Larry F. Mullinax, DDS in Chattanooga: General Dentistry and Routine Care
Larry F. Mullinax, DDS operates a general dentistry practice focused on preventive and restorative care for adults and families in Chattanooga, treating new patients and providing the core services most people need for ongoing oral health.
What the practice actually is
General dentistry at Mullinax's office covers the breadth of preventive and restorative work: cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions. The practice accepts both new and established patients and works with most major insurance plans. This is the type of dentistry that handles routine maintenance and stops small problems before they require specialist referral.
Services and pricing
Typical services include:
- Preventive visits (cleaning and exam): usually $100–$200 per visit without insurance; most plans cover two annual exams at no or minimal out-of-pocket cost
- X-rays: bundled into exam visits or charged separately at roughly $25–$75 per series, depending on type
- Fillings: $150–$300 per tooth, depending on size and material (composite resin is standard and typically covered at 80% by insurance)
- Crowns: $900–$1,400 per tooth; insurance usually covers 50% after deductible
- Root canal treatment: $800–$1,500 per tooth, depending on tooth location and complexity; insurance typically covers 50%
- Extractions: $150–$400 per tooth for routine cases
Pricing varies by complexity and insurance plan. Call ahead to confirm current fees and whether the practice participates in your specific insurance network.
How it compares to other Chattanooga general dentistry options
Mullinax's practice is one of several general dentistry options in Chattanooga. Many patients choosing a dentist weigh three factors: insurance network participation, distance from home or work, and whether the practice accepts new patients and manages their comfort level during procedures.
East Brainerd and North Shore areas have competing general dentistry practices that also accept most major insurance. The main practical difference is scheduling availability and any use of sedation for anxious patients. Some Chattanooga practices offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation for routine work; confirm whether Mullinax's office does if anxiety is a factor for you. For more complex restorations or cases requiring multiple visits, a general practice like Mullinax's often costs less than a specialist and avoids referral delays.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
This practice fits patients seeking routine preventive care and straightforward restorations. New patients moving to Chattanooga, families building a dental home, and people with active insurance coverage are the natural fit. Adults managing existing crowns, fillings, or periodontal concerns find general dentistry the right starting point.
The practice is less suited to patients needing orthodontics, advanced cosmetic work, or implant placement, which typically require specialist referral or a practice with those specialties in-house.
What your first visit involves
New patients typically spend 60–90 minutes at an initial appointment. You will complete a health history and insurance verification, receive a full-mouth X-ray series and exam, and discuss any current symptoms or concerns. The dentist will identify cavities, existing work, or signs of gum disease and outline a treatment plan. A cleaning may happen the same day or at a follow-up if extensive work is needed first. Bring your insurance card and photo ID.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Confirm current hours before your first appointment, as general dentistry office schedules vary seasonally. Street parking or a small lot is typical for dental offices in Chattanooga; call ahead if you need accessible parking. Most offices in Chattanooga are located near main roads in commercial areas, making them accessible from most neighborhoods within 10–20 minutes.
Mullinax's office is the type of established general practice that forms the backbone of Chattanooga's dental care landscape, handling the routine care that keeps preventable disease at bay and catching problems early enough to treat simply.
