Question 1

How many dentists are in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

City Select lists 1,059 verified dentists across 30 Arizona cities. Every listing is matched against the federal National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry, so you're seeing real, registered practices — not paid placements.

Question 2

Which dentists accept Medicare in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

245 dentists in the directory list Medicare. Use the insurance filter to narrow by Medicare, AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid), Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more — counts update for the city you choose.

Question 3

How do I find dentists near me?

Accepted Answer

Pick your city from the search bar or filter rail to see dentists in that area — the directory covers Phoenix (259), Scottsdale (156), Mesa (107), Chandler (95), Gilbert (87). You can also search by practice name, doctor name, insurance, or service to build a shortlist in seconds.

Question 4

Are the listings on City Select verified and unbiased?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every profile is sourced from the federal NPI registry maintained by CMS, and we never sell ranking. Listing order is determined by how complete a practice's verified profile is (services, providers, insurance, hours) — never by payment. Featured and sponsored placements are always clearly labelled as such and never change the directory order, a practice's verification status, or any fact on its profile. A practice can improve its position by claiming its listing and adding information — for free.

Question 5

How often should I see the dentist?

Accepted Answer

For most people, a checkup and professional cleaning every six months is the standard recommendation, and routine preventive visits are typically covered at 100% by dental insurance with no waiting period. If you're prone to gum disease or cavities, your dentist may suggest coming in more often.

Question 6

Does dental insurance cover Invisalign or braces?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Many plans that include orthodontic coverage will pay a portion of Invisalign or braces — often 25%–50%, up to a lifetime orthodontic maximum (commonly around $1,000–$3,000). Coverage is more common for children than adults, so check your plan's orthodontic benefit before starting.

Question 7

How much does a root canal cost, and is it covered?

Accepted Answer

A root canal typically runs about $700–$2,100 depending on the tooth and your area, and most dental plans cover them as a basic procedure (often around 80% after your deductible) when they're medically necessary. A crown is frequently needed afterward and is usually covered separately at a lower percentage.

Question 8

What does dental insurance usually cover?

Accepted Answer

Most plans follow a 100/80/50 structure: 100% of preventive and diagnostic care (cleanings, exams, X-rays), about 80% of basic procedures (fillings, simple extractions, root canals), and roughly 50% of major work (crowns, bridges, dentures) — usually subject to an annual maximum and sometimes a waiting period for major procedures.

Question 9

Do I really need dental X-rays every visit?

Accepted Answer

X-rays let a dentist catch decay, bone loss, and other problems before they cause pain or become expensive — issues that often aren't visible during a regular exam. How often you need them depends on your risk; healthy adults may need them less frequently than someone with active dental problems. Most plans cover routine X-rays at 100%.

Question 10

Should I go to the ER or an emergency dentist for tooth pain?

Accepted Answer

For most dental problems, an emergency dentist is the better choice — an ER can give you antibiotics and pain relief but can't perform fillings, extractions, or root canals. Go to the ER (or call 911) only if you have facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma alongside other injuries.

Question 11

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?

Accepted Answer

Act fast — handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk or saliva, then see a dentist within about an hour for the best chance of saving it. Many practices reserve time for same-day dental emergencies.

Question 12

What's the difference between a general dentist and a dental specialist?

Accepted Answer

A general dentist handles routine care — cleanings, fillings, crowns, and basic extractions. Specialists take on specific procedures: endodontists (root canals), periodontists (gum disease and implants), prosthodontists (complex restorations and dentures), oral surgeons (surgical extractions and implants), and orthodontists (braces and aligners). Your general dentist refers you when needed.

Question 13

Can I see a dentist in Arizona without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many practices offer self-pay rates or in-house membership/discount plans, and Arizona dental schools and community health centers provide lower-cost care on a sliding scale. It's worth asking about cash pricing and payment plans when you book.

Question 14

What's the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

Accepted Answer

A dentist manages your overall oral health — teeth, gums, and routine treatment. An orthodontist is a dentist with additional specialty training focused on aligning teeth and jaws with braces and clear aligners. Many general dentists also offer Invisalign, but complex bite issues are usually referred to an orthodontist.

Question 15

How much do dental implants cost and are they worth it?

Accepted Answer

A single implant commonly runs a few thousand dollars once the post, abutment, and crown are included, and most dental insurance covers little or none of the implant itself (though it may cover the crown). Many patients find them worthwhile because they look and function like natural teeth and don't rely on adjacent teeth the way a bridge does.

Question 16

Does my child need a pediatric dentist or can a family dentist see kids?

Accepted Answer

Many family and general dentists happily treat children, while pediatric dentists have extra training for kids' specific needs and behavior. Either is appropriate for most children; a pediatric specialist can be especially helpful for very young kids, dental anxiety, or special health needs.

Question 17

What is a deep cleaning, and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria when there are signs of gum disease, such as deep pockets or bone loss. It's different from a routine cleaning and is recommended only when your dentist or hygienist finds gum disease — it's typically covered as a basic procedure.

Question 18

When should I see a dentist about tooth sensitivity or pain?

Accepted Answer

Occasional mild sensitivity is common, but see a dentist if pain is sharp, lingering, or triggered by hot, cold, or biting, or if it lasts more than a day or two — it can signal a cavity, cracked tooth, worn enamel, or gum recession that's easier to treat early. Pain with swelling or fever should be seen promptly.

Question 19

Is professional teeth whitening worth it versus over-the-counter kits?

Accepted Answer

In-office whitening is faster and more dramatic because dentists use stronger agents and protect your gums, while custom take-home trays offer a middle ground. Over-the-counter strips are cheaper and can work for mild staining but take longer and are less uniform. A dentist can also tell you whether whitening is right for your teeth.

Question 20

How do I find an emergency or same-day dentist near me?

Accepted Answer

Use the city filter to narrow to your area, then call practices directly and ask about same-day or emergency availability — many reserve time each day for urgent visits. For severe pain, swelling, or a knocked-out tooth, mention it when you call so they can prioritize you.

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