Patient Information

We believe every patient deserves the same compassion, understanding and quality care that we would want for ourselves and our own families.

All new patients receive a comprehensive oral exam followed by a thorough consultation with Dr. Stoner to discuss all of your needs and concerns. Knowing your dental history, medical needs, and particular concerns about dentistry like anxiety or fear matters to us. Much of what we learn about you at the first visit will help us customize your care and make specific accommodations for treating your dental needs.

Your First Appointment

• A one-on-one interview to review your medical and dental history. This is a great time to share any particular needs or concerns you may have related to dentistry for example fear, anxiety or sedation.
• Head and neck exam, during which you will have an exam of your muscles, lymph nodes and glands as well as a screening for TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders).
• Intra oral exam, which includes a soft tissue exam with oral cancer screening and detection of tooth decay, wear and fractures. We will also assess the function and alignment of teeth for indications of the potential need for orthodontics as well as the replacement of missing teeth.
• Periodontal exam to detect periodontal disease. The examination and probing of gums helps identify the overall state of gums and bone support. This information is important in determining the type and extent of cleaning you require, and how frequent.
• We will also take any necessary radiographs, which may include a full series of x-rays, as well as a panoramic. These radiographs gives a full view of teeth and jaw for the most comprehensive examination.
• We may take intraoral photos depending on your needs and general oral health. This is done with a small wand that contains a camera. These photos are useful to better determine what is happening in your mouth and are also helpful to patients in understanding their dental conditions and/or needs. Additional photos may also be taken if there are specific esthetic issues or concerns.
• Once treatment needs are determined we will discuss these with you. Occassionally we will reschedule you for a consult if time is needed for a thoughtful review of the findings from your exam. The consult is to discuss the exam findings and treatment recommendations if indicated. We will also give recommendations for continuing care. We will then reserve time in the hygiene program specific to your needs.
• This initial exam is generally an hour long, to give you the thoroughness and attention you deserve. We care about your complete oral and dental health.

Registration and Health History Forms

Once you arrive at our office you will be asked to complete some forms before your scheduled appointment. Please allow ample time to fill out these forms before your first appointment.

OFFICE POLICIES

Cancellations

We require 48 hours advanced notice of cancelation of an appointment.

Financial Policy

Estimated charges for your health services are available upon your request. Please do not hesitate to ask. We realize that every person's financial situation is different. For this reason we have tried to provide a variety of payment options to help you receive the dental care needed to enjoy a healthy and confident smile with respect to your budget.

Payments

We accept payments by checks, cash or credit card. If you do not have the benefit of dental insurance, we offer a 5% courtesy discount for all treatment that is paid in full with cash or a check.

Dental Insurance

We are happy to file the necessary forms to see that you receive the full benefits of your coverage; however, we make no guarantee of any estimated coverage. Because the insurance policy is an agreement between you and the insurance company, we ask that patients be responsible directly for all charges. Please know that we will do everything possible to see that you receive the full benefits of your policy. We will submit to your insurance company for a pre estimate of the treatment.

Once treatment is completed we will bill your insurance company and you will be billed for the remaining balance. Your balance is due at the time of service.