New Patients

For Our New Patients – FAQs, Facts, and First Visits

Your First Visit

At your first visit, you will be greeted with a welcoming smile as soon as you step into our office. Next, you will spend time with Dr. Briscoe discussing your oral health goals and desires. A comprehensive exam will be performed in one of our hi-tech treatment rooms. This will include an evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite (occlusion) and jaw (TMJ) joints. Using this information, Dr. Briscoe will create the best treatment options for you. We want to spend the time at your first visit getting to know you.

New Patient Forms

Please complete your new patient forms and bring them with you to your first appointment.

Care and Comforts

Your dental visit shouldn’t feel like a cold, impersonal chore. We make sure that you’re comfortable while you’re here. We have a music selection through satellite radio, and can offer you neck pillows to help you relax comfortably in your dental chair. We have bird feeders outside our treatment rooms, which always seem to be bustling with excitement!

Payment Options

We will help you with your insurance paperwork. We do accept the assignment of benefit, but ask our patients to pay their estimated balance at their visit.

We accept checks, Visa, Discover and MasterCard. We also accept third party financing through Care Credit. If you have any questions about payment, we’ll be happy to discuss them with you.

For more information on Care Credit or to apply, please click here.

FAQs

What if I have an emergency?

If it is during office hours, contact us as soon as possible at 260.486.9950. We reserve time every day to treat immediate dental problems. It is our goal to get you comfortable in a timely manner. The necessary diagnostic procedures will be performed at this time. After the diagnosis has been determined, treatment may begin or a referral may be made. The best interest of each patient will determine the next step. If an emergency happens after office hours, you can talk to Dr. Briscoe in person at 260-705-3008.

Why do I need x-rays?

Using x-rays or radiographs can help Dr. Briscoe to examine small areas between the teeth, look for new decay, determine the status of gum disease, or evaluate the growth and development of a patient. Finding areas of decay or other problems while they are small can be beneficial in many ways.

How does dental insurance work?

The best way to learn how your individual policy works is to call your insurance provider or human resources representative. Learn what they require and then provide us with the appropriate information. As a courtesy, we continue to file insurance for many of our patients.

Do you use silver / mercury filling material OR white/composite material?

Yes, many times in a back molar the strength of a silver amalgam restoration (filling) will outweigh the advantage of a tooth colored restoration.Over the last 20 years, there has been concern about the safety of silver amalgam restorations. Silver amalgam is a material that consists of a powder made up of silver, tin and small amounts of other metals. When these materials are mixed with mercury, a doughy material is formed and can be placed in a cavity preparation. In a short time, the material hardens to silver colored metal that will make a long lasting restoration.

The concern about amalgam is a question about mercury release over time.

If released, is mercury dangerous? There have not been any studies in peer reviewed journals that suggest that silver amalgam restorations are unsafe. In fact, the amount of mercury released in one year’s time is less that the amount present in one can of tuna fish.Tooth-colored fillings are also an effective method to fill cavities. A composite resin is colored to match your own teeth, then applied to the cavity. It creates a tight seal that keeps out liquid and debris that could cause more decay. It doesn’t expand or contract with heat or cold, and it’s strong and durable. Best of all, no one can tell you’ve had a cavity filled!

Patients always have a choice when choosing their restorations. Dr. Briscoe will recommend what he feels best for the situation.

What are my payment options / do you have payment plans?

We do have a variety of financial options available. After treatment is recommended, if necessary, options will be discussed with our financial coordinator.

Can I get my teeth cleaned at my first appointment?

Every individual is unique. The treatment you need will be diagnosed at your initial exam. We respect your time and want to reserve the correct preventive or periodontal treatment for you. So, at your first appointment, Dr. Briscoe will perform a comprehensive exam. He will take the necessary x-rays and evaluate your gum tissue for periodontal disease. He will also perform an oral cancer screening and examine existing restorations. Next, he will use this information to determine any necessary treatment you may need. Finally, together, you will evaluate your smile and determine if any cosmetic changes are needed or desired.