Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Visit
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We're happy to accept new patients. We're always excited to provide new and existing patients with cutting-edge dental care. We look forward to meeting you!
Do you offer weekend or late appointments?
No.
Is your office accessible to patients with disabilities?
Absolutely. Please let us know ahead of time if there are any special arrangements you or a loved one require. We're happy to accommodate you in any way we can.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You're welcome to call our office at 602-956-0650 to schedule your appointment or request one online, and we'll contact you to confirm your selection.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We request that you contact our office 48 hours prior to your appointment. All late cancellations and no-shows will incur a $100 cancellation fee.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
You'll need to bring in the following:
- Your completed new patient forms (download here)
- A photo ID
- Your insurance card
- Any dental x-rays taken in the past six months
- A list of current medications and medical conditions
- The phone number of your primary care physician.
What areas does Dr. McKnight serve?
Camelback Periodontics is located at 4202 N 32nd St, Suite D, Phoenix, AZ 85018, serving patients throughout Arcadia, the Camelback Corridor, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and greater Phoenix.
I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will your staff judge me?
We're excited that you've chosen us to care for your smile. We will never judge you. Instead, we'll address any oral health problems, explain your treatment options, and create a plan of action to address your unique needs.
What can you expect on your first visit?
We're happy to welcome you to our practice. We'll start by taking a complete medical and dental history and will ask you about any current concerns. Our team will take full-mouth x-rays to identify any dental problems and to create a baseline for future dental visits. We will evaluate the health of your teeth and existing dental work to ensure they are free of damage and assess the health of your gums. We'll also perform a head and neck exam, including an evaluation of your salivary glands and lymph nodes, and will conduct an oral cancer screening to rule out potential abnormalities.
You will likely receive care from our dental hygienist, who will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your tooth surfaces and along your gum line. We’ll also polish your teeth and floss between them to remove any remaining plaque and debris. We may recommend a fluoride treatment to lower your risk of future tooth decay.
At the conclusion of your appointment, we will discuss any current needs and preventive measures required to keep your smile in tip-top shape. We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for long-term oral health.
Dental Care
How often should you schedule your dental visits?
According to the American Dental Association, you should schedule dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. In general, patients require twice-yearly exams and cleanings. However, some patients with gum disease or those at a higher risk of developing dental problems will require more frequent appointments, typically every three months. Our team will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the ideal frequency of visits to maintain your healthy smile.
I'm pregnant - Can I come in for a routine exam and cleaning?
Yes. It is extremely important to care for your oral health, especially during your pregnancy. Before scheduling your first appointment, we ask that you obtain a release from your doctor, clearing you to receive dental care.
Do I need to maintain routine dental visits if I don't have any symptoms?
Even if you don't have any symptoms of dental problems, your routine dental exams and cleanings are critical for maintaining optimal oral health. They help detect problems in their earliest stages before they produce symptoms and lower the risk of new tooth decay or gum
disease. Maintaining proper oral hygiene care at home and keeping up with your routine dental visits are the best ways to promote healthy smiles for life.
What are signs you should schedule a dental appointment?
Most individuals require twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Many periodontal patients are recommended to be seen every three months. However, it's important to schedule an appointment between routine visits if you have signs or symptoms of dental problems. These include tooth pain or sensitivity, red or bleeding gums, damaged dental work, persistent bad breath, a dry mouth, facial pain or swelling, a sore that won't heal, or any other concerns. Our team will evaluate your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
If I’m seeing a periodontist, do I still see a general dentist?
Yes, A periodontist is evaluates the foundation for your teeth (the gum, bone, and everything that keeps your teeth in place) however you will continue to see your general dentist for any restorative needs. We work closely with referring and general dentist a like as a comprehensive
team devoted to your oral health.
What if I have a dental emergency?
If you have a dental emergency, we'll do everything we can to provide a same-day appointment. Please call our emergency number for guidance if you need urgent dental care outside our office hours.
What counts as a dental emergency, and what should you do?
A dental emergency is a situation requiring urgent care to relieve severe pain, treat an infection, save a tooth, or control bleeding. Our highly trained and experienced team is fully equipped and prepared to deal with different dental emergencies.
We invite you to call us right away if you feel you require urgent dental care. However, if you or a loved one experience a life-threatening emergency such as uncontrolled bleeding or a fractured jaw, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.
What if I'm afraid of dental treatment?
We understand that many of our patients are fearful of the dentist. Our gentle techniques, sedation dentistry options, and personalized care will help ensure you are comfortable and anxiety-free during treatment.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
We recommend brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. You should also floss thoroughly at least once a day. Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices will lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.