Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Dentistry
What should I expect as a new patient of Dental Associates of Lodi?
When you’re a patient at Dental Associates of Lodi, you’ll be treated with the compassion and respect that you deserve. We believe in providing comprehensive care that addresses both your short- and long-term dental care goals. Dr. Liao and Dr. Lee provide honest, judgment-free care and customized treatment plans that are right for you. We care about our patient’s overall well-being and more importantly, we want to you to a be part of our dental family!
What about dental emergencies or walk-in dental treatment?
Here at Dental Associates of Lodi, we are happy to serve you in anyway we can. Whether you’re an existing or a new patient, our patient coordinator, in most cases, will be able to accommodate a same-day or next-day appointment. If it is a true dental emergency, our patient can reach Dr. Liao directly.
Do you take dental insurances?
Yes, Dental Associates of Lodi works with most major insurance companies. Please feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your dental coverage. We do not work with state-funded programs such as Medicaid, but we do offer many financial solutions for our patients to achieve the care they need.
Does your office offer payment or financial options?
Yes. Our financial coordinator will work with you based on your dental treatment needs and your budget. Your smile is important to us. We want you to succeed! We accept a variety of payment choices and third-party financing options that fit your wallet including cash, personal checks, major credit cards and third-party credit cards and financing options (Care Credit).
What if I have a fear of going to the dentist?
It’s very common for patients to feel some dental anxiety before or during their dental appointments. Our team at Dental Associates of Lodi is equipped to assist you to ease your anxiety. Here are some tips to help you overcome your fear when coming to Dental Associates of Lodi: Make sure to discuss your dental anxiety with any of our team members at Dental Associates of Lodi. This way, Dr. Liao/ Dr. Lee and our dental hygienist can make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We have noise cancellation headphones in the office that helps to block out sounds. Be sure to ask for headphones during your visit. Everyone’s pain threshold is different. Don’t be afraid to ask for a numbing agent if you feel any discomfort during or before a procedure – Dr.’s Liao, Lee, and our hygienist will not want to proceed unless you’re comfortable. Ask about anti-anxiety medication. We offer patients anti-anxiety medication to help reduce dental anxiety during the appointment. Please ask your dentist before the day of your visit about anti-anxiety medications. We have chair-side TVs in every operatory! This way you can watch your favorite show during your procedure. We can also use the monitor to review your x-rays and to help you to better understand your procedure. Arrive early to your appointment. Stress management can start just by reading a magazine in the waiting room.
Dental Implants
What is a dental implant and does it look and feel like a real tooth?
Dental implants are made of a titanium fixture that is placed into the area of missing teeth. The dentist then places a crown or cap that is fixed to the implant fixture. Unlike a conventional crown/bridge and removable denture, a dental implant tooth looks and feels like a real tooth and best of all, you can eat and chew normally.
Does the implant procedure hurt? And how long does the whole process take?
Like any other in office medical procedure, dental implants can be completed in a dental office. The procedure does not hurt and you will be able to go back to work the next day.
Are dental implants expensive? I don’t have dental insurances? How can I afford implants?
The dental implant fee depends on how many implants are placed and the extent of treatment required. Unfortunately, most dental insurance does not provide implant coverage. Our financial coordinator will work with you based on your budget to provide the best treatment options. We want you to succeed! We accept a variety of payment choices and third-party financing options that fit your wallet.
Why should you choose Dental Associates of Lodi for your dental implant treatment?
Dr. Liao and Dr. Lee have many years of experience and training with dental implants. We offer a free consultation to meet with you to customize a dental implant plan that best fits your needs. We take pride in providing our patients with individual care. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible.
Invisalign®
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a series of custom-made clear tray or “aligners” that you wear to straighten your teeth without metal braces. As you change from one aligner to the next, your teeth will gradually move into a straighter position. The aligners are virtually invisible and you can eat and drink anything you want while wearing them.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign® and how long is the Invisalign® treatment?
Most adult and teens are candidates for Invisalign® treatment. However, Invisalign® treatment varies from one patient to another. The total treatment time can vary based on patient’s chief complaints, difficulties of tooth movement and wear time. We recommend that you schedule a free consultation with Dental Associates of Lodi, so Dr. Liao can provide you with the treatment options that best fit your needs.
Is Invisalign® expensive?
If strengthening your teeth is something you’ve always wanted, our team at Dental Associates of Lodi can show you how we can make Invisalign® treatment affordable for you. Our financial coordinator will work with you based on your budget. We want you to get the smile you’ve always wanted. We accept a variety of payment choices and third-party financing options that fit your budget.
Will Invisalign® treatment hurt?
Invisalign® treatment doesn’t hurt. It’s not a real pain. What you feel is a slight pressure for the first 48 hours of every new aligner wear.
Why should I choose Dental Associates of Lodi for my Invisalign® treatment?
Dental Associates of Lodi has many years of experience treating patients with Invisalign® headed by Dr. Liao and his team. Our financial and insurance coordinators pride themselves to provide individual care to make Invisalign® treatment affordable. We can give you the smile that you always wanted. Please feel free to call us to schedule your free consultation. We will be happy to assist you.
