Andrews-Phillips Tena DDS in Chattanooga: General Dentistry for Routine and Restorative Work
Andrews-Phillips Tena DDS is a general dentistry practice offering preventive cleanings, restorative fillings and crowns, and routine diagnostic care to Chattanooga residents and new patients.
What Andrews-Phillips Tena DDS actually is
Andrews-Phillips Tena DDS operates as a general dental practice focused on the preventive and restorative work that anchors most patients' dental care. The practice handles routine exams, cleanings, cavity treatment, and crown placement, positioning it as a first-stop option for families and individuals without specific referral needs. It does not offer orthodontics, oral surgery, or cosmetic specialties; patients needing braces or extractions will be referred elsewhere.
Services and pricing
The practice provides standard preventive services: periodic exams, professional cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride applications. Restorative work includes amalgam and composite fillings, tooth-colored crowns, and basic root canal referrals to specialists. Pricing follows conventional models tied to tooth complexity and material choice. Composite fillings typically range from $150 to $300 per tooth, and crowns from $800 to $1,200 depending on material and location. Cleanings and exams average $100 to $150 per visit, though costs shift with individual treatment plans. Insurance coverage varies widely; the practice accepts most major PPO plans and Medicare, though coverage percentages differ by carrier. Verify current fees and your specific insurance coverage before scheduling, as restorative pricing responds to material and clinical complexity.
How it compares to other Chattanooga general dentistry options
Chattanooga hosts several general practices competing for routine care patients. Premier Dental on Amnicola Highway and Mountain View Dental near Hamilton Place offer similar preventive and restorative scopes. The practical distinction lies in scheduling urgency and insurance breadth. Andrews-Phillips Tena DDS typically accommodates new patients within 1 to 2 weeks for nonemergency visits; some competitors report longer waits. If your insurance plan or employer directs you to a specific network provider, Andrews-Phillips Tena may or may not participate. If you need same-week or walk-in emergency access, urgent-care dental clinics like Aspen Dental (multiple Chattanooga locations) handle extractions and acute pain faster than traditional general practices, though at higher out-of-pocket cost. Choose Andrews-Phillips Tena for routine family care and preventive relationships; choose emergency clinics for acute issues when your general dentist cannot fit you in.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
The practice works best for patients building a long-term preventive relationship, families seeking pediatric-friendly routine care, and individuals with employer PPO coverage or Medicare. It suits those whose dental needs stop at fillings and cleanings and do not require specialist referral. It does not serve patients seeking cosmetic whitening, veneers, or bonding beyond basic restorative use. Patients needing orthodontics, wisdom tooth extraction, or periodontal gum treatment will receive referrals; delays result if those specialists have longer wait times. It is not an emergency walk-in clinic and does not handle dental trauma on the same day absent prior arrangement.
What the first visit involves
New patients should plan 60 to 75 minutes for the initial appointment. The dentist or hygienist takes a full medical and dental history, examines your teeth and gums, takes X-rays if you have no recent images, and performs a cleaning. The dentist then reviews findings, discusses any cavities or gum concerns, and outlines a treatment plan. You will receive an estimate for recommended work, which may be presented verbally or in writing depending on complexity. Insurance eligibility and copay responsibility are confirmed at or shortly after the visit. Bring photo ID and your insurance card; most offices now collect information electronically before your arrival.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Standard office hours run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with most practices closed Saturdays. Parking is available on-site or in nearby shared lots; street parking exists but is less reliable. The practice is reachable by private vehicle; public transit connectivity varies by Chattanooga neighborhood location. Confirm exact hours and parking details directly, as holiday schedules and summer hours sometimes shift.
Andrews-Phillips Tena DDS holds a reliable position in Chattanooga's general dentistry landscape for patients whose needs align with preventive and basic restorative care, supported by straightforward scheduling and broad insurance acceptance.
