Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Sandpiper Dental, we are pleased to accept all major PPO insurance plans, including:

• Aetna
• Always Care
• Delta
• Florida Combined Life
• Guardian
• Humana
• MetLife

We understand that dental insurance is a significant benefit, and you deserve the maximum benefit you're entitled to under your plan. We also know that it can be difficult to determine exactly what those benefits are. Our dental team helps you by providing pre-treatment estimates, filing your claims, and working with your insurance provider. 

Please Call Us with Your Insurance Questions!

Even if you think you can’t afford dentistry, please call us. Dr. Doan doesn’t want anyone to sacrifice their oral health for financial reasons, and we will do our best to make your dental treatment affordable. 

We’ll recommend the most conservative treatment options and even plan your treatment in stages so you can budget for it more easily. We also offer in-house payment plans and will be happy to discuss this option with you.

If you’re in the Jacksonville area and in need of any of a comprehensive range of dental services, contact dentist Dr. Kim Doan and the team at Sandpiper Dental to confirm that we accept your dental insurance, and to schedule a consultation appointment.

We are located in southern Jacksonville, FL, at 13947 Beach Blvd, suite 106. Our dental practice is across the street from Community First Credit Union and in the strip mall at the Beach and Discovery Way intersection.

In our neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining, and we are only a short drive from Tamaya, Wolf Creek, and Highland Glen.

About Sandpiper Dental

Our modern dental office offers all the convenience and comfort of contemporary dentistry coupled with the friendliness of our compassionate team.

Additionally, we offer all the treatments you need for a healthy and beautiful smile, including:

• Preventive dentistry — Checkups, teeth cleanings, dental sealants, oral cancer screenings, and more
• General dentistry — Tooth-colored fillings, extractions, root canal treatment, and more
• Cosmetic dentistry — Veneers, teeth whitening, bonding, crowns, and more
• Tooth replacement — Dental implants and dental bridges
• Invisalign clear aligners — Discreet orthodontics
• Same-day restorations — Crowns, bridges, dental veneers

We are also here for you if you have a toothache or other dental emergency.

Contact Your Top Dentist in Jacksonville, FL

Are you looking to establish dentistry in the area? Do you have questions about our treatments and services? Then, contact a member of our helpful staff to get started.

We work with CareCredit financing.

If you have a broken or decayed tooth, your dentist likely recommended a dental crown. At Sandpiper Dental, we use computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to create ceramic dental crowns in a single dental visit.

These crowns are known as CEREC crowns or Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics. Basically, we can plan, design, and fabricate your crown right here at our Jacksonville, FL, dental office. 

However, just because we can create your final crown in one day doesn't mean it's not built to last. The average lifespan of a dental crown ranges anywhere from five to 15 years, sometimes longer. The crown's longevity primarily depends on the patient's ability to properly care for it, including practicing excellent oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly.

Over time, a crown can wear down or crack from an injury, but we are always here to ensure your smile stays in excellent condition. If you have a broken crown or need a replacement, don't hesitate to contact us for help. 

Dr. Kim Doan and our team will be happy to speak with you, examine your smile, and provide an effective solution for your unique situation. 

Do You Have a Broken or Decayed Tooth? 

Dental crowns can fix various concerns, such as decay, breaks, chips, and aesthetic imperfections. Whatever your needs may be, we can help you discover your best smile yet. 

Please call your Jacksonville, FL dentist today to see if a dental crown is right for you. 

A dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that your dentist permanently bonds to the tooth's front surface. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that can transform your smile and boost your confidence.

Countless celebrities can attribute their picture-perfect smiles to dental veneers. But having a flawless smile isn’t just for A-Listers anymore; you can have one too with our help! We can even make your dental veneers on the same day so you can enjoy your new smile in no time! 

What Problems Can Dental Veneers Fix?

A porcelain veneer can correct numerous cosmetic concerns, such as:

• Chips, cracks, fractures, or breaks 
• Tooth stains or discoloration that don’t go away with professional teeth whitening
• Slight gaps between teeth or spacing issues 
• Teeth that appear too short or gummy smiles
• Teeth of uneven sizes 
• Misshapen teeth 
• Slightly crooked or overlapping teeth

Same-Day Dental Veneers in Jackson Beach, FL 

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, dental veneers may be the cosmetic solution for you. Our team will be pleased to evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and develop a customized treatment plan that surpasses your expectations. 

Please contact Sandpiper Dental today to schedule your cosmetic dental consultation with Dr. Kim Doan.

