Your first visit at Dentique Dental Care starts with a conversation, not an exam. Dr. Xhelo Shuaipaj and our team in Downers Grove and Lemont believe every new patient deserves to feel heard before a single instrument is picked up. Whether you are switching from another provider, returning after years away, or visiting a dentist for the first time, we will work at your pace and never judge where you are starting from.
Sedation options are available for every appointment, so if anxiety has kept you from scheduling, that barrier is gone.
A new patient dental exam at Dentique takes about 60 to 90 minutes. That extra time is intentional. It gives Dr. Shuaipaj room to listen, answer questions, and build a treatment plan around your goals rather than rushing through a checklist.
Step 1: Arrive and Check In. Our front desk team greets you by name. New patient forms can be completed on a tablet at reception or via a secure link sent to your phone. Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any recent dental X-rays from the last six months. No records? No problem—we start fresh. Our Downers Grove dental office is at 4121 Fairview Ave, Suite 205.
Step 2: Health History Review. A team member sits down with you to review your medical and dental history. Share any concerns, past experiences, or anything that makes you uneasy. You set the pace.
Step 3: Comprehensive Exam and Digital X-Rays. Dr. Shuaipaj performs a full evaluation: teeth, gums, jaw alignment, bite, and an oral cancer screening. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film.
Step 4: Treatment Plan and Next Steps. Dr. Shuaipaj walks through findings with you on screen and answers questions. You will receive a written treatment plan with clear pricing before any work begins. A new patient exam with cleaning starts at $560; without cleaning, $418.
Completing your forms ahead of time is optional but saves about 10 minutes at check-in. You can fill them out digitally using the tablet at our front desk or through a secure link we text to your phone. No need to print anything at home.
Dentique is in-network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield, and several additional plans. Visit our full list to see which plans we accept and verify your coverage before your visit.
No insurance? That does not mean you are out of options. We offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit so you can spread costs over manageable monthly installments.
| Insurance Plan | Network Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Dental | In-Network | Most plans accepted |
| Cigna | In-Network | PPO & DPPO plans |
| Aetna | In-Network | PPO plans accepted |
| BlueCross BlueShield | In-Network | Most BCBS PPO plans |
| Humana | In-Network | PPO plans accepted |
| MetLife, Guardian, United Healthcare | In-Network | Additional plans accepted |
| No Insurance | CareCredit & In-House Plans | View financing options |
If anxiety has been the reason you have put off dental care, you are not alone. A 2025 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that nearly 73% of U.S. adults experience some level of dental fear, and 27% describe their fear as extreme. At Dentique, sedation is not a last resort—it is a standard part of how we care for patients. To learn about our sedation program, including what each type feels like and how to prepare.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is inhaled through a small nasal mask placed over your nose. It takes effect within 2–3 minutes, producing a gentle, relaxed feeling. You remain fully awake and aware. It wears off quickly after the mask is removed—most patients drive themselves home. Requires no advance preparation.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescription pill about one hour before your appointment. You will feel drowsy and deeply relaxed but remain conscious throughout your visit. You will need a driver home and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Best for moderate anxiety, longer appointments, or patients who want deeper calm.
You do not need a referral or a special appointment to discuss sedation. Mention it when you call and we will build it into your first visit. Nitrous oxide requires no advance preparation. Oral sedation require a brief pre-visit consultation that can often be done by phone. Dr. Shuaipaj administers all sedation personally with continuous monitoring throughout your appointment.
Many of our patients come to Dentique after years—sometimes decades—away from dental care. We have extensive experience with patients in exactly this situation. We start with a conversation to understand your concerns, then move at whatever pace feels comfortable. You set the pace, always. Learn about our sedation program
Dentist, Downers Grove & Lemont
“I hadn’t been to a dentist in over eight years. I was embarrassed and scared. Dr. Shuaipaj and his team made me feel like I was the only patient in the building. Best dental experience ever.”
— Google Review, Downers Grove
“I actually look forward to going now. The sedation was a game changer. I drove 30 minutes past three other dentists to come here, and I would do it again.”
