Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your practice different?

Our practice is designed around a highly personalized, relationship-based approach to dentistry with an emphasis on continuity, precision, and long-term oral health. Patients are seen one at a time, and all care is provided exclusively by Dr. Rhee, ensuring consistency in diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up. Equally important is the stability of our team, which has worked together for decades. This continuity allows us to truly know our patients and provide care that is thoughtful, familiar, and highly individualized. When advanced or highly specialized treatment is needed, we collaborate with a select group of trusted Board-certified specialists. This ensures each aspect of care is managed by the most appropriate provider while maintaining a single point of coordination through our office. Our focus is not only on addressing immediate concerns, but on supporting long-term oral health through careful planning, prevention, and an ongoing doctor–patient relationship built on trust.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. We are always happy to welcome new patients. Referrals from family, friends, and colleagues are deeply appreciated and represent the highest compliment our patients can give.

Do you take insurance?

We work with dental insurance in a way that allows patients to use their benefits while maintaining flexibility in care. Our office is considered out-of-network with all insurance plans, including PPO programs such as Delta Dental. Many plans still provide reimbursement for care provided outside of their network, and we are happy to submit claims on your behalf. This approach allows treatment recommendations to be guided by clinical judgment and patient needs rather than network limitations or predetermined fee structures. It also supports a more individualized, unhurried style of care. While insurance can help offset costs, benefits are often limited and vary widely. In our experience, the quality and consistency of care are far more important factors in long-term oral health than network participation.

I’ve had pretty regular dental care. Can I just schedule a cleaning?

At our practice, we will always begin with a comprehensive examination and diagnostic evaluation before any hygiene care is provided. This allows us to fully assess your oral health, including screening for gum disease, decay, and other conditions that may not be visible or symptomatic. Once this evaluation is complete, together we will collaboratively determine the appropriate sequence of care, which includes hygiene as part of your overall plan. This approach ensures that any treatment is prioritized and routine maintenance is appropriate.

It’s been a long time since I had any dental care. What’s the best start?

The best place to begin is with a comprehensive examination. This visit allows us to evaluate your current oral health, identify any areas of concern, and discuss your goals in detail. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes urgency, function, and long-term stability. When needed, treatment is typically phased so care can be completed in a manageable and organized way.

I had a coupon for a free exam and x-rays at another office but it seemed like they were just looking for things to do - I’m not comfortable with the recommended treatment - what would you recommend?

If you're not completely comfortable with or don't fully understand the treatment that was recommended to you, the best next step is to schedule a Comprehensive Examination with our office. This exam allows us to thoroughly assess your current dental condition and develop a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. If recent x-rays were taken at another office, we recommend having them emailed directly to you so that you can forward them to us—we may be able to use them if they are of diagnostic quality and taken within a reasonable time frame.

Do you offer free second opinions?

We do not offer complimentary consultations, as meaningful evaluation requires time, diagnostic review, and a detailed understanding of your oral health and goals. If you are seeking another perspective, we recommend a comprehensive examination. This allows for a full clinical assessment rather than a brief or limited review of records alone. Our goal is not to dispute or confer another practitioner’s recommendations, but to determine what truly is best for you.

Will I always see Dr. Rhee?

Yes! All diagnosis, treatment planning, and dental treatment are performed exclusively by Dr. Rhee. Many larger practices rotate between multiple dentists or rely heavily on associate doctors. Our model is intentionally different and built around long-term continuity and a consistent doctor–patient relationship over time.

My previous dentist “did everything” - placed implants, root canals, sedation, orthodontics, wisdom tooth extractions, TMJ treatment, and gum surgery - do you “do everything” at your practice?

Dentistry today has evolved into highly specialized areas requiring extensive training, experience, and ongoing refinement. While a general dentist plays an important role in coordinating and providing comprehensive care, certain procedures are often best managed by specialists who focus exclusively on those areas. Our practice takes a collaborative approach to treatment working closely with a trusted network of Board-certified dental specialists when advanced surgical, orthodontic, periodontal, or endodontic care is needed. This allows patients to benefit from the combined expertise of an interdisciplinary team while maintaining continuity and oversight through our office. We believe this approach helps provide the highest level of long-term care, precision, and treatment planning for our patients.

What type of technology do you utilize?

We believe modern dentistry should be precise, comfortable, and thoughtfully conservative. To support that, we’ve invested in proven technology that improves diagnosis, communication, and long-term outcomes—without overcomplicating your care.

Digital Imaging & Diagnostics

• The 3Shape TRIOS scanner allows us to take highly accurate digital impressions—no messy molds needed.

• Schick Digital Radiography provides detailed X-rays with significantly reduced radiation exposure.

• A Digital Doc intraoral camera lets you see exactly what we see, helping you better understand your treatment options.

