FAQs

Gums may bleed if gum disease (periodontal disease) is present. A general dentist at One Tree Family Dentistry can evaluate your oral health and determine if gingivitis is causing your gum tissues to become inflamed due to an abnormal amount of unhealthy bacteria below the gum line. If this bacteria remains present and left untreated, it can accumulate and harden into a tartar-like substance called calculus. When the bacterial colonies in calculus lead to jawbone loss, it results in irreversible periodontal disease.

Cold sensitivity is common for some people. A general dentist at One Tree Family Dentistry can help determine if using sensitive toothpaste is enough to resolve the issue. However, if the cold causes pain in a specific tooth or area, it may indicate a very large cavity that has reached the nerve of the tooth.

We take many types of insurance. The most common are Delta Dental, BCBS, Cigna, Careington, Aetna, DentaQuest, and MetLife. In many cases, our office and our general dentists are in network with smaller insurance companies as well. It's recommended to call our office and speak with our insurance coordinator to best answer any questions about your specific plan.

Our private practice has been serving La Vergne, Antioch, Smyrna, and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. Dr. Arvind Patel began the practice in 1984. It is currently under the care of his daughter, Dr. Anu Patel, and her staff of experienced general dentists. Unlike corporate dental offices, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality dentistry on an as-needed and affordable basis.

Some teeth may be difficult to remove. These include teeth that have had root canal treatment, wisdom teeth, and teeth that are severely worn down. Dr. Patel, a skilled general dentist, can pull teeth on a selective basis.

Our practice does accept Tenn Care patients between the ages of 15-40. Our team of general dentists is experienced in providing care for Tenn Care patients to ensure everyone receives the dental treatment they need.

The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss at home and visit your general dentist for regular checkups. Also, avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as these can increase your chances of developing cavities.

The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss at home and visit your general dentist along with your hygienist for regular cleanings. The hygienist specializes in cleaning the tops of your teeth and also under your gum tissues, where bacteria can accumulate. This bacteria is not fully removed by brushing and flossing at home. Depending on the health of your gums, the type of cleaning treatment may vary from patient to patient.

We offer two types of checkups. One checkup is for a specific tooth or area that may be causing you pain or about which you have a concern. In these cases, we will schedule you with the general dentist to perform a limited exam. These exams include an X-ray for the specific tooth or area of concern. The other type of exam is a comprehensive exam. During this exam, the general dentist will look at all your teeth after full-mouth x-rays are taken, assess the health of your gums, and address any concerns you may have about your teeth.

Call our office, and we will be happy to schedule you for a cleaning. The first visit will include a full exam and X-rays with our general dentist to determine the type of cleaning you need. Depending on the health of your gums, the treatment may vary from patient to patient.