What will I need for my 1st visit?

When you arrive for your first visit, please be prepared to complete all insurance and health information forms that will allow us to begin your dental treatment.

We will ask you to fill out our New Patient Forms that will help us get acquainted with you.

If you are unable to make the appointment you have scheduled with us, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. We would be glad to reschedule the appointment at a more convenient time, if necessary. In the meantime, we look forward to meeting you and serving your needs.

Please remember to bring any Insurance cards that might apply to you or your family when you come. We can then include this information with your records.

What is involved with the initial 1st exam?

The initial exam will last approximately one hour. We start the dental exam by addressing any concerns you may have. Then, we will typically take our own set of full mouth X-rays using our low-dose digital X-ray machine.

The exam continues with a medical and full TMJ evaluation, we will examine extra-oral head and neck regions prior to examining your teeth and gums. After charting and noting the health of your teeth and gums, we will provide an evaluation that will outline any existing dental problems along with proposed treatment plan.

Oral hygiene instructions will be provided along with suggestions to help you care for your teeth.

We will customize your cleaning needs around the health of your gums.

Can I use my insurance?

Your treatment plan will include a estimated breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all estimated costs before treatment is administered. Charges are payable at the time of treatment.

We can file most insurance claims for you. Please bring your insurance plan information with you on your first visit. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. After a review of your insurance coverage for all necessary dental procedures, we will determine your itemized cost for each procedure.

We expect payment as services are rendered. Although our office processes all of your insurance forms as a convenience to you, please understand we are not responsible for what your insurance does or does not pay toward your dental care. You are ultimately responsible for all dental expenses not covered by your dental insurance. We currently accept Visa, Mastercard, Debit Cards, personal checks, and cash. We encourage you to contact us if your policy has not paid within 30 days.

What is the difference between a Family Dentist and my regular dentist?

Family dentistry, like general dentistry, provides services related to the general maintenance of oral hygiene and tooth health. The terms family dentistry and general dentistry are often used interchangeably, though there is a slight difference between the two.

Can I bring my whole family to see Dr. Buehner?

Some dentists restrict their practice to certain age groups. For example, pedodontists restrict their practice to providing dental care and treatment to young children. Family dentists, like Dr. Buehner, typically care for a wide variety of patients, from young children to older adults. Family dentists are responsible for ensuring that plaque buildup around the teeth is kept to a minimum, that tooth decay is eliminated and cavities are filled, and that gums remain healthy.

How often should we visit Dr. Buehner for a check-up?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your family dentist for a checkup a minimum of two times each year. Such checkups provide routine or deep cleanings to eliminate plaque buildup and prevent tooth decay. If necessary, they also provide fluoride treatments to help coat the teeth, a procedure also important in the prevention of tooth decay. Preventative dental checkups can help with the detection of oral health problems long before the onset of symptoms.

Does Dr. Buehner provide Cosmetic Dentistry?

Although family dentists are typically associated with preventative and restorative dentistry, many dentists like Dr. Buehner pursue additional training in order to provide cosmetic dentistry services such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and "Invisalign" (invisible orthodontics). Family dentists who perform cosmetic procedures normally refer to themselves as family and cosmetic dentists.

I need to have root canal treatment. Can I see Dr. Buehner for that?

Dr. Buehner has more training than the typical family dentist, though he will occasionally refer some people to a dental specialist if specific treatments are required. Specialists may include orthodontists (for teeth straightening), endodontists (for more complex root canal treatments), periodontist (for tissue surgery or implant placement) and maxillofacial surgeons (for oral surgery).