Frequently Asked Question

Digital x-rays are one of the most important new advances that our profession has seen in quite some time. Digital X-rays typically use up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays, making them safer for patients. but as always, our highly trained team takes the appropriate measures to ensure you and your family are safe! X-rays also help Dr. Mathew see decay in between your teeth, a tricky area we can't see with the naked eye. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money, and often, unnecessary discomfort.

Yes we do! Once a plan for your treatment is made we can discuss financing options with you.  We have in house financing options as well as third party options.  We will offer you the options that will best meet your treatment and financial needs. 

We do partner with Care Credit which is a big help to patients in getting their treatment done without having to pay everything at once.  They offer no interest payments for as long as 12 months.  If you would like more information on Care Credit, please visit their website www.carecredit.com.

We do accept credit cards, debit card and cash as payment methods

The ADA standard of care is to get your teeth cleaned once every six months if your risk for cavities is low and you do not have other medical conditions that can create more bacteria and infection in your gums.  Upon getting your dental exam and understanding your medical history, it may be determined that you need more frequent dental visits to have the most optimum oral health, for example a  systemic health conditions that increase your chance of getting cavities and gum disease is diabetes.

Once your risk level is determined we can explain and work with you to create a dental check-up schedule that best works for you and your health!  Research shows us that your oral health is heavily connected to the rest of your body.  Getting proper dental care can improve your wellbeing in ways you might not expect!

Our highly skilled and educated team can help you to identify if there are any risk factors that might impact your oral or overall health.  We look forward to taking care of you!

Not at all! We love new patients and want to make it super easy to schedule your reservation with our amazing team!  You can give us a call at 706-547-6451 or email us at Office@TLCdentalSpa.com for all appointments. One of our patient care specialists will be able to help you schedule your reservation! We do our best to make sure you can be seen at a time that works for your schedule. You can also schedule your appointment online.

Please have any pertinent information ready as this will make your first visit run more smoothly. (Example: insurance card)  If you have any concerns that you want to bring to the attention of the doctor, please let us know when you make your reservation.  This will enable us to be fully prepared to address your concerns and answer all questions.  If you are experiencing any discomfort, please let us know so that we schedule your first visit appropriately.

You're not alone! Whether it has been 6 months or 6 years, it's never too late to get back into a healthy routine. We would be more than happy to arrange for you to have a thorough and educational exam appointment. In cases of  anxiety, we have several options available for our patients. We often take care of people just like you! The happy testimonials of countless patients that have become our friends are proof that you can be like them too. We're here to help! Please call us when you are ready to take the next step!

During pregnancy your hormonal levels may affect your oral health. You may notice more bleeding when you brush and floss and your risk of getting cavities increases. We recommend you get a dental check-up during your second trimester as this is the safest time to get dental care.Please remember to inform us that you are pregnant so that we can avoid xrays any way possible.  If you aren’t sure if you are pregnant or not, please let us know as well.  We always want to make sure that everyone is as safe as possible.

Yes! We’re always happy to welcome new patients to TLC Dental Spa! We provide comprehensive family, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry to patients of all ages in Athens, Oconee and surrounding areas.

We’d love to tell you more about us and all the ways we can help your family achieve exceptional oral health. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for a consultation or dental cleaning, please contact our office, and a member of our team will be happy to help you get started

Yes! We offer many options for patients who need a little help to relax during their dental care. We offer nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as laughing gas) to help take the edge off and allow you to fully enjoy your visit. For patients who need more help, we offer conscious sedation also known as sleep dentistry. The process involves the use of medications that help to calm and soothe the patient, making them feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Sedation dentistry can also help to reduce the time required for dental procedures. When patients are anxious or uncomfortable, it can be difficult for dentists to perform procedures efficiently. Sedation dentistry is also an excellent option for patients with a sensitive gag reflex. For some patients, the gag reflex can be triggered by dental instruments, making it difficult for dentists to perform certain procedures. TLC Dental Spa Sedation Dentistry helps to relax the patient and reduce the sensitivity of the gag reflex, making it easier for dentists to work on the patient’s teeth. While you will be able to respond to our team’s questions and requests, you might feel dreamy with little sense of time. Most patients report that they have little memory of their treatment. If you are fearful of the dentist, this is a bonus! 

Depending on your level of anxiety and what kind of care you are receiving, we can help find the best solution for you!

This is a very common question! You may feel like you’re alone with your anxiety, but millions of people experience some stress when faced with dental visits.

In many cases, patients don’t like seeing the dentist because they feel like they’re not in control of the situation. One of our goals at TLC Dental Spa, is to get to know our patients and take the time to build trusting relationships. When you feel at ease with us, your dental care won’t seem so intimidating.

We’ll listen to your concerns and spend some time to learn more about the source of your fear. You’d be amazed at how opening up about your feelings can help to reduce your anxiety!

