Reardon Michael D DMD in Chattanooga: Preventive and Restorative Dentistry Without Hidden Treatment Pressure
Reardon Michael D DMD operates as a general dentistry practice in Chattanooga focused on preventive care and foundational restorative work, serving patients who want straightforward dental management without being steered toward elective cosmetic or advanced procedures. The practice accepts most major insurance plans and positions itself as a straightforward alternative to high-volume chains and cosmetic-heavy dental offices.
What Reardon Michael D DMD actually is
Michael Reardon runs a solo general dentistry practice that handles cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, extractions, and basic root canal therapy. The office does not specialize in orthodontics, implants, whitening, or cosmetic veneers, meaning patients needing those services will be referred elsewhere. This narrower scope reflects a design choice: practices that stay within general dentistry's core often spend less time on treatment planning for elective work and more on the preventive and restorative procedures that address active decay and structural damage.
Services and pricing
Preventive visits (exam and cleaning) typically cost $120 to $180 for new patients without insurance, depending on whether X-rays are included. Established patients in managed insurance plans often pay only a copay, commonly $20 to $50. Fillings run $150 to $300 per tooth depending on size and material (composite resin is standard). Crowns cost $800 to $1,200 per tooth; the practice uses a local lab rather than outsourcing offshore, which typically adds 5 to 10 days to turnaround time but maintains tighter margin control. Extractions range from $100 to $400 depending on complexity (verify current rates by calling; these figures shift annually).
Insurance coverage varies sharply: most plans cover preventive care at 100%, basic restorative at 80%, and crowns at 50%. High-deductible plans may require you to meet the deductible on any service above a routine exam. Ask about the office's in-network status with your plan before booking; out-of-network visits cost considerably more out-of-pocket.
How it compares to other Chattanooga general dentistry options
Reardon's practice differs markedly from high-volume offices like Aspen Dental, which operates multiple Chattanooga locations and uses a corporate fee schedule and advertising budget to drive volume. Aspen typically sees patients faster and charges lower upfront prices ($99 to $149 for new-patient exams), but relies on high-throughput appointment slots (30 to 40 minutes per patient). Solo practices like Reardon's usually spend 45 to 60 minutes per patient visit, leaving room for conversation about treatment priorities rather than executing a pre-set menu.
Practices like Premier Dental Group in Chattanooga emphasize cosmetic work and elective treatments alongside general care. If your goal is tooth whitening, veneers, or smile design, Premier is a better fit. If you need a cavity filled or a problematic crown replaced and want that to be the focus, Reardon's practice aligns better with that scope.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Choose Reardon Michael D DMD if you have active dental problems (cavities, broken teeth, gum inflammation) and want straightforward, efficient treatment without being offered whitening packages or cosmetic bonding. The practice suits established patients with good insurance who value continuity of care and a provider who remembers their history. It also serves uninsured patients willing to pay cash, as the out-of-pocket prices are moderate for general dentistry.
Do not choose this practice if you need emergency care with same-day availability; call ahead, as appointment slots fill weeks in advance. Do not come here for orthodontics, implant surgery, or advanced cosmetic work. If you prefer a modern, high-tech office with digital check-in and same-day crown milling technology, corporate chains or newer DSO-affiliated practices will feel more current.
What the first visit involves
New patients complete a health history form and consent to a full exam, digital X-rays (unless recent films from another provider are available), and a cleaning if no active infection or severe periodontal disease is present. The dentist discusses findings, shows you problem areas on the X-rays, and proposes a treatment plan in order of priority: any urgent issues first, then preventive measures, then elective options. This visit typically takes 60 minutes and costs $120 to $180 without insurance.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Reardon operates Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, closed Fridays and weekends. The office is located in East Chattanooga with standard street parking; there is no dedicated lot. Plan for a 10 to 15-minute wait at first appointment even if you arrive on time, as new-patient paperwork and X-rays extend the slot. Most restorative appointments run 45 minutes to one hour.
Insurance questions are handled by the front desk; bring your insurance card and photo ID. If your insurance plan requires a referral for certain procedures, ask whether the office will file it or if you need to request it from your primary care doctor.
A solo general practice in Chattanooga that keeps its scope focused and turnaround times predictable serves patients who prioritize efficiency and clarity over amenities. Reardon Michael D DMD fills that role reliably.
