Patient Info - Frequently Asked Questions
Appointments and Scheduling
​
Can I be seen today?
We absolutely can see any patient that has an emergency immediately, in fact you don't need an appointment, simply walk into your closest Open and Affordable Dental office and we will see as soon as possible, usually within 15 minutes. It is advisable to call the office ahead of time just in case the office is closed. We encourage all to schedule their appointment, so we can increase your and everyone else's patient experience. If your nearest office is closed, you may be seen at any adjacent office. Please call us at 720-580-1117 to be directed to the best location. If you have a non-emergency appointment request, please call your closest office, and we'll see you at your earliest convenient time. You can schedule your appointment via the Schedule Appointment button at the bottom of this page.
​
Do you see kids?
We love seeing kids of all ages. We have many options to take care of your child if they are apprehensive about the dental office. Parents are allowed and encouraged to be in the operatory with the children. We never push anyone, especially kids, through clinical procedures. The last thing we want is to create emotional scars that last a lifetime. You are the boss during your dental visit, we are just the hands that help. Please schedule an appointment with any of our amazing, caring dentists.
​
When are you open, when are you closed?
We are typically open every Monday through Saturday 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. Some offices may open Sundays instead of Saturdays depending on cultural preferences. Offices may open late or close early for weather or staffing related issues. Some newer offices may be closed additional days while their patient base is being established. It is advised to call the office before walking in to ensure their availability.
​
Are your offices wheel chair accessible?
All offices are ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliant.
Procedures and Services
​
I had a procedure done at one of your offices and am having problems, what should I do?
Please call your office as soon as possible to be seen immediately. If it is after hours or you are not able to contact the office, please call our after hours answering service at 720-580-1117 immediately. Your well-being is our top priority.
​
Which procedures do you perform?
As general dentists with access to specialists, we perform all dental procedures including exams, and panoramic, bitewing, and 3D images. We perform cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, partial dentures, full dentures, and implant retained dentures. We also work with orthodontists who place braces and Invisalign. In short, at Open and Affordable Dental, all of your dental needs can be met.
​
I broke my tooth, what options do I have?
There are many great options to replace a broken tooth. It may be as simple as a filling or a crown. If the tooth was broken off at the gum line it may need to be extracted and replaced with a partial denture, bridge, or implant. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning. Schedule an appointment and we can discuss the best option for you.
​
Do you do cosmetic dentistry including crowns, veneers, bridges, bonding, and/or implants?
We absolutely do cosmetic dentistry including crowns, veneers, bridges, bonding, and/or implants. If you are looking to improve your smile, make an appointment with any of our doctors to go over your options to get the smile you want.
​
What types of whitening do you offer?
We offer two whitening products. The in-office Zoom Whitening costs $300 for an hour long session. This whitening can get you a couple of shades whiter within that hour. We recommend you take 400 mg Ibuprofen before your appointment to reduce the sensitivity during and immediately after the procedure. Sensitivity can last for 24 hours after the whitening. We also offer Opalescence take home kits for $75 that give you the exact same result. It may take up to one month to get the same results with the take home kit. The take home kit is appropriate for people with sensitive teeth as it allows you to control the time of each session. Some patients like to get the immediate effect of the in-office whitening and then use the take home kit to maintain their whiteness. It is recommended that you reduce stain producing food such as red wine, spaghetti sauce, and coffee after your sessions. Whitening is appropriate after the age of 13 or when all adult teeth have erupted. Whitening has no adverse effect on teeth according to the American Dental Association.
​
Do you place implants?
Yes, many of our dentists place implants, and we also have access to oral surgeons and periodontists who also place implants.
​
What type of implants do you place and restore?
Our dentists and oral surgeons are capable of placing and restoring any modern implant make/model. To increase efficiency and compatibility across offices, we prefer to place Blue Sky Bio BIO|Max implants. Blue Sky Bio BIO|Max implants are prosthetically compatible with the NobelActive® NP platform.
​
Do you perform root canals?
Yes, all of our dentists perform root canals. We may also send you to a root canal specialist if we feel their expertise and additional instruments and equipment would serve to restore your tooth better.
​
Do I need a root canal or a filling?
