Frequently Asked Questions
To make your first visit go as smoothly as possible, please bring a valid photo ID, your dental insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any current medications and supplements you’re taking, including dosages.
If you have records or X-rays from a previous dentist, bring them along, though they are not required. If you have any known allergies or existing medical conditions, having that information written down in advance can save time and ensure our team has the full picture from the start.
We recommend arriving about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This gives you a moment to get settled, complete any remaining paperwork, and ask our front desk team any questions before you’re called back. Arriving a bit early helps us stay on schedule and ensures you get the full, unhurried attention you deserve.
We want your first visit to be as stress-free as possible. Please call our office at (813) 920-9144 or check your appointment confirmation email for instructions on completing new patient paperwork in advance. Getting this done ahead of time means you spend less time in the waiting room and more time with our doctors.
A new patient visit at Westchase Smiles Institute is typically scheduled for about 60 to 90 minutes. This allows our team adequate time to take X-rays, perform a thorough examination, review your health history, and have a meaningful conversation about your oral health goals. We never rush. Your first visit is the foundation of your care with us, and we want to get it right.
Your first visit centers on a comprehensive evaluation. We will conduct a full examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and surrounding oral structures, and we’ll take diagnostic X-rays to get a complete picture of what’s happening below the surface.
In many cases, a professional cleaning can be performed during the same appointment. Still, if we identify areas that require more specialized care, such as gum disease treatment, he may recommend a tailored cleaning plan to address those needs most effectively. Either way, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your oral health and a personalized plan for the future.
Yes, X-rays are a standard and important part of your first visit. Westchase Smiles Institute uses a fully digital X-ray system, which delivers significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays while producing sharper, more detailed images.
These images enable our team to detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or developing problems beneath the gumline, so nothing is missed. If you have recent X-rays from a previous dentist, please bring them or request that they be sent over, as this may reduce the need for duplicate imaging.
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and are happy to help you navigate your benefits. Our team will file claims on your behalf and work to maximize your coverage so you’re not left guessing.
The best way to confirm that we accept your specific plan is to call our office at (813) 920-9144; our knowledgeable front desk team can verify your benefits before your appointment, so there are no surprises on the day of your visit.
We believe cost should never be a barrier to great dental care. For patients without insurance, we accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. We also offer a special new-patient deal — just $58 for your exam and X-rays — plus 20% off any treatment. For larger treatment needs, we’ve partnered with several trusted financing providers to make care affordable:
- CareCredit — interest-free short-term options and low fixed monthly payments for larger cases
- Proceed Finance — competitive rates and long terms for a wide range of credit profiles
- Cherry — flexible plans from 3 to 60 months, with no-interest options available
- Lending Club — low monthly payments with a straightforward application process
- Sunbit — no hard credit check required, with quick approval and flexible terms
Your mouth and your overall health are deeply connected, and what’s happening in your body directly impacts how we provide your dental care. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis, can affect your gum health and healing.
Medications like blood thinners, bisphosphonates, or even some over-the-counter supplements can influence treatment decisions, anesthesia choices, and post-procedure recovery. Sharing your complete health picture, honestly and in full, allows us to provide care that’s not just effective, but safe and tailored specifically to you. Nothing you share will be judged; it only helps us serve you better.
Absolutely, and you’re far from alone. Many of our patients come to us after years of avoiding the dentist because of fear or past negative experiences. At Westchase Smiles Institute, patient comfort is a core part of how we practice.
Our treatment rooms are equipped with ceiling-mounted TVs and noise-canceling headphones to help you relax, and we offer safe, effective dental sedation for those who need a deeper level of comfort during their care. Our team takes the time to listen, explain every step, and never makes you feel rushed or judged. We want every visit to feel better than the last.
We are committed to making Westchase Smiles Institute a welcoming place for all patients. If you or a family member has a specific accessibility need or requires special accommodations, please call us at (813) 920-9144 before your visit so we can ensure everything is ready for a comfortable experience.
Yes! We love being a dental home for the whole family. We provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages, from young children to adults. Whether you’re scheduling your child’s first checkup, your own routine exam, or a more involved restorative procedure, our team is equipped to take care of every member of your household, all under one roof.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first.
Starting early helps us monitor your child’s dental development, catch any concerns before they become problems, and, perhaps most importantly, help your little one build a positive, comfortable relationship with the dentist from the very beginning.
If we identify any concerns, whether it’s a cavity, early signs of gum disease, a bite issue, or something that warrants a closer look, he’ll explain exactly what he’s found in plain, straightforward language.
You’ll receive a clear treatment plan with all of your options outlined, along with associated costs and timeline. Nothing will be done without your full understanding and consent. One of the advantages of our practice is that we offer a comprehensive range of services right here in our office, so in many cases, follow-up treatment can be scheduled and completed without the need for outside referrals.
For most patients, we recommend returning every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. This is the standard recommended by dental professionals to maintain good oral health and catch any developing issues early.
However, depending on what we find at your first visit, he may recommend a different schedule tailored to your specific needs. Before you leave, our front desk team will help you schedule your next appointment so you’re all set.