Common Questions

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! We welcome new patients of all ages – both individuals and families. Please give our office a call at (517) 787-9171 to schedule a new appointment.

What makes you different than any other dental practice in Jackson County that
        I can visit?

Our #1 goal is for you to have a great experience and receive expert care. A great experience is defined by our five-star service and our top quality dentistry. We make sure you're very comfortable with every procedure we propose. We take care of all of the little things that can make a difference in our patient's day: like complimentary relaxing gas during the dental visit.

At Lifetime Dental Care, we use technology and photography to help guide conversations about the importance of maintaining oral health. A picture enables you to see what we're seeing, and is very important for patients making informed decisions about treatment options and needs. Our goal is to provide high-quality, long-lasting treatment, so we insist on using only the highest quality materials and techniques to achieve our results. We build time into our schedule for personal conversations with you that allow you to take confidence in the excellent dentistry we offer. The clinical skill, attitude, and attention to detail at Lifetime Dental Care are second to none. We could try to describe the difference all day, but we'd love more than anything to show you!

What do I need for my first visit?

We will need your driver's license, insurance card, and a list of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications. If you have been instructed in the past to take antibiotics before any dental procedure, please call us to verify if it will be necessary for your initial visit.

Can I get my teeth cleaned on the first visit?

Typically the answer is yes if you have been keeping up with a dentist recommended regular cleaning schedule (usually every 6 months). However all cleanings (or dental prophylaxis) are diagnosed during the initial exam and if there are indications of gum disease, a different type of cleaning may be recommended and, depending on the schedule of the doctor, may need to be scheduled on another day.

Which insurance plans do you accept?

While we participate with Delta Dental (Traditional plan) and Blue Cross Blue Shield (Traditional plan), we are happy to bill your insurance company for your dental procedures even though we don’t participate with your insurance plan.

Will I need to file paperwork to my insurance company?

It is our pleasure to file any insurance claims associated with our service directly to your insurance carrier.

In addition to filing the claim, we will usually ask you only for your estimated co-payment following the completion of your treatment or procedure. We find that most of the time we will be able to calculate your copayment even if we don’t directly participate with your insurance carrier. However, please understand that this is only an estimate and is based upon the information available to us. Once your carrier has paid the claim, any difference will be due upon receipt of our statement.

What payment options are available?

We consider our relationship with you to be of primary importance and will always make our recommendations based on what we believe is the very best treatment for you regardless of your insurance coverage or financial arrangements. For your comfort and convenience, we offer a wide range of financial options and welcome your suggestions and questions.

Pre-payment in full	A pre-payment bookkeeping courtesy of 5% will be given for direct payment in full by cash prior to treatment.
Major credit cards	All major credit cards accepted to retire any patient balance and cover copayments.
Pay as you go	You may choose to pay your obligation for each visit with Cash, Check or Credit Card at each visit.
Gradual Treatment Plan	For those patients on a limited budget. By prioritizing treatment, those patients who do not have dental insurance or are on a tight budget can still complete their dental work by spreading appointments over several months or years.
Care Credit	No interest financing options will leave you smiling and able to pay for crowns, veneers, implants, and more over time and within your budget. Care Credit makes elective dental procedures affordable for any budget.

How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?

We work diligently to make sure you are always aware of your oral health needs. Your hygienist will help you understand what interval is needed to keep your mouth healthy. We'll schedule your sequential appointment before you leave. We will also send you a card and give you a call when you are due for your next visit. Make an appointment today and we'll help you figure out what schedule is best to maintain your oral health.

What is your policy regarding canceling an appointment?

In order to maintain an efficient office, we appreciate as much notice as possible for appointment cancellations. Your appointment time is reserved solely for you, therefore a minimum of 48 hours advance notice is requested for any cancellation. A charge may be applied to your account for cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice and for failed ("no show") appointments.

I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me
        relax during my visit?