Most people know when they need a root canal. They either have spontaneous pain that wakes them up at night, or they have an abscess with associated draining puss. Another reason for a root canal would be lingering pain. If you have a cavity that goes into the nerve, the nerve might have died and you would feel no pain. If you have a cavity into the nerve canal, you will need a root canal to eliminate a future abscess. We try to eliminate all other possibilities, such as periodontitis or clenching, before doing a root canal. Pain that goes away or is associated with cold, heat, or eating only may be able to be fixed with a filling.
​
My temporary crown fell off or broke, what should I do?
If your temporary crown fell off or broke, it may or may not need to be recemented. If your doctor specifically requested you to be seen if it fell off or broke, call your office to be seen. If you are over the age of 30 and have only slight sensitivity, it may be indicated to simply be careful with the tooth, avoiding hard foods, until your crown seat date. If it falls off and you are extremely sensitive, you may use Ibuprofen to reduce the sensitivity until you can be seen at your office. We strongly prefer you to be seen at your original office for issues with temporary crowns, since your original office has the mold to make a new temporary crown if that is necessary. If you are traveling or do not have the ability to be seen at your office, you may use temporary cement purchased at your local pharmacy to recement the temporary crown.
​
What is the difference between a hard and a soft reline?
Dentures can be relined with a temporary soft material or a hard material that is more permanent. Soft relines use a squishy material that comforts the fit between the hard acrylic of your denture and your gums. Soft relines are usually used after extractions while your gums are healing and moving quickly. Once you're fully healed, and/or your denture becomes loose, a hard reline is indicated. Hard relines replace material on the inside of your denture to make the denture fit more tightly. If your denture is over 7 years old, many times a new denture is indicated.
​
I had a tooth extracted and I think I have a dry socket and am in extreme pain, what can I do?
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) can happen after tooth extraction. When your dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth, a blood clot forms in the socket (a hole in the bone where your tooth was). Dry socket happens when that blood clot dislodges (moves) or doesn’t form at all. Without the clot, your bone and nerves are exposed to the oral environment. Dry socket can be painful and delays the healing of the surgical site. Dry sockets can last up to one week. In most cases a dry socket will heal on its own. To speed healing, rinse and clean the socket with salt water. Place gauze over the socket to ease the pain. You may use Ibuprofen to help with the pain. Ice may also be used to relieve the pain. If you cannot tolerate the pain, please call your office as soon as possible to discuss options.
​
I had a tooth extracted and the clot came out, what should I do?
It is completely normal for the clot that forms after your surgery to come out within 24-48 hours after your surgery. We prefer the clot to stay in the extraction site as long as possible as part of the natural healing after an extraction. This is why we request you refrain from negative pressure such as sucking through straws. Removing the gauze your dentist, surgeon, or you place after your surgery may also adhere to the clot when it is taken out. It may be appropriate to lightly moisten the gauze before placing it over the extraction site so the gauze does not stick to the clot. As long as there is not profuse bleeding after the clot comes out, there is little concern. You may watch the extraction post operative instruction video here.
​
I had a tooth extracted or a root canal, do I need antibiotics?
Most routine dental extractions do not require antibiotics. According to the cochrane study linked below, taking antibiotics may help prevent infection after an extraction but the possible adverse effects may outweigh the benefits. As long as you are healthy and do not require antibiotic prophylaxis, your immune system should naturally be able to prevent most infections after the procedure. Taking antibiotics as a just in case may have unintended consequences such as developing antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Taking antibiotics too frequently or unnecessarily can create superbugs and when you happen to get an infection and you need the antibiotics to work, they won't work. This is currently a big problem in the medical community. For this reason, even if your tooth has been keeping you up at night but you do not present with a swelling infection or fever, you are not required to take any antibiotics afterwards. We know that you may perceive it as very serious but developing a resistant strain of bacteria is even more serious. In every case we will give you the best course of medicines and protocols to follow to get you healed as quickly as possible. You dictate your own health. The link to review here.
​
I had a tooth extracted or a root canal, what is the best pain management?
Recent studies have shown that a mix of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) and acetaminophen are the most effective medicines to address dental pain after a root canal or extraction. Our first line of pain management is this regiment. A copy of our extraction post operative instructions can be found on our Procedure Instructions webpage, which includes all instructions for pain management using the most recent studies available. Dentists and society have a unique challenge in reducing the amount of opioids prescribed and used. Your dentist will make the best decision with you as to the best course of pain management for your particular situation. The link to the study about post operative pain management here can be found at this link.
