Frequently Asked Questions

    • Your insurance card: This will help us process your insurance information quickly and accurately.

    • Identification: A driver's license, Military ID, or another form of photo ID is always a good idea for verification.

    • A list of any medications you're currently taking: This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Knowing your medications helps us ensure your dental care is safe and doesn't interact with anything you're taking

    • Information about any allergies you have: Please let us know about any allergies to medications, latex, or other substances.

    • Any relevant medical history: If you have any significant medical conditions, past surgeries, or hospitalizations, it's helpful for us to be aware.

    • A list of questions you might have: Don't hesitate to jot down any questions or concerns you have about your oral health or our practice. We're here to provide you with the information you need.

    • A smile! We're excited to meet you and help you achieve a healthy and happy smile.

  • There are several ways to determine if Mandarin South Dentistry is in-network with your dental insurance carrier:

    1. Call Our Office Directly 904-268-7552:

    • Our dental staff would be happy to assist in verifying if we are in-network with your insurance plan.  

    • Provide us with your insurance carrier's name and your member ID number when you call or text or submit a contact form

    2. Check Your Insurance Carrier's Website:

    • Most dental insurance companies have a "Find a Dentist" or "Provider Directory" tool on their website.  

    • You'll typically be able to search by location (zip code) and plan name or network.  

    • This is often the most convenient and up-to-date way to find in-network providers.

    3. Call Your Insurance Carrier's Customer Service:

    • You can find the customer service phone number on your dental insurance card or their website.

    • Call them and provide the dentist's name and location. They can quickly tell you if the dentist is in their network.

    • While you have them on the phone, you can also ask about your specific plan benefits, co-pays, deductibles, and what services are covered.

    4. Check our Website:

    • Our dental office lists the insurance plans we accept on our website.

    • Look for your specific insurance carrier. However, keep in mind that this information might not always be completely up-to-date, so it's always a good idea to double-check with your insurer.

  • Stepping into our dental office, you can expect a warm welcome from our friendly team! We're genuinely excited to meet you. Your first appointment typically lasts around 90 minutes, though this can vary slightly depending on your individual needs. To get settled in comfortably and complete any necessary patient forms, we kindly ask that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

    During this initial visit, you'll have the opportunity to chat with Dr. Proctor about your oral health goals and any concerns you may have. This conversation helps us gain a complete understanding of your unique needs. Dr. Proctor will then conduct a thorough examination, carefully checking the health of your teeth and gums, as well as any existing dental work you may have. To get a comprehensive picture of your oral health, we may also take X-rays if you haven't had them within the past six months. Our aim is to make you feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way, setting the foundation for a healthy and happy smile for years to come!

  • For new dental patients, X-rays are essential for seeing what's hidden beneath the surface. They help us detect:

    • Hidden decay between teeth or under fillings.

    • Bone loss, a sign of gum disease.

    • Infections at the tooth root or in the bone.

    • Impacted teeth that haven't erupted properly.

    • Root issues and surrounding bone abnormalities.

    • Problems with existing dental work.

    These images provide a complete picture of your oral health, allowing for accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and a baseline for future comparisons. X-rays are a safe and crucial tool for ensuring the best possible dental care.

    If you have had recent X-Rays taken in the past 6 months please have them sent to our email address info@MandarinSouthDentistry.com

  • Experiencing a dental problem can be concerning, but knowing whether it's a true emergency can make all the difference. This guide will help you decide if you need immediate medical attention, urgent dental care, or if you can comfortably wait until our office reopens.

    Medical Emergency vs. Dental Emergency: Know the Difference

    It's crucial to understand when your situation warrants a trip to the nearest hospital emergency room.

    When to Go to the Medical Emergency Room (Medical Emergency):

    Head straight to the closest hospital emergency room if you're experiencing any of these severe symptoms, as they could indicate a serious health risk:

    • Swelling with fever: This can be a sign of a spreading infection.

    • Severe, rapidly spreading facial swelling: Especially if it affects your breathing or swallowing.

    • Uncontrolled bleeding: Bleeding that doesn't stop after applying firm pressure for 15-20 minutes.

    • Significant trauma to the jaw or head: If you suspect a broken jaw or other serious injury beyond just teeth.

    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to a dental issue.

    When to Contact Our Office (Dental Emergency):

    A dental emergency requires prompt attention from our team to save a tooth, stop severe pain, or address a serious infection.

    • Severe tooth pain: Pain that is constant, throbbing, or unbearable.

    • Knocked-out tooth: Time is critical for saving the tooth.

    • Facial swelling: Swelling around a tooth or in your jaw that is painful and persistent (but without fever or difficulty breathing/swallowing).

    • Broken or fractured tooth with significant pain or exposed nerve.

    • Sudden, severe bleeding from the mouth (if it doesn't stop with pressure).

    • Active Abscess: A painful, pus-filled swelling, indicating a serious infection.

    Getting Help After Hours for a Dental Emergency

    If you're experiencing a dental emergency and our office is closed, here's how to reach us:

    For Urgent Dental Emergencies:

    Please call our main office line at 904-268-7552. If it's after our regular business hours, press option 2 to leave a voicemail. This message is immediately sent as an urgent text message directly to Dr. Proctor, ensuring she receives your urgent message as quickly as possible.

    Managing Minor Dental Complications Until We Open

    Not every dental issue is an emergency. If you're experiencing a minor complication or discomfort that can wait until our office reopens, here's some basic self-care information to help alleviate symptoms:

    • Severe Toothache (without swelling or fever):

      • Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water.

      • Carefully floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food debris.

      • Take an over the counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), following the package instructions.

      • Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks that might make the pain worse.

      • Important: Never place aspirin directly on your gums, as it can cause tissue damage.

    • Chipped or Fractured Tooth (minor, no significant pain or exposed nerve):

      • Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.

      • If there's any sharp edge irritating your tongue or cheek, you can temporarily cover it with dental wax (available at most pharmacies) or even a piece of sugarless gum.

      • Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the injury occurred.

    • Lost Filling or Crown (no significant pain):

      • If you still have the crown, you can try to temporarily reseat it using a small amount of temporary dental cement (found in drugstores) or even a dab of creamy toothpaste. Do NOT use household glues.

      • If the area is sensitive, you can try to temporarily fill the cavity with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect it.

    • Mild Gum Swelling or Soreness:

      • Rinse your mouth several times a day with warm salt water.

      • Continue to brush and floss gently around the area.

    If you're unsure about your situation, or if your symptoms worsen, please don't hesitate to call us. Your dental health is our priority!