Expert Advice
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does a general dentist do?
General dentists provide comprehensive oral health care, including preventive services like exams and cleanings, restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns, and overall oral health maintenance.
What dental services do you offer?
Riverdale Dental offers a wide range of services, including:
- Preventive care: exams, cleanings, gum disease treatment
- Restorative procedures: fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants
- Cosmetic dentistry: teeth whitening, veneers, Invisalign, smile makeovers
- Oral surgery: extractions, root canals, TMJ therapy
- Emergency dental care
Do you offer cosmetic dentistry?
Yes, we provide cosmetic services such as professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, Invisalign, dental bonding, and comprehensive smile makeovers.
What’s the difference between a filling and a crown?
- Filling: Used to repair small areas of tooth decay or damage by filling the cavity with materials like composite resin.
- Crown: A cap that covers the entire tooth, used when a tooth is significantly decayed, cracked, or weakened to restore its shape, strength, and function.
Do you provide emergency dental care?
Yes, we offer emergency services for issues like toothaches, infections, broken restorations, and lost fillings, aiming to provide same-day care when possible.
Appointments & Visits:
How do I make a dental appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled online through our website or by calling the office directly.
What should I expect during my first dental visit?
Your initial visit includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a personalized treatment plan. New patient appointments typically last a bit longer to allow for thorough evaluation and discussion. A dental cleaning will be scheduled for you on this first visit.
There are a couple types of cleanings – standard hygiene and more intensive periodontal cleanings. Because we don’t know what type of cleaning you may require, we don’t offer cleanings on the first visit. The type of cleaning you require is based upon an evaluation of your current oral health and what that dictates from a clinical perspective.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we are currently accepting new patients ages 4 and up.
Insurance & Payment:
Do you accept my dental insurance?
We accept most dental insurance plans. You can find a list of our providers on our affordable care page or call to verify.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
Costs can vary based on individual needs and insurance coverage. We offer an in-house discount Smile Plan to make care even more affordable.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Costs can vary based on individual needs and insurance coverage. We offer an in-house discount Smile Plan to make care even more affordable.
Comfort & Anxiety:
Do you offer sedation or options for anxious patients?
We emphasize gentle and compassionate care practicing calming techniques throughout treatment, and our patients appreciate our accommodating approach if they experience dental anxiety.
We offer several options from nitrous to prescription medication; call our office for more details or let us know when you are booking if you have dental anxiety and we will note this in your appointment to ensure we address during your visit.
Is going to the dentist painful?
We focus on providing gentle dental care. But don’t just take it from us! Many of our patients report positive experiences, noting the staff’s efforts to make visits comfortable and stress-free. We pride ourselves on making your dental visits something you look forward to.
Children & Family Dentistry:
At what age should my child see the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
Do you offer family dental care?
Yes, we provide comprehensive care for patients ages 4 and up, making it convenient for families of all ages and seniors to receive dental services in one location.
Office Information:
Where is your dental office located?
Riverdale Dental has 5 locations in the greater Fort Myers area, including Pine Island, Gateway, North Fort Myers, Buckingham/Alva, and Lehigh Acres. Click Here To Find A Location Near You.
What are your office hours?
Office hours may vary by location. It’s recommended to check the specific office page on our website or call directly for the most accurate information.
Is parking available at your dental clinic?
Yes, parking is available at all Riverdale Dental locations.
We’re Here To Help
Have a question? Just send our team a message and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.