Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions is the office taking for Covid-19 and other airborne pathogens?
Our office continues to strictly follow all of ADA, CDC, and OSHA guidelines in regards to infection control. We have High-filtration Ionizers installed on our AC system to filter the air and keep the air clear of any mold, bacteria and viruses. We also have individual HEPA filtration units outside the operatories to further filter and circulate the air. Our staff wears proper PPE plus N95 masks during all patient contact. Our lobby is set up to allow plenty of room for patients to distance themselves. Our treatment rooms are thoroughly sanitized after each use and our instruments are sterilized after each use.
Are you In-Network with my Insurance?
We participate with several insurance carriers as In-Network providers but we also work with ALL insurance companies to submit your claims and accept assignment of benefits. Often times, there is very little difference in the patient’s out-of-pocket expense between In-Network and Out-of-Network plans. Our highly trained team is always available to check your individual policy and advise you on your coverage.
Do you accept any payment plans?
We provide multiple options for your financing needs including Care Credit and Lending Club. We sponsor 12 months with no interest as well as other options.
Do you treat patients with Dental Anxiety?
Your comfort is our primary goal. Each treatment room has a TV screen over the chair for patient education, to view your radiographs and images, and also for patients to watch Netflix or YouTube with wireless headsets to help with relaxation during procedures. We offer pillows and weighted blankets for enhanced comfort. We also offer Nitrous Oxide for anxiety control as well as Minimal Oral Sedation when needed. Our best asset is our highly trained, caring team members whose goal it is to make each visit relaxing, comfortable and pain-free.
Do you offer Cosmetic Dentistry?
We offer a full range of Cosmetic Dental services including Veneers, Zoom whitening, Clear Orthodontic Aligners, full mouth reconstruction and Smile Makeovers. We also offer Cerec porcelain crowns & onlays which can be made on the same day without having to wear a temporary. We offer the latest in tooth-colored bonded resin fillings.
Do you do Implants?
We offer the full range of Implant Services including surgical Implant placement & restoration of Implant crowns, Bridges and
Implant-retained partials and full dentures. Our exceptional team of Hygienists are trained in the latest techniques for caring for your implants and your implant-retained prostheses. It is important to have implants cleaned and checked at least every 6 months.
What should we expect at our first New Patient visit?
A. If you schedule as a New Patient Emergency, with a specific dental problem, you will be seen by a dental assistant and a dentist to assess your concern. This appointment typically involves taking radiographs/xrays of the area(s) of concern and a thorough examination of the area to reach a diagnosis by the dentist. Treatment recommendations are discussed, options reviewed and a printed treatment plan may be given to you to review costs of the treatment options.
Depending on the time needed for the procedures, treatment can SOMETIMES be done the same day. However, treatment is not always possible the same day. Rest assured, the dentist will do everything in his or her power to help keep you comfortable until treatment can be scheduled.
B. If you schedule a NEW Patient Comprehensive Exam, this is the appointment used to establish you as a patient in our practice by gathering all the needed information (health history, dental history, X-rays needed, and a complete examination of your entire mouth which includes examination of the teeth and gingiva, including an oral cancer screening and examination of the TMJ) AT this appointment you will see a dentist and a dental assistant. A full set of 18 X-rays may be taken, or a Panoramic film, intraoral photographs of all your teeth, charting of existing treatment and treatment needed.
This appointment can take 60-90 minutes depending upon your history. It is very important to us to take time to get to know you! This appointment may or may not include a cleaning. If there is an appointment available the same day as your Comprehensive exam to see a dental hygienist, then this will be coordinated. This is not always possible, as our hygienists book out 6 months at a time. We will make every effort to get you scheduled for your cleaning as soon as possible if not on the same day as your exam. After you are an established patient, all of your check-up exams will be done in the same visit as your cleanings.
Do you treat Veterans?
We are proud to serve our Veteran population and we are a Veteran-owned business. We have participated with Veteran Community CARE for over 10 years. We accept all referrals from the VA and encourage our Veteran patients to seek care in our office using the Veteran care act.
Do you see Emergencies?
We are open Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 and accept emergencies by appointment everyday. We are often able to see emergencies on the same day and definitely within 48 hours. The doctors are available after hours for phone consultation by calling the emergency number given on the voicemail.
How many doctors are in the practice?
We have four dentists at Pierpan Family Dentistry which is why we are available 5 days a week, 51 weeks a year (we only close the last week of the year) to meet your needs. Dr. Henry Pierpan, Dr. Monica Pierpan, Dr. Mark Castor, and Dr. Andrew Troupes are all happy to treat your dental needs.
Why is it important to disclose my medical information at the dentist?
Your mouth is the window into your body and is an important part of your overall health. There are many links between the health status of your mouth and the rest of your body. We need a complete list of your current medications as there are many medications that can interact with anesthetics we use for numbing and other medications that we may prescribe.
It is also very important that we know if you have had any of the following: joint replacements, pacemaker, defibrillator, heart valve replacements, heart stints, as a simple cleaning can have adverse effects on these without proper protocol being followed. We sometimes need authorization from your medical doctor to render ANY treatment due to certain medical conditions. It is also very important that you report any tobacco, nicotine and/or marijuana use before having any dental treatment done, as these things can also cause adverse side effects to even simple dental procedures.
What dental Insurances are you In-Network with?
We participate with MetLife, UCCI, Cigna, Delta Dental, and all VA.
What’s the difference between In-Network & Out-of-Network Insurance?
As an in-network provider, we agree to accept the fee schedule specific to the plan purchased by the patient. This means that all treatment plans determine the patient’s out of pocket expense using this fee schedule. Out-of-Network plans do not have a contracted fee schedule with our office but patients are still able to file and get coverage on their insurance. Often for routine care, the out of pocket difference between the two is minimal (under $10). Please allow our amazing team of insurance experts to develop a treatment plan or even a pre-authorization from your insurance company before having treatment done.
Visit Our Hampstead Location
Hampstead Office
Hours
8:00 AM–5:00 PM