Frequently Asked Questions
What makes your practice different?
Our practice is carefully designed to provide a highly personalized, relationship-based approach to dental care with an emphasis on continuity and meticulous attention to detail.
Patients are seen one at a time and all care is provided exclusively by Dr. Rhee— ensuring consistency in diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up that is difficult to achieve in most settings. Just as important is the stability of our team which has worked together for decades - this continuity allows us to truly know our patients, anticipate their needs, and provide a level of comfort and familiarity that is increasingly rare in today’s healthcare.
When specialized care is needed, we collaborate with and refer to a select group of trusted specialists rather than trying to “do everything” in-house. This ensures that each aspect of your treatment is managed by the professional most qualified for it while you maintain a single, consistent point of contact within our practice.
Our goal is not just to fix problems, but to help you maintain your oral health over the long term through thoughtful, individualized care and a long-term doctor–patient relationship - an essential foundation for lasting health.
Are you accepting new patients?
Our practice is always accepting new patients! The referral of a family member, friend or co-worker is the greatest complement that a patient can provide us.
Do you take insurance?
We accepts dental insurance as long as you have the freedom to choose your dentist. We have intentionally chosen not to be a Preferred Provider for any insurance company, including PPO plans such as Delta Dental. If you have a PPO plan, we encourage you to check with your insurance carrier to confirm your out-of-network benefits. As a courtesy, we are happy to file claims on your behalf, and patients are responsible for any portion not covered by their plan.
Dental insurance plans typically provide limited benefits and often include restrictions that can influence treatment recommendations provided for you. By remaining out-of-network we are able to prioritize your health based solely on what is best for you—not what an insurance company dictates. We also do not need to schedule multiple patients simultaneously - this allows Dr. Rhee to focus fully on one patient at a time, providing attentive, thoughtful, and unhurried care.
Dentistry is not a commodity—it is a professional relationship built on trust, experience, and continuity of care. Choosing a dentist based solely on insurance participation can compromise your long-term oral health. The most cost-effective approach is receiving the right and Necessary treatment, done well the first time. Many patients ultimately find that at the end of the day their insurance does not provide the value they expected; who they see matters greatly; and achieving and maintaining optimal oral health is far more important to them than their dental plan.
Can I just have my teeth cleaned?
A comprehensive examination is necessary before any cleaning to ensure gum disease, tooth decay, or other issues are detected and addressed.
It’s been a long time since I had any dental care. What’s the best start?
If you're not currently experiencing significant discomfort or have any urgent esthetic concerns, the best place to start is with a Comprehensive Examination, as described in the Services section of our website. Following this exam, we’ll be able to identify and prioritize any treatment needs, review your options, and create a personalized treatment plan. This plan will reflect your goals and preferences while remaining realistic in terms of time and financial considerations. In most cases, treatment can be phased over time, beginning with the most urgent needs and progressing in a way that works best for you.
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.
Please note that we do not offer “free second opinions”. A proper evaluation takes time, care, and attention to detail. Our focus is not on confirming or disputing another dentist’s recommendations, but on determining what is truly best for you based on our own clinical judgment.
Coupons and special deals can be great—for pizza or a car wash—but never when it comes to your health.
Do you have an in house dental savings plan?
Some dental offices advertise “dental savings plans” that require patients to pay upfront for this special plan of “discounted” care often targeted at patients who do not have insurance. While this can sound appealing on the surface, these marketing programs will usually lock you into a one-size-fits-all schedule—usually two cleanings per year—whether that’s what you really need or not. For many patients, once-a-year cleanings are plenty, while others may need more specialized periodontal care that these plans don’t cover potentially delaying the treatment that you really need. The truth is, those “discounts” are based on the fees chosen by the office, not true savings. And because the plan is pre-packaged, it will not adapt if your dental needs change.
At our office, we take a different approach. Instead of selling memberships, we focus on providing exactly the care you need, when you need it. Every patient receives a thorough exam, an individualized treatment plan, and recommendations that are truly in their best interest—not based on some preset package. When it comes to your oral health, the greatest value isn’t in buying into a plan - it’s in finding a dentist you trust to give you customized, priority-driven care that fits you.
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?
There’s a common misconception in dentistry that doesn’t exist in almost any other profession: the belief that it’s better to see one individual who claims they can “do everything” for you. But would you ever choose a physician that “does everything” - plastic surgery, colonoscopies, and cataract procedures? Or hire an attorney who handles criminal defense, probate, and immigration law all at once? Would you build a house with a single contractor who’s going to “do everything”?
Like medicine and law, dentistry is a broad field that has evolved into highly specialized areas. In the early days of dentistry, one dentist did provide all of the treatment - there were no specialists; but as knowledge and techniques have evolved, specialization has become essential for optimal outcomes. The truth is, patients receive the best care when each phase of treatment is managed by the professional most qualified for that specific need. No matter how skilled a general dentist may claim to be, no single practitioner can match the depth of knowledge, precision, and experience that comes from an interdisciplinary team of experts working together.
Your general dentist plays the central role in guiding your care, but there are times when it’s far better to see a specialist—someone with advanced training who focuses exclusively on one area, such as orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. In fact, when dentists themselves need a root canal, implant surgery, or orthodontic treatment, they go to a specialist. Patients deserve that same level of care.
