Dentist Near the Far West Side of San Antonio, TX

How do you schedule a same-day appointment with a dentist?

Most cases that require same-day treatment are dental emergencies. Knowing who to call is imperative if you want to improve your chances of saving your tooth. At Alamo Springs Dental, our dentists near the Far West Side of San Antonio encourage you to call our office right away.

Based on the severity of your injury, we will determine how soon you need to see one of our dentists. In most cases, we can get you in on the same day for immediate examination and treatment; however, if not, we will provide first-aid tips that you can use at home to manage your pain and avoid further dental harm.

How much does a dental checkup and cleaning cost in the Far West Side of San Antonio?

When it comes to a general dental checkup and cleaning in the Far West Side of San Antonio, it’s important that you look at the factors your dentist will consider before determining a cost estimate. These can include:

• The initial conversation about your oral health and any questions or concerns you might have
• The digital imaging that is required to see a more comprehensive view of your oral anatomy
• The oral examination that must be completed
• The thorough cleaning to remove any accumulated plaque and tartar from teeth and gums
• The location of the dentist’s office

While the average cost can range between $200 and $350 throughout the U.S., your price point may be different, especially if you choose to use your dental insurance to help lower the cost. Depending on the type of plan you have, your dental checkups and cleanings may be covered at 100% - a factor that should lead you to pursue regular oral healthcare throughout the year.

What is the requirement to be a dentist in the U.S.?

There are a few different requirements that you must fulfill if you want to be a licensed and practicing dentist in the United States.

• First, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have high scores in math and science.
• You must be accepted into a dental program at one of the 67 accredited schools in the U.S. and achieve a DDS or DMD degree. These programs typically last 3 years and have a combination of classwork instruction and hands-on learning.
• You can choose to pursue general dentistry or specialize in one of the fields recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA): orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, etc. These programs can take an additional 2-3 years.
• Once you achieve your license, you must pursue continuing education hours each year.

What do you do if you can’t afford a dentist?

Before you decide that visiting the dentist is a luxury you cannot afford, remember that putting off regular oral healthcare can lead to serious dental issues that require costlier treatment in the future. If you have dental insurance, make sure to use it, as most plans offer 100% coverage for preventive services and between 50-80% coverage for restorative care.

If you do not have private insurance, ask your dentist about alternative ways to pay. At Alamo Springs Dental, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit and an in-house loyalty program. Instead of worrying about deductibles and annual maximums, you simply pay a yearly membership fee and receive two free exams each year and valuable discounts on cosmetic and restorative services.