Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have questions when it comes to your dental health and treatment options. Here is a list of some of the more commonly asked questions in our dentist office.
If you have any additional questions or would like to set up an appointment to meet with Dr. Harr, please contact us today.
- Will my insurance cover this?
- How much will I owe?
- Why do I have to visit the dentist every 6 months?
- Why do I need x-rays?
- My insurance says you’re not in my network. Why not?
- Do you have a payment plan?
- What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Will my insurance cover this?
Most of our procedures are covered under typical dental plans, and our staff goes through extraordinary efforts to maximize your benefits for you. In fact, Dr. Harr believes strongly that no other dental office in the area puts as much effort into researching your insurance benefits as we do.
Insurance is a fast-changing, dynamic industry. We will greatly help you work with your insurance company, but it is important to become well-aquainted with the extent of your policy’s coverage before committing yourself to any particular treatment.
We will bill your insurance company at the time of service, though you will be responsible for any difference in cost or deductible. If a claim is denied for any reason then you will be expected to pay within 30 days of the service rendered.
How much will I owe?
The amount owed depends on the cost of a particular procedure. You will owe whatever the percentage of cost is not covered by your insurance carrier, or the deductible, depending on the total cost of the performed procedure. If you are without coverage the total cost will be due at time of service.
Why do I have to visit the dentist every 6 months?
We recommend regular visits to the dentist because it allows us to work with you on the best steps to maintain a healthy smile for many years to come. Regular check-ups and teeth cleanings are necessary to your prolonged oral health, and give us the opportunity to determine how best to serve your past, present and future dental needs.
Bi-annual visits are the best proven way to monitor the health of your teeth and gums, as well as the potential for problems down the line. Each patient has a unique set of teeth that react differently to their surroundings, and regular visits allow us to develop a personal familiarity that gives us the chance to determine, recommend and administer the treatments best suited to your particular situation. It is also crucial to the maintenance of accurate, up-to-date dental records that allow us to provide you with the best comprehensive dental care possible.
Why do I need x-rays?
X-Rays provide our professionals the tools they need to gain a better picture of your teeth and how they interact in relation to one another and your gum line. An x-ray can help us determine and target the problem areas of your mouth and provide us with the information necessary to better comprehensive dental care.
X-rays allow us to see angles and areas of your teeth not readily visible during the course of a normal check-up. They also provide a picture of the parts of your teeth hidden by your gums and the best course of action for treatment for the total span of each individual tooth.
Dr. Harr uses digital x-rays, rather than older film based x-rays. Digital x-rays require less radiation (in fact, miniscule amounts of radiation) and fewer “re-takes”.
My insurance says you’re not in my network. Why not?
There are dozens of different dental insurance companies, each with their own policies and procedures. You have a choice in which dentist you want to see. Dr. Harr invests considerable time in ensuring that her fee structure complies with most insurance companies. As a courtesy for your preventative services, Dr. Harr matches the charged fee and the fee allowed by your insurance company. For any restorative procedures that may be needed we would be more than happy to submit a pre determination to your insurance company to get the exact amount that you may owe.
Do you have a payment plan?
Yes we do, through CareCredit! We can and will work with you to determine a payment plan best suited to your budget. If you are without insurance yet need dental work, CareCredit will help create a workable payment plan that will keep everyone satisfied.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Because we take exceptional care of our patients, Dr. Harr would prefer to avoid being an emergency dentist, and instead focus on being a prevention dentist. That way, our patients could avoid dental emergencies and pain associated with them.
That being said, we know that dental emergencies happen to even the most vigilant patients from time to time. We want you to know that we are here to support you and help restore your dental health and comfort.
If you experience dental pain or a dental emergency, contact us right away. That way, we can do our very best to work you into our schedule as soon as possible. Dental emergencies rarely resolve on their own, so don’t wait until your pain is unbearable. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help restore your comfort and well-being. Putting off treatment can cause complications requiring a root canal or even an extraction.
Dental emergencies might include tooth pain, lacerations on your gums, a lost restoration, jaw pain, swelling, persistent areas of bleeding that do not heal, and tooth loss. If you are ever in doubt, give us a call and we can help determine the next steps to restore your oral health.
