FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Dr. Atkinson has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education, allowing him to incorporate all the latest techniques and procedures into his practice. He and his associates take relevant continuing education courses on a regular basis. You can rest assured that Dr. Atkinson and his staff are trained to the highest standards.

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At what age should my children first see the dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends that children first see the dentist at the age of 1 year. To start off, children usually accompany parents on one of their visits, simply to get acquainted with us. We let them see the office, ride up and down in the dental chair, and give them a prize so they go home with a happy memory. Once they become used to coming in and feel comfortable with us, they can be treated without fear.

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Do you accept my insurance plan?

We accept all insurance plans in which patients can choose their dentist (not HMOs). If you are not sure what kind of dental plan you have, please feel free to call our office, and we will be happy to verify your insurance for you.

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What payment options do you provide?

We accept cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover, plus we offer CareCredit® a special dental credit card patients can use.

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How can I safely whiten my teeth?

If you would like to whiten your teeth quickly, we offer an in-office professional teeth whitening system that provides amazing results during your office visit.  For those patients who would like to whiten their teeth at home, we offer a professional-quality home bleaching system with custom bleaching trays that is superior to bleaching systems you might find at the grocery store. 

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What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We adhere to the strictest standards of sterilization and infection control procedures. You’ll find our operating environment to be spotless and uncluttered. We are specially trained annually in airway management and other emergency procedures, and are equipped with all the First Aid equipment.

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My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Yes, bleeding is usually an early sign of gum disease. Make an appointment as soon as possible to have your gums and teeth examined.

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I brush every day, but my breath just isn’t fresh. Is there anything I can do?

You may not be brushing as effectively as you would like, or you may have another health problem that is unrelated to your teeth that might be causing this problem. We recommend you come into the office and have us check it out as we are here to help you find the answer that is right for you.

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