Do I need a referral to request an appointment?

No. You are welcome to contact us directly at any of our four East Bay locations. That said, most patients do arrive with a referral from their general dentist — and we send a full clinical report back to your dentist after treatment.

Can treatment happen at the same appointment as the consultation?

Sometimes, yes. If your case is straightforward, treatment may be completed the same day as your consultation. If you have a complex medical history or your treatment requires careful planning, we will schedule a second appointment. Your doctor will let you know at the end of the consultation.

What if I have a dental emergency?

Call us. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day at all four locations. If you are in pain, tell us when you call — we will prioritize getting you in.

My child needs to be seen. Is there anything I should know?

A parent or legal guardian must be present at every visit, including the consultation and any treatment, for all patients under 18 years of age. Children under 12 are seen only in a few exceptional cases.

Are dental x-rays safe?

We cannot treat what we cannot see. That's why we use digital x-rays and, when needed, CBCT imaging, keeping radiation as low as possible. A CBCT scan uses a significantly lower dose than a traditional medical CT scan. X-rays are a necessary part of accurate diagnosis — without them, we cannot safely assess the condition of your tooth and the surrounding bone.

Do I need x-rays if my dentist already took some?

Your dentist's x-rays are helpful and we welcome them. However, endodontic treatment requires specific angles and views that general dental x-rays do not always capture. We will take our own images at your visit to ensure we have what we need to best care for you.

First Visit

Here is exactly what happens when you walk in.

Most patients arrive not quite knowing what to expect. This is what your first visit looks like — from the phone call to the moment you leave.

Before You Arrive

What to bring to your first appointment.

Having the right information with you saves time and helps us give you the best experience possible.

01 Your referral slip from your dentist
02 Your dental insurance card and completed insurance forms, if applicable
03 A list of all medications you are currently taking

At Your Consultation

Your consultation is a conversation — not a procedure.

During your consultation, your doctor will review your x-rays, examine the tooth, and explain the diagnosis clearly — including what is happening inside the tooth and what your treatment options are. You will have time to ask questions before any decision is made.

For straightforward cases, treatment can sometimes be completed the same day as the consultation. If your case is more complex, or if your medical history requires additional planning, a second appointment will be scheduled for treatment. Your doctor will tell you clearly which situation applies to you.

Before treatment begins, you will receive a written estimate of costs and a clear picture of what your insurance is expected to cover.

Medical History

Please complete your medical history before your appointment.

Certain medical conditions and medications affect how we plan and deliver your treatment. The more we know, the safer and more comfortable your experience will be. Please fill out your medical history in detail using the registration link that will be emailed to you prior to your appointment.

Dr. Atsushi Fujimura examining a patient in a treatment room at Endospecialists

Emergency Visits

In pain? Call us first thing. We will do our best to see you today.

If you are experiencing pain or have a dental emergency, call our office directly. We make every effort to see urgent cases the same day across all four East Bay locations. Tell us what you are experiencing when you call — that helps us prepare for your arrival.

Emergency care information

Common Questions

What patients ask before their first appointment.

Do I need a referral to request an appointment?: No. You are welcome to contact us directly at any of our four East Bay locations. That said, most patients do arrive with a referral from their general dentist — and we send a full clinical report back to your dentist after treatment.
Can treatment happen at the same appointment as the consultation?: Sometimes, yes. If your case is straightforward, treatment may be completed the same day as your consultation. If you have a complex medical history or your treatment requires careful planning, we will schedule a second appointment. Your doctor will let you know at the end of the consultation.
What if I have a dental emergency?: Call us. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day at all four locations. If you are in pain, tell us when you call — we will prioritize getting you in.
My child needs to be seen. Is there anything I should know?: A parent or legal guardian must be present at every visit, including the consultation and any treatment, for all patients under 18 years of age. Children under 12 are seen only in a few exceptional cases.
Are dental x-rays safe?: We cannot treat what we cannot see. That's why we use digital x-rays and, when needed, CBCT imaging, keeping radiation as low as possible. A CBCT scan uses a significantly lower dose than a traditional medical CT scan. X-rays are a necessary part of accurate diagnosis — without them, we cannot safely assess the condition of your tooth and the surrounding bone.
Do I need x-rays if my dentist already took some?: Your dentist's x-rays are helpful and we welcome them. However, endodontic treatment requires specific angles and views that general dental x-rays do not always capture. We will take our own images at your visit to ensure we have what we need to best care for you.

Ready to Book

Questions before you call? We're happy to talk you through it.

Same-day access · Four East Bay locations · No referral required

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