. If you're experiencing dental pain, swelling, a knocked-out tooth, or any other dental emergency, call us right away. We prioritize emergencies and will work to get you in as quickly as possible.
Dental Health & Prevention
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most patients should visit every 6 months for a cleaning and exam. Some patients with gum disease or other conditions may need to come in every 3-4 months. Dr. Kaur will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.
Should I use an electric toothbrush?
We highly recommend electric toothbrushes, especially ones with a pressure sensor. Many patients brush too hard with manual brushes, which can cause recession. An electric brush with a pressure sensor alerts you when you're pressing too hard. Look for one with soft or sensitive (S) bristle heads.
Is a water flosser as good as regular floss?
A water flosser (like WaterPik) is an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine, especially if you have braces, bridges, implants, or spaces between teeth where food gets trapped. Ideally, use both traditional floss and a water flosser. If you'll only do one, a water flosser is better than nothing.
Do I really need a night guard?
If you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), a night guard can prevent cracked teeth, worn enamel, jaw pain, and headaches. Many patients don't realize they grind until we show them the wear patterns on their teeth. A custom-fitted night guard from our office is far more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter options.
Why do my teeth have cracks?
Hairline cracks (craze lines) are often caused by clenching and grinding over time, biting on hard objects, or temperature changes from hot and cold foods. While minor cracks are cosmetic, deeper cracks can lead to fractures. If you notice cracks, mention it at your next visit so we can evaluate whether treatment is needed.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to help. Give us a call or request an appointment and we'll answer any questions you have in person.
