Frequently Asked Questions & Topics

I have a Dental Emergency. What should I do?

If you have a problem requiring emergency treatment, please call the office so that we may see you immediately. If the emergency arises at a time other than during regular office hours, please call (727) 347-6450 for instructions.

What should I expect as a new patient?

We welcome all new patients. We promise you the same high quality dental care we have provided to patients for the past 30 years.

As a new patient you can expect to complete a health history and questionnaire. Please answer all questions thoroughly as this information is necessary to provide you with the best dental care possible.

Usually your first visit will consist of a thorough dental examination and necessary diagnostic x-rays. Your exam will also include a soft tissue and oral cancer check, a periodontal screening, a bit and jaw joint evaluation and a blood pressure check if indicated.

Will My Dental Procedure be Painful?

At the practice of Dr. Resnick and Dr. Quesada-Fox, our objective is to make your experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible. We use many modern, pain free technologies to help meet this goal. We also offer nitrous oxide and pretreatment sedatives for patients who may experience anxiety when visiting a dental office. Please contact our office for full details and treatment options.

What is done about Infection Control?

Our office has been redesigned and our staff fully trained to insure the maximum in disinfection and sterility. Our office goes beyond all regulations to guarantee your safety.

We wear protective gloves, masks, gowns and eye wear
We change gloves between patients
We disinfect treatment rooms after each patient
We use disposable instruments and supplies wherever possible.
All other instruments, including hand pieces, are sterilized with pressurized steam after each patient (called autoclaving).
Safety valves prevent any saliva from being drawn back into drills or other sterilized instruments.
The autoclaves are tested for their effectiveness every time instruments are sterilized.
We use a special outside service to dispose of waste materials.

These measures cost money, but we can't think of anything more important to invest in than your safety.

Can you help me with my insurance?

We will be happy to help you file your insurance claim forms without additional charge and will do all we can to help you receive maximum benefits. Your benefits are determined by your employer, not your dentist, and are meant to aid you in paying for dental care. They usually do not pay 100% of treatment costs. Insurance benefits vary greatly from one policy to another. it will be your responsibility to pay any amount not covered by your benefits. Many companies require pre-authorization of benefits for any extensive treatment. If this is necessary, we will submit the treatment plan and contact you for the appointments when the plan has been approved; tell you the amount the insurance will pay and the amount you will owe; review your payment schedule; and schedule you for your next appointment.

What are the benefits of Recall Appointments?

Regular dental care is one of the sure ways to reduce dental expense. Dental problems, unlike some other health problems, never correct themselves or heal without proper care. With regular examinations, it is possible to discover dental problems in their early stages and hence correction at this time is the most economical and least troublesome. These recall examinations along with regular cleanings and fluoride treatment, if needed, are an important part of maintaining dental health.

What are some of my financial options?

Every effort is being made to keep the cost of dental care under control. You can help by paying for treatment at the time of your visit. For restorative treatment involving multiple steps and laboratory fees, a commitment payment of one-half the total fee is requested when treatment begins. The balance is due prior to placement or cementation of the dentures or restoration. If your treatment will require several visits, you may request an estimate of the proposed services so that you can make appropriate financial arrangement. Several options are available for your convenience;

Payment at the time service is rendered by cash, check, or credit card.
Outside financing; low interest free monthly payments over 6-12 months for those who qualify.
Professional budget plan: after an initial down payment, the balance may be divided into three monthly installments. We request payment in full by the time of completion of any treatment procedure such as crowns, fixed bridges, or partial dentures.