New Dental Patients Rapid City
Top-Tier Dentistry for Your Whole Family
Anderson Dental has been in the community since 1988, originally started by Dr. Karl Anderson’s father, Dr. Kurt Anderson. Over the decades, we’ve become known as the family dental office of Rapid City, and we’re humbled to have built relationships with families that have spanned generations. We can’t wait to welcome you to our practice, too! You can get a good idea of what to expect at your first visit with us below, or feel free to give us a call if you have any questions!
Your First Visit
On your first visit, Dr. Anderson will take time to get to know your concerns about your dental health. He and his staff will provide you with our comprehensive exam.
Our Exam Checklist
- Diagnostic X-rays - We look at tooth and root positions, decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss
- Surface Examination - We look at all tooth surfaces for decay
- Restoration Examination - We review existing restorations (fillings, dental implants, dental crowns, etc.) for structural stability
- Oral Cancer Screening - We make sure to look for signs of cancer
- Gum Disease Evaluation - We check for periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis
- Professional Dental Cleaning & Polishing - Our gentle, registered dental hygienists remove tartar, dental plaque, and stains
- Fluoride Treatment - This helps protect your teeth from tooth decay
Preparing for Your First Visit
Each visit can vary in time due to the amount of procedures being completed and the extent of the dental health treatment. If you would like, you may visit our Patient Forms Page and fill out the appropriate form(s) ahead of time.
New Patient Registration New Patient (Child) Registration Record Release to Anderson Dental Teeth Whitening Tray Instructions Wisdom Teeth Care Instructions Payment PoliciesDental Insurance Welcome
Our practice is in-network with Delta Dental and proudly accepts all PPO dental insurance plans. At every visit, we’ll maximize your benefits by filing claims on your behalf and always provide you with up-front cost estimates and pricing information before you move forward with your treatment plan. If at any point you have questions about your dental insurance coverage or cost-related concerns, our team is always happy to help you get the answers you need.
No Dental Insurance?
We offer CareCredit, which is a medical credit card that you can apply for at our office, or online. CareCredit offers many repayment plans that fit virtually any budget. Review the information on the CareCredit website and feel free to call us with any questions you may have.
Dental Questions (FAQs)
Do I have dry socket?
For the first 24-48 hours following surgery, extraction sites are red in color. Over time, the site will turn white. Sometimes patients believe the white colored clot is something stuck in their extraction site, and as a result, they rinse heavily or pick at the area. This can delay healing and cause pain or dry socket.
Our suggestion is to please call us and see us right away if you feel you have something stuck in the area. We will clean the area and offer instructions to prevent dry socket. Otherwise, it is always best to leave the extraction site undisturbed.
I have not been to the dentist in a while - what is the first step?
Call us and set up a new patient exam! During the exam, we’ll take current X-rays, diagnose any problems, and if we find anything of concern, we’ll create a treatment plan to keep your oral health on the right track.
I’m CPAP-intolerant. Are there any other sleep apnea treatment options?
Obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to many problems beyond a poor night of sleep, including congestive heart failure, an increased risk of stroke, and high blood pressure. Before seeking out treatment, it’s important to get sleep study to determine the type and severity of your sleep apnea. Successful treatment will provide you with a more restful night of sleep and, in many cases, completely eliminate snoring. We provide Somnomed and Tap Dream oral sleep appliances that can be used in combination with a CPAP device or as an alternative for patients who aren’t CPAP-tolerant.
What can I expect at my dental visit?
Cleanings generally take an hour to complete, but that timeframe may be extended if a more extensive cleaning is required. Crown preparations can take 1-1 ½ hours for your visit, or if you’re receiving a same-day crown, up to three hours. Bridge preparations can be completed in 1-1 ½ hours. Cavities are filled within about 30 minutes, depending on the number of fillings being completed. Implant placement can take between 45 minutes to an hour, per implant being placed.
A dental assistant will be able to answer any questions you may have before your visit so you know exactly what to expect.
When should I bring my children in for their first visit?
Children around the age of two should come in for a visit. This initial visit will check how teeth are erupting and familiarize them with the dentist. The first visit will be as fun and relaxing as possible. Each child is unique, and we gauge our time with your child accordingly.