Fear of pain and discomfort is another cause of dental anxiety. At our office, all our services are designed to maximize your comfort and reduce your stress. But if you still need help relaxing during your treatment, we offer safe nitrous oxide sedation that will make you feel slightly drowsy and detached from what’s going on around you.

Dr. Mathew also does conscious sedation also known as twilight sleep or sleep dentistry.The process involves the use of medications that help to calm and soothe the patient, making them feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Please remember that, if we’re using conscious sedation, you’ll need a designated driver to get you to and from your appointment. sedation dentistry helps to relax the patient and reduce the sensitivity of the gag reflex, making it easier for dentists to work on the patient’s teeth.While you will be able to respond to our team’s questions and requests, you might feel dreamy with little sense of time. Most patients report that they have little memory of their treatment. If you are fearful of the dentist, this is a bonus! 

Don’t let anxiety about your dental care ruin your good oral health. Call us today to learn more about the ways we can help!

Our team is happy to help you maximize any dental benefits you may have.  We are considered an unrestricted provider for all dental benefit companies. 

How this works is, our team will do a complimentary benefits check for you , to give you the best estimate for out of pocket expenses if any. This is an estimate . If the benefit company pays more than what was estimated, this will result in a credit on your file. If they pay less than estimated, you are responsible to pay the balance within 30 days of completing your treatment.  Our highly knowledgeable business team is exceptional at navigating this process to make it as simple as possible for our patients.

Other Payment Options:

You can pay for your office visits and any treatments with cash, check, credit or debit card at the time of service. 

We have in house financing options as well as third party options like Care Credit, Sunbit.

We will offer you the options that will best meet your treatment and financial needs. We do partner with Care Credit which is a big help to patients in getting their treatment done with the help of CareCredit monthly payment plans. You can take care of all treatment costs with a fixed monthly payment plan and enjoy the benefits of financing at very low interest rates. They offer NO INTEREST payments for as long as 12 months. If you would like more information on Care Credit, please visit their website www.carecredit.com.

No Dental Insurance? No problem! Check out our Membership Plan!

Our customized membership plan enables you to afford your annual exams, cleanings, and any tx in a cost-effective way! 

We recommend your child’s first visit by age 1 or within six months after their first tooth. Early visits help kids get comfortable with the dentist and ensure a healthy start.

Encourage twice-daily brushing, limit sugary snacks, and schedule regular dental visits. Dental sealants can also offer extra protection. Dr.Mathew also recommends using toothpaste that is non-toxic, 100% natural ,made with only clean ingredients, which is safe to swallow and packed with the natural strength of Hydroxyapatite to nourish teeth, mouth, and body and incredibly effective at fighting cavities.

We prioritize emergencies and aim to see patients the same day whenever possible. Our team will work to accommodate you and provide prompt care.There are some things we might be able to do for you over the phone to help with any pain or anxiety.  By giving us a call, we can help you schedule to be seen as quickly as possible.

We have an emergency line that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Just call 706-546-6451 and dial 4 for the emergency hotline.

Just because you don’t have insurance doesn’t mean you need to go without necessary dental treatments. At the office of Dr. Mathew, we’re committed to working with you to make the cost of your care affordable and manageable. In addition to cash, check and major credit cards, we also accept CareCredit. CareCredit is a type of interest-free financing that allows you to break your payments down into easy monthly payments. Simply pay the balance within the agreed time period, and you won’t be charged any interest. CareCredit is easy to apply for and you can even use it to pay for veterinary expenses and other health, beauty, and wellness needs!

No dental insurance? No problem! Ask one of our knowledgeable team members about our Membership Plan and you may be pleasantly surprised because  it sounds too good to be true!

We offer several options, including teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and orthodontics . During a consultation, we can help you explore the choices that best suit your goals for a radiant smile. For smile make overs, you can even  try on your new smile before treatment even begins. We use digital photography, 3-D scans, and predictive software to give you an accurate glimpse of what your face and smile will look like once treatment is complete. It’s almost like seeing the future!

Absolutely! As a patient, it’s your right and responsibility to be fully informed about your oral health care. You should feel comfortable enough with your dentist to rely on recommendations he or she makes. But in some cases, you just may feel better if you get a second opinion to put your mind at ease about complicated or aggressive treatments.

With proper care, professional teeth whitening can last from several months to over a year. Avoiding staining foods and beverages and following our aftercare tips can help extend your results

Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance since they’re elective. However, we offer flexible payment options to help you achieve your smile goals.

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, made of a titanium root and a custom crown. They are suitable for many people, and we’ll evaluate your bone health and oral condition to ensure they’re a good fit for you.

With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are essential for longevity.

A bridge replaces missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth, while an implant is a stand-alone solution placed into the jawbone. Implants are typically more durable and better for long-term oral health.

Yes! Clean your crowns, bridges, and dentures daily, just as you would your natural teeth. Routine check-ups are essential to keep them in top shape