​
Do you replace Amalgam (Silver) fillings?
We follow guidelines of the ADA, which states that Amalgam fillings have shown no proven adverse reactions over many studies and years of clinical use. If your silver fillings are breaking down or have recurrent decay around them, it's appropriate to remove them and place another filling. If you as a patient are uncomfortable with amalgam fillings, we would be happy to help you replace them with a material you're more comfortable with.
​
Do you fabricate Night Guards, if so how much do they cost?
If you are experiencing jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, noticing tooth movement, or are seeing wear on the biting surfaces of your teeth, a night guard might be indicated. A night guard is similar to a sports guard and can be fabricated to be used on your upper or lower jaw. A night guard helps in a few ways. First, it will redistribute the forces so that one tooth doesn't take the brunt of your clenching or grinding. Second, it will psychologically prevent your mouth from continuing to clench as it notices something in between your teeth. This allows the jaw to relax instead of grinding all night long. Third, it can act as an orthodontic retainer and prevent your teeth from moving while you sleep. We recommend our in-office night guards because they are custom made and are soft on the inside and hard on the outside. They should last at least 5 years. We don't recommend the ones you can buy over the counter because they are made of a softer material that your mouth treats as gum and so you'll end up chewing on them all night long, making the problem worse. Many of the soft night guards are too soft and end up on the pillow at night, or as your dog's newest toy. Hard-soft night guards delivered in our clinic usually cost between $300-$425 depending on how much your insurance picks up. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
Do you fabricate Orthodontic Retainers, if so how much do they cost?
Orthodontic retainers are used to keep your teeth straight, especially after braces or Invisalign. We fabricate orthodontic retainers in-house and can get them back to you within a few days. The cost of orthodontic retainers is $200 per arch, minus what your insurance covers. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
Do you fabricate Sleep Apnea/Snoring/Mandiublar Advancement (MAD) Devices, if so how much do they cost?
Yes we have many options to help you with sleep apnea. Mandible Advancement Devices MADs help position your lower jaw forward, which moves your tongue forward and out of your airway. This can help you sleep better. Mandible Advancement Devices can be used for those who cannot tolerate a CPAP or for those who travel and dont want to take the CPAP with them. Many patients ask if the MADs are covered by medical insurance. They may he if they are directed by your sleep doctor. Unfortunately they are rarely covered by your dental insurance. The cost for a MAD ranges between $400-600. More information can be found by visiting the link here.
​
Do you remove braces or Invisalign engagers/attachments?
Although it's preferred to have your braces or Invisalign engagers/attachments removed by the original doctor who performed your orthodontic case, occasionally patients find themselves in situation where they've moved or lost the relationship with the orthodontic doctor. In these cases we can absolutely remove your braces or Invisalign engagers/attachments. We can also provide you with retainers, so you don't lose the progress you've made with your orthodontics.
​
I have a cold sore, should I still be seen for my appointment?
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. If your cold sore is active or blistered and you have a non emergency appointment, such as a cleaning, you may call in advance and reschedule your appointment. If you arrive for your non emergency appointment with a cold sore, or you want to be seen while you have a cold sore, we can see you. Understand there is a potential that the virus can be spread from its active site to other areas of the face. For emergency appointments, we will see you normally. If your cold sore is not blistered, we will see you for any appointment. We can prescribe you an antiviral medication if needed for your cold sore.
​
I have thrush, should I still be seen for an appointment?
Oral thrush, also called oral candidosis or candiasis, is a fungal infection. It is not contagious and is usually successfully treated with an antifungal medication. You can be seen normally for all appointments with oral thrush. We can prescribe you an antifungal medication at your appointment.
​
I have an impacted tooth and my orthodontist requested I have a bracket placed on it so it can be moved to the correct position.
This procedure is called an expose and bond. Your general practitioner or oral surgeon will perform this procedure using local anesthesia to facilitate its movement into the correct position.
​
I had a hip/knee replacement. Should I be pre-medicated before my dental visit?
In 2015, the ADA changed its protocol for prophylactic antibiotics before dental work for those who have prosthetic joint implants. The ADA states, "In general, for patients with prosthetic joint implants, prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended prior to dental procedures to prevent prosthetic joint infection." If a patient still wants to be pre-medicated or their orthopedic surgeon request they be pre-medicated, we can call in a prescription before the appointment. If you forget, the office can provide antibiotics at your appointment. The antibiotics can be taken up to one hour after your appointment.
