Dentist – Bartlesville, OK

How do I find the best place to get dental work done?

Caring for your teeth and gums can be an incredibly intimate endeavor, and it’s only natural to want to find a dentist in Bartlesville that you trust to help you build and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Although a quick internet search using your favorite web browser will likely provide a local list of results, you might feel intimidated by the various options or unsure how to narrow them down.

It might help to take a few minutes to write down your main priorities regarding oral healthcare. For instance, do you need someone who’s in-network with your insurance policy? Are there specific services you anticipate wanting or needing? Do you have children who also require care? Answering these questions can help you identify a dentist who checks off all the right boxes.

How much does a dental checkup and cleaning cost in Bartlesville?

Most people can expect to pay between $75 and $200 for a routine examination and cleaning in Bartlesville, but the total cost of your visit can depend significantly on your unique circumstances.

For instance, if you have dental insurance that covers preventive care, you might not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for standard appointments. However, if it’s been a while since your last checkup and Dr. Lumpkin finds issues, you’ll be responsible for the added cost of treating them.

What level of education is required to become a dentist?

Dentists are required to meet specific criteria to be licensed to work with patients, which usually begins with their education. First, they usually must earn a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of study. Then, they must achieve either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) advanced degree from one of the70+ institutions accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). From there, they can choose to undergo additional training to specialize in one of 12 officially recognized topics.

At our office in Bartlesville, Dr. Lumpkin earned his undergraduate degree in health sciences from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and his DDS from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Today, he’s a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, to remain current with contemporary treatments and technology.

What do I do if I’m afraid of visiting the dentist?

Although many people get nervous when it comes to dental visits, if you’re overly anxious, you might avoid scheduling potentially smile-saving procedures. Dr. Lumpkin and the rest of our team don’t want your fear to keep you from quality dental care, and will do everything we can to help you feel comfortable throughout your visit.

For example, in addition to offering local numbing anesthetics to help reduce potential pain, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation. This medication is inhaled through a gas mask placed over your nose while our team works, and the effects kick in within moments on breathing it in. It hinders your body’s ability to respond to external stimuli, which can induce a relaxed, even euphoric sensation. These effects wear off within moments of removing the mask.

What if I can’t afford dental services?

Dental insurance can be a simple and effective way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine preventive services to more complex procedures. However, we understand that not everyone carries a policy, and we don’t want your current financial situation to prevent you from undergoing the necessary treatments.

That’s why we also offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit. If your application is approved, you can divide your total invoice into more manageable installments that are paid over a designated period, which can be easier on your wallet.