FAQ

Smiling woman in dental chair with two smiling dental professionals holding a mirror behind her.

We know you may have questions about your dental care—and we’re here to answer them. Below are some of the most common questions we receive, grouped by service type. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us.

Smiling woman reclines in dental chair while dentist holds dental mirror and probe.

General FAQs

Are you accepting new patients?

We warmly welcome new patients!

What are your office hours?

We're open Monday to Thursday and Tuesday to Wednesday 8 AM–5 PM. We're closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Where are you located / is there parking?

Our office is located at 701 Wilkesboro Blvd with convenient patient parking available.

Do you offer same-day or emergency appointments?

If you need an appointment sooner than what is available online, please call our office directly at 828-754-3531 during regular business hours. For dental emergencies, please call us immediately at the same number or go to your nearest emergency room.

How do I book my first appointment?

To schedule your first dental appointment at Cornerstone Dentistry, call us at 828-754-3531 during regular business hours, complete our online appointment request form, or book directly through our online booking system. Our scheduling team will be happy to assist you.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We welcome many dental insurance plans and our knowledgeable staff can clarify your coverage, assist with claims and paperwork, explain out-of-pocket costs, and answer insurance questions before your visit. Contact our office to discuss your benefits and how we can help you maximize them.

Do you accept patients without insurance?

We accept multiple forms of payment including cash, personal checks, debit cards, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, etc.). Payment is expected at the time of service. If you have questions about payment options or timing, our team is happy to assist you.

Do you offer payment plans or financing?

CareCredit® offers flexible payment plans for dental work not fully covered by insurance. You may qualify for no-interest plans, low minimum monthly payments, and quick approval (often instant). Apply online at carecredit.com in three simple steps, or call our office for assistance with the process.

Do you see children / are you a family practice?

Yes, Cornerstone Dentistry accepts pediatric patients and provides family dental care services. We specialize in pediatric dentistry, focusing on children from birth through adolescence.

Do you treat patients with dental anxiety, and what sedation options are there?

Yes, Cornerstone Dentistry is very understanding and caring toward patients with dental anxiety. Many patients have shared that Dr. Grimes and the staff create a welcoming, comfortable, and home-like atmosphere to help ease anxiety during visits.

What should I expect at my first visit?

During your first dental appointment at Cornerstone Dentistry, you can expect a thorough and personalized experience. Dr. Grimes and our dental team will perform a comprehensive exam of your teeth and gums, take x-rays if needed, provide a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, discuss your dental history and concerns, and recommend personalized treatments or preventive care. Our team will answer your questions and ensure you feel comfortable throughout your visit.

What safety and sterilisation protocols do you follow?

At Cornerstone Dentistry, patient and staff safety is our top priority. We strictly maintain infection control through sterilization and cross-contamination procedures following the highest standards recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What dental services do you offer?

We offer family dental care including routine cleanings, whitening, tooth-colored fillings, dental implants, root canals, extractions, bone grafting, dentures, partials, and gum treatments.

Are your dentists specialists, and in what?

At Cornerstone Dentistry, our team includes specialists and highly trained professionals in pediatric dentistry, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, and periodontics. Our pediatric dentists specialize in oral care for children from birth through adolescence and excel at creating a comfortable environment for all patients, including those with special needs. Dr. Kajal Khatri and our general dentists provide comprehensive, gentle care with a focus on patient education and comfort. We also offer advanced cosmetic treatments, root canal therapy, and gum disease treatment with procedures like scaling, root planing, tissue grafts, and dental implant placement.

How long has the practice served the area?

Cornerstone Dentistry was established in Lenoir in 2008 by Dr. Eric Grimes. This means the practice has been serving the local area for over 18 years.

Emergency & Sedation FAQs

What should I do for a dental emergency after hours?

If you experience a dental emergency after hours at Cornerstone Dentistry, call our office at 828-754-3531 and leave a detailed message describing your situation. Our on-call dentist will return your call as soon as possible to provide guidance or arrange emergency care. Dr. Grimes is known for being responsive and available even on weekends or evenings to help patients in pain. For severe pain or serious injuries, seek immediate care at an emergency room or urgent care facility.

Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?

If you need an appointment sooner than what is available online, please call our office directly at 828-754-3531 during regular business hours. For dental emergencies, please call us immediately at the same number or go to your nearest emergency room.

What sedation options do you offer for nervous patients?

Yes, Cornerstone Dentistry is very understanding and caring toward patients with dental anxiety. Many patients have shared that Dr. Grimes and the staff create a welcoming, comfortable, and home-like atmosphere to help ease anxiety during visits.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe for patients with dental anxiety when administered by experienced professionals.

Still Have Questions?

Do you have more questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today! Our friendly team is happy to provide personalized answers, explain your treatment options, and help you feel fully informed. Whether you're a new or returning patient, we're here to support you every step of the way.

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Dentist wearing gloves matching a dental shade guide to a patient's teeth during a dental checkup.