Frequently Asked Questions — Hickory Dentistry
Have questions about your dental care, our services, or what to expect at Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC? You’re not alone — we’ve answered our most commonly asked questions below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help. Call us at (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online.
Your Dental Questions, Answered by Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC
We believe informed patients make better decisions about their oral health — and that starts with having access to clear, honest answers. Below you’ll find responses to the questions we hear most often from patients throughout Hickory, NC and the surrounding communities of Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover. Whether you’re a new patient getting familiar with our practice or a long-time patient with something on your mind, we hope this page helps. And as always, our team is just a phone call away at (828) 322-2977.
How do I schedule an appointment at Hickory Dentistry?
Scheduling is easy — you can call our office directly at (828) 322-2977 during business hours, or use the appointment request form on our website to submit your preferred date and time. We’ll confirm your appointment promptly and send any necessary new patient paperwork in advance so your first visit runs smoothly. We welcome new patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes — Hickory Dentistry is actively welcoming new patients of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a dental home for your whole family, establishing care after moving to the Hickory area, or haven’t seen a dentist in a while and are ready to get back on track, we’d love to meet you. Call (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online and our team will take care of the rest.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
For your first visit to Hickory Dentistry, please bring a valid photo ID, your dental insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any current medications or supplements you’re taking. If you have recent dental X-rays from a previous provider, we’d appreciate those as well — though we can take new digital X-rays at your appointment if needed. Arriving a few minutes early gives us time to complete any remaining paperwork before your scheduled appointment time.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes — Hickory Dentistry accepts most major dental insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment and help you understand exactly what your plan covers so there are no surprises. We’ll handle claim submission on your behalf and clearly explain any out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with treatment. If you’re unsure whether we accept your specific plan, call us at (828) 322-2977 and we’ll look it up for you.
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
Not having dental insurance doesn’t mean you can’t receive excellent care at Hickory Dentistry. We believe everyone deserves access to quality dentistry, and our team is happy to discuss financial options including payment plans and other arrangements that make care manageable. We’ll always provide a clear cost estimate before any treatment begins so you can make an informed decision. Call (828) 322-2977 to learn more about your options.
How often should I come in for a cleaning and checkup?
Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning and comprehensive exam every six months. However, the ideal frequency depends on your individual oral health — patients with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or certain systemic health conditions may be placed on a three- or four-month schedule for more attentive monitoring. Dr. Millsaps will recommend the recall interval that best supports your long-term oral health at your appointment.
What services does Hickory Dentistry offer?
Hickory Dentistry is a comprehensive dental practice offering a full range of services under one roof, including general dentistry (cleanings, exams, fillings, root canals, extractions), cosmetic dentistry (veneers, Invisalign, teeth whitening, zirconia crowns), restorative dentistry (dental implants, bridges, implant restoration), periodontal services (gum disease treatment, gum grafting, crown lengthening), and advanced dental technology (Cone Beam 3D imaging, digital X-rays, iTero scanning). Whatever your dental need, we’re equipped to help.
Do you offer emergency dental care?
Yes — Hickory Dentistry provides emergency dental care for patients experiencing urgent dental situations such as severe tooth pain, knocked-out or broken teeth, dental abscesses, lost crowns, and soft tissue injuries. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Hickory, NC or the surrounding area, call us immediately at (828) 322-2977. We make every effort to see emergency patients as quickly as possible to relieve pain and prevent further damage. Learn more about our emergency dental care services.
Is Hickory Dentistry a good choice for children?
Absolutely — Hickory Dentistry welcomes patients of all ages, including young children. We believe in building positive early dental experiences that set kids up for a lifetime of good oral health habits. Our team is warm, patient, and skilled at helping children feel comfortable and even excited about their dental visits. We recommend bringing children in for their first appointment around age one or when their first tooth appears. We also offer dental sealants and other preventive treatments especially beneficial for younger patients.
Do you offer Invisalign in Hickory, NC?
Yes — Hickory Dentistry is proud to offer Invisalign clear aligner therapy for teenagers and adults. Using our iTero digital scanner, we create a precise 3D model of your teeth and map out your complete treatment plan — including a preview of your projected results before you begin. Invisalign is a comfortable, removable, virtually invisible alternative to traditional braces that allows you to straighten your teeth without disrupting your daily routine. Call (828) 322-2977 to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
What are dental implants and am I a candidate?
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth — a small titanium post is placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root, topped with a custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Most healthy adults with sufficient jawbone density and healthy gums are candidates. Dr. Millsaps uses Cone Beam 3D imaging to evaluate your bone and determine your candidacy. If you’re missing one or more teeth and want a permanent, natural-feeling solution, call (828) 322-2977 to schedule an implant consultation.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gum tissue, persistent bad breath, gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth, and increased tooth sensitivity. Many patients are unaware they have gum disease because early-stage gingivitis is often painless. Regular dental checkups at Hickory Dentistry include gum health evaluation so we can catch and treat gum disease early. If you’re concerned, call us at (828) 322-2977 for an evaluation.
What is Cone Beam 3D imaging and why does it matter?
Cone Beam 3D imaging is an advanced diagnostic technology that captures a complete three-dimensional view of your teeth, roots, jawbone, nerves, airways, and sinuses in a single scan lasting less than ten seconds. Unlike flat 2D X-rays, 3D imaging gives Dr. Millsaps unmatched diagnostic detail — especially valuable for planning dental implants, evaluating complex root canal anatomy, assessing TMJ issues, and examining impacted teeth. The radiation dose is significantly lower than a medical CT scan.
Do you offer teeth whitening?
Yes — Hickory Dentistry offers professional teeth whitening in both in-office and take-home formats. Professional whitening delivers dramatically stronger, more even results than any over-the-counter product — often six to ten shades of improvement. In-office treatment is completed in a single appointment; custom take-home kits let you whiten on your own schedule. Dr. Millsaps will evaluate your discoloration and recommend the best approach for your specific situation and goals. Call (828) 322-2977 to get started.
What languages does your team speak?
At Hickory Dentistry, we are proud to offer bilingual services in English, Spanish, and Hmong. We understand that being able to communicate clearly and comfortably in your preferred language makes a meaningful difference in your dental experience — especially when discussing health information, treatment options, and care instructions. Our multilingual team members are available to assist patients from Hickory, NC and the surrounding community. Call (828) 322-2977 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
How do I reach Hickory Dentistry if I have a question between appointments?
The best way to reach our team between appointments is to call us directly at (828) 322-2977 during regular office hours — Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday by appointment only. You can also send a message through the contact form on our website. For dental emergencies outside of office hours, call our main number and follow the prompts — we do our best to ensure urgent situations are addressed promptly. We’re here for you whenever you need us.
