New Patients

What should I expect at my first visit?

The goal of your first visit at Zimmerman Family Dentistry is for us to get to know you and your dental history and goals. You will be scheduled with one of our experienced hygienists who will go over all your dental concerns and collect relevant health history. Full-mouth x-rays and pictures of your teeth are necessary to establish a baseline of your oral health. The health of your gums will also be evaluated to determine the level of treatment you will require. You will meet Dr. Zimmerman for a thorough examination and will discuss options for your care after he and your hygienist review all the data collected. A thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth will be completed if this is the level of treatment you require.

New Patients can click on the “New Patient Forms” button above to complete the necessary information to secure your scheduled first appointment. Please allow 90 minutes for this first visit and arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. We ask that you bring a list of current medications, government issued photo-ID, and any insurance information.

Do I need x-rays?

Yes, x-rays are necessary. An x-ray is a safe and effective diagnostic tool used to detect decay or diseases that are not visible by a visual examination only. Routine x-rays are typically exposed once per twelve months. Additional x-rays may be required for different purposes. A series of x-rays called a Full Mouth Series (FMX) will likely be completed at your first visit which evaluates every tooth to establish a clear baseline of your oral health.

Why is it important to evaluate the health of my gums?

Evaluating the health of your gums is very important not only to your oral health, but your overall health. “Periodontal disease,” or gum disease has been linked to other diseases, such as: heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and respiratory issues. Some warning signs of periodontal disease include bad breath, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, or gums that have pulled away from your teeth. Your hygienist will examine any of these presenting symptoms in addition to a periodontal charting to assess your gum health. If diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will be presented with a treatment plan that includes specialized treatment to improve the health of your gums.

What is the BIO/SCREEN Oral Cancer Tool?

In addition to a physical examination, our office has also invested in an oral cancer screening tool called the “BIO/SCREEN Oral Cancer Tool” that identifies lesions and abnormalities by showing biofluorescence in the oral cavity. Our team has been using this effective tool for years, in addition to a thorough physical examination, and have identified and referred patients to the oral surgeon for abnormalities that have, in turn, been treated as oral cancerous lesions.

Will I have all my treatment options at the end of my first visit?

You will leave your first visit with treatment options and scheduled next visits. If your treatment requires further evaluation by Dr. Zimmerman, you will be asked to return for a consult visit to discuss your treatment in detail.

What are my payment options?

We accept all major credit and debit cards as well as cash and personal checks. We encourage you to pay by cash or check to save. Our office offers dual pricing. A 3.5% credit card merchant fee will automatically be added to your total when paid by any credit or debit card, including HSA cards. This is a card processing fee added and collected by the merchant, not our office.

Zimmerman Family Dentistry has partnered with Care Credit to provide options for comfortable monthly payments. Please ask your hygienist or call our office ahead of time if you would like more information.

Can I use my dental insurance?

We are an insurance friendly practice! Dr. Zimmerman is currently an in-network provider with UPMC. However, we will maximize any out-of-network benefits your insurance plan offers. If you have out-of-network benefits under your plan, you will pay for your services on the same day provided and then we will take care of all the insurance paperwork for you. We will request that any reimbursement be sent directly to you from your insurance carrier.