Patient FAQ

Patient FAQ

Straight answers about visits, comfort, medications, and getting the care you need.

★★★★★  Trusted by families throughout Gresham & East Multnomah County

Patient waiting area with aquarium at Gresham Advanced Dentistry

Getting Started

Visits & Scheduling

Yes! New patients and emergency appointments are always welcome. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area, haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or are simply looking for a better dental experience, we’ll make the process easy from your first phone call through your first appointment.

Monday–Thursday: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
We’re closed on Sundays.

Call our office at (503) 661-2828 to speak with a team member, or book online in just a few minutes. You can even schedule multiple family members’ cleanings on the same day to save trips.

We recommend visiting our office twice a year for ongoing dental care. Regular cleanings and exams remove plaque and tartar, and let us catch small concerns before they become painful or expensive.

Your insurance information and a list of current medications, supplements, and allergies. See New Patient Forms for the full checklist.

Patient with dental anxiety receiving gentle care at Gresham Advanced Dentistry in Gresham, OR

Comfort & Care

Comfort & Dental Anxiety

Solutions to dental anxiety come in many forms. When left untreated, many dental problems only get worse — and fear should never get in the way of your health. At Gresham Advanced Dentistry, we believe communication is key to a successful dentist-patient relationship.

Patients of all ages and backgrounds can have dental anxiety. A multitude of factors may contribute to someone’s unease at the prospect of being in the dentist’s chair, including but not limited to fear of anesthesia, fear of injections, fear of pain, feelings of embarrassment, and feelings of helplessness. All of these are valid reasons to be anxious — and they do not have to overtake your dental experience.

Being open and honest with your dentist about your anxieties is the first step. Ask our team about recommended coping strategies and agree on a signal to let the dentist know if you need a break. Mindfulness techniques can also help: try breathing exercises or body scans in the chair, or distract yourself with headphones or by occupying your hands.

Let us know. There is no need to feel embarrassed about asking questions or being open about your fear — it’s the only way to develop a truly individualized plan for your comfort. We’ll make sure you always feel informed and in control.

We take the time to get to know your children and help them feel at ease during their visit. Parents can help too: children pick up on any anxiety displayed by their parents, so a calm exterior goes a long way. Tell us about any specific concerns and we’ll make the appointment smooth for your child.

Your Safety

Medications & Health History

Although prescription medications each carry their own set of side effects, many can impact oral health and dental treatment. Telling us about your medications and health history helps us provide the best, safest care.

Dental hygienist caring for a patient at Gresham Advanced Dentistry in Gresham, OR

Many medications affect oral health and dental treatment. It is crucial for your dentist to be aware of the medications you take in order to provide the best care for your oral health concerns — and to prevent adverse drug interactions. Bring a complete list of prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products to every visit.

It can. According to The Academy of General Dentistry, the most common cause of drug-related interactions is a lack of information about a patient’s medical background. While good oral hygiene benefits heart health, patients with heart conditions may not be suitable candidates for certain procedures — invasive treatments like periodontal therapy can increase risks. Disclose all conditions, medications, supplements, allergies, and prior reactions, and we’ll evaluate the safest options for you.

Yes. Adverse reactions often result from drug interactions between medical and dental medications, especially when providers are unaware of a patient’s history or current prescriptions. That’s why we obtain and document a thorough medical and drug history at every visit — it helps prevent adverse reactions and lets us take proactive measures to keep you safe.

They might. It may be necessary to alter treatments for patients with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking certain medications. If a procedure’s risks outweigh its benefits, we’ll explain why and offer alternative options.

Questions About Insurance or Cost?

See how insurance works at our office, the payment methods we accept, and the Hanset Dental Plan membership.

Still Have Questions? Just Ask.

Call us at (503) 661-2828 or schedule a visit — we’ll take the time to answer every question, honestly and without pressure.