FAQS
Appointments
What are your office hours?
Crabtree Pediatric Dentistry is open:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-1:00pm
*We are close everyday for lunch from 1:00pm-2:00pm
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
- Online scheduling: To request appointment availability, please click here to fill out the form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Call our office at (479) 370-0101
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we’ll be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Completed new patient forms - print at home and bring completed to scheduled appointment (download here)
- Insurance card/information
- List of current medications and medical conditions
- X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. We'll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise that are out of our control. If you miss an appointment, please call to reschedule your appointment.
What if I need emergency dental care?
If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you within 24 hours. If you need urgent dental care after our office hours, please call Crabtree Pediatric Dentistry.
Treatments
What services do you provide?
Crabtree Pediatric Dentistry provides general, pediatric, cosmetic and restorative dental services. Please click on our Services tab for more details.
What happens during my first visit?
We will conduct a thorough examination on your first visit to determine the best course of action to achieve dental health and your goals. We will:
- Take full mouth x-rays to identify any current problems and to use as a baseline on future visits to detect early signs of problems.
- Assess gum condition and health.
- Examine teeth for cavities and condition of old dental restorations.
- Perform a head and neck exam, including salivary glands and lymph nodes, for swelling or other abnormalities.
- Screen for oral cancer and TMJ (jaw joint disorder).
- Clean and polish your teeth.
- Provide fluoride treatment.
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with the dentist?
Many health conditions are indicated in the mouth and can affect oral health, so your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums, and mouth.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings may need to be replaced at any time for a variety of reasons. Over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you're experiencing any pain. We'll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Do you use composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (silver) fillings?
Composite fillings are widely preferred to amalgam today to fill new cavities and replace old fillings needing repair. Some insurance providers will not approve composite fillings in posterior teeth, which would increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
Are X-rays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental X-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, are undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with X-rays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. We begin taking X-rays at 4 years old.
Sedation
What types of sedation do you use?
Many dental procedures can be completed under local anesthesia. However, to help our younger or more anxious patients, we generally recommend inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide).
What is local anesthesia?
The most common anesthesia, Local anesthesia (Lidocaine or Articaine) works by blocking the nerve that supplies sensation to the teeth in a specific area. During the procedure and are totally alert, aware, and able to function normally. The effect wears off fairly quickly with no side effects. It is important to monitor your child after local anesthesia as their lip, cheek, and tongue will be numb.
What is Inhalation Sedation?
Known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” you’ll experience a feeling of euphoria after just 2-3 minutes of breathing in the gas. You’ll be aware of your surroundings and able to respond to questions. Inhalation sedation has very few side effects and is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. Your child is free to return to school after, if you wish.
Children
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft washcloth soon after birth. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and just a smear of toothpaste. When you come in for your child’s first visit, we’ll show you how to brush properly.
At what age should I schedule my child's first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the child’s first birthday. We can look for potential problems and help your child get to know us as their friend. These early visits can make your child’s experience with a dentist a positive one.
Can my teenager come alone to the appointment?
Please note that patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits. We want to meet with both of you to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.
Financial Info
What payment options do you offer?
Crabtree Pediatric Dentistry: offers several payment options:
- Cash, check or credit card at time of service
- Insurance – For your convenience, we will submit your insurance claims.
Do you require payment at the time of the visit?
If you have insurance through one of our approved providers, only your estimated portion of the fees will be required at the time of service.
If you do not have insurance, we will require payment at the time of service or as specified in your payment plan.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans including DHA, Careington, Cigna, Delta, Principal, and Denver Network of America. Please contact our office to verify your insurance is one of our accepted providers.
Do you accept Medicare?
No, unfortunately, we do not take Medicare at this time.
Request Your Child's Appointment Today!
At Crabtree Pediatric Dentistry, we make it easy to schedule your child's appointment. Follow the link to request an appointment time that works for your busy schedule.