FAQs

    • 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. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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

  • 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

  • If you're experiencing a dental emergency and reading this, here's a quick guide on what to do:

    1. Determine if it's a True Dental Emergency:

    A dental emergency typically involves severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, significant trauma to the mouth, or a serious infection. Issues like a minor toothache or a lost filling without pain are urgent and should be addressed promptly, but they may not require immediate after-hours emergency care.

    2. Take Immediate Self-Care Measures:

    • Severe Toothache:

      • Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

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

      • Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) according to the product instructions.

      • Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks that can worsen the pain.

      • Important: Do NOT place aspirin directly on your gums, as it can cause tissue damage.

    • Knocked-Out Tooth:

      • Time is critical! The sooner the tooth is re-implanted, the greater the chance of saving it.

      • Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding contact with the root.

      • Gently rinse the tooth with milk or clean water to remove debris, but do NOT scrub it.

      • Try to carefully re-insert the tooth into its socket. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze.

      • If re-insertion isn't possible, place the tooth in a container of milk, your own saliva, or a tooth-preserving solution (like Save-A-Tooth) if available.

      • Seek immediate dental attention.

    • Severe Bleeding:

      • Apply firm, gentle pressure to the bleeding area using a clean gauze pad or cloth for 15-20 minutes. Avoid rinsing or disturbing the area repeatedly.

      • If the bleeding doesn't stop or is excessive, proceed to the nearest emergency room.

    • Chipped or Fractured Tooth:

      • Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.

      • If you are experiencing pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

      • Try to locate any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them to your dental appointment.

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

    • Lost Filling or Crown:

      • If you are experiencing pain, you can try to temporarily fill the cavity with dental wax or sugarless gum.

      • If you have the crown, try to gently place it back on the tooth. A temporary dental cement (available at most drugstores) can help secure it, but do not use household glue.

    • Abscess (Painful Swelling with Pus):

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

      • Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

      • Seek dental attention immediately as an abscess indicates a potentially serious infection.

    3. Seek Professional Help Immediately:

    For an urgent dental emergency requiring same-day attention, please call our main office at 904-268-7552. If it is after our regular business hours, press option 2 to leave a voicemail. This message will be sent as an urgent text message directly to Dr. Proctor.

    If you are unable to reach us, or if you are experiencing a severe situation such as uncontrolled bleeding, significant trauma to the mouth, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate care and stabilization. They can also contact an on-call dentist if necessary.