Before your visit
Why we recommend a consultation first
Most patients get the best result, and the smallest bill, when treatment is planned rather than rushed. A consultation is a short visit where we examine the tooth, take any imaging we need, and walk you through four things: how long treatment will take, the sequence of appointments, what you can eat beforehand and whether you’ll be able to drive afterward, and what your insurance is likely to contribute.
Insurance is the one people underestimate. Under some plans, benefits are lower if you have treatment on the same day as your evaluation. We check that before we book you, because our goal is simple: you pay less, and your plan contributes the most it will.
If you’re in pain
Call anyway. We hold time every day for urgent cases and aim to see you the same day. Emergency patients may receive treatment on that first visit when the evaluation confirms it and time allows. We’ll tell you honestly if waiting a day would save you money, and let you decide.
Eating and medications
For treatment under local anesthesia, eat normally beforehand and take your usual medications. If you’ll be sedated, we’ll give you specific fasting instructions when we schedule you. Tell us about blood thinners, bisphosphonates, and any allergies.
Driving
With local anesthesia alone you can drive yourself. With oral or IV sedation you’ll need a driver, and you shouldn’t drive, work, or make important decisions for the rest of the day.
What to bring
- Insurance card, plus your FSA or HSA card if you have one
- Current medication list
- Referral, X-rays, or notes from your dentist if they weren’t sent ahead
- Your driver, if you’re being sedated
Parking
Our garage entrance is on N 35th St and uses Metropolis. Pre-register your license plate in the Metropolis app — easiest on an iPhone, where it takes about a minute — or at app.metropolis.io, and the gate opens automatically. The first hour is free. Free two-hour street parking is nearby if you’d rather. Directions and photos are on the location page.
How long to plan for
A consultation is usually under an hour. Root canal treatment is typically one to two hours, and most are completed in a single visit. We’ll give you a specific estimate at your consultation.