Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child have their first checkup?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that regular appointments should start for children when one of two milestones occurs: 1) The first baby tooth has emerged from the gum line or 2) The patient reaches their first birthday. At this point, our team will be happy to provide a brief checkup, helping your son or daughter to start feeling comfortable in our office space from as early on as possible.

My gums are bleeding when I brush and floss. Should I be worried?

Your gums shouldn’t be bleeding unless some kind of oral injury has occurred. This is actually a common symptom of gum (periodontal) disease, a potentially serious infection that can result in consequences for your overall oral health. Thankfully, patients can rest assured that our doctors take this threat seriously, providing in-depth screenings at every appointment and thorough cleanings to help prevent dangerous bacteria from causing damage.

I’m worried about my child staying calm during their dental care. Can you help?

Of course! At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, you and your loved ones’ comfort and safety is a top priority for our team. That’s why we provide several sedation options that can help reduce negative emotions and facilitate true relaxation throughout the course of treatment, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), oral conscious sedation, and general anesthesia.

How do I know which sedation dentistry option is right for me/my child?

Before any actual treatment occurs, our team members will be sure to discuss these options in great detail with you so that we can settle on the one that works best for you/your child’s needs and personality. Nitrous oxide is relatively mild, while oral conscious sedation produces stronger effects. In cases of severe anxiety or an inability to remain still throughout lengthy treatment, general anesthesia (also known as “sleep dentistry”) is likely to be recommended.

I want to achieve a straighter smile. What are my options?

Here in Farmers Branch and Irving, our board-certified orthodontists are happy to offer children and adults alike multiple options for tooth correction. Traditional braces are always a reliable and effective solution for patients of all ages, while Invisalign may be the preferred choice for teenagers and adults who want to improve their smile in a much more aesthetically pleasing fashion. During an initial consultation, we’ll be happy to help you determine what the best option is for you or your child.

I have a busy schedule. Do you offer appointment times outside of normal working hours?

We certainly do! Our practice offers extended evening hours on Monday-Thursday, as well as Friday and Saturday hours. We want to make the dedicated dental care you and your family deserve as convenient as possible.

What are my options for paying?

Our practice accepts most PPO insurance plans and low-interest financing through CareCredit. Additionally, our Fort Worth location also sees patients who qualify for Medicaid and CHIP. Please visit our new patients page for more information.

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  • Your Child's First Visit
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You can play a part in preparing your child for his or her first visit to our office. Informing your child of the visit as an exciting experience for both of you can ease any hesitations. As a parent try to act relaxed, since your child may sense any anxiety on your part.

Explain to your child that the doctor will “count, brush, and maybe take pictures of their teeth”. We also ask that you assume the role of a silent observer. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor, staff, and your child and not through you. Your child may become confused if receiving instructions from multiple sources.

We recommend bringing your baby in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing (whichever comes first). During this appointment, we will examine your baby’s mouth to track their dental development and discuss age-appropriate dental care.

It’s easy to make appointments to visit our office online or over the phone. Rio Dental sees patients both for checkups and dental emergencies. Using our online scheduler, you can select the location and time slot that works best for you for either type of appointment. If you have any questions regarding our practice, or simply prefer to make your appointment with a live member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call!

Rio Dental Group accepts most PPO insurances. We recommend that new patients and returning patients with new insurance policies reach out to us before their appointment to confirm coverage. Our Fort Worth location also sees patients who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs.

We don’t like surprises, either! Our staff is prepared to discuss the cost of dental services before you undergo treatment so that you know what to expect in terms of fees. The cost of your services will be due at the end of your appointment. Our office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Rio Dental Group allows patients to pay with their CareCredit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed to cover out-of-pocket costs at over 225,000 providers nationwide. After leaving the office, card holders will be able to make convenient monthly payments towards their balance. To learn more, visit the CareCredit website.

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    Farmers Branch

    2740 Valwood Pkwy #144
    Farmers Branch, TX 75234

    (972) 746 2533

    Irving

    1111 W Airport Fwy #201
    Irving, TX 75062

    (972) 793-0735

    Fort Worth

    1114 N Beach St
    Fort Worth, TX 76111

    (817) 768-3838

    Dallas

    9310 E R L Thornton Fwy.
    Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75228

    (972) 885-8089
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