Working with a specialist also gives you the benefit of a second, independent expert opinion further reinforcing your health and well-being as the top priority. We work hand in hand with a trusted network of Board-certified dental specialists to make sure you receive the very best care at every stage. When a referral is needed, we coordinate everything for you - ensuring your experience is seamless, your results are optimized and your care stays collaborative.
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 (3x 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?
The absence of pain is not a reliable indicator of the state of your dental health. Most dental problems have no pain associated with them. Gum disease which essentially is the eroding away of the supporting bone around teeth usually has no symptoms - left untreated, this condition will eventually lead to tooth loss. Active dental decay is also initially painless; it’s progression is variable, but it will with certainty affect more of the tooth over time - what was once a simple restoration can quickly turn into a situation involving more extensive treatment or unfortunately tooth loss. oral cancer has no initial symptoms and may never develop symptoms for the patient even though it is spreading and affecting more of the area.
Do you practice “Holistic Dentistry”?
Our practice follows ADA guidelines and accredited dental school standards, providing evidence-based dentistry. All treatments and materials we use are supported by scientific research and clinical best practices. We do not offer holistic or alternative dental therapies, as many of these are considered unproven and/or controversial. Patients seeking care outside evidence-based dentistry are encouraged to find a provider whose approach aligns with their preferences.
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.
Please note:
Patients cannot legally waive necessary x-rays in advance as one cannot consent to substandard or negligent care. Patients who strongly oppose dental x-rays for any reason will be better served by seeking a dental practice whose philosophy more closely aligns with these personal 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 if you need to buy a plan before seeing a dentist. Many people feel that insurance is the only way to make dental care affordable. Dental plans are often advertised as a great deal, but they usually come with lots of fine print—limits, exclusions, and restrictions. This can keep you from getting the treatment that’s really best for you. And while these plans might on the surface appear to help with certain costs, they never will cover everything. Even more importantly, insurance plans will dictate where you can go for care, sending you to a random “provider” in a large network—sometimes a revolving door of faces instead of a dentist who really knows you. On top of that, treatment recommendations can vary widely from dentist to dentist which makes it even more important to find a someone that you trust and who is looking out for you. So, what’s the best approach? Find a dentist you trust. Start with a thorough exam and talk through a step-by-step plan that works for your health, your schedule, and your budget. Many offices (ours included!) are happy to work with patients to make 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 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” in advertising, but it’s important to know that it isn’t a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association. Rather, “cosmetic dentist” is a self-described term used by dentists who emphasize aesthetic or smile-focused treatment.
For many people, cosmetic dentistry means porcelain veneers or crowns to improve their smile. These treatments can create dramatic results—but they also come with important long-term considerations that aren’t always discussed. In some cases, focusing primarily on appearance can lead to treatment plans that are more extensive than necessary, particularly when more conservative and less costly options could achieve a similar outcome.
Porcelain veneers and crowns require the irreversible removal of healthy tooth structure. A simple Google image search of “tooth preparation for veneers” can give a sense of how much natural tooth structure may be removed. While the changes may look beautiful initially, this process permanently alters the teeth and will introduce risks over time—such as sensitivity, fracture, decay around the margins, and gum recession. For younger patients especially, a full set of veneers is committing to a lifelong cycle of maintenance and replacement.
You may also hear about “no-preparation” veneers. While appealing in theory, they often involve trade-offs—either adding bulk to the teeth or being so thin that long-term durability becomes a concern.
Our philosophy is different.
We take a conservative, health-first approach to smile design, especially for patients your age. Before considering veneers, we carefully evaluate options that can often achieve a beautiful result while preserving your natural teeth, including:
Orthodontic treatment to improve alignment
Professional whitening to enhance color
Cosmetic bonding for shape or spacing
Subtle enamel recontouring
Gum contouring or grafting to improve symmetry
In many cases, a combination of these approaches can create a result that looks natural, ages well, and avoids unnecessary long-term risk. Philosophically, we believe it is better to preserve healthy tooth structure than to pursue an idealized result using crowns and veneers that will require lifelong intervention.
If, after exploring these options, veneers are still the best choice, we approach them with the same level of precision and long-term planning—using them selectively and intentionally, not routinely.
Our goal is simple:
to help you achieve a great smile in a way that still makes sense 10, 20, and 30 years from now.
I’m extremely nervous having dental treatment - do you have nitrous oxide or can I be put to sleep when I have treatment?
Our practice does not provide nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. We focus on delivering treatment in a calm, unhurried environment using gentle techniques and clear communication so patients remain comfortable and fully aware throughout their care.
Many patients who are initially anxious find that, with time and a supportive approach, they are able to complete treatment comfortably without sedation. 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 high-quality, personalized care. Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you, and we do not double-book appointments in anticipation of cancellations.
Missed appointments prevent us from offering that time to another patient in need of care and increase the overall operating costs of the practice. To help us maintain fair scheduling for all patients, we kindly ask that you schedule appointments only when you are confident you will be able to attend and are ready to proceed with treatment.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, we require at least 24 hours’ notice.
A fee of $129 may be charged for any missed appointment or cancellation made with less than 24 hours’ notice.
I’d like to become a new patient, what do I need to do?
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.Many 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.
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.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.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.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.
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