“The waiting room is bright, the chairs are comfortable and nobody rushed me. Even the music was good.”
Hunter B.Patient
Common Questions
Everything you need to know
The questions we hear most, answered plainly.
Do you take my insurance?
Ask us by plan. We file claims for PPO and indemnity dental plans, and whether a plan counts us as in network depends on the plan. Give us its name and we'll look it up before you book. The How fees work page lists plan types and what each means for you.
What if I don't have insurance?
You pay the fee for your visit, and we put it in a written estimate before treatment begins. Financing is offered by third-party lenders. Approval and terms are set by the lender.
Do you take Medi-Cal or CHIP?
Tell us your plan and we'll tell you before you book whether we can see you under it. These programs change, so we'd rather check than guess.
Will it hurt?
We numb the area before we start, and you can raise a hand for a break at any point. We can't promise you won't feel anything, but we'll stop and adjust whenever you ask.
How often do I need X-rays and a cleaning?
Your dentist decides, based on your mouth and your history. Many adults come twice a year, and some need to come more or less often than that.
What is a deep cleaning?
It's a cleaning below the gumline, which a dentist may recommend when they find signs of gum disease. It can take more than one visit and may use numbing. Your dentist explains why before anything is done.
Do you see children?
Yes. Dr. Serrano and Dr. Jaber see children once they're comfortable sitting for an exam. For a very young child, or one who needs more support, we may suggest a pediatric dentist.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head, or bleeding that won't stop needs emergency care now: call 911 or go to an emergency room. For a toothache or a broken or knocked-out tooth, call us right away and we'll fit you in the same day when we can.
Do you offer sedation, and who gives it?
We use local numbing and nitrous oxide. Your dentist gives them, a trained team member stays in the room, and you stay awake and can talk to us throughout. We don't give deeper sedation; if you need it, we'll refer you.
Can I get a written estimate before treatment?
Yes, and you don't have to be paying yourself to ask. We write down the treatment, the visits it takes and what it's expected to cost, before it starts.
Does anyone speak Spanish?
Dr. Serrano sees patients in English and Spanish. The rest of this website is in English.
How do I cancel or change a visit?
Call or text us as early as you can. A day's notice lets us offer your time to someone else, and we're glad to find you a new one.
Patient Stories
Heard in the waiting room
A few words from patients.
“Dr. Jaber went through each option and wrote down what each would cost before we began. I appreciated being asked, not told.”
Curtis W.Patient
“Larissa takes her time and tells you what she's doing. I always leave knowing what to do at home.”
Dariana M.Patient
Sample reviews.
Still have a question?
Send it over. We reply during office hours.