Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some questions. If you don't see the question and answer here please feel free to contact us.
What are the new procedures for COVID-19?
We have many new changes to keep everyone safe. Please click here to see the list of new procedures.
What insurance do you accept?
We are not a preferred provider for any insurance company. This means we are an out of network dentist. If you have a PPO insurance and you are able to choose your dentist we can help you by submitting the dental claim.
The way we do insurance here is a little different. We have all patients pay for the treatment at the time of the appointment, as a courtesy we will submit the insurance claim and your insurance company will reimburse you.
We are a small dental office which provides a lot of attention to our patients because of this we are unable to spend time on the phones with insurance companies.
Do you take out Silver/Amalgam/Mercury Fillings?
Yes, Dr. Yokoyama has been doing amalgam removal for over 25 years. Dr. Yokoyama and Dr. Monempour are both SMART certified (for more information check out Our Holistic Philosophy page). We follow the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology protocol. When we refill the tooth we use Porcelain Ceramic or Composite material, both are tooth-colored and more biocompatible.
Do you use Ozone Therapy?
Yes. We use ozonated water during all of our procedures. Ozonated water is very good at killing the aerobic bacteria. We can also use straight ozone gas. Ozone Therapy is a part of our protocal. We use ozone therapy to disinfect the dentinal tubules from bacteria. When bacteria have invaded the dentinal tubules we can use ozone gas to sterilize the deepest area of the filling.
During Covid we have asked each patient to rinse with ozonated water for 30 seconds, twice before we get them seated to see the doctor. The ozonated water helps to lower bacteria in the mouth before we get started on the procedure.
Do you use fluoride at your office?
No. We do not use fluoride for our teeth cleanings or any of the dental work. We are a fluoride free dental office.
Do you put any metals in the mouth?
No. We do not put any metals in your mouth. From our metal free implants to our composite and porcelain materials we use the most biocompatible materials available. We are a metal free dental office.
Can you use anesthesia without epinephrine?
Yes. We have anesthesia without epinephrine (epi) that we can use to numb the area.
Can you use latex free gloves?
Yes. We have gloves that are latex free. We have nitrile gloves for patients who are allergic to latex or with latex sensitivities.
Do you use a blood test to test for materials sensitivities?
Yes. We use the Clifford Materials Reactivity Test. This is a blood test that will assess the patients reactivity to dental restorative products. This is an optional test.
What is the office cancellation policy?
We ask for your consideration and cooperation in scheduling your appointments.
Please understand that we are partners in your health care and we are committed to offering you appropriate care when you need it. We do recognize that situations arise that are out of your control; however it is imperative that you contact our office immediately to notify us of your cancellation in a timely manner.
We reserve the right to charge for appointments cancelled or broken without 48 business hours advanced notice. Weekends and holidays do not count.
If there is a cancellation within the 48 hours there is a $75 fee.
If the appointment is two hours we require a deposit of ½ of the procedure when scheduling the appointment. The deposit will go toward your treatment. If you cancel within 48 hours of the appointment you will lose the deposit and will need to put another deposit down to schedule.
Please refer to the below if you have any questions.
For Monday appointments please call on Thursday the week prior,
for Tuesday appointments please call on Friday before 12 noon the week prior,
for Wednesday appointments please call on Monday,
for Thursday appointments please call on Tuesday,
for Friday appointments please call on Wednesday.