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For Patients
![]() Now that you are ready to begin seeing a new dentist, we know you will have questions about our practice. Here is some information from Thomas Plunkett, DMD that you need to know about our award-winning dental practice. Do You Take Dental Insurance?We know that most of our patients carry private dental insurance. If you have private dental insurance, your first step when you are looking for a new dentist is to check to make sure the dentist accepts your insurance plan. It is important you tell us upfront if you have dental insurance because it can directly affect the fees and co-payments that you pay. Because we care about the welfare of our patients, we do not want them to worry unnecessarily about filing claims and paying for dental procedures. For that reason, our office accepts all PPOs (preferred provider organizations). If you have a PPO, it generally means you will be paying a specific fee for dental procedures, and you will know how much you owe before you have treatment or a dental exam. Our office is in-network with all of the major insurance companies, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Metlife, Principal, and United Healthcare, to make treatment as easy for you as possible. Before your first visit, please take a minute to complete your new patient forms as thoroughly as possible, including your insurance information. That way, when you come for your first visit, we will be able to tell you how much your co-pay will be and what balance you have. We want to make visiting our office stress-free. Other Financial InformationWe understand paying for dental care can be confusing. That is why you will know how much you owe before you have treatment. We take CareCredit to make paying for dental care as manageable as possible. We take pride in giving everyone in your family the most effective, safe, and affordable treatment possible. Remember that you are responsible for any co-pays or fees that are not covered by your insurance. If you have questions about our financial policy, please do not hesitate to discuss it with us. What Should I Expect During My First Visit?Patients are the cornerstone of our dental practice, which means we love meeting and caring for new patients. We know that caring for your dental health is a vital part of your overall health and well-being. All new patients want to know what to expect the first time they visit our office. Here is a brief look at what happens the first time you visit our office. New Patient PaperworkFirst, it is extremely important you fill out your new patient paperwork. That helps us understand you as a new patient and also gives us vital information. For example, you may wonder why you need to give us your medical information. Your body is a whole system, and each part of your body has an effect on the rest of you. If you have chronic conditions, it is crucial that we know. We also need to know what kind of medication you take because it can affect your treatment plan as well as your overall dental health. Dental CleaningWhen you visit our office for the first time, you will most likely have a dental cleaning. In addition to cleaning and flossing twice a day, regular dental cleanings and examinations are a critical part of your dental health. In fact, it is during your dental cleanings and examinations that our dentist can spot any problems you may be having before they become serious. Our dental team will clean your teeth thoroughly using a state-of-the-art tool that removes plaque and tartar, which are responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Once your teeth are clean, our hygienist works to polish your teeth to perfection. Many of our patients say that it is this luxurious polishing that makes dental visits worthwhile! If you bring children to our practice, we will clean their teeth and then give them fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments help their teeth as strong as possible and help them fight cavities. Our practice enjoys working with children and helping them get a good start in life with their dental health. Dental ExamOnce your teeth are clean and polished, our dentist will examine them, as well as your gums and other mouth structures, to ensure they are in good condition. This is the time that our dentist will talk to you about any questions you have about your dental health. If you are there with your child, the dentist will discuss their dental health with you, including nutrition. Education about how to best care for your teeth and gums is one of the roles every dentist wants to play because when your teeth and gums are healthy, your overall health is better. What if There Is a Problem?If our dentist sees a problem during your dental exam, he will discuss treatment options with you and develop a treatment plan addressing any issues you have. For example, if you have chipped or cracked teeth, our dentist may discuss crowns, fillings, or bonding to make your smile the best it can be. If you have questions or concerns about your dental health, there is no better time to discuss it than when you are talking with our dentist. How Do I Schedule an Appointment?Now that you have all of the important information about our dental practice, we would love to have you as a patient! We are a family dental practice, which means we can care for all of your family members, from babies who are just getting their first teeth to senior adults. There are two ways to schedule an appointment with our dentist: You can request an appointment online, or you can give a call at 863-372-1010. We cannot wait to hear from you! |
Contact UsThomas Plunkett, DMD 2137 E County Rd 540A Lakeland, FL 33813-3794 HoursMon-Fri: 7:30am-3:30pm Phone863-372-1010 patientinfo@plunkettdental.com |