We'll take it from the beginning
Most new patients come to us having had the same experience elsewhere: a rushed 15-minute cleaning, a quick look, and a treatment plan that arrives as a bill. That's not how Dr. Im works. Your first appointment is longer by design time to listen, time to look carefully, and time to actually talk about what you want from your dental health.
Here's how that first visit typically unfolds.
Arrival & Welcome
You'll be greeted by our front desk team and given a moment to settle in. If you haven't completed your new patient forms online, we'll get you set up no rush. We keep a comfortable, unhurried waiting area and typically run on time.
Health History Review
Dr. Im takes your medical history seriously. Many dental issues jaw tension, headaches, sleep disruption have whole-body connections that most dentists overlook. We take time to understand your full health picture before we begin.
Digital X-Rays & Imaging
We use low-radiation digital X-rays for a clear, precise picture of your dental health. For certain concerns, our CBCT 3D scanner allows Dr. Im to see jaw structure, bone density, and airway in exceptional detail information that changes treatment recommendations.
Comprehensive Exam
A full examination teeth, gums, jaw alignment, bite, and oral tissues. Dr. Im looks for the things other exams miss: signs of grinding, airway concerns, early TMJ symptoms, and the underlying causes of recurring problems.
Your Treatment Conversation
No surprises. Before any treatment is scheduled, Dr. Im walks you through what he found, what he recommends, and why in plain language. You'll have time to ask questions and make decisions without pressure. Same-day treatment is available when you're ready.
We see a lot of patients who haven't been to a dentist in years sometimes decades. There's no judgment here. Whatever brought you in, we're glad you came, and we'll meet you where you are.
Dr. Patrick Im, DDSWhat to Bring
Having these ready makes check-in faster and helps Dr. Im give you the most complete care possible.
New patient forms can be completed in the office just arrive 10 15 minutes early. We'll have everything ready for you.
We'll help you make it work
We work with most major PPO dental insurance plans and will do our best to maximize your benefits. Every plan is different coverage limits, deductibles, and what's included vary widely so the most reliable way to know what's covered for you is to give us a call. Our front desk will verify your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises when you arrive.
PPO Insurance Plans
We are happy to work with most PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) dental plans. We'll submit claims on your behalf and work to get you the maximum reimbursement your plan allows. We are not a Medicaid provider.
📞 Call us to verify your plan: (360) 779-4556Medical Insurance May Cover Your Treatment
Oral appliances for sleep apnea and TMJ orthotic therapy are often covered fully or partially by medical insurance rather than dental insurance. If you're being treated for sleep apnea or jaw pain, ask us about billing your medical plan. This is something most dental offices don't discuss, and it can make a significant difference in your out-of-pocket cost.
We believe financial uncertainty shouldn't be the reason someone avoids care they need. If you have questions about your coverage or how to make treatment affordable, just ask we'll work through it with you.
Care now, payments over time
Quality dentistry is an investment whether you're doing a full smile restoration, a CEREC same-day crown, sleep appliance, or TMJ treatment. We offer flexible payment options so the cost of care doesn't stand between you and your health.
CareCredit
A healthcare credit card accepted at our practice. Apply online in minutes, get an immediate decision, and use it for any treatment from a routine cleaning to full restorative work. Special financing options including 0% interest periods available on qualifying purchases.
FSA & HSA
We accept Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts for qualifying dental services. If you have an FSA or HSA through your employer, dental treatment is typically a covered expense a tax-advantaged way to pay for the care you need.
Standard Payment
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash. Payment is due at time of service for any portion not covered by insurance. We're happy to discuss payment timing for larger treatment plans just ask at the front desk.
No Insurance? No Problem.
We see many patients without dental coverage. We'll be upfront about costs, walk you through all your options, and help you prioritize treatment in a way that fits your budget. Nobody should go without dental care because of cost alone.
To apply for CareCredit or learn more about financing options, call our office at (360) 779-4556 or ask at the front desk during your visit.
Good questions deserve real answers
A few things patients ask us most often answered plainly.
Plan for about 90 minutes for a new patient comprehensive exam, including X-rays and a consultation with Dr. Im. We don't rush the first visit this is when we establish the full picture of your dental health, and that takes time to do well.
Absolutely it's more common than most people think. Dr. Im is known for a calm, unhurried approach and for explaining everything before doing it. We work at your pace. If you have significant anxiety, just mention it when you call and we'll make sure your appointment is structured accordingly.
Yes. Dr. Im uses CEREC technology to design and mill ceramic crowns, inlays, and onlays in a single appointment. No temporaries, no second visit. Most crown appointments take about 2 hours from preparation to placement.
Not at all. We see patients all the time who've avoided the dentist for years sometimes due to cost, anxiety, bad past experiences, or just life getting in the way. Our focus is on where you are now and how to move forward, not on the past. Come as you are.
Yes, we welcome patients of all ages. Dr. Im is a family dentist, and many of our patients have been coming to us as a family for decades. For children with significant anxiety or complex needs, we may refer to a pediatric specialist but for routine care, we're happy to see the whole family.
Common signs include chronic jaw pain or clicking, frequent headaches (especially in the morning), neck and shoulder tension, worn teeth, or trouble fully opening your mouth. These symptoms are often dismissed or misdiagnosed. Dr. Im has extensive training in physiologic dentistry and TMJ if any of these sound familiar, it's worth having a conversation.
Life happens just give us a call at (360) 779-4556 as soon as you know. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice when possible so we can offer your appointment time to another patient. We'll get you rescheduled at the next available time that works for you.
