Yes. We are a fee-for-service clinic and charge a fee for every service provided.

Yes. We require 24 hours notice by phone, in person or in writing to avoid a charge for missed appointments.

The University Health Center does provide direct billing to dental insurance companies. Additionally, we encourage you to call your individual insurance carrier to inquire about coverage for dental services and any stipulations to ensure timely payment. However, please note that the Dental Clinic is not “in-network” with any dental insurance plan, including Delta Dental. That said, our pricing is reasonable, and we are happy to file your insurance. Furthermore, the United Healthcare student health insurance plan does not cover most dental care, as it is primarily a catastrophic policy that only covers damage to sound natural teeth due to accidents.

For most patients, we generally recommend an examination and cleaning every 6 months. However, some patients may require more or less frequent visits, depending on each individual’s oral health. Additionally, we tailor our recommendations to suit your specific needs and ensure optimal care.

The actual etiology, or cause, of mouth ulcers is unknown. However, in most cases, stress, illness, or trauma is usually involved. Additionally, they typically last for approximately 7-10 days. While you can use creams, ointments, and other treatments to help manage the symptoms, ulcers generally need to run their course.

Yes. Sensitive teeth often result from exposed root surfaces due to gum recession or from enamel loss caused by excessive tooth wear from clenching or grinding, as well as erosion from acidic foods or acid reflux. Using toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can often reduce or relieve sensitivity. Additionally, other treatment options include the application of desensitizing agents by your dentist, a prescription for self-applied fluoride agents, and/or the placement of fillings. If sensitivity persists or worsens, further evaluation by a dentist is recommended to rule out split or cracked teeth or faulty fillings.

To prevent acute problems such as infections and dental caries, and to rule out any pathology associated with impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to address these issues proactively. Rarely is there enough room for wisdom teeth (third molars) to fully erupt and function properly in the oral cavity. Often, they partially erupt and become very difficult to brush and floss, which can lead to decay, gum irritation, and infection. Additionally, other potential problems include the formation of cysts or tumors related to impacted wisdom teeth. Therefore, a dental exam and a full-mouth x-ray (panorex) are recommended to thoroughly evaluate each patient’s condition.

It can be. There are many causes of pain in the mouth, jaws, and head and neck areas. Often, clenching and/or grinding of teeth can lead to these symptoms. During a dental examination, clinical signs such as wear on the biting surfaces of teeth, clicking or popping of the TMJ upon opening, and limited opening with pain may be observed. Patient symptoms can vary greatly and may include headaches, ear pain, tooth sensitivity, and/or pain or difficulty with jaw movement and opening. Additionally, referred pain to the head, neck, and shoulders may also be reported. Contributing factors include both positive and negative stressors of everyday life, lack of sleep, and certain medications. The dental clinic offers TMJ syndrome evaluation and treatment options to address these issues.