FAQs

How often should I see a dentist?

It is recommended to see your dentist twice a year for healthy patients. Twice a year works exceptionally well because it allows the dentist to catch potential problems early—it’s a lot more cost effective to catch a cavity early and fix it with a quick filling then wait until it hurts and needs a root canal and crown.  At Nixa Smiles, we’re here to help tackle those pesky problems early and keep more of your dough in your pocket.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

During your first appointment you will be warmly greeted in the lobby. If you arrive a bit early, there is a wonderful beverage station with Fiji water and Keurig coffee at your disposal.  Next, a caring team member will show you the office and seat you in one of our comfortable treatment rooms. A full exam will be completed including x-rays (as needed), an oral cancer screening, and a customized treatment plan put together.  After the exam, if appropriate, we will also provide a cleaning and leave you with a custom Nixa Smiles goodie bag. We will take the time to answer and address any questions you may have and probably try to get to know you a little bit too; we like to see patients, but we’d really like to call you a friend too!

I am really nervous about dental work. What does “sedation dentistry” mean for me?

To fully provide sedation dentistry, the staff at Nixa Smiles has gone above and beyond to help provide a comfortable experience.  For those with moderate to severe dental anxiety, the staff and center at Nixa Smiles has undergone extensive training in Oral Conscious Sedation—the process of taking a tiny pill the night before and possibly the morning of appointment, to help you feel substantially more relaxed. Specialized equipment—more than what you would find at a regular dental office—is necessary to properly provide the conscious sedation service and ensure the safety of the procedure. Additional services such as relaxing scents, neck pillows, comfy blankets, well-trained team members, laughing gas, and calming music also aid in making the care at Nixa Smiles one of the most relaxing dental experiences you’ve ever received.

Do you offer any kind of dental guarantee?

Yes, we do! See our Dental Guarantee page. We understand dentistry is a health investment and a large out-of-pocket expense for most of our patients.  For patients that continue with regular six-month exams and dental cleanings, dental work will be warrantied and replaced if completed at Nixa Smiles within five years. Some dental services are not included in this warranty, and of course the warranty is voided if a regular exam and cleaning are missed, but contact our office for the complete details.

What if I have a dental emergency?

Dr. Kelly Dove and Dr. Steve Dove care deeply about the well-being of their patients, which is why they offer an after hours phone message system that notifies them directly. Also, at Nixa Smiles we make it a priority to get patients in pain an appointment the very same day if possible. If your mouth hurts, call us and we’ll be sure to address it ASAP!

Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?

We make every effort to ensure that finances are not the limiting factor in receiving treatment, which is why we are proud to offer Care Credit, Lending Club, as well as a Dental Discount Plan. Please inquire about options; we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made out of titanium that fit in the same spot that your tooth root would be. They help to support either crowns—just like having your tooth back—or full dentures for a substantial improvement in chewing function and retention of your dentures.

How long will I be numb following treatment?

After dental treatment, patients can be numb anywhere from 1–4 hours. This time varies due to individual body metabolism and type of anesthetic. We recommend that you eat a normal meal prior to your appointment. For most routine dental care, patients can eat normal meals after their appointment. Following any extensive dental treatment or surgery, we recommend soft foods or chewing on the other side of your mouth.  We also advise patients to try their best to avoid chewing or biting their cheeks and tongues to prevent soreness once the anesthetic wears off.

Do you take my insurance?

As a courtesy to our patients, we will happily process your insurance (in network or out of network) on your behalf. For those of you who do not have insurance, we offer a Dental Discount Plan (that we LOVE) and are excited to share with you. Please call, we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

What about infection control and mercury issues?

We go through certain steps in our office to minimize patient risk to mercury exposure, infections, and other potential hazards. Learn more on our Mercury and Infection Control page.

Contact Us to Learn More

Got a question about our sedation dentistry? Interested in a creative financing option? Contact us at Nixa Smiles to start the conversation.