Question 1

What services does your dental practice offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide comprehensive dental care including: Preventive care (cleanings, exams, x-rays) Restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns, bridges) Cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers, bonding) Orthodontics and Invisalign Oral surgery and extractions Periodontal (gum) treatments Pediatric dentistry View All Services

Question 2

Are you accepting new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are currently welcoming new patients of all ages. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our patients and providing quality dental care for the whole family.

Question 3

Do you speak Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Vidales speaks Spanish and sees patients in Spanish every week, so you can ask your questions and hear your options in the language you are most comfortable in.

Question 4

What safety and infection control measures do you follow?

Accepted Answer

We follow CDC and ADA infection control guidelines, including sterilization of all instruments between patients and thorough cleaning of every treatment room. If you have questions about anything you see, just ask us.

Question 5

Do you offer emergency dental services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we see emergencies for both existing and new patients. If you are in pain or you have had an accident that affected your teeth, call us and we will get you in as soon as we can.

Question 6

Is your office wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our facility is fully accessible with designated parking spaces, wheelchair ramps, and accommodating treatment rooms to ensure all patients can receive care comfortably.

Question 7

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule an appointment through any of these convenient methods: Call our office directly at (863) 225-5600 Use our online booking system on the website Email us at info@shimmeringdental.com Book Now

Question 8

How long does a typical appointment take?

Accepted Answer

The duration varies by service. Regular check-ups and cleanings typically take 45-60 minutes. More complex procedures like crowns or root canals may require 60-90 minutes or multiple visits. We'll provide time estimates when scheduling.

Question 9

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring your ID, insurance card, completed new patient forms (available on our website to complete in advance), a list of medications you're taking, and your dental history including recent x-rays if available.

Question 10

Do I need to arrive early for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We recommend arriving 15 minutes early for your first visit to complete any necessary paperwork. For return visits, arriving 5-10 minutes early helps ensure we can see you at your scheduled time.

Question 11

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We request at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee. We understand emergencies happen, so please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.

Question 12

What insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major dental insurance plans including: Delta Dental Cigna Aetna MetLife Guardian Blue Cross Blue Shield United Healthcare Humana Do not see your plan? Call us with the name on your card and we will look it up for you. Insurance Details

Question 13

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, personal checks, most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), and health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Question 14

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We partner with Sunbit so you can spread the cost of treatment over time: Apply in about 30 seconds, with a decision in most cases before you leave Checking your rate does not affect your credit score Monthly plans from 6 to 72 months; checking what you qualify for does not affect your credit score Financing Options

Question 15

Will I know how much my treatment costs before proceeding?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We provide detailed treatment plans with cost estimates before starting any procedures. Our team will explain your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses so there are no surprises.

Question 16

Do you offer a dental savings plan for patients without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our in-house membership plan covers your preventive care and takes a chunk off the cost of treatment for one flat yearly fee. It is a popular option for families and retirees without a dental policy.

Question 17

How often should I have a dental check-up?

Accepted Answer

Most patients benefit from check-ups and cleanings every six months. However, some patients with specific dental conditions may need more frequent visits. We'll recommend a personalized schedule based on your oral health needs.

Question 18

Are dental X-rays safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dental X-rays are very safe. We use digital X-rays that emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We also provide protective equipment and only take X-rays when necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Question 19

What options do you offer for teeth whitening?

Accepted Answer

We provide both in-office professional whitening treatments and custom take-home whitening kits. In-office treatments deliver immediate results in about an hour, while take-home kits allow for gradual whitening over 1-2 weeks.

Question 20

Do you use metal fillings or tooth-colored fillings?

Accepted Answer

We primarily use tooth-colored composite fillings that match your natural teeth. These aesthetically pleasing fillings bond directly to the tooth structure and require less removal of healthy tooth material compared to metal fillings.

Question 21

What options do you offer for replacing missing teeth?

Accepted Answer

We offer several options for tooth replacement: Dental implants - Permanent replacements that look and function like natural teeth Bridges - Fixed prosthetics that use adjacent teeth for support Full and partial dentures - Removable appliances to replace multiple teeth We will walk you through which option fits your mouth, your routine, and your budget.

Question 22

At what age should my child first visit the dentist?

Accepted Answer

We recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits help establish good oral health habits and allow us to monitor development.

Question 23

How do you help children feel comfortable at the dentist?

Accepted Answer

We use a "tell-show-do" approach, child-friendly language, and a gentle touch. Our office is designed to be welcoming for children with age-appropriate activities in the waiting area. We focus on creating positive experiences to build lifelong comfort with dental care.

Question 24

Do you recommend dental sealants for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dental sealants are highly effective in preventing cavities on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. We typically recommend sealants for children when their permanent molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12.

Question 25

How often should children have dental check-ups?

Accepted Answer

Like adults, children generally benefit from dental check-ups every six months. These regular visits allow us to monitor oral development, provide preventive care, and address any concerns early.

Question 26

What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

Call us right away and tell us what happened. We keep room in the schedule for children in pain and will get you in as soon as we can. For a severe injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department first.

Question 27

I'm nervous about dental visits. What can help?

Accepted Answer

We understand dental anxiety and offer several comfort options: Comfortable environment with amenities like noise-canceling headphones Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety Oral sedation options for moderate anxiety Clear communication throughout your appointment We encourage you to share your concerns so we can tailor your experience accordingly.

Question 28

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Having a supportive friend or family member accompany you to your appointment can help ease anxiety. They can stay with you in the treatment room during your procedure if that makes you more comfortable.

Question 29

Will my dental procedure hurt?

Accepted Answer

We prioritize your comfort and use modern techniques and anesthetics to minimize discomfort. You should feel pressure but not pain during procedures. We also check in regularly and can provide additional numbing if needed.

Question 30

Can I take a break during treatment if I feel overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage patients to establish a signal (like raising your hand) if you need a break during treatment. We want you to feel in control and will respect your need to pause and collect yourself.

Question 31

I haven't been to the dentist in years due to anxiety. Will you judge me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Our practice is judgment-free, and we understand dental anxiety keeps many people from seeking care. We're just glad you're here now, and we'll focus on your current needs without dwelling on past dental history.

Your family dentist in Lakeland, FL

Dental care in Lakeland, from cleanings to implants.

Dr. Mateo Vidales, DMD.

Bilingual care

Trained in Florida

Whole-mouth philosophy

Implants and smile design, done with care

Consult

Plan

Restore

In their words

Cost, made simple

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

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