Between work, school, and family schedules, a weekday dental appointment often means taking time off or pulling a child out of class. That's why many people put off care until a small problem becomes a big one.
At Gentle Care Dental in Lake Mary, we offer Saturday appointments so you can get care without rearranging your week. Here's what to know before you book.
Why Saturday Dental Appointments Make Sense
- No missed work. Skip the long lunch break or the half-day off.
- Easier for families. Parents can bring kids, or take turns, without school pickups or work calendars getting in the way.
- Less rushed. A weekend visit often feels calmer than squeezing in an appointment between meetings.
- Faster follow-through. When a visit fits your schedule, you're more likely to treat a problem early.
Dr. Polakhare keeps Saturdays open on purpose. Most dental offices are closed on the weekend, and that's exactly when a busy week finally leaves room for your teeth, or when a toothache has nowhere else to go.
Our Saturday Hours and Location
- Address
- 570 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Monday–Friday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone
- (407) 878-3888
- Book online
- gentlecare.dental/book
We're one of the few dental offices along the Rinehart Road corridor open on Saturdays, and we're an easy drive from Lake Mary, Heathrow, Sanford, and Longwood.
What We Can Do on a Saturday
Saturday visits are for real care, not just a quick look. Appointments can include:
- New patient exams and cleanings
- Digital X-rays and a full oral health review
- Fillings and crowns (a permanent crown takes more than one visit; we can place a temporary the same day)
- Toothaches and urgent concerns. Call first and we'll do everything we can to see you that day.
- Treatment planning for larger needs like dental implants, Invisalign, or cosmetic work
Nervous about the dentist? Tell us when you book. Our team takes time to settle anxious patients before any exam begins, explains every step as we go, and nothing happens without your OK.
Meet Your Dentist
Dr. Monica Polakhare, DDS, BDS, leads our team with a simple goal: care that is thorough, honest, and gentle. She grew up in India in an area with very few dentists, earned her BDS there, and later her DDS at the University at Buffalo. She opened Gentle Care Dental after years of fast-paced corporate dentistry, because she wanted time to actually talk with her patients.
In her words: “I'm here to serve my patient.”
Cost, Insurance, and Payment
We want cost to be clear before you sit in the chair.
- Insurance: We work with both in-network and out-of-network dental plans, and we welcome patients without insurance too. Call us with your plan details and we'll help you check your benefits before your visit.
- No insurance? Self-pay patients are welcome. We'll work with you to find an option that fits your budget.
- No surprises: You'll see your treatment plan and its cost before anything is done.
- Questions about cost? Call us at (407) 878-3888 and we'll walk you through your options.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Welcome and paperwork. Bring a photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, and a list of your current medications. Plan on about an hour and a half if you also need a cleaning.
Exam and X-rays. We look at your teeth, gums, and bite, using digital X-rays.
A clear conversation. We explain what we see, in plain language, with no pressure.
A plan that fits you. If treatment is needed, we'll go over the options, timing, and cost. Nothing proceeds without your consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you open every Saturday?
Our regular Saturday hours are 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. On weekdays we're open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. If you're planning around a holiday weekend, call (407) 878-3888 to confirm.
Can I book a Saturday appointment online?
Yes. Visit gentlecare.dental/book to choose a time, or call (407) 878-3888.
Do you see children on Saturdays?
Yes. We see patients of all ages, including children, and can coordinate family appointments on a Saturday as close together as availability allows.
Can you see a toothache on a Saturday?
Call us at (407) 878-3888 as early as you can. We see same-day emergencies when availability permits, and an emergency exam is booked for a full hour so there's time to find the cause.
What if I have a dental emergency when you're closed?
Call (407) 878-3888 and leave a message. If Dr. Polakhare is in town and able to come in, she will. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial swelling, or a serious facial injury, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. For trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial swelling, or a serious facial injury, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Book Your Saturday Appointment
Don't let a busy week keep you from caring for your smile. We're at 570 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746.