Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend visiting at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination. Patients with active gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or certain systemic health conditions may benefit from more frequent visits. If you notice anything unusual — pain, bleeding, sensitivity, or visible changes — don't wait for your scheduled appointment. Call us right away.

Both can be effective when used correctly. However, clinical research consistently shows that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and reduce gingivitis more effectively than manual brushing alone. If you have good technique and commit to brushing for two full minutes twice a day, a manual brush is fine. For most people, an oscillating electric toothbrush is a meaningful upgrade.

Absolutely — flossing is essential. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach the spaces between teeth or beneath the gumline where the most cavity- and gum-disease-causing bacteria live. Flossing removes plaque from roughly 40% of each tooth's surface that brushing misses. Even 60 seconds of daily flossing dramatically reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease between teeth.

It depends on the issue. Minor decay caught early can often be treated with a filling in a single appointment lasting about 30–60 minutes. Larger restorations like dental crowns typically require two appointments — one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary, and a second to seat the permanent crown. More complex work like root canals or dental implants may involve additional visits. We'll give you a clear timeline during your evaluation.

We are considered out-of-network with all insurance providers. However, we file claims on your behalf and work hard to maximize your available benefits. Most patients find that their out-of-pocket costs are very reasonable. We'll verify your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises. We also accept CareCredit, Cherry financing, and offer our own in-house Membership Plan for patients without insurance.

Yes! We offer several flexible financing options. CareCredit and Cherry Financing both provide low-to-no-interest payment plans that make spreading out the cost of treatment easy and affordable. Our in-house Membership Plan is another excellent option for patients without insurance — it covers your routine preventive care with a simple annual fee and includes 15% off all other services.

We send your new patient forms digitally after you schedule, so you can complete them comfortably at home. When you arrive, you'll be greeted warmly, offered a beverage, and Dr. Burton will personally give you a brief tour of the office. Then we'll take digital X-rays and photos, perform a comprehensive examination, and sit down together to review what we found — using the intraoral camera so you can see exactly what we see. There's never pressure; just information and options.

Yes — we see dental emergencies the same day whenever possible. If you're in pain, call us at (512) 441-2098 and we will prioritize getting you seen. Our emergency visit fee is $79 (limited exam and X-rays). If you experience a dental emergency outside of office hours, our voicemail message provides guidance for common situations, and we'll call you back first thing in the morning.