Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the things patients actually ask us.
How often should I come in for a checkup?
Twice a year for most patients. If you have gum disease or are at higher risk for cavities, we may recommend visits every three to four months. We'll tell you what makes sense for your situation.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Call our office at (256) 234-6401. If you're experiencing severe pain, uncontrollable bleeding, or trauma to the face or jaw, go to your nearest emergency room. For step-by-step guidance, visit our Dental Emergencies page.
Do you see children?
Yes. Drs. Brooks and Sally Lamberth treat patients of all ages. We recommend a child's first dental visit around their first birthday. You can read more on our Family & Pediatric Dentistry page.
What insurance do you accept?
We work with most dental insurance plans. We'll file your claim and help you understand your benefits. Call Brittney at the front desk if you'd like to verify your specific coverage before your visit.
What if I don't have insurance?
We still want to see you. We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. We also offer CareCredit financing and in-house payment arrangements for larger treatment plans. Skipping dental care because of cost usually ends up being more expensive in the long run.
How can I make my appointment go faster?
Download our patient forms and fill them out before you arrive. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and any recent x-rays from a previous dentist.
I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will you judge me?
No. We see patients every week who haven't been in a long time, for all kinds of reasons. Our job is to figure out where things stand and help you move forward — not to lecture you about the past. Whatever shape your teeth are in, we've seen it before, and we know how to help.
My child is nervous about the dentist. What should I do?
Bring them in early — the first birthday visit is low-key by design. We keep it short, let them get comfortable with the office, and build trust before anything clinical needs to happen. For older kids who are anxious, let us know ahead of time so we can adjust our approach.
Do you offer teeth whitening?
Yes. We offer both in-office whitening (about an hour, immediate results) and take-home whitening kits with custom-fitted trays. More details on our Cosmetic Dentistry page.
What's the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs a small area of damage — a cavity or a minor chip. A crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth and is used when the damage is too extensive for a filling to hold. Your doctor will recommend whichever option gives the tooth the best long-term outcome.
Do I really need to floss?
Yes. Brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but it can't reach the spaces between them. That's where cavities and gum disease often start. Floss once a day — it doesn't take long, and it makes a real difference.
My gums bleed when I brush. Is that normal?
It's common, but it's not normal. Bleeding gums are usually an early sign of gum disease. The good news is that at this stage, it's almost always reversible with professional cleaning and better daily habits. Don't ignore it — and don't stop brushing the areas that bleed. Bring it up at your next visit.
Ready to Schedule Your Visit?
We'd love to hear from you. Call us or request an appointment online.