Arnold "Clay" Gangwisch, D.M.D., P.A.
Michael S. Grandy, D.M.D.
Daniel G. Melzer, D.M.D.
530 Florida Avenue
Lynn Haven, FL 32444

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you accept my insurance plan?

Our office is very modernized when it comes to insurance. We have computer capability to electronically file your insurance and expedite the process. Although we are not part of any provider or HMO plan, we find that approximately 80% of the time you can choose your own dentist. We do our best to maximize your benefits, complete your claim forms, and assist in arguing your case if necessary.

2. What does insurance really pay?

The range of benefits depends solely on what your employer wishes to pursue. Some plans cover as little as 30% or as much as 100% of dental services with most falling in the 40-80% range. Most plans also have a yearly maximum.

Estimated percentages from previous payments by your insurance company allow us to charge you a “guesstimated” payment – what insurance will not cover. If the insurance company postpones payment for longer than 90 days – we ask that you pay the remainder of your bill while we work together to get the insurance company to pay their obligations. Many plans base the amount of benefit on a schedule of fees arbitrarily developed by the insurance companies. For this reason, you may receive a lower percentage than the reimbursement level indicated by your dental plan. For example, if your plan states that it will pay 70% of the cost of a specific treatment, it means 80% of the fee arbitrarily determined (lower) by the insurance company and not the actual fee charged by our office. The financial obligation for the dental treatment provided is between you and our office.

3. What causes tooth loss?

The two main causes of tooth loss are “tooth decay” and “periodontal disease”. Tooth decay is caused by the normal bacteria in your mouth and is accelerated by frequent sugar intake and poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene along with other behavioral factors such as smoking are the main contributing factors to periodontal or “gum disease”. 80% of all tooth loss occurs from “periodontal disease”.

4. Is mercury in “silver fillings” safe?

Yes, the mercury in “silver fillings” or dental amalgam is safe. Ongoing independent scientific studies have proven the amount of mercury released is, in fact, much less that what patients are exposed to in food, water and air.

5. How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

The American Dental Association recommends at least two cleanings a year.

6. What different payment options do you provide?

We consider your dental health to be of primary importance to us. Therefore our skilled doctors regardless of your insurance coverage or financial arrangements determine your options for the best recommended treatment. We offer a wide range of financial options to assist you in achieving your choice of treatment.

PRE-PAYMENT IN FULL: A discount of 10% is given for direct payment in full with cash or check prior to treatment. Credit card payments will be given a 7% discount.

THREE PAYMENTS FOR FEES EXCEEDING $1000: Total payment obligation may be divided as follows: 50% due at the first treatment visit with the remaining balance split into two equal payments due 30 and 60 days after the first treatment visit.

CARE CREDIT: Interest free payment plans with low payments up to 12 months. Reasonable interest rates for longer payment plans. With good credit, we can get fast approval by phone.

PAY AS YOU GO: You may choose to pay our obligation for each visit with cash, check or credit card at each visit.

GRADUAL TREATMENT PLAN: For those patients with a limited budget. By prioritizing treatment, those patients who do not have dental insurance and who are on a tight budget can still complete their dental work by spreading appointments over several months or years (if possible).

7. What is the difference between a “bridge” and a “partial”?

Both are prostheses that replace partially toothless regions. A bridge is a fixed (or cemented) partial denture whereas a partial is a removable partial denture.

8. How can I whiten my teeth?

Today there are multiple options for tooth whitening from over the counter whiteners to Porcelain Veneers or Crowns. To whiten healthy teeth, we also have both a six week home whitening system (by Rembrant) as well as the State of the Art one hour bleaching system by Brite Smile. Each smile is different and a careful evaluation is necessary to assist you in determining the best option for brightening your smile.

9. How long does whitening last?

Most patents are happy with their whiter smile for several years. No whitening procedures are permanent and it is up to the individual patient to maintain their whiter smile. Foods consumed (coffee, tea, berries, etc.), smoking and poor dental hygiene are some of the common things that are responsible for darkening tooth structure. We are here to assist you both clinically and with the latest supplies for maintaining your new brighter smile.

10. What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

There are many ways we place your safety first: using gloves, masks, ensuring sterilization and disinfection of all instruments and counters, testing our sterilizing units weekly to make sure they meet all hospital level standards and more. Our state of the art sterilization area is visible to all patients entering the clinical setting. Rooms are meticulously cleaned and disinfected between all patients. Once a year we have mandatory in office training by OSHA professionals to ensure patient employee safety is being maintained and above the current standards.

11. What makes your office different from others?

A quality staff with commitment to excellence. We realize that going to the dentist is not commonly one’s first choice of things to do so we make every effort to make your visit as pleasurable as possible. Three friendly doctors with varying backgrounds and a large staff of 16 employees will provide a friendly and comfortable atmosphere for you. Patient friendly hours provide patients with treatment hours not found anywhere else in Bay County: 7:00AM – 8:00PM M-TH, 8:00AM – 2:00PM Friday. (Other hours are available following treatment planning by the doctor.)

Intraoral cameras and the latest computer equipped clinical settings allow you to see and partake in your treatment. Patients are always given options (when needed) and receive an Option Analysis form which may be sued for second opinions if the patient wishes. Our goal is Affability, Availability and Ability to keep you happy, healthy and smiling bright.

12. Will it hurt?

This is the biggest question on the minds of most people. We are not in this business to hurt people. On the contrary we are here to prevent pain, relieve people of existing pain and do all of this at the greatest comfort level possible. Anesthesia has come light years from the “drill and fill” ages of the past. Any discomfort you may experience will be minimal as our trained doctors and staff will make every effort to make your experience as pleasant and pain free as possible.

Our office also provides nitrous-oxide (laughing gas) for those with high anxiety and on occasion, oral sedatives as prescribed to pre-medicate the severely anxious.