Dental anxiety is a serious problem because it prevents people from seeking dental care to maintain and protect their oral and overall health.  At Sandpiper Dental, we empathize with your feelings! That’s why we focus on patient comfort and going the extra mile to help you feel safe and secure with us. 

We Offer Oral Sedation for Your Comfort

We also offer oral sedation to help even the most nervous patients can receive quality dental care. Oral sedation means that our dentist prescribes a calming medication that we recommend taking about an hour before your appointment. 

This gives the relaxing effects time to take hold so that when you arrive at our dental office, you’ll already feel very calm and relaxed. For this reason, we ask you to have a trusted driver get you safely to and from your appointment. 

By the time you’re seated in your dental chair and we provide you with a comfortable neck pillow, you’ll feel calm enough for us to start treatment. You won’t go to sleep, and you will still be able to communicate with us as needed and watch TV to take your mind off the activity around you.

Comfort Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL

The days of white-knuckling your way through dental appointments have passed! With oral sedation and comfort dentistry at our Jacksonville dental office, you don’t have to skip another appointment due to anxiety. 

Call us to learn more about sedation dentistry and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Doan.

Dental implants replace teeth with an unparalleled track record of longevity. Studies show that nine out of ten implants last twenty years and even longer. The durability of this dental restoration is linked to its foundation, the artificial root. This structure mimics a natural tooth because it is fused into your jawbone.

At Sandpiper Dental, we provide dental implants and can treat you every step of the way. Our dentists provide expert planning and surgically place your implant at our Jacksonville dental office. Finally, we finish the process with a restoration that fits your needs.

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

The essence of a dental implant is literally inside its artificial root. Without the characteristics of titanium, dental implants would not be possible. As a metal, titanium is strong and stable, But its most important characteristic is its biocompatibility, which means it won't react to a living system. This property allows bone tissue to accept your artificial tooth root as its own.

Titanium also rarely causes an allergic reaction. This makes it an ideal metal to be implanted in your jawbone.

Dental Implant Studies Support Long Lifespans

Because this technology is so ground-breaking, numerous studies have confirmed the success rate of dental implants, and the results are impressive. According to the National Institutes of Health, nine out of ten implants were still working strong after more than ten years.

This survival rate was confirmed in an Australian study that showed that 87 percent of dental implants were humming away after two decades. For many people in Jacksonville, FL, this means you can expect your implant root to last for life!

Can a Dental Implant Be Replaced?

The portion of your dental implant reconstruction that suffers direct wear and tear from daily usage is the final restoration. For a single tooth implant, this is usually a dental crown specially designed to attach to your implant root. However, in many cases, we can replace multiple teeth – even a complete arch – with an implant-supported bridge or denture.

The Sandpiper Dental team can design and even create your final restoration with our same-day CEREC dental crown technology. Instead of using an outside lab to create dental restoration, which can take several weeks, we have specialized software which digitally plans your crown as a stand-alone or part of a bridge. Then we transmit those plans to a precision milling machine which carves your restoration from a solid ceramic block.

So, while your implant root lasts for life, you may have to replace your crown or bridge after ten to fifteen years or if it suffers some form of damage. How well you care for your implant restoration significantly impacts how long it lasts.

Do you ever wish there was a long-term solution to replace your missing teeth? Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, dental implants can do just that! A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root below the gumline. It contains three parts: the titanium post, the abutment cap (connector piece), and the artificial tooth, or tooth restoration. 

How Dental Implants Work 

With the highest level of precision and care, your dentist surgically places the implant post into the empty tooth root below the gumline. Over time, the jaw and implant merge through a natural process called osseointegration, which secures the implant in place.

Once the jaw heals, we attach the abutment, or connector piece, to hold the restoration. The restoration can be a CEREC same-day crown, denture, or bridge. 

Gentle, Pain-Free Dental Implants

Though dental implants require surgery, your Jacksonville, FL dentist uses local anesthesia to numb your pain and discomfort. You won’t feel a thing during the procedure!

When your mouth fully heals, you’ll be able to enjoy a renewed sense of self and have a gorgeous, natural-looking smile to show off.

Not only do dental implants replace missing teeth, but they also support facial muscles that tend to sag from tooth loss. They also improve digestion and chewing, and you never have to worry about embarrassing moments like denture slippage or shifting.

Call us today to learn more about dental implants at Sandpiper Dental. 

We offer the latest in tooth replacement, including dental implants, implant-retained prosthetics, and dental bridges. We also have our own on-site technology to create crowns and bridges while you wait!

Same-day restorations make tooth replacement and repair more accessible than ever before.

