Putting a SMILE on every face.
Putting a SMILE on every face.
Please be advised that we require at least 48 hours or two business days notice whenever an appointment needs to be changed. One of the reasons that we consistently run on time in our office versus most doctor’s offices is that we do NOT double book or over book our schedule. This allows us to give you the personalized high quality attention that you deserve. To cancel an appointment without proper notice prevents us from being able to offer this time to other patients. In addition, minimizing schedule changes also allows us to not have to raise our fees.
You will be billed for NO SHOW appointments or any appointments cancelled less than two business days ahead ($125 for a hygiene visit and $200/hr. for doctor visits). In the event that you realize that you won’t be able to keep an appointment please call our office immediately to speak with our staff and if over a weekend, please call the office and leave a voicemail.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
PAYMENT FOR SERVICES
Payment is expected at time of service unless other arrangements are made in advance. We accept cash, all major credit cards and dental insurance. You are responsible for any charges that your insurance does not cover. If your insurance company does not pay us within 60 days, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. Accounts over 90 days overdue will be turned over to a collection agency.
INSURANCE
As a courtesy to our patients, we accept and can file most insurance claims for you. Insurance benefits are only estimates and the patient is ultimately responsible for any remaining balance.
Dr. Pournik only recommends treatment in the best interest of our patients. Many insurance companies have alternative benefits clauses that may affect your benefits and ultimately the final cost of your treatment plan. What we receive from your insurance company and present to you is only an estimate of your benefits.
We accept most insurance plans including most PPO and indemnity plans. Please call our office if you have any questions regarding dental insurance coverage under your existing insurance plan.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We accept cash, all major credit cards and dental insurance. For our patients’ convenience we also have arranged payment plans through multiple 3rd parties, which helps our patients receive their treatment in a timely manner.
Dr. Pournik prides herself on using the most advanced technological software and equipment available in the industry which, in turn, allows her to provide our patients with the finest dental restorations. She is constantly researching the latest in emerging technologies in order to provide our patients the very best in dental care.
DIGITAL X-RAYS
Dental X-rays are used to help identify problems in your teeth, mouth and jaw. They provide pictures of the teeth, bones, and surrounding soft tissue allowing our specialists to see forming cavities, hidden dental structures, tooth decay, and bone loss that cannot be seen purely with a physical examination. .
This knowledge allows us to combat potential oral problems before they become more serious and require a greater level of treatment. Getting dental X-rays taken is a painless and quick procedure. It is recommended that adults have a bitewing X-ray taken at least every two to three years to ensure good oral health. It is also recommended that teens and children have X-rays taken even more frequently. Aside from determining potential health problems, this also helps us determine if there will be enough space in the mouth for incoming wisdom teeth so we can be sure that they will not come in impacted.
3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY
With 3D dental imaging, a doctor can rotate and view critical information from any angle. Only when you see it can you treat it. Cone beam (3D CBCT) is applicable to nearly every dental procedure in which seeing all aspects of the tooth or bone is important. Therefore treatment planning for implants can become easier when anatomical structures are identified prior to placement.
DIGITAL INTRAORAL CAMERAS
The intraoral camera resembles an oversized pen and although usage varies depending on the model-type, this image-taking device is typically outfitted with a disposable protective sheath for each new patient. While simultaneously viewing a monitor, the dentist inserts the camera into a patient’s mouth and gently shifts it about so that images can be taken from a variety of angles. The intraoral camera is especially useful during dental restoration procedures. For example, if you were to have an amalgam tooth filling replaced with a composite resin filling, your dentist could use the intraoral camera to take “before and after” pictures and display the results simultaneously for you to see! In addition to being a great diagnostic tool, the intraoral camera is a fantastic educational aid. Instead of merely explaining to you what’s happening inside your mouth, your dentist can actually show you.
LASER DETECTION
At Applewhite Dental Arts we use the DIAGNOdent hand-held caries detection pen. This “pen-like” instrument is used to help confirm the precise location of decay following an initial exam by the dental hygienist or Dr Pournik.
VELscope Vx ENHANCED ORAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
Dr Pournik uses the VELscope® Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System, which centers on a wireless, handheld scope that applies tissue fluorescence visualization to identify oral mucosal abnormalities early – often months or even years before they can be identified with the unassisted eye. The VELscope® Vx system enhances the way practitioners examine the oral mucosa and screen for tissue abnormalities, potentially leading to the earlier discovery of precancer, cancer or other disease processes. Early detection is one of the best mechanisms for enabling treatment success, increasing survival rates and maintaining a high quality of life.
Where compassion & dentistry MEET.
Where compassion & dentistry MEET.
Creating Beautiful Smiles For Life.
Creating Beautiful Smiles For Life.