Questions, answered.

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, DDS, 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 S Orchard Springs Dr, Suite 110, Pueblo West, CO 81007, and serves patients from Pueblo West, Pueblo, Cañon City, Florence, Penrose, Westcliffe, La Veta, and Fowler.

• What are your office hours?

  We are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Mountain Time). Closed Saturday and Sunday. Call (719) 647-9433 to schedule, or send a request and we'll call you to set up a time.

• Are you accepting new patients?

  Yes — Accepting new patients of all ages, from first visits to seniors. Call (719) 647-9433 for current availability. For dental emergencies, we offer same-day appointments Monday–Friday whenever possible.

• Do you see children?

  Yes. Blaskovich Family Dental is a family practice — we see patients of all ages, from first visits to seniors, including nervous kids. We recommend a child's first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in. See kids' dentistry.

• How can I schedule an appointment?

  Call (719) 647-9433 to schedule, or send a request and we'll call you to set up a time. Our hours are Mon, Tue, Wed & Thu 8 AM – 5 PM · Fri 8 AM – 2 PM (Mountain Time); requests sent through our contact form are answered by phone. New patient forms can be completed online before your first visit.

• Do you handle dental emergencies?

  Yes. Same-day emergency appointments Monday–Friday — open Mondays, for patients in Pueblo West and Pueblo. We treat toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, lost crowns or fillings, swelling. Patients of record have access to our after-hours number. Not yet a patient? Call (719) 647-9433 when we open — we reserve same-day emergency appointments Monday–Friday. For severe swelling, fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won’t stop, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. See emergency dentistry.

• Are you open Saturdays?

  No. We are closed Saturday and Sunday. Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Mountain Time). Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Money Matters

Insurance & cost

• Do you take my insurance?

  In-network with Delta Dental Premier. We also accept most Delta Dental PPO plans. We're also in-network with Cigna, United Concordia, Humana, GEHA, and Ameritas through the Careington and Connection Dental networks. Have a different dental plan? We’re happy to file your claim with your insurance company for you. See our insurance page for details.

• What if I don't have dental insurance?

  Patients without dental insurance can join our in-house Gold Plan, which covers cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride and gives 20% off dental treatment. Family memberships are available. We also accept CareCredit and Cherry financing.

• Do you offer payment plans?

  Yes. We accept CareCredit and Cherry, which offer monthly payment plans for qualifying patients. CareCredit 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 adults who need more help relaxing, nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") or an oral sedative (Valium) is available. For kids ages 4 and up, we offer nitrous oxide only, with a parent's consent.

• 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 place a custom porcelain crown in a single visit of about 2 hours. We scan with the Primescan digital scanner (no traditional impressions) and mill crowns in-office on two CEREC mills, the CEREC MC X and the Primemill. Dr. Mark has placed approximately 2,500 same-day crowns.

• 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. We place and restore dental implants in our office — single implants, implant bridges, and implant-supported dentures — planned with CBCT 3D imaging, with bone grafting done in-house when needed. Occasionally we refer a complex case to a trusted specialist. See dental implants.

Sleep

Sleep apnea & snoring

• Do you treat sleep apnea?

  Yes. Dr. Mark Blaskovich and Dr. Delaynie Field provide custom oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea — a CPAP alternative for patients in Pueblo West and Pueblo with mild to moderate sleep apnea, or who can't tolerate CPAP. A physician diagnosis is required first; we refer you for the sleep test, and we bill medical insurance. See sleep apnea oral appliances.

• Do you make snoring devices?

  Yes. We can provide custom Panthera, EMA, TAP, or ProSomnus snoring devices, made from a Primescan digital scan. If your snoring comes with signs of sleep apnea, we'll refer you for a sleep test first. See snoring devices.

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 good care, crowns often last 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.