FAQs in Epping, NH
Clear Answers Before Your First Appointment
- What the two-hour new patient exam includes and costs
- How our fee-for-service practice handles insurance
- What biological dentistry means
- What materials we use to create crowns and fillings
How to Use This Resource
Before you call our front desk, look here first. Here, you’ll find what your intake includes, how billing works without insurance networks, our approach to biological dentistry, and which treatments we provide versus refer out. Still have a question? Request a consult and we'll cover the rest.
Your New Patient Intake Visit
What happens at my first appointment?
Your new patient intake is a comprehensive two-hour data collection visit in Epping. It includes a clinical exam by Dr. Tamatha Johnson, a full series of digital X-rays, periodontal and restorative assessments, airway and oral cancer screening, and salivary diagnostics to evaluate your oral microbiome.
What does the first visit cost?
The initial two-hour comprehensive appointment is $520, due at the time of service.
Will I get a cleaning at my first appointment?
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we tailor your care to what's unique about you. We won't clean your teeth during this visit. Dr. Johnson customizes your hygiene therapy recommendations from the results of your salivary diagnostic testing and the clinical data collected during your exam.
How do I request an appointment?
Submit an inquiry through the form on our website. Our new patient coordinator will reach out by email with next steps. Our Epping, NH, office runs by appointment only.
Paying for Care Without
Insurance Constraints
Do you take my dental insurance, such as Delta Dental?
Brentwood Dental Designs is a fee-for-service practice and is not in-network with any insurance provider. You're responsible for payment at the time of service, but we submit the claim to your insurance company on your behalf so they can reimburse you directly.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes. We work with Cherry, a third-party financing company with flexible payment options for those who qualify. We also offer CareCredit, which gives qualifying patients 12 months of interest-free payments.
About Biological Dentistry
What materials do you use for fillings and crowns?
Dr. Johnson only restores teeth using biocompatible materials such as ceramic and BPA-free composite resin. This is a mercury-free, mercury-safe practice, and those material choices are part of our biological approach to care.
Do you remove old mercury fillings?
Yes. Dr. Johnson is certified in SMART, the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It uses specialized equipment and procedures (protective barriers, sealed isolation, supplemental oxygen, HEPA air filtration, and respiratory-grade masks) to safely remove mercury fillings while protecting you and our staff from mercury vapor.
What does biological dentistry mean here?
Biological dentistry is a functional, integrative approach that treats the mouth as a mirror for the rest of the body. Our care is built on five pillars:
- Root cause: We look for what caused a problem in the first place so we can help prevent it from happening again.
- Biocompatibility: We use materials most people tolerate well and recommend testing, since everyone reacts differently.
- Airway: Grinding, clenching, snoring, and sleep apnea often go together and can contribute to oral health problems.
- Nutrition: What you eat affects the health of your teeth, gums, and oral microbiome.
- Minimizing toxicity: We’re a mercury-free, mercury-safe practice, and we offer fluoride alternatives.
Treatments We Provide and
Coordinate With Specialists
Do you treat children or provide pediatric care?
We're an adult-only practice and begin seeing patients at age 18.
Which treatments do you refer out?
We primarily provide restorative and periodontal care. Root canals go to an endodontist, though we can discuss biological alternatives first. Oral surgery goes to an oral surgeon or periodontist, and removable dentures to a prosthodontist.
What if I have a dental emergency but I'm not yet a patient?
We're not an emergency-based practice for new patients. If you're in pain or have an urgent infection, we recommend seeking care at an emergency dental facility before scheduling your intake appointment.
