Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our dental services, insurance, appointments, and more.
Insurance & Payment
Do you accept TennCare?
Yes, we proudly accept TennCare! We believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care. Our team is experienced in working with TennCare patients and will help you understand your covered services. Call us to verify your specific benefits and schedule your appointment.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major dental insurance plans including:
- Delta Dental
- MetLife
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Guardian
- United Healthcare
- TennCare
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We offer flexible payment options to make dental care affordable for everyone:
- CareCredit - Interest-free financing options available
- In-house payment plans - Spread the cost of treatment over time
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience:
- Cash
- Personal checks
- All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- CareCredit
What if I don't have insurance?
No insurance? No problem! We offer:
- Affordable self-pay rates - Competitive pricing for uninsured patients
- Flexible payment plans - Break up larger treatments into manageable payments
- CareCredit financing - Apply for healthcare credit with promotional financing options
Your First Visit
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring the following to your first visit:
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- List of current medications (including dosages)
- Medical history information (allergies, conditions, previous surgeries)
- Previous dental records or X-rays (if available)
What happens during my first visit?
Your first visit includes:
- Comprehensive oral examination - Thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and mouth
- Digital X-rays - To see what's happening below the surface
- Professional cleaning - Remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Treatment plan discussion - We'll explain any findings and recommended treatments
- Questions answered - Time to address all your concerns
How long is the first appointment?
Plan for 60-90 minutes for your first visit. This allows adequate time for:
- Completing new patient paperwork
- A thorough examination
- X-rays and cleaning
- Discussing your treatment options
Do you see children?
Yes! Dream Team Family Dentistry is a true family practice. We welcome patients of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Our team is experienced in pediatric dentistry and creating positive dental experiences for children. We recommend bringing children in for their first dental visit by age 1 or when their first tooth appears.
Is same-day treatment available?
Often, yes! Depending on your needs and our schedule, we can frequently provide treatment on the same day as your consultation. This is especially common for:
- Dental emergencies
- Simple fillings
- Extractions
- Same-day crowns (using our in-house technology)
Sedation & Anxiety
I'm terrified of the dentist. Can you help?
Absolutely! Dental anxiety is very common, and we specialize in helping nervous patients feel comfortable. We offer:
- IV sedation - For patients who want to sleep through their procedure
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) - Mild relaxation during treatment
- Compassionate care - Our team takes extra time with anxious patients
- Comfortable environment - Warm blankets, headphones, and a calming atmosphere
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes, IV sedation is very safe when administered by trained professionals. Our sedation dentistry includes:
- Pre-sedation health screening
- Continuous monitoring of vital signs throughout your procedure
- Advanced monitoring equipment
- Staff trained in emergency protocols
What's the difference between IV sedation and nitrous oxide?
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas):
- Mild relaxation while staying awake
- Breathed in through a mask
- Effects wear off quickly - you can drive home
- Good for mild anxiety or shorter procedures
- Deeper sedation - most patients don't remember the procedure
- Administered through an IV
- Requires someone to drive you home
- Ideal for severe anxiety or longer procedures
Will I feel pain during my procedure?
No, you should not feel pain. We use multiple methods to ensure your comfort:
- Local anesthesia - Numbs the treatment area completely
- Topical numbing gel - Applied before injections
- Sedation options - From nitrous oxide to IV sedation
- Gentle techniques - Our team is trained in minimizing discomfort
COVID-19 & Safety
What safety measures do you have in place?
Patient and staff safety is our top priority. We follow all CDC and ADA guidelines including:
- Enhanced cleaning protocols - Treatment rooms thoroughly sanitized between patients
- Advanced air filtration - HEPA filters and enhanced ventilation
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) - All staff wear appropriate protection
- Sterilization - Hospital-grade sterilization of all instruments
- Health screenings - Temperature checks and health questionnaires
Should I wear a mask to my appointment?
We follow current local and CDC guidelines regarding masks. Please check with our office or visit our website for the most up-to-date mask policy. Regardless of current requirements, masks are always welcome if you prefer to wear one for your own comfort and protection.
What if I'm not feeling well before my appointment?
If you're experiencing any symptoms of illness - including fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms - please call us to reschedule your appointment. We want to protect all our patients and staff. There's no penalty for rescheduling due to illness, and we'll get you in as soon as you're feeling better.
Appointments & Scheduling
What are your office hours?
Our regular office hours are:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Select Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Do you offer emergency dental care?
Yes! Dental emergencies don't wait, and neither should you. We offer same-day emergency appointments for:
- Severe toothaches
- Broken or knocked-out teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Dental infections or abscesses
- Trauma to the mouth
How far in advance should I schedule my appointment?
It depends on the type of appointment:
- Routine cleanings and exams: 2-4 weeks in advance (we book up quickly!)
- Specific procedures: 1-2 weeks, depending on complexity
- Emergencies: Same-day appointments available
What is your cancellation policy?
We request 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer that time to another patient who may be waiting for an appointment. We understand that life happens - just give us as much notice as possible.
Languages & Accessibility
What languages does your staff speak?
Our multilingual team can serve you in:
- English
- Spanish (Espanol)
- Arabic
Is your office wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our office is fully wheelchair accessible. Our facility features:
- Accessible parking spaces
- Ramp access to entrance
- Wide doorways and hallways
- Accessible restrooms
- Treatment rooms that accommodate wheelchairs
Do you accommodate patients with special needs?
Yes! We welcome patients with various special needs and are experienced in providing compassionate, individualized care. We can accommodate:
- Patients with physical disabilities
- Patients with developmental disabilities
- Patients with sensory sensitivities
- Patients requiring extra time or patience
Specific Procedures
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. With proper care:
- The implant post (titanium root) can last 20-30 years or even a lifetime
- The crown (visible tooth) typically lasts 10-15 years before needing replacement
What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients recover from wisdom teeth extraction in 3-7 days. Here's what to expect:
- Days 1-2: Swelling and discomfort peak; rest and ice packs help
- Days 3-4: Swelling decreases; soft foods recommended
- Days 5-7: Most patients return to normal activities
How long does a same-day crown take?
With our in-house same-day crown technology, you can get a permanent crown in just 2-3 hours in one visit. The process:
- Digital scan - No messy impressions
- Computer-aided design - Your crown is designed on-screen
- In-house fabrication - Crown is crafted while you wait
- Placement - Crown is fitted and bonded
Do dentures look natural?
Yes! Modern dentures look very natural and are custom-made for each patient. Today's dentures feature:
- Teeth that match your natural tooth color and shape
- Gum-colored bases that look realistic
- Custom sizing for natural facial appearance
- Premium materials that mimic natural teeth
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our friendly team is here to help. Give us a call or schedule a consultation.
Helpful Resources
Learn more about our practice and what to expect when you visit us.
New Patients
Everything you need to know for your first visit, including forms and what to expect.
Learn MoreInsurance & Payment
View accepted insurance plans and learn about our flexible payment options.
Learn MoreEmergency Care
Dental emergency? Learn how to handle common emergencies and when to call us.
Learn More