Frequently asked questions
The answers, in the order people ask. If yours is missing, call us.
What are your hours during harvest season?
From November to March we open early: Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The rest of the year we are open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Almaraz and Adamaris, the hygienist, see patients in Spanish and English. Antonio, the assistant, sees patients in Spanish. If you prefer English, we are glad to use it.
Do you take my insurance?
We have no contract with any insurance company, so we are out of network with every plan. If your plan reimburses dentists outside its network, we give you an itemized receipt to send it. What it pays is the plan's decision. The details are on How fees work.
What if I don't have insurance?
You are welcome to come. You pay at the visit, and before any treatment Dr. Almaraz gives you the cost of each step in writing. You can take the estimate home before you decide.
Do you accept Medicaid or CHIP?
No, we are not enrolled with Medicaid or CHIP. If you have one of those plans, call us and we will tell you how paying here would work, or help you find another office.
Will it hurt?
For a filling or a tooth removal we numb the area first. Many people feel pressure rather than pain. If you feel pain, raise your hand: we stop and check whether the area needs more numbing.
How often do I need X-rays and a cleaning?
Dr. Almaraz decides after the exam, based on the state of your mouth. It isn't the same for everyone, and she explains why.
What is a deep cleaning?
It is a cleaning below the gumline, when tartar has built up there. Dr. Almaraz or Adamaris tell you whether you need one, and how it is done, before they start.
Do you see children, and from what age?
Dr. Almaraz is a general dentist and sees children with an adult. Call us to ask from what age, and what we do at each visit.
What counts as a dental emergency, and what do I do first?
There is a page with the steps, under Toothaches and emergencies. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911. For a broken tooth or one that came out, call us right away.
What if I am very afraid of the dentist?
Tell us before we start. We go slower, explain each step and stop when you ask. We don't offer sedation at the office.
Can I get a written estimate before treatment?
Yes, always. Before any treatment Dr. Almaraz gives you each step and its cost in writing. You decide afterward, with no rush.
How do I cancel or change a visit?
Call or text us as early as you can and we will help you pick another time. That way we can offer your spot to another patient.
Still wondering?
Call us or send a request, and we answer.