Quality Dental Bridges and Implants in Jacksonville, FL

A dental bridge is one or two restoration teeth situated between tooth crowns. We cement the crowns over healthy teeth allowing the bridge teeth to close your smile gap.

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth but a replacement root surgically placed in the jawbone. The material used in the implant post can integrate into the bone just like a natural root. When the process finishes, we fit your implant with a dental crown. We can also use a few implants to secure a bridge or denture.

Replacing missing teeth is vital to your long-term oral health. A complete smile prevents migrating teeth. And dental implants, in particular, help guard against jawbone loss. Additionally, bridges and implants are easy to care for while restoring your bite and confidence.

Are You Considering Tooth Replacement in Jacksonville, FL?

Contact our dental team today to learn more or arrange a tooth replacement consultation with the dentist.

We proudly accept CareCredit financing to help area patients better budget their dentistry.

Yes! At Sandpiper Dental, we understand how a dental emergency can turn your life upside down, especially if you’re in pain. We know that waiting for relief isn’t an option, and our same-day emergency dentistry helps you get quality care when you need it most.

If you have a dental emergency, please call us at (904) 223-8001, so we can provide relief and the appropriate treatment for your situation.

Dental Emergencies in Jacksonville, FL

Dr. Kim Doan is an emergency dentist in Jacksonville trained to treat any dental emergency you face. 

• Toothaches
• Broken teeth
• Jaw pain or swelling
• Lost or broken crowns and fillings
• Infected or abscessed teeth
• Dental trauma 

Prompt action in a dental emergency can often make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Even if you aren’t sure your situation is an emergency, please call us, so we can determine what steps to take.

We Can Treat Your Dental Emergency!

Depending on your emergency, we may be able to complete your treatment that day. If that’s not possible due to time constraints, Dr. Doan will relieve your pain, stabilize your situation, and schedule treatment for our next available appointment.

If you broke a crown or a veneer and need a new one, our CEREC technology lets us place a new one during the same visit!

Call Us for Same-Day Emergency Dentistry

Few things can derail your plans like a dental emergency. Please call Sandpiper Dental at (904) 223-8001 so we can help you!

A dental emergency is not a situation that can wait; if you or a loved one is experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or bleeding, you want a caring dental professional to help you immediately. At Sandpiper Dental, we strive to do just that, and we know how to help. There are many different types of dental emergencies, but one of the most time-sensitive emergencies occurs when your tooth is knocked out.

What if Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

If your permanent tooth gets knocked out, it’s essential to act quickly and follow these instructions:

• You don’t want to damage the tooth further, so handle it carefully. Try not to touch the root of the tooth.
• If you have milk, rinse the tooth with milk. If you don’t have milk, rinse the tooth with water. Don’t wipe the tooth off with anything because that could damage it.
• If possible, slip the tooth back into its socket, but handle it carefully. If this doesn’t work, keep the tooth from drying out by storing it in a glass of milk; if you don’t have milk, store it in a glass of water. If you cannot keep the tooth in liquid, you can put the tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gums. Be careful if the tooth belongs to your child because they may be unable to store it in their mouth without swallowing it.

Are You Looking for Emergency Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL?

If you need an emergency dentist, call us at Sandpiper Dental. Our number is (904) 223-800

Sandpiper Dental is here for all of your oral health needs, and we pride ourselves in providing exceptional preventive dentistry in Jacksonville, FL. Part of preventive dental care starts with you and your commitment to excellent oral hygiene.

However, it doesn’t stop there. Your dentist, Dr. Kim Doan, is also here to help you along the way so you can attain your healthiest smile. 

Efficient Dental Cleanings for Your Smile

We offer many preventive dentistry services at Sandpiper Dental, including dental cleanings. On average, a dental cleaning can take 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

However, this depends significantly on the patient’s bill of health. If we notice anything amiss, the appointment may take longer to address the area of concern. Professional dental cleaning may not take as long for patients who practice excellent oral hygiene at home. 

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning 

During a typical dental cleaning, we use specialized instruments to remove all signs of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, between teeth, and along the gumline. We also offer fluoride treatment for patients who would like extra help preventing cavities. Finally, we polish the teeth so they continue to repel bacteria and look radiant and beautiful. 

Whether you are an avid brusher and flosser, or it’s been a while since your last visit, our team at Sandpiper Dental is here to help care for your smile. 

Call us today to schedule your next cleaning.

At Sandpiper Dental, we agree with the recommendation of the American Dental Association, stating that exams and teeth cleanings should take place every six months. This is the perfect interval for our dentist to keep an eye on your oral health and provide prompt treatment if a problem develops.

