FAQs

Yes! We always welcome new patients to our office. We treat patients of all ages – from children to senior citizens – so all are welcome. If you are in the La Mesa area we would love the opportunity to answer your dental questions and take care of you and your family for all of your cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dentistry needs.

Easy! All you have to do is call to speak to one of our friendly team members at (619) 460-9100 and they will assist you in getting your appointment scheduled. If the computer is more convenient, you can request an appointment through our online contact form to the right of the screen.

Please call us as soon as your plans change to reschedule your dental appointment. Kindly remember that this time was reserved especially for you and if you cannot make it, let us know so that another patient may have the chance to receive necessary care. We ask that you give us at least 2 business days’ notice to reschedule an appointment in order to avoid a cancellation fee.

For dental emergencies during regular office hours, we can typically have you seen in our office the same or next business day. If you are experiencing a dental emergency (pain, bleeding, or swelling), call Authentic Dental Designs at (619) 460-9100 and one of our representatives will assist you. If you are experiencing a severe dental emergency outside of business hours, call 911 or go to a local hospital.

Yes. While our main focus is not specifically on pediatric dentistry, we are happy and well-equipped to provide dental care to children of all ages.

Ideally, once your child’s first teeth erupt, they should visit a dentist. This will help your child form a healthy relationship with the dental office environment and help you learn about your child’s oral health. Forming healthy oral habits from a young age will set your child on a path towards strong oral health for the rest of their lives.

During your first visit to our office, you will receive a thorough, comprehensive dental examination that includes X-Rays and comprehensive risk assessments. Dr. Toland will develop a customized treatment plan based upon your immediate needs, current dental health, and long-term oral health goals. This individualized plan will include recommendations for cleanings, restorations, and preventive treatments. Most patients will receive a cleaning at their first visit, based on Dr. Toland’s assessment and recommendation. We usually reserve 2 hours for your first visit so that our team can provide you with a thorough exam, explain all financial options, and answer all of your questions.

Learn more about your first visit

In order to maximize your time with us, it is helpful to have your paperwork filled out ahead of time in the convenience of your own home or office. We will send you these forms electronically. Please bring a copy of your dental insurance card, if you have one. If you have a list of medications you take regularly, please bring it with you. If you have records or x-rays from your previous dentist, it would also be helpful to bring those (although they are not necessary). We can also request that they be transferred directly to us, if needed.

It is our philosophy to be conservative and take as few X-rays as possible. We understand the concern some patients may have over radiation exposure, however, X-rays are important to help diagnose tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. They show us areas of decay that may not be visible to the naked eye, especially small areas between teeth. They also show us abscesses, which are infections at the roots of the tooth or between the gum and the tooth. We take your health into consideration and we determine the number of X-rays to be taken based on your personal risk for tooth decay and other oral health problems. In our office, we use the latest in digital technology, which lowers your radiation exposure to less than what you’d be exposed to just from driving in your car to our office.

Learn more about Dental X-Rays

Yes! Our first priority is to diagnose and treat any urgent conditions that pose an immediate threat to your oral health. Our next priority is prevention, which means controlling the disease process, promoting wellness, and helping you maintain good overall oral health. This is important to make sure that any major restorative work is successful in the long term.

Yes, teeth whitening is safe if you follow each product’s guidelines carefully. Some whitening products can irritate gums, or leave you with sensitive teeth, so it’s recommended that you speak with a dental professional if you want to brighten your smile.

Learn more about teeth whitening 

We understand that navigating through your dental benefits can be difficult, therefore, as a courtesy to our patients, we work with all PPO insurance plans.

Learn more about dental insurance

All accounts with a balance owed are billed monthly. We bill insurance carriers as a courtesy to our patients, however, the patient is financially responsible for all balances due.

No worries! In addition to working with all PPO plans, we also offer the following convenient payment methods:

• Cash
• Visa
• Mastercard
• Discover
• American Express
• Check
• CareCredit
• Flex Spending Cards /HSA Cards for necessary treatment (please check restrictions with your plan)

Join our Authentic Dental Designs Membership Plan for easy monthly payments on your preventive care and to save money on your dental treatments.

Right away! Use our online contact form to request an appointment or call us at (619) 460-9100 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to talk with you!

Call us at (619) 460-9100

Email us at drmeghantoland@gmail.com

or send a message to us directly using the “contact us” form at the top of the page!

Monday: 8am-5pm

Tuesday: 7am-4pm

Wednesday: 10am-6pm

Thursday: 8am-5pm

Friday: by appointment only