​
I'm taking anticoagulants (blood thinners). What do I need to do before my dental procedure?
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) become a concern mostly when extracting teeth, and occasionally before deep cleanings. Alert your dental provider of your anticoagulant use and type before scheduling these appointments. Your dental provider may request you talk with your anticoagulant prescribing doctor to see if modifications need to be made before and/or after your dental procedure. Sometimes the risk of not taking your anticoagulant outweighs the risk of post operative bleeding. Your anticoagulant prescribing doctor or dental provider may elect not to change your regiment. If you are taking Coumadin (generic name Warfarin), it is recommended to have an INR taken 24 hours before your appointment and have a reading of 2.5 or less. If you are taking Xeralto (generic name Rivaraxaban) or Eliquis (generic name Apiaban), your anticoagulant prescribing doctor will need to be aware of the upcoming procedure and will instruct you and your dental provider if or what modifications need to be made. If you take Plavix or Aspirin, modifications to your regiment are rarely needed, but your dental provider will need to know if its use before your dental procedure. More information from the American Dental Association (ADA) about anticoagulants and dental procedures can be found here.
​
Do you provide sedation dentistry?
We provide a wide variety of ways to allow apprehensive patients to feel comfortable during dental appointments. This may include calming techniques during the procedure, oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or general anesthesia. It is best to meet with your dentist for them to assess the best method to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Know that we never push you through any procedure clinically. You are the boss in the dental chair, we are simply the hands that help. We want you to love coming to the dentist and we'll make sure you're as comfortable as possible.
​
What are the guidelines about CBD and THC use before being sedated?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main extracts of the marijuana plant, second only to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana. You may be sedated with recent CBD use, although it is advised to discontinue its use 72 hours before your surgery. THC is contraindicated for sedation, and its use needs to be stopped 72 hours before being sedated. If you have consumed THC within 72 hours of your sedation, you will be rescheduled to another day. Please advise your surgeon of CBD and THC use before your surgery.
​
I am pregnant, what types of dentistry can/should I do?
It is recommended and important to continue your normally scheduled routine cleaning visits during your pregnancy. You may experience increased gingival bleeding while brushing and flossing during your pregnancy. It is important to keep an expectant mother pain free during all trimesters of her pregnancy. There is almost no reason an expectant mother, even in a high risk pregnancy, delay getting a painful tooth fixed. Your dentist will always use FDA Pregnancy Category B (no studies have shown the drug to be detrimental to a growing fetus) local anesthetics. You may be given a local anesthetic, that along with being FDA Pregnancy Category B, has no epinephrin so as to not affect your heart. We usually schedule all non-emergency dentistry either in the 2nd trimester (all fetal organs are developed) or after the pregnancy. Your dentist may elect to not take any routine x-rays during your pregnancy. Discuss with your dentist your pregnancy status at your appointment.
​
I am nursing, what concerns should I have?
Local anesthetics do not enter breast milk. You may breast feed normally after dental work that requires local anesthetics. The use of antibiotics, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol is generally safe with breastfeeding. If you have been prescribed a narcotic (Tylenol with Codeine, Vicodin, Percocet, or Oxycodone), it is suggested to pump and discard your breastmilk as narcotics can pass into the breastmilk and cause the baby to become very sleepy.
Finances and Insurance
​​
I don't have insurance, can I be seen? Explain your Affordable Discount Plan.
We gladly accept patients without insurance, in fact we have an in-office discount plan that acts much like insurance. It costs $200 per year for an individual and $300 for a family. The discount plan is valid for one year from the day you sign up. The sign-up process takes 30 seconds, you simply provide your name and birthdate. You receive all of your exams and x-rays for free for a year and a free simple cleaning. If you do need any dental work, that work is discounted by 25%. Your second cleaning for the year is discounted by 25%, costing $75 after the discount.
​
I have PPO insurance, can I purchase your discount plan and get an additional 25% off?
In-network insurance companies require dental offices to use the insurance discounted fees and charge patients contracted co-pays. Since insurance carriers provide their own discounted fees to patients, insurance companies do not allow patients to use additional discount plans. If a patient uses all of their benefits, the dental office must charge the insurance dictated discounted fee. For these reasons, there would be no benefit in a patient having PPO insurance and the Open and Affordable Discount Plan.
