FAQ
Quick answers about visits, insurance, kids' care and emergencies. Don't see your question? Call us at 208-547-2220.
Yes—zero judgment here. Whether it’s been six months or six years, we’re glad you’re making your oral health a priority again. We’ll meet you where you are and make sure you feel comfortable from the minute you walk in.
Just a valid photo ID and your insurance card (if you’re using one). If you’re transferring from another dentist, having your previous records is helpful but not required—we can request them for you.
In most cases, yes. If everything checks out during your exam, your dental hygienist will go ahead and perform your cleaning during the same visit. If something unexpected comes up, we’ll talk through the next steps with you.
Your hygienist does the cleaning: removing plaque and tartar and polishing your teeth. Dr. Walker does the exam: checking for cavities, gum disease and other concerns. Most visits include both.
We’ll walk you through your personalized care plan and answer every question you have. If treatment is needed, we’ll go over options, costs, and schedule your next visit—always on your terms.
Insurance and payment
How billing works, with or without insurance.
See insurance details →Yes. If we’re in network with your plan, we file the claim and you pay your share. If we’re out of network, we’ll still send the claim to your plan for you.
Yes. We’ll give you an estimate based on your benefits before any treatment. Your final bill can change if your plan pays differently than expected.
We don’t accept Medicaid or Medicare Advantage plans. Ask us about our in-house plan and payment options instead.
No. Plenty of our patients pay on their own. We’ll give you an estimate before treatment and help you find a way to pay that works for you.
Yes. You can use your HSA or FSA card for eligible dental care, like exams, cleanings and fillings.
For larger treatment, yes. Ask our team which payment plans and financing options are available, and we’ll help you choose.
Comfort
What treatment feels like, and how we keep you comfortable.
Meet Dr. Walker →Routine cleanings shouldn’t hurt. You may feel some pressure or scraping, and sensitive spots can feel tender. Just let us know and we’ll slow down or use a numbing gel.
We numb the area first, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity for a day or two afterward is normal.
Most procedures use local anesthesia, so you're awake but numb and comfortable. If you're anxious, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation and moderate conscious sedation.
Yes, and they’re actually encouraged. Routine exams and cleanings are safe during all trimesters, and they’re a great way to prevent pregnancy-related oral health issues like gingivitis.
By their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits are short and easy, and they help your child feel at home here.
Yes. You're welcome in the room the whole time. For little ones, part of the exam often happens right on your lap.
Baby teeth help kids chew and speak, and they hold space for the adult teeth. A cavity left alone can cause pain or infection, so we fix small problems early.
Yes. Kids’ cleanings are gentle and quick, and we can often schedule family members back to back. Give us a call and we’ll find times that work.
We do our best to. We hold time for urgent visits, so call the office and we'll find the earliest opening for you.
Pick it up by the crown, rinse it gently, and try to put it back in the socket. If you can't, keep it in milk and call us right away. The sooner you're seen, the better the chance of saving it.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a high fever with facial swelling, a possible broken jaw, or bleeding you can't control.
An over-the-counter pain reliever can help. Follow the label, and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take other medications or have a health condition.
Call us. The same first steps apply. If a baby tooth is knocked out, don't try to put it back in; just bring your child in so we can check the area.