— Google Review, Lemont
“Transparent about costs, no judgment about the state of my teeth, and genuinely kind. I recommended them to my whole family.”
— Google Review
Dentique welcomes patients at every stage. Here are the patients we help most:
If you have been putting off dental care for any reason, call either location and we will answer every question before you ever sit in the chair. No pressure, no obligation.
The national average for a new patient exam, cleaning, and X-rays is $200–$350. At Dentique, a new patient exam with cleaning starts at $560; without cleaning, $418. Final costs may vary depending on your case and the complexity of care needed. Dr. Shuaipaj reviews all costs with you before any work begins.
Because pricing at Dentique is transparent, you will never receive a surprise bill after your first visit. Dr. Shuaipaj provides a written treatment plan with clear pricing before any work begins—no exceptions.
| Service | Dentique Price | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| New Patient Exam + Cleaning | $560 | $200–$350 |
| New Patient Exam (no cleaning) | $418 | $150–$250 |
| Emergency Exam | $169 | $100–$200 |
| Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis) | From $142 | $75–$200 |
| Sedation (all types) | Included with procedure | $50–$1,000 |
We accept cash, all major credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and CareCredit financing. For patients without insurance, we offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit with 0% interest options for qualifying patients. For details on plans we work with, visit our dental insurance coverage page.
"I love this place. Everybody is so nice. From the receptionist, to the hygienist to the dentist. Was my first time at the Lemont office. It's nice to feel at ease, like the people taking care of you actually care!!! That was as important to me, if not more, than the dental work itself. Top notch all the way around."
"Dr Xhelo, is the best and all the staff are great! Miss Patience has a lot patience. Joanna and Danna are great answering thtxte phones and costumer service. Love this dental office best Dr and I have been to a lot of dentist and had such a bad experience. I am so Glad to have found Dr Xhelo treatment with him and his assistant I had great experience."
"Great service! Very friendly and helpful staff they make you feel comfortable & at ease. Dr. Shuaipai is wonderful!"
"Came here to get implant best price stayed great staff made me feel at home."
Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes. This includes check-in, your health history conversation with the team, a comprehensive exam by Dr. Shuaipaj, digital X-rays, and a discussion of findings and next steps. We intentionally schedule more time for new patients so nothing feels rushed.
We see patients by appointment so we can dedicate focused time to each visit. Same-week and next-day appointments are often available. For dental emergencies, call our office directly and we will work to fit you in the same day. Emergency exams are $169.
The American Dental Association recommends a dental checkup every six months for most adults. However, the right schedule depends on your individual oral health. Patients with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or ongoing treatment may benefit from visits every three to four months. Dr. Shuaipaj will recommend a personalized schedule based on your exam findings.
We accept cash, all major credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and CareCredit financing. For patients without insurance, we provide upfront pricing so you can plan ahead. A new patient exam with cleaning starts at $560; without cleaning, $418. Dr. Shuaipaj reviews all costs with you before any work begins.
Yes. Sedation is available at every appointment, including your first. Mention it when you schedule and we will prepare accordingly. Nitrous oxide requires no advance preparation. Oral sedation require a brief pre-visit consultation that can often be done by phone. Dr. Shuaipaj administers all sedation personally.
You are welcome here, and you will not be judged. Many of our patients come to Dentique after years, sometimes decades, away from dental care. Dr. Shuaipaj has extensive experience with patients in exactly this situation. We start with a conversation to understand your concerns, then move at whatever pace feels comfortable. Sedation is available if it would help.
Same-week appointments are available at both locations. Call or book online, and our team will handle the rest.
Downers Grove: (630) 963-4567 | 4121 Fairview Ave, Suite 205, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Lemont: (630) 257-0100 | 1401 State St, Suite 200, Lemont, IL 60439
Dentique serves patients from Downers Grove, Lemont, Woodridge, Lisle, Darien, Westmont, Hinsdale, Naperville, and surrounding DuPage County communities.
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Get the smile you deserve today!