​
How much does it cost to be seen?
​Our new patient exam and x-ray costs $29. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
Do you have payment plans?
Yes, we use Care Credit for payment plans. It is a simple 3-minute application. Care Credit allows you to pay for services interest-free over 6 months. We also work with your budget if there is a larger treatment plan and can phase it according to your budget.
​
Do you accept Health Savings Account (HSA) payments?
Yes, we absolutely accept HSA payments. If you need a detailed receipt/report to submit to your HSA, please request it at time of payment.
​
Do you accept HMO/DMO plans?
Your plan requires you to use certain doctors, and honestly there aren’t many doctors that take HMO plans. As a courtesy to HMO members, we provide our Open and Affordable Discount Plan for your first year at no charge. This is frankly better than your HMO as it includes all your exams and x-rays at no cost for a year. The discount plan also gets you a free simple cleaning. If you do need any dental work it will be discounted by 25%. During your first year, you may choose to apply for a PPO during open enrollment or renew your discount plan when it expires.
​
Do you accept Medicaid?
We absolutely love seeing patients who have Medicaid. Colorado has an amazing adult Medicaid benefit, which provides an unlimited amount for routine care including cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and crowns. Colorado Medicaid also provides an additional unlimited amount for dentures and partial dentures. We try hard take care of all of your dental needs at no cost to you. Children under 21 have an unlimited benefit that allows them to get most all of their dental care at no cost. We would love to take care of all of your dental needs. Please schedule an appointment at any of our offices, we can see you today!
​
Do you accept Medicare?
Medicare plans can be tricky to determine whether we are in or out of network with them. At Open and Affordable Dental we do a complimentary benefits check prior to your visit to ensure that our providers are in network for your particular plan. If we find that we are out of network for your plan, we definitely have options for you including a cost-effective in office discount plan that will help greatly reduce your out of pocket cost.
​
How much does a normal cleaning cost?
An adult cleaning costs $100 and a child cleaning costs $67. The exams and x-rays may add an additional $80 to the visit. Almost all insurance plans cover the cost of preventative services such and cleanings and exams at 100% with no deductible. Most individuals and families who don't have insurance sign up for our in-office discount plan as it costs $200 for an individual and $300 for a family. This cost includes the cleaning, exams, and x-rays. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
How much does a deep cleaning cost?
A typical deep cleaning or Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is performed and charged out by quadrants, having four quadrants per mouth. Most deep cleanings cost between $75 and $250 per quadrant. Many dental insurances pick up some or all of this cost. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning. You usually are numb for the procedure so we can thoroughly clean under your gums. Deep cleanings help with periodontal disease (bone loss around the teeth), reduce bleeding when brushing, reduce sensitivity, and prevent future loose teeth and tooth loss. After your deep cleaning, your provider may recommend you be seen more frequently to ensure you continuing to eliminate plaque and tarter accumulation.
​
How much do fillings cost?
Fillings cost between $130 and $342 depending on the number of surfaces and location of the tooth. Most insurances cover fillings at 80% after a $50-$100 deductible for the first filling. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
How much do extractions cost, including wisdom teeth?
​Typically extractions cost between $100 and $500 dollars per tooth depending on how difficult the tooth is to extract. This varies greatly depending on which insurance you have. Many insurances cover most of an extraction reducing your price to under $75. Some insurances cover the entire cost of extractions. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning. Our dentists extract many teeth, and we work with oral surgeons at every office, so we can extract almost any tooth at every location.
​
How much do implants cost?
Typically implants and the crown that is screwed into them cost $2000-$3500 per tooth. This varies greatly depending on how much bone you have around the implant site and also if it is close to nerves or sinuses. Your insurance may cover some of the implant cost, reducing the total price to $1500 or less. Some insurances cover the entire cost of implants. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
How much does it cost to remove an implant?
