Frequently Asked Questions
The things patients ask us most often. If your question is not here, call or text (732) 920-6677 and we will answer it.
Visiting the practice
- What happens at my first visit?
- Plan for about an hour. You will have a comprehensive exam, a full set of digital X-rays, and a cleaning, and we will put together a treatment plan if anything needs attention. Nothing is decided on the day without talking it through with you first.
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Photo ID or a driver's license, your insurance card if you have dental insurance, your completed new patient forms, and a method of payment if anything is due on the day.
- Do I need to fill out forms before I arrive?
- Yes. New patient forms are completed digitally and we ask for them at least 24 hours before your appointment. We text you a link once your appointment is booked, or email it if you prefer, and the forms are also linked from this website.
- How far in advance should I book a cleaning?
- Routine cleanings are usually booked six months ahead, and we will schedule your next one before you leave. If you have not booked in advance, we can normally fit you in within a week.
- Are you open on Fridays?
- We are open Monday through Thursday. Some Fridays we open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, but not every week, so call or text to check before making the trip.
Who we see
- Do you treat children?
- Yes. We see patients of every age, starting from age one. Getting children comfortable with a dental chair early makes a real difference to how they feel about it later.
- I get anxious about dental treatment. What can you do?
- Tell us before we start. We will explain what we are doing at whatever level of detail helps, go at your pace, and stop if you need us to. Oral sedation is available in selected cases — raise it when you book and we can discuss whether it is appropriate for you.
- Do you handle dental emergencies?
- Yes. During office hours, call and we will fit you in. Outside office hours, call or text the office number and your message reaches a doctor directly.
Treatment questions
- Do you place dental implants?
- We do not place implants surgically. We refer placement to an oral surgeon or periodontist depending on what your case needs, and then restore the implant with a crown once it has healed. Many general dental practices work this way — you get a specialist for the surgery and continuity of care for everything else.
- Do you offer clear aligners?
- Yes. We offer clear aligner orthodontics for patients who want to straighten their teeth without fixed braces. We can tell you at a consultation whether aligners are likely to work for your case.
- Can Botox help my jaw pain?
- Injectable treatment can be used to relieve symptoms of TMJ/TMD, including jaw tension, clenching, and associated facial pain. At our practice all injectable pharmacologic treatments are performed exclusively by Dr. McArdle, who has completed New Jersey's state-mandated, Board-approved training and certification for facial injectables.
- Will teeth whitening work on my crowns or veneers?
- No. Whitening only changes the shade of natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, bonding, and tooth-colored fillings keep their original color, so if you have restorations in your smile line we will discuss how to get an even result.
Insurance and payment
- Do you take my insurance?
- We are in-network with Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Principal, Sun Life, United Concordia, and UnitedHealthcare, and out-of-network with Horizon BCBS and GEHA. Whatever your plan, we submit claims on your behalf to any insurance company.
- What if I don't have dental insurance?
- We run an In-Office Dental Savings Plan. It costs $399 a year and covers two cleanings, two routine exams, one emergency exam, and all necessary X-rays, plus 30% off other in-office treatment and 10% off orthodontics. Dependents aged 25 and under are $299 a year.
- Do you offer payment plans?
- We accept CareCredit if you would prefer to spread the cost of treatment over time, alongside cash, check, credit and debit cards, and Apple Pay.
Still have a question?
We are happy to answer it before you book anything.