Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Nichols recognizes that dental emergencies don’t always occur during normal business hours. Regular patients of our practice may reach one of our dentists in the evenings and on weekends.

Nitrous oxide is available to you, upon request, for procedural concerns or for anxiety and may be used, as needed, to help you undergo the treatment itself. During your first appointment, we will discuss options and any concerns with you, and your treatment will be planned accordingly.

Many people suffer from severe anxiety when they visit the dentist. Conscious sedation may be the right option for you! You usually take two pills an hour before your appointment. You won’t be fully asleep during conscious sedation, but you will have little or no recollection of the procedure. A friend or family member should be available after your appointment, as you will be unable to drive yourself when your procedure is complete. Many patients who have memories of bad experiences from childhood say that this is very beneficial!

Our patients are seen by appointment from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. We offer lunchtime appointments (from noon until 1:00 p.m.) on some days.

You are important to us. We offer monthly payment plans with our financial partners, Citi® Health Card and CareCredit®. Payment options are tailored to fit comfortably into your personal or family financial goals so you can pay for your treatment. We work with you to create the solution that meets your needs so you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always wanted.

We would love for you to bring your children in to us! We usually recommend scheduling your child’s first visit with us at one year of age. Please contact our office for more information or to set-up an appointment.

For patients who have insurance, we are happy to assist in processing your insurance claims in order to maximize your benefits. While insurance is designed to help offset the cost of dental care, it’s important to note that insurance estimates and pre-authorizations are not a guarantee of payment from the insurance company. We ask patients to note that the insurance policy is a contract between them or their employer and the insurance company. The team at River Oak Dental does not participate in the intricate details of such agreements or contracts. Regardless of insurance coverage, financial arrangements between each patient and our practice will ultimately be the patients’ responsibility. If, for any reason, the estimated amount is not paid by the insurance company within 45 days, it becomes the patient’s commitment and is due by cash, check, or credit card.

Yes, we restore implants, but we refer to a specialist to place implants. An implant is a surgical grade titanium post that is surgically inserted into your jawbone. After it heals, it provides the supportive structure for a denture or crown. We do perform the procedure that sets the implant in place in our office. Once your new implant is in place, we create your new smile. Implant crowns are often a great way to replace one or a few teeth. Implant-supported dentures are a more permanent, better functioning alternative to traditional dentures. They look beautiful and natural, giving you confidence in your appearance.

Yes. Both doctors are skilled in a wide range of cosmetic procedures. Here at River Oak Dental, we offer a full line of cosmetic procedures, including bleaching, veneers, bonding, tooth-colored composite fillings, inlays, and all-porcelain crowns.

Yes, we do offer digital X-rays (radiographs). Digital X-rays use less radiation and are safer than traditional film X-rays. You will find that, at River Oak Dental, we research the latest trends in technology to find the solutions that promote your overall health, safety, and comfort.

You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it is the first thing others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments or may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneers, crowns or bridges, gum contouring, periodontal therapy, or a combination of all these techniques. We will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, your areas of concern, and the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us for a smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best solution for you.