Insurance questions
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes, our office will be happy to file your insurance forms for you and will do all we can to help you maximize your benefits. We are preferred providers for many insurance companies including Delta Dental, United Concordia, and Met Life.
Since I have dental insurance, will I have to pay any money for my dental visits?
Payment is due in full on your first and subsequent dental visits by cash, check, or credit card unless we have verified your insurance coverage. It is your responsibility to pay any amount that is not covered by your insurance. Our office will advise you as to when this is necessary.
What does a “deductible” mean to me?
A deductible is the amount of money that you are required to pay per year before the insurance company will begin to pay for dental treatment. This amount is usually low (less than $100) and will be collected, as needed, at your dental appointment.
Children questions
At what age should my child first see the dentist?
We like all children to visit the dentist before the age of three. It is important to have your children view the dentist as a pleasant place to visit. Therefore, we will start the visit with a “ride” in the dental chair, allow them to touch and play with some of the equipment, and ease them into a healthy routine of visiting the dentist often. You are welcome to accompany your children to the treatment areas during their appointment. We also recommend that children under the age of four see a pediatric dentist at least once a year to monitor for any problems and be available in case of a dental emergency. Please call us if you’re looking for a “kids dentist near me.”
How should I clean my children’s teeth?
Children of all ages need their teeth cleaned daily. Babies and toddlers (up to two) should have their mouths and teeth cleaned with a wash cloth or soft toothbrush and water at least once a day. Avoid using toothpaste with fluoride for this age group. Once the children are over two, brush their teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoridated paste. Children over six can use a water-diluted mouth rinse after brushing.
Why should we worry about baby teeth, aren’t they going to fall out any way?
Baby teeth are very important for many reasons. They allow our children to chew, aid in speech, and create the shape of our mouths and jaws. If we, as caregivers, allow them to become or stay decayed, we may disrupt our children’s quality of life, not to mention, can cause them pain. Baby teeth also hold the place in the mouth for adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early, the space for the erupting adult tooth can close or get crowded. We may recommend a “space maintainer” to keep an empty space open for this reason.
General questions
What should I do if I have a toothache?
Toothaches can be very disruptive! If you have a toothache, call for an emergency dentist appointment immediately (575-521-0127). University Family Dental will make every effort to see you quickly.
I have tooth pain, what does it mean?
Signs that a tooth may be failing and need immediate attention are sharp, dull, or throbbing pain; uncomfortable, lingering sensation to cold or heat; and/or tooth pain that causes earaches or neck/shoulder tightness. Pain can also be caused by the gums, TMJ, or a bite that is not quite right. We will evaluate your toothache and make recommendations for medication, treatment, and/or referrals, when necessary. Our goal is to help make you more comfortable and inform you of all your treatment options.
Please call University Family Dental at 575.521.0127 or use our online Request an Appointment form to book your one-on-one time with one of our dental specialists. We serve the areas of Mesilla, Doña Ana, Mesquite, Las Cruces, Vado, and nearby communities.