Why We Recommend Dental Exams

Dental exams and cleanings fall under preventive dentistry, so even if your teeth don’t hurt, you should still keep these appointments. Cavities and gum disease can often be present without your knowledge, but our dentist will find it during a routine exam or cleaning. That way, we can treat the problem promptly before it damages your smile and long-term oral health.

If you are prone to cavities or gum disease, our dentist may recommend more frequent visits to monitor your oral health closely. This might sound inconvenient, but catching and treating these problems early on is much easier than waiting for them to become more complex and costly to manage. 

Schedule Your Next Exam and Teeth Cleaning

Our goal is to create such a pleasant experience at our dental office that protecting your oral health care becomes something you want to do not have to do.

If it’s time to schedule your next dental checkup, please call our Jacksonville, FL dental office at (904) 223-8001.

Yes! Invisalign is actually great for teenagers because they love the discretion it provides.

However, with that said, there are some things teens need to commit to in order to ensure that treatment with Invisalign goes smoothly and stays on track:

• Wear aligners for at least 22 hours per day
• Take aligners off for meals and brushing
• Change aligners every two to three weeks according to their customized plan

Because they are clear, aligners are easy to lose or accidentally throw away. So it's also important for teens to keep track of their aligners and keep them out of the reach of pets that may want to chew on them. 

Advantages of Choosing Invisalign for Teens

Once your teen is committed to wearing their aligners consistently, there are several aspects of treatment with Invisalign in Jacksonville, FL, that they are going to love!

• Comfort: Clear aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear as opposed to pokey metal wires and brackets.
• Freedom: Your teen can enjoy all the foods they normally love since they can remove their aligners for meals.
• Ease: Taking care of their smile is easy when they can remove their aligners for brushing and flossing. 

Learn more about Invisalign in Jacksonville by calling Sandpiper Dental at (904) 223-8001.

Everyone wants a beautiful smile, so you might wonder how you can straighten your teeth without wearing traditional metal braces. If that’s the case, Invisalign clear braces might be for you.

What Are Invisalign Clear Braces?

Invisalign Clear Braces are the best way to straighten your teeth without brackets and wires. At Sandpiper Dental, we use Invisalign software to create a treatment plan for your mouth before the Invisalign lab makes your clear aligners.

Your Invisalign in Jacksonville will fit like a mouth guard, and you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. They are also nearly invisible and extremely comfortable, so you will barely know you’re wearing them!

How Long Is the Treatment Time?

You are probably wondering how long you will have to wear Invisalign Clear Braces before your teeth are straight, but there isn’t one set answer to that question. For simple cases, you may only have to wear your aligners for six months.

However, on average, patients will wear Invisalign clear braces between twelve and eighteen months.

In some cases, patients have worn Invisalign clear braces for up to twenty-four months.

Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, can create a treatment plan for you and give you a better idea of your individual dental needs.

Do You Want More Information About Invisalign Clear Braces?

If so, call Dr. Kim Doan at Sandpiper Dental in Jacksonville, FL. Our number is (904) 223-8001.

What Are Invisalign Clear Braces?

Today’s modern dentistry gives you more choices than ever before. You no longer have to wear traditional metal braces to achieve straighter teeth; with Invisalign clear braces, you can wear custom-made, clear aligners that will straighten your teeth without metal brackets and wires.

Your aligners can be removed, so it’s easy to brush and floss, and you can eat whatever you want. It may sound too good to be true, but Invisalign clear braces give you a comfortable, nearly invisible option for achieving your best smile.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

A common question we hear is whether you will have to wear Invisalign clear braces for the same length of time as traditional braces. That answer depends on your individual treatment plan, but on average, Invisalign clear braces are worn for less time than conventional braces.

The average wear time for traditional braces ranges from eighteen to twenty-four months, while the average wear time for Invisalign clear braces is twelve months.

Dr. Doan can give you a more specific estimate of your wear time when she creates your individualized treatment plan.

Are You Considering Invisalign in Jacksonville, FL?

If you have questions about whether Invisalign clear braces will work for you, please call us at (904) 223-8001 to schedule a consultation.

If you want to straighten crooked teeth or get rid of wide gaps or spaces between teeth, Invisalign clear aligners are a great option to consider. Treatment with Invisalign is discreet, comfortable and convenient, and you don’t have the embarrassment of being the adult wearing metal braces!

Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign straightens teeth using a sequence of crystal-clear plastic aligners. When planning your treatment, Dr. Doan takes impressions of your teeth, then uses Invisalign software to plan the movement of your teeth at each stage of treatment.

