FAQs
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APPOINTMENTS
How can I contact you?
Where is your office located?
We are located on Ed Schmidt Blvd., 0.5 miles north of 79 / E. Palm Valley Blvd., across from Rio Grande restaurant (in Highlights of Hutto Plaza).
Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto is located at
531 Ed Schmidt Blvd Suite 100
Hutto, Texas 78634
What are your office hours?
Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto is open from Monday – Friday, from 8:30am-5:00pm.
We are closed on Saturday and Sundays.
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
- Online scheduling: To book your appointment online, please click here. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Call our office at (512) 886-2644
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we’ll be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Completed new patient forms (click here to download)
Or you can fill the form in the office when you come for your appointment (kindly come at least 15-20 mins before your appointment) - ID and Insurance card/information
- List of current medications and medical conditions
- X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. We’ll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise that are out of our control. If you miss an appointment or cancel the appointment within 24 hours, a charge of $50 will be applied.
What if I need emergency dental care?
Emergency or Walk-in patients are welcome during office open hours. If you have pain or an emergency situation after hours (but before 10 pm), then we recommend you call our phone number to speak with our on-call dentist or call 911.
TREATMENTS
What services do you provide?
Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto takes pride in performing almost all dental services from all fields of dentistry. Please click on our SERVICES tab for more details.
What happens during my first visit?
Our first appointment normally lasts about 1- 1.5 hours. In the first appointment, once you sign in and enjoy your complimentary coffee / drink, our team member will give you a tour of the office.
We take a series of diagnostic images which include the following:
- a Panoramic radiograph (X-ray)
- Other individual radiographs (X-ray) using our advanced X-ray units.
- intraoral photos of your teeth using our high definition intraoral camera
- a unique 3D scan of your teeth using our iTero Scanner.
The doctor will then examine the images and start his comprehensive examination which will include a thorough head and neck exam, intraoral and extraoral cancer screen, assessing the condition and health of teeth and gums.
The assistant will help take notes and chart the findings during the exam.
After the exam is completed the doctor will spend some time discussing the finding, the diagnosis and answer all the questions and queries with you.
The doctor will provide and demonstrate all the necessary information so that you can make an educated decision.
A treatment plan will be prepared by the doctor which will then be forwarded to our treatment plan specialist who will present it to you and discuss the financial details with you.
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with the dentist?
Many health conditions are indicated in the mouth and can affect oral health and vice versa. Also, many health conditions require a coordination with your medical condition specialist before starting any dental procedure. Your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums and mouth.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you’re experiencing any pain. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Do you use composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (silver) fillings?
Composite fillings are widely preferred to amalgam today to fill new cavities and replace old fillings needing repair. We do not use Amalgam (silver) material to restore teeth in our office.
Are xrays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental xrays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with xrays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series every three years.
SEDATION
What types of sedation do you use?
Many dental procedures can be completed under local anesthesia. However, to help more anxious patients relax, or for more complex procedures, Nitrous oxide gas (Laughing gas) can be used. Nitrous oxide gas is very safe and its sedative effects can be reversed by the end of the appointment so you are back to normal senses. Dr. P. Parekh is also certified in prescribing level 1 oral conscious sedation in conjunction with Nitrous Oxide gas.
What is Local Anesthesia?
The most common anesthesia, Novocaine, works by blocking the nerve that supplies sensation to the teeth in a specific area. You feel no pain during the procedure and are totally alert, aware, and able to function normally. The effect wears off quickly with no side effects.
What is Inhalation Sedation?
Known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” you’ll experience a feeling of euphoria after just 2-3 minutes of breathing in the gas. The gas is diluted with Oxygen. The gas helps to calm the patient and may help relieve any dental anxiety while getting the treatments completed.
This does not anesthetize the tooth completely. It is used primarily to relax the patient. You’ll be aware of your surroundings and able to respond to questions. Inhalation sedation has very few side effects and is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. Once the procedures are completed, the doctor will switch the gas to 100% Oxygen for 5 mins which will replace all the laughing gas from your body.
What is Oral Sedation?
This is a type of conscious sedation which is administered orally in the form of a tablet / pill. It allows you to be conscious, but feel relaxed during the treatment. We provide you with the medication to be taken before your appointment, allowing you to be fully relaxed by the time we begin your dental treatment. It is recommended and necessary to bring along an adult company who can drive you to the office and back home.
What is IV Sedation?
Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto does not perform IV sedation. These drugs are administered into the bloodstream, allowing you to close your eyes and relax in a semi-conscious state with little or no memory of the treatment.
CHILDREN
Do you see children as patients?
We see children of all ages from 10 months old to 18 years old. A child may be referred to a Pedodontist if the diagnosis requires an intervention by a specialist.
When should I start cleaning and brushing my child’s teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth soon after birth. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and no paste. When you come in for your child’s first visit, we’ll show you how to brush properly.
At what age should I schedule my child’s first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the child’s first birthday. We can look for potential problems and help your child get to know us as their friend. These early visits can make your child’s experience with a dentist a positive one.
Can my teenager come alone to the appointment?
Please note that patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits. We want to meet with parent and the child to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.