Frequently Asked Questions

We accept most PPO dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Concordia, Guardian, BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Ameritas, Lincoln Financial, and Principal. Before your appointment, we verify your benefits and explain exactly what's covered so you know what to expect. We do not accept HMO dental plans.

We offer our in-house Spring Valley Membership Plan three tiers to fit your needs: Child Complete ($250/yr for ages 13 and under), Adult Complete ($325/yr for ages 14+), and Perio ($600/yr for ages 14+). Each plan covers preventive care plus 20% off all other services. Benefits start immediately. No waiting periods, no deductibles, no claim forms.

Never. We review all costs and your insurance coverage with you before any treatment begins. If something changes mid-treatment, we stop and discuss before proceeding. Every time. This is one of our core commitments.

Yes. We offer CareCredit and Cherry Financing, both allow you to spread treatment costs over time with low monthly payments. Many patients qualify even with less-than-perfect credit. Ask us about current promotional rates. View all financing options.

We verify your insurance benefits before your appointment and provide a clear estimate of what your plan will cover and what you'll owe. No surprises. If your actual treatment differs from the estimate, we let you know before we proceed.

You can book online fill out the form and we typically confirm within one hour during office hours. Or call us directly at (972) 852-2222. We're a real office with real people answering the phone.

We hold emergency slots open every day we're open. Call (972) 852-2222 as early in the day as possible. Most emergency patients are seen within 2–4 hours of calling.

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to reschedule. We understand life happens, just give us a call and we'll find another time that works.

Absolutely. We care for patients of all ages. Many of our long-term adult patients have been bringing their children and grandchildren to see us for years. We're a true family practice.

Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card (if you have one), a list of current medications, and any previous dental X-rays if available. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete your intake forms. Full new patient guide.

Most new patient appointments run 60–90 minutes. This includes a comprehensive oral exam, digital X-rays, a full dental cleaning, and time to discuss your dental history and any concerns. We never rush.

Modern dentistry is far more comfortable than most people expect. We use the latest anesthetics, take our time, and check in with you throughout every procedure. For patients with significant anxiety, Dr. Houshmand offers certified conscious sedation.

Conscious sedation uses safe, medically supervised medication to help you feel deeply relaxed during your appointment. You remain conscious and can respond, but most patients remember very little of the procedure. It's an excellent option for dental anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, or complex procedures. Dr. Houshmand is certified in this technique. Learn more.

Common signs include a persistent toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, a darkening tooth, or swelling in the nearby gum. A root canal relieves pain, it doesn't cause it. Modern root canals are typically as comfortable as a filling. Learn more about root canals.

A single implant including the post, abutment, and crown typically ranges from $3,000–$5,000 in the Dallas area. We provide an exact cost at your consultation. CareCredit and Cherry Financing are available. Some PPO plans now cover portions of implant treatment. Learn more about implants.

Most adult cases take 6–18 months. Dr. Aletaha will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation using a digital 3D preview, you see your result before committing. Learn more about Invisalign.

Most adults benefit from professional cleanings every 6 months. Patients with gum disease, higher cavity risk, or certain medical conditions may benefit from more frequent visits, typically every 3–4 months. We'll recommend a schedule tailored to your specific needs.

A filling restores a small-to-moderate portion of a damaged tooth. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing more protection for teeth with extensive decay, cracks, or fractures. If more than 50% of the tooth structure is compromised, a crown is usually the better long-term solution.

Yes, this is one of our specialties. Dr. Houshmand is certified in conscious sedation dentistry and has helped hundreds of patients who avoided dentistry for years finally get the care they need. Just tell us you're nervous when you book, that's all we need to know. Read more about our approach to anxious patients.

Never. We hear this every single week. Our response is always the same: we're glad you're here. We start with a thorough assessment, explain exactly what we see, and work with you on a realistic, prioritized plan at your pace. No lectures. No guilt.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety, you remain fully alert and can drive afterward. Oral conscious sedation for moderate-to-severe anxiety, a prescription medication taken before your appointment that produces deep relaxation. You'll need a driver. Dr. Houshmand monitors you throughout every sedation appointment.

Absolutely. You're welcome to bring a trusted person to your appointment. They can stay with you during the consultation and, depending on the procedure, during treatment as well.

Yes. We use digital X-rays (up to 80% less radiation than traditional X-rays), digital impressions (no messy traditional molds), and digital smile design so you can preview results before committing to cosmetic treatment.

A routine cleaning and exam for an uninsured adult in Dallas typically runs $150–$350. Our Adult Complete Membership Plan ($325/yr) covers 2 cleanings, 2 exams, x-rays, and a fluoride treatment, plus 20% off all other procedures. View our membership plan.

Dental crowns at Spring Valley Dental typically range from $1,200–$2,000 depending on the material and complexity. Most PPO plans cover approximately 50% of crown cost after your deductible. We provide an exact estimate with your insurance coverage before treatment begins.

We offer CareCredit (0% promotional interest periods available) and Cherry Financing (flexible monthly payments, more patients qualify). Both can be applied for in minutes online or in our office. View all financing options.

Yes. Through CareCredit and Cherry Financing, you can spread treatment costs over 6, 12, 18, or 24 months depending on the plan you qualify for. Many patients combine insurance coverage with a financing plan to make large treatments very manageable monthly.

We provide exact cost estimates for every patient before treatment begins, based on your specific case and insurance coverage. See our transparent pricing guide with starting-from ranges for 12 common procedures.

1. Some pain after a root canal is normal. Start pain medication before your anesthesia wears off. Take Ibuprofen (Advil) 600 mg every 6 hours or 800 mg every 8 hours unless your doctor advises otherwise. Do not take Aspirin. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, take two acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours.
2. If an antibiotic is prescribed, take the full course as directed. Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, consult your physician if you have concerns.
3. Some swelling and bruising is normal and will be at its worst 48–96 hours after treatment. Apply an ice pack gently over the area, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for 3–4 hours. Do not use ice for more than 6 hours total. Do not fall asleep with ice on your face.
4. Eating enough food and staying hydrated are the most important things you can do to heal faster. Avoid sticky or crunchy foods for the first 3 days.
5. Starting the day after treatment, rinse gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water) after meals and at bedtime, or use the prescribed mouth rinse. Continue brushing and flossing normally everywhere except the treated area, which you may brush gently.
6. Do not smoke for the first 24 hours following treatment.
7. Mild sensitivity or discomfort is normal for the first week. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or fever, contact us immediately.
8. You can call us any hour of the day or night if you are concerned about anything.
9. Please contact our office to schedule your follow-up appointment and to place a permanent restoration.