We make every effort to make your visit soothing and relaxing! Stereo headphones, dark glasses, your favorite music from our selection or from your own collection and blankets are all available for your comfort and relaxation. For some of our most nervous patients, nitrous oxide can be administered safely and comfortably to you through a nose piece, but most of the time we find it unnecessary given our standard of care. Our friendly dental staff is always here to serve you and make you comfortable. Talk to us about your anxiety and we can work through it together.

At what age should I take my child for their first dental appointment?

Building a solid foundation for your child's dental health is easy, provided it begins early and remains consistent.

Your baby's relationship with the dentist should begin with a milestone that every parent looks forward to – the arrival of the first tooth. These all-important healthy baby teeth, which start coming in between six and twelve months of age, are essential to the process of learning to chew food, speak and to your baby’s overall appearance.

During the first visit, your dentist will check for decay and make sure your baby’s teeth, mouth and facial bones are developing the way they should. Your dentist will also teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth and gums, and determine whether your baby needs fluoride supplements.

But most importantly, this visit will set the stage for a positive relationship with your dentist that will set your baby on track for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Why is it important to floss my teeth every day?

Flossing daily removes hidden bits of food and rids your mouth of bacteria that can turn into plaque, the creator of cavities and gum disease. If you don’t remove plaque, that sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth each day, by brushing and flossing, it hardens into something called calculus, or tartar. This calculus builds up under your gums, increasing your risk of gum disease.

The bacteria in plaque also produces toxins that irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. This results in periodontal pockets which fill up with toxins and bacteria, which ultimately destroys the bone that holds the tooth in place. If left untreated, the affected teeth will become loose, eventually falling out or needing to be removed.

Why do I need periodontal maintenance? Can't I just get my teeth cleaned?

The word prophy, or prophylaxis, cleaning means prevention. Prophylaxis appointments, or cleanings, focus on preventing disease such as infection, bone loss, gum loss, etc. Periodontal maintenance therapy is necessary when a diseased state is present (either currently or formerly), resulting in a need to really address the health issues within your mouth beyond the prevention level of care. But, trust us on this one: both are important and we'll always only recommend what you really need.

What procedures do you recommend to safely whiten my teeth?

There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile. Sometimes, our in-office bleaching process will provide the change desired. In other cases, porcelain veneers offer a more effective solution. We offer at home and in-office whitening options. Dr. Chen can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. If you opt for a whitening process, you'll find that we can help you achieve results in just a few short sessions. Typically, this process results in teeth approximately 2 shades brighter on the dental shade chart. If you would like to consider veneer application, you'll simply need a couple of appointments at our office and a consultation appointment with Dr. Chen to evaluate your case and discuss the most ideal treatment options.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

There are so many different ways we put your safety first: using gloves, masks and glasses; ensuring sterilization and disinfection of all instruments and counters; testing our sterilizer monthly to make sure it meets all hospital level standards and more. Our state-of-the-art sterilization center is something you can see at any time if you're interested in learning more. Each room is cleaned between patients and all proper sterilization procedures are carried out and monitored in meticulous fashion.

How does Dr. Chen keep up-to-date on current techniques and materials?

Dr. Chen is passionate about dentistry. It is not only his job, but it is also his hobby. When he graduated from dental school, he made a commitment to keep up-to-date with the constantly evolving dental profession. For this reason, Dr. Chen routinely attends continuing education classes to learn about the most current technology, materials, and treatment options available to his patients. He is also involved with local dental association where he discusses new techniques and challenges in the profession with other practitioners and specialists. Dr.Chen is an active member of the Jackson District Dental Society, the Michigan Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.

What do I do in the event of dental emergency?

We hope that you will never experience a dental emergency, but if you have a toothache, a swollen face, a broken tooth, have lost a filling or a crown, or trauma, we want you to know that we are available.

During normal office hours, if you are having or experience an emergency, please call us immediately at (517) 787-9171 so that we may schedule the best available time for you. We will do all we can to treat your problem immediately and attend to your needs.

If an emergency occurs after hours, call our emergency number (517) 315-3379. Please leave your name, phone number, and the type of problem you are experiencing. Dr. Chen will return your call as soon as possible.