Magnification & Precision

• We use Designs for Vision loupes (3.5x and 6x magnification) to enhance precision and support more conservative, detail-oriented dentistry.

Minimally Invasive Treatment

• The PrepStart Air Abrasion system allows us to treat small areas of decay more gently—often without the need for traditional drilling.

Clinical Photography

• A Nikon 35mm camera is used for high-quality intraoral photography, helping us document, plan, and track your care over time.

Nothing hurts, so everything should be ok, right?

Not necessarily. Many dental conditions develop slowly and without pain, especially in their early stages. Gum disease, cavities, cracked teeth, and even oral cancer may progress with little or no noticeable symptoms. Regular examinations and appropriate x-rays help identify problems early — often before they become more extensive or difficult to treat.

Do you practice “Holistic Dentistry”?

Our practice focuses on evidence-based dentistry grounded in current scientific research, ADA guidelines, and established clinical standards. All treatments and materials we use are selected based on scientific evidence, long-term predictability, and accepted best practices in dentistry. While we understand some patients may prefer alternative or holistic approaches, we limit our care to treatments supported by strong scientific evidence.

I have a really bad toothache - who should I see?

The answer depends on your goals and the nature of the problem. In most situations, the best place to start is with a general dentist. A comprehensive evaluation allows us to assess not only the painful tooth but also your overall oral health. Based on this examination, you will be presented with treatment options—if the tooth can be saved—along with estimated costs and, if needed, a referral to an appropriate specialist. Please note that this initial visit is diagnostic in nature and does not include treatment on the same day. However, if you are certain which tooth is causing the problem and have already decided that you do not wish to save or replace it, you may choose to schedule directly with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for extraction. Our office is happy to provide a referral to a trusted specialist if you call.

How often should I be having my teeth cleaned?

The interval between dental hygiene appointments should be specific for the patient and not a set interval for all patients.. Traditionally, every 6 months has been the most commonly used time frame mainly based on a dental insurance model; however, many patients with good oral hygiene can comfortably come less frequently - every 9 months or once annually. There are other patients who have had fairly extensive prior treatment who are far better to have a shorter dental hygiene interval (3-4 months) to minimize the need for additional treatment. One of the main benefits of regular hygiene appointments is not only to remove the plaque and calculus that has built up but to assess your entire oral condition to determine the presence or absence of areas that may require treatment.

I don’t like having x-rays - do I really need to have them? Can I just sign a waiver to not have them taken?

Dental x-rays are a critical diagnostic tool that provide essential information for detecting conditions such as tooth decay, abscesses, periodontal disease, and other underlying pathologies. They are equally valuable in establishing baseline oral health and confirming the absence of disease.

The frequency of taking x-rays should be tailored to each patient's specific needs—not based on a one-size-fits-all schedule. Patients with excellent oral health and minimal previous dental treatment generally require x-rays less frequently than those with a history of moderate to extensive dental work.

Thanks to digital radiography, radiation exposure from dental x-rays is extremely low. For perspective:

• The average person is exposed to about 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) of natural background radiation annually.

• A typical dental x-ray exposes you to just 0.005 mSv—less than 1.6% of your daily background radiation.

Dental x-rays should be regarded similarly to routine medical tests such as blood work or imaging—performed when indicated and based on your individual risk factors. Prior x-rays do not always reflect your current oral health status, and relying solely on past images may result in missed diagnoses. When x-rays are clinically indicated—especially during an initial exam—not taking them would compromise our ability to provide safe and effective care and would fall below the standard of care. If a patient prefers to avoid diagnostic imaging entirely, another practice may be better suited to their preferences.

Do you treat children?

To help ensure a positive early experience with dental care, young children are best seen by a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dental offices are specifically designed for children, and their teams are specially trained to manage the unique needs of young patients in a friendly and supportive environment. Once children reach their teen years, we are typically able to see most of them comfortably in our practice. If you need a referral to a trusted pediatric dentist, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call—we’ll be happy to assist you.

I don’t have dental insurance - should I try to buy a dental plan?

If you don’t have dental insurance, you may be wondering whether it’s worth buying a plan before seeing a dentist. While dental plans are often marketed as a way to save money, they always come with limits, exclusions, waiting periods, and restricted coverage. Most plans will also tell you which dentists you can see, often placing you in large networks where continuity of care can be difficult to maintain. Since treatment recommendations and quality of care vary greatly, finding a dentist you trust is more important than the insurance itself. A better first step is to choose a dentist, get a full exam, and discuss a treatment plan that fits your health, timeline, and budget. Most treatment can phased to make your care manageable even without insurance.

I’m tired of taking care of my teeth and thinking of getting dental implants so I don’t have to worry about anything anymore - do implants really last forever?

Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry, offering a durable and functional solution for replacing missing teeth—whether it's a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch. For many years, the primary options for tooth replacement included fixed bridges (which rely on adjacent teeth) or removable partial and complete dentures. Fortunately, dental implants have greatly expanded the possibilities for long-term, stable tooth replacement.

While dental implants offer many advantages, it's important to understand that they are not without potential risks or complications. Like any medical prosthesis—such as artificial knees or hips—dental implants require maintenance, revision, and replacement over time. This will involve both time and money.

Although implants do not decay, several factors can contribute to complications:

• Improper planning, placement, or design of the implant and prosthesis

• Inadequate maintenance or follow-up care

• Excessive bite forces, which may cause bone loss, loosening, or fracture

• Material wear or damage, including screw loosening or breakage, discoloration, or fracture of components such as acrylic, porcelain, or zirconia

Not every patient is an ideal candidate for implants, and selecting the right case is essential to long-term success. When complications do arise, they can be difficult and costly to manage and many times are untreatable.

While nothing used 24/7 can be expected to last forever, dental implants remain one of the most effective and predictable tooth replacement options when properly planned and maintained.

Does your office fabricate and repair complete dentures or hybrid dentures?

We do not fabricate or repair complete dentures or hybrid dentures. We refer all hybrid denture cases to the University of Florida College of Dentistry Dental Implant Center in Gainesville.

I just graduated from college and I think I’d like to have veneers for all of my front teeth - are you a cosmetic dentist?

You’ll often see the term “cosmetic dentist” used in advertising, although it is not a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association. While porcelain veneers and crowns can create beautiful results, they also permanently alter healthy tooth structure and require maintenance and replacement over time. Our philosophy is generally conservative and focused on preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible. Before recommending veneers, we carefully evaluate more conservative options such as orthodontics, whitening, bonding, enamel recontouring, or gum contouring. In many cases, these approaches can create a natural, attractive result while avoiding unnecessary long-term treatment. If veneers are ultimately the best option, we approach them thoughtfully and selectively with an emphasis on long-term health, function, and aesthetics.

I’m extremely nervous having dental treatment - do you have nitrous oxide or can I be put to sleep when I have treatment?

We provide care in a calm, unhurried environment using gentle techniques and clear communication to help patients feel as comfortable as possible throughout treatment. Many patients who are initially anxious find that this approach allows them to complete treatment comfortably over time. That said, if you feel that you would only be comfortable receiving care under sedation, we encourage patients to seek a practice that offers those services so you can have the experience that feels right for you.

Is there a fee if I miss my appointment?

Our practice schedules a limited number of patients each day so we can provide personalized, attentive care without double-booking appointments. Because your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you, missed appointments or late cancellations prevent us from offering that time to another patient. If you need to change or cancel an appointment, we kindly request at least 24 hours’ notice. A fee of $129 may be charged for missed appointments or cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice.

What type of patient is your practice suited for?

Our practice is best suited for patients seeking individualized, relationship-based dental care with an emphasis on continuity, thoughtful treatment planning, and long-term oral health. We work closely with trusted dental specialists when appropriate to help ensure patients receive the highest quality care for their specific needs. Patients who value communication, consistency, conservative care, and long-term relationships with their dentist generally find our approach to be an excellent fit.

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I’d like to become a new patient, what do I need to do?

1. Dental Insurance:
   If you have dental insurance and would like to use it, we recommend contacting your insurance company to ask about your out-of-network benefits. Our practice has intentionally chosen not to participate as a Preferred Provider with any insurance company.

   Some plans still provide reimbursement for services performed by out-of-network dentists, and our team is happy to provide the documentation you may need to submit to your insurer.

2. Transfer of Records:
   Please contact your previous dental office and request that they email your x-rays and any other relevant records (such as implant information) directly to you. You can then download the images and then forward these records to dreyrhee@yahoo.com. This helps ensure your records are complete before your first appointment.

3. Scheduling Your Initial Visit:
   Please schedule a Comprehensive Exam, as described in the Services section of our website. Note that dental cleanings are not performed during this initial exam. We will schedule a separate, full-hour appointment with our dental hygienist for that service.

4. New Patient Forms:
   To save time at your visit, you can download and complete our new patient registration forms from the Patient Resources section of our website before your appointment.

5. Premedication with Antibiotics:
   If your physician has prescribed antibiotics to be taken before dental appointments, please make sure to obtain the prescription and take it prior to your visit. This is important because we will be assessing the health of your gum tissue during your appointment.
   
   
   
   

The content of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a medical or dental professional with any questions regarding a medical or dental condition. Never disregard or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read on this or any website.

If you have a question that you would like addressed, please use email tab below and we will do our best to get it posted here