New Patients
Whether you’re new to the area, your beloved dentist retired, or you’re questioning the amount of work recommended on a recent visit to your dentist, we make the process to transfer your dental care to Gordon Center for General & Advanced Dentistry as convenient as possible. This includes contacting your previous dentist for your records and finding an appointment time that is convenient for you.
If you’d like to learn more, you can refer to common new patient questions, or learn more about a free second opinion. To request an appointment, call us at 301-258-1998 or fill out this form.
Searching for the very best dental treatment plan?
CONTACT US for a free second opinion.
One of the most common questions we hear at a second opinion appointment is: “Do I need the work my dentist suggested?” No one should have to undergo unnecessary procedures or “upselling”, even if insurance pays their portion.
We are able to provide an expert and impartial diagnosis, because of our unique vantage point:
(1) Dr. Leonard Gordon and Dr. David Gordon have nearly 50 years of combined dental experience, so they’ve likely seen a case—or several—like yours before.
(2) Because the Doctors Gordon do not participate with insurance, we are not under the same pressure to produce a certain amount of work, and therefore only recommend necessary treatments.
Another time people come to us for second opinions is when they need particularly advanced cosmetic work. Doctors Gordon use the latest technology and materials for every cosmetic makeover. We partner with Van Hook Dental Studio in Phoenix, Arizona; one of the leading dental manufacturing laboratories in the country, to help us deliver natural looking results every time.
Patients may also consult us for a second opinion if they followed their dentist’s treatment plan and there continues to be discomfort or pain. Patients consult us for a realistic appraisal if another dentist’s dental work falls short of promised expectations Using the latest technology, the Doctors Gordon can detect what the problem is and discuss with you what needs to be done to correct it, beginning the path to comfort and healing. Having an in depth knowledge of the latest techniques and materials available gives our Doctors a unique ability to select an option that is perfect for the patient who is dentally exhausted or would like to be treated by a more experienced clinician.
Before your first visit…
you will have an exam and a consultation with the hygienist and dentist to assess the health of your teeth and gums. If you are transferring from another provider, you may have your X-Rays sent over in advance; or if you do not have current X-Rays, we will take them so that we have a comprehensive picture of your oral health.
The amount of plaque, calculus, and bone loss determines the type of dental cleaning necessary. Our goal is to get you to your healthiest and most beautiful smile. If it’s been some time since you’ve had your teeth cleaned, you may need a few visits with our hygienist.
Routine Patients
Most often, we recommend regular appointments every six months (some patients need to be seen on a more frequent basis). You will get your teeth cleaned, as well as have a routine exam with the dentist and hygienist. We always ask if anything feels different or painful, and screen for indications of gum disease and oral cancer. This is the best way to catch little gum or decay problems before they become big, complex, expensive or painful problems.
Pediatric Patients
Children may come in for their first dental cleaning between the ages of three to five years old, depending on the child’s readiness. In addition to cleaning your child’s teeth, we will:
– Evaluate for oral-facial growth, or in other words, check that your child has all of their teeth and that the teeth are coming in properly.
– Teach proper brushing and flossing and reinforce good practices for oral hygiene at home.
– If relevant: Counsel parents on the appropriate time for their son’s or daughter’s braces. (As we have decades of experience in referring patients to orthodontists, we never rush parents to buy braces for children before their jaws have developed).
– If relevant: Recommend sealants. Sealants are non-BPA plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of the permanent molars just after they erupt up into the mouth. Sealants cover the deep grooves in the chewing surface of molars to help prevent cavities. Children are usually six to eight years old when we seal the first molars, and 11-14 years old for the second molars.
Frequently Asked Questions
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At Gordon Center for General and Advanced Dentistry, we work with all dental insurance companies. We are considered an “out of network” provider. This means we are not under contract with any insurance companies. (Dental insurance plans often tell dentists the treatment they should pursue—not necessarily the treatment that’s indicated.)
We individualize care and provide you with the very best experience. It gives us the freedom to schedule your appointments based on the time you need, as well as to discuss treatment options and diagnose you based on 50+ years of clinical experience and success.
As a fee for service, we request payment in full at the time of service. We accept all major credit cards, check and cash for payment.
Our office will electronically file your claim and all supporting documentation with your insurance company on the day of service. This will help you receive your maximum allowed dental benefit as soon as possible—and it means there is no additional work on your end.
Most PPO insurance companies will help you with a portion of the cost of your dental care when you see an out of network provider; this reimbursement check will be mailed directly to you.
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Our philosophy has always been to take care of our patients. We understand that dental emergencies may not occur during regular business hours, and we will do our best to make you comfortable as soon as possible.
During normal business hours, we make same-day appointments for our regular patients who are experiencing dental pain, sudden cracked teeth or have lost a crown. If you encounter a severe dental problem outside normal office hours on a holiday, weekend, or in the middle of the night, you can call our office for instructions on how to reach Dr. Gordon.
If you are a new patient, we will find the next available new patient appointment during normal business hours, so that along with addressing your symptoms, we can be sure to gain a full dental picture, so our treatment contributes to your overall health.
Because of our longstanding relationships with local specialist providers, if you need to see a specialist, we can usually facilitate the scheduling of an appointment within one to two business days.
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At Gordon Center for General and Advanced Dentistry, we specialize in treating patients who have a fear of the dentist.
First, you should know that you are not alone. Research suggests that anywhere from one in 10 to one in five people have some fear of going to the dentist.
New patients often tell us that it is because of a prior experience. They may have felt rushed, pressured into unnecessary treatment, or found dental work to be painful.
At Gordon Center, we take the time to make you feel comfortable. We’ll talk you through treatment options, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you are fully numb before completing any dental work.
In fact, if you visit our Testimonials or YouTube pages, you will see several stories of real patients who were afraid of the dentist, but love coming to see us!
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When you’re looking for a new dentist, you want to be sure to find someone who has an excellent reputation with their peers as well as their patients. Dr. David Gordon and Dr. Leonard Gordon have won best dentist awards, taught and lectured in front of dentists, and have positive reviews online.
Additionally, you want to find someone who can help you achieve your most beautiful, natural looking smile. As with any cosmetic work, you don’t people to see that you had something done—you want them to see you. We can achieve the best cosmetic results so, in the words of our patients, people will compliment your smile, not your teeth.
If you’d like to learn more about transferring care and coming here as a patient, visit our New Patients section.
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This isn’t just any family practice, this is Gordon Center family. Dr. Leonard Gordon and Dr. David Gordon are a Father-Son practice.
Dr. Leonard Gordon brings 40+ years of experienced dentistry and a vast knowledge of newest dental materials and procedures. Dr. David Gordon brings almost 15 years of dental experience and more than 20 years of advanced computer work. His ability to use the latest dental hardware and understand and utilize the most advance dental software led one IT installer to remark that “Dr. David Gordon is the most knowledgeable computer dentist he has ever worked with.”
The first time a patient witnesses the loving, mutual respect and admiration of this father-son team working together, they know they will get the best treatment in today's dental environment. The patients can choose if they wish to be treated only by Dr. Leonard or only by Dr. David. Many of our patients have no preference and will choose the first available for treatment.
Our primary goal is patient comfort for the procedure.
New Patient Paperwork
We will have you fill out paperwork when you arrive for your appointment. If you’d like to fill out your forms at home and bring them in for your appointment, please download them here.