If an implant becomes loose, your dentist will check to see if it is the implant or the crown that is loose. If it is the crown that is loose, it may simply be tightened if it is screw retained. This can usually be done for a small fee if it was placed by an outside dentist. If it was placed at one of our offices, your dentist will tighten it for free. If the crown is loose and it was cemented, the crown might have to be removed, the abutment under the crown tightened, and a new crown may be fabricated. This costs approximately $900 minus what your insurance will pay. If the implant is loose, your general dentist may decide with you to have you see a specialist to place bone graft around the implant to tighten it. You may also decide with your dentist to remove the implant. The cost of removing an implant varies between $200-$500 depending on the difficulty of the extraction.
​
Do you have grants for implants?
We are unaware of any grants that pay for implants. You may use Care Credit to finance your implants. There are many alternatives to implants that are cost-effective, including, dentures, partials, or bridges.
​
How much does a root canal cost?
Typically a root canal costs between $300 and $1000 dollars. A significant amount of this cost may be covered by your insurance reducing the cost to $150 - $300 depending on your insurance and the tooth needing the root canal. Some insurances cover the entire cost of root canals. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
How much does a crown cost?
A crown is an enamel replacement. If a tooth has lost more than 50% of its enamel, you may need a crown. A crown typically costs between $300 and $900. A significant amount of this cost may be covered by your insurance reducing the cost to $300 - $450 depending on your insurance. Some insurances cover the entire cost of crowns. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
How much does a bridge cost?
A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. A bridge can be a non surgical alternative to an implant. A bridge uses two adjacent anchor (abutment) teeth to hold one or more false (pontic) teeth. A bridge anchor tooth is prepared just like a crown, by removing some of the enamel. A bridge typically costs between $450 and $900 per unit (number of abutment plus pontic teeth). A significant amount of this cost may be covered by your insurance reducing the cost to $225 - $600 per unit depending on your insurance. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
How much do dentures cost?
Dentures typically cost $750 - $1600 per denture arch, or $1500 - $3200 per pair. Typical insurance may reduce the price of dentures to $500 - $1200 per arch. Some insurances cover the entire cost of dentures. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning. Schedule an appointment and we can discuss the best option for you.
​
How much does a denture reline cost?
Dentures can be relined with a temporary soft material or a hard material that is more permanent. Typical soft relines cost $100-200 per arch minus what your insurance pays. Hard relines usually cost $200-300 per arch minus what your insurance picks up. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning. Schedule an appointment and we can discuss the best option for you.
​
What types of guarantees are there for dental work done at your office?
We always guarantee all work against manufacturer material defect. Unfortunately dentistry resides in a VERY harsh environment, the oral cavity. Dentistry just like automobile tires can wear down with use. If any of the dentistry we have provided to you does not last, breaks, or gets damaged, please call your office and we'd love to discuss your particular case.
​
What do veneers cost?
A veneer is an enamel replacement, usually for front teeth. Veneers are many times used to make your front teeth look straight and correct discoloration. A veneer typically costs between $800 and $900. Many insurances consider veneers a cosmetic procedure and many times do not cover veneers. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
What do braces and Invisalign cost?
Typically braces and/or Invisalign cost between $3500 to $6500 for a 24 month treatment. Some treatments can be more or less than this depending on your treatment goals and skeletal configurations. Insurances can pick up a portion of this fee. We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.
​
How much does general anesthesia (IV sedation) cost?
Our oral surgeons receive extensive training in hospital settings to be able to safely perform general anesthesia (IV sedation) for patients needing oral surgery procedures such as wisdom teeth extractions and implant placement. Oral surgeons do not sedate for general practice procedures such as fillings, crowns, or bridges. Our oral surgeons charge $600 to sedate you for your oral surgery procedure. Not all patients are candidates for general anesthesia (IV sedation). If you have medical conditions, they may either decide you are not a candidate for general anesthesia (IV sedation) or they may refer you to a hospital setting for more appropriate care.
​
I have Colorado Medicaid, will they cover the cost of general anesthesia (IV sedation)?
Colorado Medicaid will cover general anesthesia (IV sedation) for patients with a medical necessity. This means if you have special needs or autism spectrum disorder, you have a medical necessity to be sedated. Unfortunately, being apprehensive about the procedure does not qualify as a medical necessity. All patients with Colorado Medicaid and a medical necessity to be sedated will be referred by our Oral Surgeons or General Practitioners to a hospital setting for their sedation and procedure. A hospital setting is more appropriate and safe than a dental clinic for those with a medical necessity. Many patients call Colorado Medicaid, and a representative will state that general anesthesia (IV sedation) is a covered procedure, but fail to read to caveat that it requires medical necessity. These representatives unfortunately are not Oral Surgeons nor are they the same people who decide if they will reimburse the Oral Surgeon for the general anesthesia (IV sedation). For these reasons, Colorado Medicaid patients without a medical necessity are asked to pay for their general anesthesia (IV sedation).
Prescriptions
​
I was prescribed an antibiotic and now I have a rash, am itching, have hives, or am having trouble breathing. What should I do?
If you were prescribed an antibiotic and you are having a mild allergic reaction such as a rash or itching, discontinue its use. It may be appropriate to take a Benadryl to reduce the allergic effects. If you are taking the antibiotic as part of a post operative protocol for a recent extraction, root canal, or implant placement, it may be appropriate to not resume antibiotic use. If you are trying to reduce an active infection, it may be appropriate to call your office to be prescribed an alternative antibiotic. If you are experiencing moderate to severe allergic reactions such as hives or difficulty breathing, take Benadryl and go to an Urgent Care immediately. Alert your office that you've been seen at an Urgent Care. We will update your chart to ensure you won't be prescribed the same antibiotic in the future.
​
What are the instructions if I was prescribed acetaminophen or Ibuprofen after a procedure?
Studies and experience have shown that the following pain management regime is the most effective for post extraction pain. If you have allergies or contraindications to any of the following, take only the other drug and discuss with your healthcare provider. The following should be taken every 8 hours at the same time for 10 days or until the pain is gone. You may purchase these over the counter. There is no need for a prescription. 500 mg Acetaminophen (Extra Strength Tylenol). Take every 8 hours for 10 days or until pain is gone. It is contraindicated to take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have liver problems. Do not exceed 3000 mg per 24 hours. 400 mg Ibuprofen (Two 200 mg pills). Take every 8 hours for 10 days or until pain is gone. Do not exceed 1200 mg per 24 hours. It is contraindicated to take Ibuprofen if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, ulcers, heart conditions, or have coagulation (bleeding) issues.
​
I'm super apprehensive about dental procedures, do you sedate for procedures?
We provide a wide variety of ways to make you comfortable during your procedure, first of all letting you know that you are completely in control of your procedure. You are the boss, we are simply the hands that help, if there is anything we are doing that you don't like, simply tell us and we'll stop IMMEDIATELY. Beyond re-enforcement, we also provide a wild variety of sedative methods such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), Halcion, or Valium to help you stay calm during your procedure. If you need to be sedated, we have access to specialists who can sedate you for your procedure. Please discuss your dental anxiety with your doctor to find the best method for you.
​
What type of local anesthetic do you use in your office?
We mostly use FDA Pregnancy Category B anesthetics, Lidocaine 2% w/ 1:100,000 epi for most procedures or Prilocaine without epi for those with heart conditions. We have a wide variety available for specific needs beyond the two mentioned above.
​
I am being sedated for oral surgery, what should I expect after I wake up?
Your doctor will monitor you until you are awake. You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing. You may be able to go home when you are alert and can stand up. This may take 1 to 2 hours after you have received moderate sedation. You may feel tired, weak, or unsteady on your feet after you get sedation. You may also have trouble concentrating or short-term memory loss. These symptoms should go away in 24 hours or less.
​
What drugs do you use for oral surgery sedation?
Your oral surgeon may use Ketamine, Midazolam, and Propofol for sedation. They have access to other ancillary drugs for post operative pain, swelling and infection. Your oral surgeon has been through extensive post graduate training in a hospital setting to safely mitigate and manage sedation and surgical complications. Feel free to ask them before your surgery about any concerns you have about the sedation or the surgery.
​
What conditions may prevent me from being able to be sedated or having my surgery?
Because our oral surgeons travel between offices, some conditions may prevent you from being sedated or are better seen at a dedicated oral surgery office to manage complications. Please talk with your oral surgeon if you have any of the following conditions: pacemaker, COPD, under 16 years old, excessive blood thinners, high BMI, or sleep apnea. Additionally, your oral surgeon may refer you to a dedicated oral surgery office if your surgery requires extensive follow up and/or grafting.
Employment
​
Are you hiring?
We are always looking to hire doctors, hygienists, assistants, and front office. Please apply using our Apply Now page under the Careers dropdown menu at the top of this page.