Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! David R. Blackhurst DDS is actively welcoming new patients from American Fork and surrounding Utah Valley communities. Call 801-756-7211 or use our online scheduling form to request your first appointment.

Please bring a valid photo ID, your dental insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any current medications. Arriving 10–15 minutes early to complete new patient forms is appreciated. You're also welcome to complete forms in advance — just ask our team when you call.

Yes. We reserve time in our daily schedule for dental emergencies. If you're in pain, have a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or a lost crown, call us at 801-756-7211 as early as possible — we'll do our best to see you the same day.

We are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday from 8:00am to 1:00pm. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Call 801-756-7211 during office hours or use our contact form to request a callback.

We accept most major dental insurance plans and work with a wide range of providers. We recommend calling our office at 801-756-7211 to verify your specific plan before your appointment. We also offer flexible payment options for patients without insurance.

Yes. We work with CareCredit and other third-party financing options to help make dental care affordable. Our team can walk you through all payment plan options during your visit. We also offer an in-house savings plan for patients without insurance — ask about it when you call.

No insurance? No problem. We welcome uninsured patients and offer a variety of financing options and an in-house savings plan to keep care accessible. Don't let cost be a barrier — call us and we'll help you understand your options before you commit to anything.

Most patients benefit from a cleaning and exam every six months. Patients with gum disease, a history of cavities, or other risk factors may need more frequent visits — every 3 to 4 months. Dr. Blackhurst will recommend a schedule tailored to your specific oral health needs.

We offer in-office professional whitening that can brighten your smile up to 8 shades in a single visit. We also provide custom take-home whitening trays for gradual, longer-lasting results. Both methods are safe, effective, and supervised by Dr. Blackhurst. Learn more on our Teeth Whitening page.

Professional teeth whitening performed or supervised by a dentist is safe for most patients. Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity during or after treatment. Dr. Blackhurst will evaluate your teeth before whitening to ensure you're a good candidate and to recommend the best approach for you.

A dental crown is a cap placed over a single damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge spans a gap left by one or more missing teeth — it's anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap. Both are made from durable, natural-looking materials and are designed to last many years.

The American Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help establish good habits, allow Dr. Blackhurst to monitor development, and reduce dental anxiety for life.

Yes. Our digital X-rays use up to 80% less radiation than traditional film X-rays and are extremely safe for children. We follow ADA guidelines for frequency and always use lead aprons during the procedure. X-rays allow us to detect issues like cavities between teeth that aren't visible to the naked eye.

Talk about the dentist in a positive, matter-of-fact way. Read books about dental visits together, and avoid using words like "hurt," "needle," or "drill." Our team is experienced with young patients and knows how to make first visits fun. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your child will be.