This office is new and modern. The staff is fantastic. They really keep you at ease and explain the whole process before you get started.
First you fill out your paperwork~ yeah the usual stuff from medical history and stuff your taking as well as allergic too. You can use your smartphone or their office tablet. Then the Insurance forms (not that you will have to pay anything on the first visit, that's no cost to you, just to help you with the care later) and next of kin info just in case you skip town. By the time you finish all the forms like HIPPA ect they call you back and ask what you want, why your stitting in the chair, any concerns pain ect and how you like your smile. After this brief interview you get to stand in front of a 3d scanner that takes one of the most interesting photos of you, but its a selfie that only the staff and surgeon love, well maybe your mom too. You get to sit back in the lounge chair and that's when you get to meet the Doctor/Surgeon,(Dr Umali), A young energetic caring guy that wants the best for you and after reading your selfie is willing to share his opinion as to what would be the best long term solution for you~ but be warned that if you do all of this on a Monday he will be quite brief (surgery day very busy) and the rest of any explanations would come from the well educated staff as to denture types. For me I've spent the better part of a year in research as to types of dental work needed (all in fours, bridges, snap in, combinations of ect...) and have had estimates from 12k partial to 65k for full restoration. Dr Umali was glad I had all the basic terminology and types of work down which made our conversation easy for him and agreed that what I was looking for was in fact a long term solution vs being back in the office in 4 or 5 years with more work to be done. He did share info I didn't get on line about types of implants that are angled vs straight for the type of denture you want/ or need. Well after the education part you get into the real truth what's this gonna cost me and that's were the paperwork you filled out about 45 min prior will pay off as they really check into your dental insurance and try to get the best of the coverage or at least let you know what the coverage is and give you information as to how to finance the plan you might go with. (No they don't provide mortgage info for a re-fi or forms to donate your kidney) They presented me with 3 different options for 3 different finance companies and three different treatment options permanent all in 4 top and bottom arches, permanent upper arch and lower snap in or snap in upper and lower arch. There was no uncle guito with a baseball bat to twist your arm for an answer but a well documented folder to bring home to share with your loved ones or the bar keeper and make the decision on your schedule and convivence; with of course an explanation as to what is the next step if (and when) you choose to go forward.
So far this year long journey of mine looks to be headed to a choice with Dr. Umali. I wish you the best in your journey with DR Umali ~ read more