What happens on my first visit?

Your initial appointment will be with Dr. Kreger and her assistant for a comprehensive oral evaluation. Your examination includes an oral cancer screening, neck and throat evaluation, and a tour of your mouth with our intra-oral camera; which takes digital photographs of your teeth so you can see what Dr. Kreger sees on a computer screen. They will "measure" your gums with perio charting, which will help them determine what type of cleaning you will need. Your x-rays will also be updated, so if you have x-rays on file at a previous dental office, we suggest contacting them or allowing us to contact them to have them transferred. At this visit we will encourage you to discuss your concerns, questions, and goals for your smile and overall health. From the information gathered at this visit, Dr. Kreger will prepare an individualized plan for your dental treatment.

Do you take my insurance?

We will work with any insurance company that is willing to work with us; however some insurance plans limit your choices of dental providers. Please be sure to check your plan and verify that you can choose your dentist. We are a Preferred Provider for Washington Dental Service/Delta Dental, Regence, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and United Concordia. As a courtesy to you, we will submit claims to the insurance company and do our best to help you understand and maximize the benefits available to you through your plan.

What kind of filling material do you use?

There has been a growing concern over the type of fillings that dentists use for their patients. The older style amalgam (silver-colored) fillings contain mercury, and have been deemed by King County as hazardous material. When these old silver fillings are removed, the material has to be separated and removed from the premises in controlled, Hazardous Material containers under strict guidelines. Additionally, amalgam fillings are held in place by retention, which means the doctor has to place it with undercuts and "wedge" it in place, which takes away more of your natural tooth structure. In the interest of using the most conservative method for restoring a tooth, Dr. Kreger uses only composite material for filling a cavity. This material contains no mercury and will actually bond to the tooth, which means that only the decayed portion of the tooth needs to be removed, and the patient can retain more of their natural tooth structure. It is important to realize, however, that most insurance pay for composite filling at a reduced rate, regardless of what is in the best interest of the patient's health.

At what age should my child start seeing the dentist?

We recommend that children have their first visit between 3 and 4 years old, depending on how they react to new people & situations, and your concerns about their oral health. We also suggest first bringing them in for a "happy visit" so they can meet the doctor, sit in the big chair and learn about what will happen when they come in for their check-up appointment. This visit is designed to be fun, and to develop a feeling of safety and comfort with our office, staff, and procedures. After this visit we will set up an appointment to complete an examination, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and any x-rays that are appropriate. All our clinical staff have children of their own, and are skilled at communicating with our younger patients. We also have toys, balloons, and fun prizes to help make a trip to the dentist something to look forward to.

Do you have financing options?

We understand that everyone's financial needs are different, so we offer a variety of options for paying your dental bill. We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover; and can offer short-term financing in our office. We also have long-term financing plans available at low or no interest through health-care financing partners. When we discuss your treatment needs, we will also discuss all the options available to you and arrange a plan that is comfortable for you.

Do you cater to cowards?

We know not everyone looks forward to their dental appointments. Our goal is to make every patient's visit as comfortable as possible. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you like, and to express your concerns openly. Dr. Kreger and her staff perform all procedures with expertise and finesse; explaining every step and listening to your concerns. We also offer Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) to help calm your nerves.