Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We welcome new patients of all ages.

Yes. We see patients of all ages, from young children through adults.

No. Dr. G is the sole owner and operator. There's no corporate office, no outside investors, and no one telling us what to recommend.

Call us at (515) 224-1241 or request an appointment through our website.

Your insurance card, a photo ID, a current list of medications, and any dental appliances you use — night guard, retainer, partial, or anything else you wear regularly. If you have records or X-rays from a previous dentist, let us know and we can request them.

Plan for 60–90 minutes. We take the time to do a thorough exam and talk through everything with you.

Yes. We open at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Absolutely. This is something Dr. G takes seriously. He takes his time, checks in throughout every procedure, and prioritizes your comfort at every step. Anxious patients routinely tell us their experience was far easier and more comfortable than they expected.

We're in-network with Delta Dental, Wellmark Blue Dental, and MetLife.

We're happy to submit claims and work with most major insurance companies. Call us and we'll verify your benefits before your visit.

We still welcome you. We'll discuss fees upfront and can work with you on payment options. We also offer CareCredit financing — ask us about payment options when you call.

We are not a Medicaid or government-subsidized plan provider.

Dental insurance was designed in the 1960s and 70s, and annual maximums haven't changed much since. It's best understood as a partial benefit — it helps reduce costs, but it was never designed to cover everything you need. Most plans have coverage limits, waiting periods, and exclusions. We base our recommendations on what's right for your health, not on what a plan happens to allow — and we'll always give you a clear picture of costs before any treatment. You can read more on our For Patients page.

Yes — whitening, veneers, composite bonding, and smile makeovers. We'll discuss what options make sense for your goals.

Yes. We coordinate implant treatment from start to finish — Dr. G handles the planning and final restoration, working closely with a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist for the surgical placement.

Yes. Most patients tell us it was easier and more comfortable than they expected.

Call us at (515) 224-1241. We make every effort to see emergencies the same day during office hours. After hours, our voicemail provides guidance.

Fillings work well for smaller areas of damage, but when a tooth has a large amount of decay, a crack, or has had a root canal, the remaining structure may not be strong enough to hold a filling long-term. A crown covers and protects the entire tooth, reducing the risk of fracture. Dr. G will always explain why a crown is recommended over a filling and what your options are.

X-rays let us see what's happening between your teeth, below the gumline, and inside the bone — areas we can't evaluate with a visual exam alone. They help us catch decay, bone loss, infections, and other issues early, when treatment is simpler and less costly. We use digital X-rays, which produce significantly less radiation than traditional film, and we only take them when clinically necessary.

Both can be effective if used properly, but most people do a better job with an electric toothbrush. The consistent motion and built-in timers help ensure thorough cleaning. If you have dexterity issues, gum recession, or tend to brush too hard, an electric brush can be especially helpful. Ask us at your next visit — we're happy to make a recommendation.

Yes. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay at every age. Adults with dry mouth, a history of cavities, gum recession, or crowns and bridges can benefit significantly from professional fluoride treatments. It's a simple, cost-effective way to protect your teeth.

It can be. Cracks can range from minor surface lines to fractures that extend into the root. Some cause no symptoms at first but worsen over time. If left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to pain, infection, or loss of the tooth. If you suspect a crack — especially if you're experiencing sensitivity to biting pressure or temperature — call us so we can evaluate it early.

The general recommendation is by age one or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits are about getting comfortable with the dental environment, checking development, and giving parents guidance on home care. We keep it relaxed and age-appropriate.

Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most cavities in children occur. They fill in the deep grooves that are hard to clean with a toothbrush. The process is quick, painless, and one of the most effective preventive treatments available. We typically recommend them as soon as the permanent molars come in.

Most children outgrow these habits on their own. If they persist beyond age three or four, they can begin to affect the alignment of teeth and jaw development. We can help you monitor it and discuss strategies if it becomes a concern — there's no need to worry early on, but it's good to be aware.

Infants: wipe gums with a soft cloth after feeding. Toddlers: use a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush twice daily. Ages 3–6: increase to a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing. Ages 6+: start introducing flossing as teeth begin to touch. We'll tailor guidance to your child at every visit.

Digital X-rays, 3D intraoral scanning with 3Shape Trios, intraoral cameras, panoramic imaging, AI-assisted diagnostics, soft tissue laser, 3D printing, and CAD/CAM digital workflows. Our Trios scanner does far more than replace traditional impressions — it enables digital treatment planning, smile design, simplified orthodontics, and more comfortable, accurate results. You can learn more on our Services page.

8th floor of the West Towers Building at 1200 Valley West Drive in West Des Moines. The elevator opens directly into our office.

Yes — free ground-level parking. Handicap-accessible parking with ramps is available on the west side of the building. There's a drop-off area on the north side as well.

Monday – Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM