Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from patients at St James Dental Group in Cudahy, CA.

Appointments & New Patients

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. We’re always happy to welcome new patients and families from Cudahy and nearby cities, including Bell, Bell Gardens, South Gate, Downey, Huntington Park, Maywood and Lynwood. Call us at (323) 771-7254 or request an appointment online.

What are your office hours?

Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For a dental emergency after hours, call (323) 771-7254 and your call will be transferred to Dr. Zinati’s cell phone.

Where is your office?

We’re at 7607 Atlantic Ave., Cudahy, CA 90201, on the corner of Atlantic and Hartle, south of Florence. Our office is in the St. James Plaza, next to St. James Pharmacy. See how to find us.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Please arrive about 15 minutes early so we can complete your new patient registration here in the office. Bring a photo ID, your dental insurance or Medi-Cal card (or digital benefit information) and a list of the medications you take, with dosages.

What happens at my first visit?

Dr. Zinati will review your health history, ask about your goals and give you a gentle, thorough exam of your teeth and gums. Your visit usually includes low-radiation digital X-rays and a professional cleaning, depending on the health of your gums. We’ll explain what we find and go over your options, with no pressure. Learn more about your first visit.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice so we can offer your time to another patient on our waiting list. Just call us at (323) 771-7254.

Do you speak Spanish?

Yes. ¡Hablamos Español! We proudly serve our Spanish-speaking community.

Insurance & Payment

Do you accept my dental insurance?

We accept almost all dental insurance, including private PPO and indemnity plans. We’re a participating provider with Delta Dental, and we regularly work with PPO plans from Aetna, MetLife, Cigna and many others. We bill your insurance company directly and help you get the most from your benefits.

Do you accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal)?

Yes. We accept Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal so every family in our community can get quality dental care.

What if I don’t have dental insurance?

We have options to help. Through CareCredit®, you can choose a low- or no-interest payment plan for up to 60 months. We also offer a low-fee dental plan for low-income patients that saves about 50% on most dental services. Call our front desk to see if you qualify. See our financial options.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, ATM/debit cards, Visa and MasterCard. If you pay in full at the start of treatment for a procedure over $500, you’ll receive a 10% courtesy discount.

Dental Care & Emergencies

Can I be seen the same day for a dental emergency?

Whenever possible, yes. We offer same-day emergency appointments for new and existing patients, and we also welcome emergency walk-ins. Calling ahead at (323) 771-7254 helps us prepare for your visit and shortens your wait. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that won’t stop or a serious facial injury, go to the nearest emergency room. Learn about emergency dental care.

What dental services do you offer?

We provide preventive, children’s, cosmetic, restorative, gum disease and emergency dental care, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, extractions, veneers, teeth whitening and dentures. See all of our dental services.

How often should I get a checkup and cleaning?

Many patients benefit from a checkup and cleaning about every six months. Depending on your oral health, Dr. Zinati may recommend a different schedule.

When should my child first see the dentist?

When their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday. We see children as young as one year old, and parents are welcome to stay with their child during the visit. See what to expect at your child’s first visit.

I’m nervous about the dentist. Can you help?

Absolutely. Dr. Zinati is known to her patients as a gentle dentist. We listen to your concerns, explain every step and let you set the pace. Just raise your hand if you need a break. If it’s been years since your last visit, there’s no need to apologize. We’re here to help, not to judge. Read about our gentle approach.

Do you offer dental implants?

We provide implant crowns, the part of a dental implant that looks and works like a natural tooth. The implant itself is placed by an implant surgeon or another dental specialist. We also offer bridges and dentures to replace missing teeth. Learn about dental implants.

Still have a question? Call us at (323) 771-7254 or send us a message. We’re happy to help.