Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Enrollment is quick and simple. Once enrolled, your plan activates immediately, giving you access to discounted services without paperwork, claims, or waiting periods. Members can get treatments at any BEAM Dental location of their choice.

BEAM Dental has 10 convenient locations throughout New York City and New Jersey. In New York City, we have locations in Flushing, Union Square, Williamsburg, and Long Island City. Patients in New Jersey can schedule an appointment at our Edgewater, Edison, Fort Lee, Hoboken, Jersey City, or West Long Branch locations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you have a dental emergency, you should immediately call your dentist. Your dentist will provide further instructions and let you know if you should come in right away for an appointment. If the office isn’t open, go to your nearest urgent care facility or the emergency room. While they can’t perform dental procedures, they can provide antibiotics or pain relievers.

Keep in mind that not every dental problem is considered an emergency. Dental emergencies include severe toothaches, a badly cracked tooth, a knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth, persistent bleeding, and a dental abscess (facial swelling).

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.

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.

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.

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.

When consuming something that’s hot, cold, or even sweet, many people will feel a temporary but sharp toothache. This occurs when the enamel wears thin or gums pull back, leaving a more sensitive tooth layer exposed. A soft-bristled brush and toothpaste made for sensitivity can take the edge off. Cutting back on acidic foods and drinks—like soda, alcohol, citrus fruits, and tomato products—can also help you avoid this reaction. However, if you’ve experienced tooth sensitivity for a while or notice an increase in intensity, let us take a look.

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.

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.