Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities
Patient’s Rights
We expect that the following rights will contribute to more effective patient care and greater satisfaction for the patient. We propose that the following guidelines form a structure with which successful, comfortable, and satisfying dental care may be given and received.
- The patient has a right to considerate and respectful care.
- The patient has the right to expect from the treating dentist, complete, current information concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms the patient can understand.
- The patient has the right to expect information sufficient to give informed consent prior to the beginning of any treatment procedure. Except in severe emergencies, information for informed consent should include, but not be limited to, the specific procedures and treatment and the risks (if any) involved.
- The patient has the right to learn of treatment alternatives, refuse treatment, but he/she will be informed of the possible consequences of this decision.
- The patient has the right to expect that his/her care meets the standards of care of the profession.
- The patient has the right to request and examine an itemized total bill.
- The patient has the right to expect Santos & von Family Dentistry to provide only those services that the doctors determine to be appropriate and necessary.
Patient’s Responsibilities
- The patient shall provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, truthful responses to requests for information, to include accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters pertaining to his/her health.
- The patient shall make it known to the appropriate practitioner whether he/she clearly understands the course of treatment and what is expected of him/her.
- The patient is responsible for following the recommended instructions and treatment deemed by the provider as in the best interests of the patient, to include but not limited to follow-up treatment instructions.
- The patient is responsible for his/her actions, if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the instructions of the practitioner.
- The patient is responsible for keeping appointments, and, when unable to do so for any reason, to notify the office 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. Patients that do not cancel within 24 hours will be charged a $35 failed appointment fee. The office provides convenient text message reminders, if you are not receiving them, Please contact the office.
- The patient is aware if they arrive 10 minutes late for their appointment, it is considered a failed appointment and you will be rescheduled.
- The patient (or the legally responsible party) is responsible for assuring that the financial obligation is fulfilled with in 90 days or it will be sent to collections. Once sent to collections, no further appointments can be made.
- The patient is responsible for a $40 returned check fee, should checks be returned to our office.
- The patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other persons and the team at Santos & von Family Dentistry.
- In order to provide quality comprehensive care, patients are required to take x-rays every two years or sooner if the need arises. Please understand we will be unable to properly treat your dental needs without such radiographs.
- The patient shall understand that Santos & von Family Dentistry may choose to discontinue care to a patient who does not adhere to these guidelines.
Post Op Instructions
Pain
- Mild-Moderate Pain: Take over the counter Pain Medication- what you normally take for a headache.
- Severe Pain control (adults without contraindications): the ADA-preferred first line is ibuprofen 400–600 mg + acetaminophen 500 mg together every 6 hours for 24 hours, then as needed. Do not exceed 3,000 mg/day of acetaminophen from all sources. If you cannot take NSAIDs, use acetaminophen alone within these limits. (Follow your provider’s directions if they differ.)
Local anesthesia
You’ll be numb 1–3 hours. Don’t chew or drink hot beverages until sensation returns—you can easily bite your cheek/lip or burn your mouth.
After an Extraction (including wisdom teeth)
- Eat soft, cool foods today; avoid hot liquids and alcohol for 24 hours. Hydrate well.
- Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–60 minutes; replace as needed until oozing slows. A tea bag (moistened) can help if minor bleeding recurs. Normal oozing can last 24–48 hours.
- Do not rinse, spit forcefully, use a straw, or smoke/vape for the first 3 days—this helps prevent dry socket.
- Start gentle warm salt-water rinses (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water) the day after surgery, 3–4×/day for a week.
- Swelling/bruising peaks at 48–72 hours, then improves. Ice the cheek 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off for the first 24–48 hours; switch to warm compresses after that if needed.
Dental Implants / Bone Grafts (including sinus lifts)
- Follow instructions for Extraction Post Op
- Do not disturb the site or rinse the first day. From day 1, use any prescribed chlorhexidine (Peridex) as directed; be gentle and avoid forceful spitting. Keep visible healing caps clean with a soft brush or Q-tip.
- No pressure changes for sinus-related grafts: don’t blow your nose, sneeze with your mouth open, no straws, avoid smoking/vaping.
Root Canal Therapy
Expect mild tenderness to biting for a few days; avoid chewing on that tooth for 24–48 hours (and until any permanent crown is placed). A crown is often recommended on molars to prevent fracture.
Fillings (tooth-colored/composite)
Sensitivity to cold, sweet, or pressure for a few days to a couple of weeks can be normal—especially with deeper fillings. If your bite feels high, call for a quick adjustment. You may chew on the tooth once the numbness wears off.
Crowns/Bridges & Temporaries
- Temporary crowns/bridges: avoid sticky or hard foods and chew on the other side and avoid flossing that area. If a temporary comes off, keep it and call us.
- Permanent cementation: wait about 20 mins before eating. If the bite feels off after a day or two, call us.
Oral Hygiene
Brush normally except right on surgical sites for the first day; then resume gently. Begin salt-water rinses the day after surgery (see above). If prescribed, use chlorhexidine as directed.
Activity
Avoid strenuous exercise for 48–72 hours (it can trigger bleeding and swelling). Gradually resume as you feel able.
When to Call
Uncontrolled bleeding after firm pressure 2–3 cycles, worsening swelling after day 3, fever >101°F after 24 hours, rash/hives, foul taste with increasing pain, or trouble swallowing/breathing—contact the office or seek urgent care/911.
These are general guidelines—not medical advice for your specific case. Always follow the instructions your dentist or surgeon provided at your visit.
Insurance
Dental insurance helps with costs, but it doesn’t decide your care—we do, based on your health. We’ll work with your plan to maximize benefits, but all balances are ultimately the patient’s responsibility.
Networks
We are in-network with United Concordia and Delta Dental. We’ll submit claims for both in-network and out-of-network benefits as a courtesy. Due to changing insurance plans; it is your responsibility to confirm that Eve Santos DMD is an IN NETWORK provider on your specific insurance plan.
What can change your benefit
Deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods, frequency limits (e.g., cleanings, x-rays), non-covered or cosmetic services, and “alternate benefit/downgrade” rules (e.g., composite vs. amalgam, implant vs. bridge).
Pre-treatment estimates
Written benefit estimate from your insurance. Available on request. Insurers call these “predeterminations.” They help, but they are not a payment guarantee.
Payment timing
Your portion is due 30 days from your printed statement date. Accounts exceeding 90 days overdue will be sent to collections. We accept cash, major cards, and checks.
Dual coverage
If you have more than one plan, the primary plan pays first. Bring both insurance cards so we can coordinate benefits.
Claim follow-up
We track claims; if an insurer has not paid within 45–60 days, the remaining balance may be transferred to you while we continue to assist with documentation/appeals.
Orthodontic benefits
Often separate from general dental benefits and paid monthly/quarterly by insurers. We’ll outline your specific schedule.
Records & x-rays
We’ll supply necessary records to your insurer upon request.
Missed appointments
Appointment reservation fees and late-cancellation fees are not covered by insurance.
FAQ
What is Santos and von Family Dentistry all about?
Santos & von Family Dentistry is the former Maximiek and Mitchell Family Dentistry/ Family Dentistry in Danville, PA and Cross Family Dentistry/ Benton Family Dentistry in Benton, PA. We have moved to our new larger location in Bloomsburg in order to better serve our patients.