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Frequently Asked Questions

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How much does a dental cleaning cost without insurance?

Without insurance, you can get regular cleanings at BEAM Dental through our Preventive Care membership plan: $349 a year for two cleanings, two exams, and annual diagnostic X-rays, plus 40% off other dental care. New patients can also get a bundled discount on their consultation, X-rays, and routine cleaning. See all insurance and payment options.

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Can I use my HSA or FSA at Beam Dental?

Yes. You can use HSA and FSA funds for eligible dental treatments, such as fillings and braces, and to pay your membership fee. It's an easy way to lower your out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about insurance and payment options.

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Does Beam Dental offer financing?

Yes. BEAM Dental offers 0% APR financing options. See all payment options.

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Is a dental membership plan the same as dental insurance?

No. A BEAM Dental membership plan is an in-office savings plan, not insurance. You pay a membership fee directly to BEAM Dental and get preventive care plus discounted pricing on other treatment, with no deductibles, no yearly maximum, and no pre-authorization. Membership lasts 12 months from the date you enroll, and membership discounts can't be combined with insurance benefits. Anyone can join, with or without dental insurance.

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Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?

It depends on your plan. Call us and we'll help you check your coverage. If your plan doesn't cover it, our Ortho Care membership plan offers straightforward pricing with no insurance limitations. Learn more about Invisalign and braces for adults.

Affordability

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What is PPO dental insurance?

PPO dental insurance (Preferred Provider Organization) allows you to visit any licensed dentist, but you’ll pay less if you choose a dentist within the plan's network. It offers flexibility in choosing providers while still covering a portion of your dental expenses.

Affordability

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Can I still get affordable dental care without insurance?

Yes, even without insurance, you can still access affordable dental care at BEAM Dental through options like discount programs, flexible financing, and our membership plans designed to make long-term oral health more manageable and cost-effective.

Memberships

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How do I enroll in a Beam Dental membership plan?

Book an appointment at one of our BEAM Dental locations, and our care team will help you choose a plan and enroll. Your benefits start as soon as you enroll, with no deductibles, no yearly maximum, and no pre-authorization. The Preventive Care plan is $349 a year and includes two cleanings, two exams, annual diagnostic X-rays, a flat fee for fluoride treatment, and 40% off dental care and emergency visits. See all membership plans.

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Where are you located?

BEAM Dental has 10 locations across New York City, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In New York City, we have locations in Flushing, Union Square, Williamsburg, and Long Island City. In New Jersey, patients can schedule an appointment at our Edgewater, Edison, Fort Lee, Hoboken, or Jersey City locations. In Pennsylvania, we have a location in Malvern.

All of our locations provide cosmetic, preventative, and restorative dentistry services, along with implant dentistry, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. You can call to book an appointment or conveniently schedule one directly online.

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How often should I see a dentist?

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends visiting the dentist at least once a year, most dentists recommend patients see them every six months. During a routine checkup, your dentist can remove harmful plaque buildup and tartar. When left unchecked, tartar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Visiting the dentist two times a year also allows them to check for any underlying conditions, such as oral cancer.

For patients who already have a history of gum disease, use tobacco products, or have a weakened immune system, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

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My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?

Yes, even if your teeth feel fine, you should still visit the dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove plaque buildup. Plaque is the sticky film that forms on your teeth from food, acid, and bacteria. If left on your teeth, plaque will harden and turn into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay.

Scheduling routine checkups can prevent gum disease and cavities from forming or catch them early before symptoms worsen and more extensive treatment is needed. So even if you’re not experiencing discomfort, it’s important to schedule a dental cleaning.

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Which insurance companies work with Beam Dental?

BEAM Dental is committed to providing accessible dental care for all patients. We accept most forms of dental insurance, including Aetna, Ameritas, Horizon, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, BlueCross BlueShield, and United Healthcare. If you’re not sure about coverage, give us a call.

If you don’t have insurance, you can still get the dental care you need. We offer discounts and financing to provide affordable solutions. You can also sign up for a membership plan, starting at $349 annually, which includes two cleanings and two exams and 40% off dental care and emergency visits. You can also use HSA and FSA funds for eligible dental treatments and for your membership fee.

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What is considered a dental emergency, and what should I do?

A dental emergency is a problem that needs care right away, such as a severe toothache, a badly cracked or broken tooth, a knocked-out or loose tooth, bleeding that won't stop, or facial swelling from an abscess. Call your nearest BEAM Dental location right away. Our New York and New Jersey locations reserve time each day for urgent dental care, so we can often see you the same day. Learn more about emergency dentistry.

If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist in milk or saliva, avoid touching the root, and call us immediately. The best chance of saving it is within the first hour. If our offices are closed, go to an urgent care facility or the emergency room. They can't perform dental procedures, but they can provide antibiotics or pain relievers.

BEAM Dental membership members get 40% off emergency visits.

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Is it safe to visit a dentist if I’m pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to visit the dentist if you’re pregnant. If you need extensive dental work, such as filling a cavity, it’s ideal to wait until the second trimester unless the treatment is urgent. Your dentist will be cautious when administering anesthesia, providing only what’s needed to make you comfortable. They’ll also ensure any pain relievers or antibiotics prescribed are safe to use while pregnant.

While dental X-rays are safe to perform with appropriate shielding, your dentist will only take X-rays if absolutely necessary. Any elective or non-emergency dental procedures should be postponed until after you’ve given birth.

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What should I bring to my first appointment at Beam Dental?

Bring along a photo ID, your insurance card, and a list of any current medications. Recent X-rays from a previous dentist are helpful to have, but don’t worry if you don’t have them.

It’s also helpful to arrive about 15 minutes early so there’s no scrambling with the paperwork. And if anything’s on your mind before you come in, just reach out. We’re always ready to help.

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What causes tooth decay?

Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that gradually eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Left unchecked, those acids lead to cavities. Sugary drinks, frequent snacking, and skipping the floss all feed those bacteria. The good news is that most decay is preventable. Regular visits with your dentist help, and consistent home hygiene helps even more. Cutting back on sugar also helps reduce the risk of preventable oral health issues.

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Why do my gums bleed?

Bleeding is usually due to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease in which plaque builds up along the gumline and leads to inflammation. This condition is common and often reversible with a professional cleaning and better brushing habits.

However, bleeding that keeps coming back can sometimes point to certain medications or underlying health conditions, so it’s worth seeking professional care. For some, a deep cleaning may be the best option. Come see us to learn about the state of your gum health.

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How can I stop tooth sensitivity?

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, and cut back on acidic foods and drinks like soda, alcohol, citrus fruits, and tomato products. Sensitivity is a sharp, temporary pain when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet. It happens when enamel wears thin or gums pull back, leaving a more sensitive layer of the tooth exposed. If your sensitivity lasts a while or gets worse, book an appointment and let us take a look.

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Do you offer dental treatment for children?

We do! We love seeing young patients and making sure their early dental experiences are positive ones. Kids can be nervous about the dentist, and we get that. Our team is used to working at a pace that makes them comfortable. We handle everything from cleanings and X-rays to sealants and fluoride treatments. Family appointments are always an option if you'd rather bring the whole crew in at once.

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When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age 1, or within six months of the first tooth showing up—and that’s earlier than most people expect. Those first appointments are low-key, usually quick, and mostly about getting kids comfortable in the chair and giving parents a chance to ask questions about home care. Catching anything unusual early makes treatment easier and teaches kids that the dentist plays an important role in helping them feel their best.