Frequently Asked Questions

For the same reason you would choose a cardiologist for open heart surgery.  A prosthodontist that is certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics has demonstrated special skill, knowledge, and experience in restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth.

Some one option only centers offer implants performed by specialists and general dentists, but unless you want only surgical options then, no, you may not get the most appropriate treatment for your circumstances.

Remember to bring the new patient forms (or just come early and we can help you fill them out in the office), insurance cards (medical and dental), a list of your current medications, dentures (if any) and referral slip from your family dentist (if any).  We also encourage you to bring a spouse or trusted significant other so they can hear the details of the presentation.  Also, remember to bring any required medications to every appointment such as inhalers or heart tablets.

We will review your forms and desires, make 2D and 3D radiographs, and perform a comprehensive exam. You may be scheduled back to select a treatment plan and sequence after Dr Andrus has had time to study your information.  You may also need diagnostic photos, casts and concept simulation before beginning.

We ask that you provide our fees on the day of service and then we will submit your forms to the insurance company as a courtesy to you so that you don’t have to deal with that at all. If you are covered for our care, then your insurance company will reimburse you directly. In some cases we can submit to your medical insurance for medically covered dental treatment.  For example, if your mouth isn’t healthy, hasn’t been functioning properly since birth or has been harmed by accident, disease or illness, we can help!

Our staff is well informed and up-to-date to assist you with a wide array of convenient financing options such as local credit union financing, Care Credit, debt consolidation, pre-tax HRA, HSA, IRA, Flex Spending and, of course, cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover.

While Dr Andrus is not a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, his prosthodontic training included literature reviews and hospital based treatment of maxillofacial prosthodontic patients including diagnosis of oral cancer, treatment of mandibular discontinuity defects, cleft lip/palate, fabrication of palatal obturators, palatal lift prosthesis, prosthetic eyes, prosthetic noses, prosthetic ears.

He is able to work with familiarity with otolaryngologists, radiation oncologists, anaplastologists, speech pathologists, and other members of the tumor board and medical professionals to treat these patients and refer to and collaborate with maxillofacial prosthodontists around the country. He is currently credentialed as a referral surgical staff member at St George Regional Hospitial.

We know that your dental health can’t wait. We are following local and state guidelines and OSHA standards. Although not required, we have installed Reme Halo units in the HVAC system and have Pure Air units in each treatment room and offer an oral pre-rinse to our patients before beginning some treatment as an extra precaution.