An Invisalign lab fabricates several sets of custom aligners just for you that, when worn in sequence, will move your teeth into the desired position gradually.

The benefits of treatment with Invisalign are:

• Crystal-clear aligners are barely noticeable
• Smooth, comfortable aligners won’t irritate your mouth
• Clear plastic aligners are easy to wear
• Removable aligners can be taken out for meals and oral hygiene

One benefit that our patients really appreciate is that every 2-3 weeks when they switch out aligners, they can see the subtle improvements in their smiles and stay motivated to continue. 

How to Wear Your Clear Aligners

Our Invisalign dentist recommends that you wear each set of aligners for 22 hours a day for 2-3 weeks. Then you’ll switch to the next set of aligners and repeat the process of wearing and changing out your aligners. During treatment, you'll visit our Jacksonville dental office every 4-6 weeks for progress checks and to pick up your new aligners.

In 12-18 months, when you’ve worn all your aligners, your Invisalign treatment is complete, and all you have to do is wear your retainer as instructed. 

Is Invisalign Treatment Right for You?

It’s never too late to get a beautiful, straight smile with Invisalign clear aligners. Please call our Jacksonville, FL dental office so we can schedule an appointment to discuss orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear plastic aligners.

If you are unhappy with your smile, you have options; at Sandpiper Dental, we strive to give you the best smile possible. For some patients, dental veneers are a great option.

What Is a Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin porcelain covering placed on the front of your natural tooth. A veneer serves to improve the look of your smile, as well as protect your teeth. If you have stained or chipped teeth, or if you have gaps in your teeth, dental veneers might be your best choice.

What Is the Process for Same-Day Dental Veneers in Jacksonville, FL?

When you visit Dr. Doan for dental veneers, you can expect your veneers in only one visit! We don’t rely on an outside laboratory; our in-office CEREC technology lets us make and apply your dental veneers immediately. Here is the process:

• Dr. Doan will remove a thin layer of enamel from any teeth that will have a veneer.
• Digital impressions are made of those teeth.
• Dr. Doan creates a digital design of your dental veneers.
• Our in-office 3-D digital printer mills your veneers.
• Dr. Doan polishes your veneers and bonds them to your teeth.

That’s it! You will leave our office with a new sense of confidence.

Are You Interested in Same-Day Veneers?

Call Sandpiper Dental at (904) 223-8001 for more information regarding same-day dental veneers. We are happy to help in any way we can.

A dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that your dentist permanently bonds to the tooth's front surface. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that can transform your smile and boost your confidence.

Countless celebrities can attribute their picture-perfect smiles to dental veneers. But having a flawless smile isn’t just for A-Listers anymore; you can have one too with our help! We can even make your dental veneers on the same day so you can enjoy your new smile in no time! 

What Problems Can Dental Veneers Fix?

A porcelain veneer can correct numerous cosmetic concerns, such as:

• Chips, cracks, fractures, or breaks 
• Tooth stains or discoloration that don’t go away with professional teeth whitening
• Slight gaps between teeth or spacing issues 
• Teeth that appear too short or gummy smiles
• Teeth of uneven sizes 
• Misshapen teeth 
• Slightly crooked or overlapping teeth

Same-Day Dental Veneers in Jackson Beach, FL 

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, dental veneers may be the cosmetic solution for you. Our team will be pleased to evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and develop a customized treatment plan that surpasses your expectations. 

Please contact Sandpiper Dental today to schedule your cosmetic dental consultation with Dr. Kim Doan.

Tooth-colored fillings, also called “composite resin fillings” or "white fillings,” are made from a blend of durable ceramic and plastics. This composite resin material imitates natural tooth enamel in shade and translucency, making them the ideal option for those who desire a more natural-looking smile.

Composite fillings are a welcome alternative to metal and silver amalgam fillings because they seamlessly blend in with a person's natural smile. Tooth-colored fillings are durable and resistant to fractures in small or midsize fillings. They also withstand moderate pressure from consistent chewing forces, and your dentist can place them on the back or front teeth.

The process of placing a composite filling is quick and painless. We offer a local anesthetic to numb any pain, remove unhealthy tissue from the tooth, and apply and harden the composite resin to the tooth in layers for maximum strength. Finally, we polish and reshape the tooth to ensure a perfect result.

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Jackson Beach, FL

Composite fillings may be the solution if you need a dental filling and don’t want a shadow of metal in your mouth. Dr. Kim Doan and our team at Sandpiper Dental can provide you with the services and treatments you need to preserve your natural smile and enjoy excellent oral health.

Contact us today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Doan!