| Question | Answer |
| What is a “True” dental emergency. | While it is a subjective term, most true emergencies involve pain that is not resolving and may keep you up at night. Swelling around a tooth, or in the facial region near the tooth that may be painful to the touch and warm. I also consider significant damage (eg. a break) to a front tooth, especially before a meeting or event, to be an emergency. |
| I see a crack in my tooth, what are my options? | Depending on the size, depth, and associated symptoms, it may be something you just have to be careful with, like a crack in your windshild. Some may require a filliing to stop the progression, and some may be best treated with a crown. This is the importance of individualized care, and not cookie-cutter dentistry. |
| My crown came off! What do I do. | Try to keep the portion that came off. We can take a look and determine what caused the crown to come off and if we can do a simple recement, or if the tooth tooth requires other treatment. |
| What if I only need cleanings twice a year? | Great! We’ve got you covered. If your dental needs are minimal, you can still use your insurance, pay out-of pocket, or sign up for our Basic Plan. New patients will be required to have new x-rays taken or bring in or email their most recent (within 1 year) set of x-rays. You will need to have a comprehensive exam with the doctor to establish care. |
| I have insurance, can I use it? | If you have PPO insurance, you can utilize your benefits. We are considered an out-of-network provider and will send a claim into your insurance. You will pay the full price up-front, and your insurance will reimburse you if they choose. |
| I’m not a current patient, but I have a dental emergency, can I come in? | Yes! We will not turn away dental emergencies. We can help alleviate pain and discomfort. You pay an emergency fee and for any needed x-rays. If you choose to continue with treatment, then we will provide a treatment plan with the estimated fees. |
| Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for the Basic plan? | In many cases, yes. While we recommend checking with your provider, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) often cover plan fees for medical and dental care. |
| Do I have to pay for my treatment up front, or do you send a claim to insurance first? | Because we are an out-of-network provider, all fees need to be paid at the time of service. After your claim is submitted, your insurance will reimburse you whatever they decide to cover. Think of it as being similar to your pet insurance, or a rebate plan. |
DOWNTOWN DENTAL SOLVANG - ROBERT A BRUGNONE, DDS, INC. 