Skip to content

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions, answered.

The questions we hear most often, from booking your first visit to understanding insurance, technology, and treatment. If you don't see your question, call us at 719-647-9433.

The Basics

About the practice

  • Who are the dentists at Blaskovich Family Dental?

    Blaskovich Family Dental has two dentists: Dr. Mark Blaskovich, DMD, who has owned the practice since 2017, and Dr. Delaynie Field, our associate dentist. You can read about both on our Our Doctors page.

  • Where is Blaskovich Family Dental located?

    Blaskovich Family Dental is at 332 Orchard Springs Dr, Suite 110, Pueblo West, CO 81007. We're in Pueblo West, easily accessible from Pueblo, Avondale, Beulah, Colorado City, and Rye.

  • What are your office hours?

    We are open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Mountain Time). Closed Saturday and Sunday. To schedule an appointment, call (719) 647-9433 during business hours, or request online any time.

  • Are you accepting new patients?

    Yes — Blaskovich Family Dental is welcoming new patients of all ages. New patient appointments are typically available within 1–2 weeks. For dental emergencies, we offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

  • Do you see children?

    Yes. Blaskovich Family Dental is a family practice and we see children of all ages. We recommend a child's first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in. Routine cleanings start around age 3 in most cases.

  • How can I schedule an appointment?

    Call (719) 647-9433 during business hours (Mon, Tue & Thu 8 AM – 5 PM · Wed 8 AM – 3 PM · Fri 8 AM – 2 PM, Mountain Time) or use the contact form on this website to request a visit. New patient forms can be completed online before your first visit.

Money Matters

Insurance & cost

  • What insurance does Blaskovich Family Dental accept?

    We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Guardian, United Healthcare, Humana, and many others. We bill your insurance directly as a courtesy. Call our office to verify your specific plan.

  • What if I don't have dental insurance?

    Patients without dental insurance can join our in-house dental savings plan, which provides reduced fees on all services for an annual membership. We also accept CareCredit financing, which offers 0%-interest payment plans for qualifying patients.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    Yes. We accept CareCredit, which offers 0%-interest financing for qualifying patients (typically 6 to 24 month plans). For larger treatment plans, we can also discuss in-house payment arrangements.

  • How much will my visit cost?

    Cost varies based on your insurance and what care is needed. For most insured patients with PPO plans, routine cleanings and exams are 100% covered. We provide a written treatment estimate before any non-routine procedure begins.

  • Do you accept Medicaid?

    Coverage of dental services through Medicaid in Colorado is limited and varies by program. Please call our office to discuss your specific situation — we work with patients on a case-by-case basis.

What to Expect

Your visit

  • What should I bring to my first visit?

    Bring a photo ID, your dental insurance card (if applicable), a list of any medications you take, and any recent dental records or X-rays from a previous dentist if available. New-patient forms are available online to complete before you arrive, which saves time.

  • How long does a first visit take?

    A new patient comprehensive exam typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This includes a full set of digital X-rays, a thorough exam by your dentist, an oral cancer screening, a periodontal evaluation, and a discussion of any findings or treatment recommendations. A cleaning may be done the same day or scheduled separately depending on what we find.

  • I'm anxious about going to the dentist. Can you help?

    Absolutely. We see plenty of patients who are anxious or who haven't been to a dentist in years. We move at your pace, explain everything before we do it, and use the gentlest techniques available. For patients who need more help relaxing, nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") is available.

  • How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

    Every 6 months is the standard for most adults. Patients with active periodontal disease or specific risk factors (diabetes, smoking, history of gum disease) often benefit from cleanings every 3 to 4 months. Your dentist and hygienist will recommend the schedule that fits your needs.

  • What if I haven't been to the dentist in years?

    You're welcome here without judgment. We see plenty of patients who haven't had dental care in 5, 10, or even 20 years. The first visit is about figuring out where you are now and creating a plan to get you healthy — at a pace that works for you. Many patients in this situation are pleasantly surprised that things aren't as bad as they feared.

The Tools

Technology in our office

  • What is CEREC, and do you offer same-day crowns?

    Yes. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics — technology that lets us design, mill, and bond a custom porcelain crown in a single visit. Blaskovich Family Dental has used CEREC since 2018 and uses the current PrimeMill / Primescan setup. Most same-day crown appointments take 2 to 2.5 hours total.

  • Do you take 3D X-rays (CBCT)?

    Yes. We have an in-office CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) scanner for situations that require 3D imaging — primarily for dental implant planning, complex root canals, impacted wisdom teeth, and certain TMJ assessments. Standard checkup visits use 2D digital X-rays.

  • Do you do dental implants?

    Yes. Dr. Mark plans and places dental implants in our office, including single implants, multiple implants, and implant-supported dentures. Every implant case is planned with CBCT 3D imaging for predictability.

Clinical Questions

Treatment & procedures

  • How long does a cavity filling take?

    A typical filling takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, including numbing time. Multiple fillings can often be done in the same visit. We use tooth-colored composite material that bonds to the tooth and matches your enamel.

  • Are dental X-rays safe?

    Yes. Modern digital dental X-rays expose you to a tiny fraction of the radiation that older film X-rays did — less than the radiation you receive from a single cross-country flight. The diagnostic value far outweighs the minimal exposure. Lead aprons are used and pregnant patients can defer non-essential X-rays.

  • How do I whiten my teeth?

    Professional take-home whitening with custom-fitted trays produces the best results. The trays seal in prescription-strength whitening gel against your teeth for 30 to 60 minutes per day for about two weeks. Most patients see 4 to 8 shades of improvement. Custom whitening is significantly more effective than over-the-counter strips.

  • How long do dental crowns last?

    With proper care — twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and routine 6-month dental checkups — a crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. The longevity depends largely on your bite, hygiene, and grinding habits. A custom night guard is often recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth.

  • Do dental implants really work?

    Yes. Dental implants have a long-term success rate above 95% in healthy patients with adequate bone. They are the closest replacement to a natural tooth modern dentistry offers and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. Blaskovich Family Dental plans every implant placement using CBCT 3D imaging for the most predictable result.

  • Will a root canal hurt?

    No, not the way most people imagine. The tooth is fully numb during the procedure and the experience is comparable to having a filling done. The pain people associate with "needing a root canal" is actually the pain of the infected tooth before treatment — which goes away after.

  • What's the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?

    A general dentist provides comprehensive care including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and many surgical procedures including some implants and gum treatments. A periodontist is a specialist focused exclusively on gum disease and complex implant cases. Our dentists handle most general, restorative, and basic periodontal treatment in-office, and refer more complex cases to specialists when appropriate.