Frequently Asked Questions

We are at 1735 W. Hunt Hwy., Ste. C-103, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143. We serve patients from San Tan Valley, Queen Creek and the surrounding communities. Call us at (480) 581-7681 for directions or to book a visit.

We are open Monday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Fridays are by appointment only, and we are closed Saturday and Sunday.

Yes, we welcome new patients. Call (480) 581-7681 to book, or request an appointment through our website and a member of our team will confirm your visit by phone.

No. A lot of our patients come to us after a long gap, often because a previous experience put them off. We take a look, explain plainly what we find, and work out a plan with you — often in stages if there is a lot to address. There is no judgement about how long it has been.

Tell us when you book so we can plan the visit properly. We offer sedation options including nitrous oxide, which wears off quickly enough that you can drive yourself home, and oral conscious sedation for deeper relaxation. Dr. Gifford has particular experience caring for highly anxious patients. See our sedation dentistry page for details.

Yes. We provide pediatric dentistry including exams, cleanings, sealants, fillings and emergency care. Visits are kept unhurried, and nothing happens to a child without being explained first. Let us know when you book if your child is nervous.

We accept most PPO insurance plans. Because policies vary considerably, please contact our office at (480) 581-7681 with your insurance details and we will verify your specific coverage before your visit.

Payment options include cash, Visa, MasterCard, and our in-office discount plan. We also offer financing through Cherry payment plans and accept CareCredit with 6 and 12 month zero-interest options. Call (480) 581-7681 to discuss what works for your situation.

Cost depends entirely on what treatment you need, and we would rather give you an accurate figure than a guess. After an examination we will explain what is recommended and what it will cost before anything is scheduled. Call (480) 581-7681 to arrange a visit.

Call us at (480) 581-7681 right away. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, handle it by the crown rather than the root, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and call immediately — time is the deciding factor. If we are closed and the situation cannot wait, go to your nearest emergency center. See our emergency care page for more.

Every six months suits most patients, though some need to come more often depending on their gum health and history of decay. Dr. Gifford will recommend an interval based on what he actually sees. Book a cleaning and exam by calling (480) 581-7681.

No referral is needed to book with us. If your insurance plan specifically requires a referral for certain treatment, we will let you know when we verify your benefits. Call (480) 581-7681 to get started.

Yes. Nitrous oxide clears from your system within a few minutes once the mask is removed, and we give you pure oxygen at the end of your appointment to help that along. Most patients feel back to normal before they leave the chair. Oral conscious sedation is different and does require a driver. Read more about nitrous oxide.

No. You stay conscious throughout the procedure. The medication relaxes your body and mind, and many patients feel drowsy and remember little of the appointment, but you remain aware and able to respond to us. Read more about oral conscious sedation.

It varies with the size of the filling, where it sits in the mouth and how you care for it. Fillings on back teeth take heavy chewing forces and wear faster than those on front teeth. Grinding shortens the life of any filling. We check existing fillings at every exam. Read more about fillings.

The procedure itself should not be painful — the tooth is numbed thoroughly beforehand. Most patients find it comparable to having a filling, just longer. The severe pain associated with root canals is the infection beforehand, which the treatment relieves. Read more about root canals.

No. If they come in straight, have room, and can be cleaned properly, they can stay. The decision depends on their position and whether they are causing or likely to cause problems. An X-ray is what tells us. Read more about wisdom teeth extractions.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket is dislodged before healing is underway, exposing bone. It is painful and needs treatment. Avoid it by not smoking, not using straws, and not rinsing forcefully for the first 24 hours. Read more about extractions.

Common signs are waking with a sore jaw or headache, teeth that look flattened or worn at the edges, increased sensitivity, or a partner noticing the sound. Dr. Gifford can often identify grinding from wear patterns during a routine exam before you have noticed anything. Read more about night guards.

Usually shortly after the permanent molars come through — around age six for the first molars and around twelve for the second. Sealing them soon after they erupt gives protection during the years when decay risk is highest. Read more about sealants.

No. Whitening agents only affect natural tooth structure. Crowns, veneers, bonding and tooth-colored fillings keep their existing shade, which is why we check what restorations you have in your smile line before starting. Read more about teeth whitening.

With good care, many years — though the exact lifespan depends on your bite, whether you grind, and how you look after them. Grinding is the main thing that shortens it, which is why a night guard is often recommended alongside. Read more about veneers.

Yes — at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth. The crown material does not decay, but the tooth underneath can, so continue brushing and flossing normally around it. Read more about porcelain crowns.

Yes. They guide the adult teeth into position, and they matter for eating and speech in the meantime. Decay in baby teeth can be painful, can cause infection, and losing one early can affect how the adult tooth comes through. Read more about oral health exams.

Dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation, and digital sensors require less than older film. Protective measures are used, and images are only taken when clinically justified. Tell us if you are or may be pregnant. Read more about digital x-rays.

Depending on the situation, options can include an implant-supported restoration or a removable partial denture. Each has trade-offs in cost, longevity and how much work is done to the neighbouring teeth. Dr. Gifford will go through what applies to your case. Read more about bridges.