FAQS
Appointments
What are your office hours?
Our office hours are:
Monday 8-5 • Tuesday 8-5 • Wednesday 8-5 • Thursday 8-4
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
We will be open on Veteran’s and Presidents day to allow appointments for those that need it.
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
- Email us at office@madisonstreetdentalclinic.com with your preferred date or day of the week and time range, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Call our office at 425-353-5854
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we’ll be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Completed new patient forms (click here to download)
- Insurance card/information
- List of current medications and medical conditions
- X-rays taken in the last 3 years
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. We’ll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise that are out of our control. If you miss an appointment, please call our office to reschedule.
There is a $75 no show / short notice cancellation fee PER HOUR if canceled 24 business hours or sooner for appointments.
What if I need emergency dental care?
If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you within 24 hours. If you are a patient of record and need urgent dental care after our office hours, please call the office at 425-353-5854 for the after-hours number.
Treatments
What services do you provide?
Madison Street Dental Clinic provides general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services. Please click on our Services tab for more details.
What happens during my first visit?
We will conduct a thorough examination during your first visit to determine the best course of action to achieve dental health and your goals. We will:
- Take full mouth x-rays to identify any current problems and to use it as a baseline on future visits to detect early signs of problems.
- Panorex x-ray to evaluate, jaw, sinuses, and teeth.
- Assess gum condition and health.
- Examine teeth for cavities and condition of old dental restorations.
- Perform a head and neck exam, including salivary glands and lymph nodes, for swelling or other abnormalities.
- Screen for oral cancer and TMJ (jaw joint).
- Evaluate for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Clean and polish your teeth.
- Take records of your existing smile and restorations. Intraoral photos and or models.
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with the dentist?
Many health conditions are indicated in the mouth and can affect oral health, so your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums, and mouth.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you’re experiencing any pain. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Do you use composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (silver) fillings?
Composite fillings are widely preferred to amalgam today to fill new cavities and replace old fillings needing repair. However, there are some instances when amalgam is still recommended, based on your individual health profile. In addition, some insurance providers will not approve composite fillings in posterior teeth, which would increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
Are x-rays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with x-rays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series every three years.
Children
When should I start cleaning and brushing my child’s teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth soon after birth. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and just a smear of toothpaste. When you come in for your child’s first visit, we’ll show you how to brush properly.
At what age should I schedule my child’s first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the child’s first birthday. We can look for potential problems and help your child get to know us as their friend. These early visits can make your child’s experience with a dentist a positive one.
In addition, having an established dentist can provide emergency after-hours availability.
Can my teenager come alone to the appointment?
Please note that patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits. We want to meet with both of you to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.
Have more questions? Please send your questions here and we'll respond as soon as possible.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via email and we'll happily answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Talk to you soon!