Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

We recommend routine visits every six months, and for some patients with gum disease, it may be more often. This will help make sure that any small dental issues are caught before they become bigger, more costly problems. Regular visits will also help you avoid common problems like cavities and periodontal disease. Call us today at (671) 969-4242 to schedule your next appointment!

Can I get just a cleaning done?

Because there are many stages of oral health, Dental Exams are always required to establish a history before the type of cleaning can be recommended and done. Regular cleanings are often done for healthy patients who have been keeping up with their hygiene. However, if you have gum disease or if it has been a while since your last visit, oftentimes a routine cleaning is not enough to bring a person back to health. Dr. Clegg can help make this determination and explain what your needs are.

Do you accept walk ins?

Yes, at our office we accept walk ins from 9am to 12pm during our open hours. Although there may be a waiting period in order to be seen, rest assured that any emergency situations will be addressed with proper medication and referral if needed. We are not able to guarantee same day treatment for walk ins however we will do our best to find available time on our schedule.

Are x-rays required?

At our office, x-rays are always required, and without them we will be unable to treat patients. We offer digital x-rays which produce very little radiation and are very safe. We always use a shield for maximum protection of our patients.

What if I am afraid of needles and dentists?

In order to maintain good health, seeing the dentist is often unavoidable. However, Dr. Clegg works with anxious patients to breakdown the process, provides medications or treatments to relieve anxiety, and utilizes special techniques to minimize the discomfort of injections. We also offer nitrous oxide for relaxation. The result is a comfortable experience that will allow you to get the care you need to minimize your visits and prevent pain and infections from occurring in your mouth.

I am in pain or have an emergency. Can I be seen?

You may walk-in to see us but we do recommend calling as well to allow us to plan for your arrival. We make every effort to see emergency patients in pain and provide treatment that day, however please note there may be a wait. Dr. Clegg to accommodate. In some instances, we may recommend treatment with medication and for you to return for treatment another day. At any time if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, we recommend for you to visit the emergency room as soon as possible.

Can I get treatment done the same day?

Oftentimes yes! However please know that while we may be able to complete an exam and diagnosis during your appointment or walk-in visit, it is difficult to guarantee treatment the same day due to planning for unknown procedures. We often can and do get treatment done if a patient is willing to wait for Dr. Clegg to be available, especially if it may be a quick procedure such as an extraction. We make every effort to offer same day treatment should it be possible to do so.

My tooth broke, what do I do?

If possible, save the piece of tooth in milk or saline (salt water) solution. It may still be possible to repair the tooth! Call us or walk in as possible to see what can be done to fix the broken tooth.

What is Periodontal Disease?

One of the most common dental health issues on island, periodontal disease is a gum infection that affects over 60% of islanders but often does not hurt at all. It occurs when bacteria create a hard build called tartar up on your teeth and gums. This causes infection, inflammation, and swelling. Other signs are bleeding gums, bad breath, and sensitive gums. Once it begins progressing, it is often irreversible and when it has advanced far enough, can cause teeth to be lost for good. The good news is that its progression can be prevented with proper care and awareness! If you suspect that you may have gum disease, schedule an appointment right away for a checkup with a dentist.

Can I be seen if I am pregnant?

YES! We encourage routine exams, and focus on emergency only treatment during pregnancy. In general dental treatment is very safe, while trauma and stress from dental infection / pain often has worse consequences for a patient undergoing pregnancy. If you are pregnant and need urgent care, call us for an emergency evaluation.

Do you do payment plans?

Our clinic offers CareCredit financing for patients looking to afford their care. CareCredit can offer 6 or 12 month 0% financing along with other payment options! It is an excellent way to afford more extensive care.

For some larger, multi appointment treatments, such as Invisalign, we do offer our own in house payment plans. The first step is always to have a complete exam done first, which will allow us to then discuss your treatment plan and payment options.

Call or WhatsApp us at (671) 969-4242 should you have any questions about our options!