Frequently Asked Questions
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Dental Checkups
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, our digital X-rays use minimal radiation while providing superior imaging quality for better diagnosis.
What ages do you treat?
We welcome patients of all ages and provide specialized care for children, including preventive services like sealants and fluoride treatments.
How can I maintain my oral health between checkups?
We'll provide personalized guidance on proper brushing, flossing, and dietary habits to maintain your oral health between visits.
Do you provide teeth whitening during checkups?
While whitening is a separate service, we can evaluate your candidacy for KöR whitening during your regular checkup and schedule treatment as desired.
What if you find a cavity during my checkup?
We offer same-day composite fillings when possible and will create a treatment plan that fits your schedule and budget.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible financing options to make dental care accessible.
How long does a dental checkup take?
Most routine checkups take about 60 minutes, allowing time for cleaning, examination, and addressing any concerns.
How often should I schedule a dental checkup?
We recommend visiting every six months for optimal oral health maintenance. Some patients may need more frequent visits based on their specific dental needs.
What if I have dental anxiety?
We offer various comfort amenities and sedation options, including laughing gas and oral sedation, to help you feel relaxed during your visit.
Can I schedule a same-day emergency appointment?
Yes, we strive to accommodate emergency cases as quickly as possible, often the same day or next business day.
Crowns & Bridges
What happens if my crown or bridge feels loose?
Contact our office immediately if your restoration feels loose or uncomfortable. We offer prompt attention for such concerns.
Can I whiten a crown or bridge?
Porcelain restorations cannot be whitened. We recommend completing any desired whitening before getting your crown or bridge.
Are there food restrictions with crowns or bridges?
While your permanent restoration is designed for durability, we recommend avoiding extremely hard foods and sticky candies.
Are crowns and bridges covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for crowns and bridges. Our team will help you understand your benefits and explore financing options.
Will my crown or bridge match my natural teeth?
Yes, we carefully match your restoration to your natural tooth color for seamless integration.
How do I care for my crown or bridge?
Maintain good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Can I eat normally with a crown or bridge?
Yes, once your permanent restoration is placed, you can enjoy your favorite foods with confidence.
How long does the process take?
Traditional crown and bridge procedures usually require two visits, spaced about two weeks apart.
Does getting a crown or bridge hurt?
We ensure your comfort through local anesthesia and optional sedation. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns and bridges typically last 10-15 years or longer.
Dental Implants
Can I get implants if I have bone loss?
Yes, many patients can still receive implants after bone grafting procedures to restore adequate bone density.
What advantages do implants have over dentures?
Implants provide superior stability, prevent bone loss, and feel more natural than traditional dentures.
Can I get implants the same day as extractions?
In some cases, immediate implant placement is possible. This will be determined during your consultation.
What makes someone a good candidate for implants?
Good candidates have healthy gums, adequate bone density, and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage varies by provider. Our team will help you maximize your benefits and explore financing options.
How much do dental implants cost?
Costs vary based on individual needs. We offer flexible financing options and will work with you to make treatment affordable.
Are dental implants painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, thanks to our advanced techniques and sedation options.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on your specific case and healing time needed.
Veneers
Can veneers be whitened?
Porcelain veneers cannot be whitened after placement, but they are stain-resistant and maintain their color.
How many veneers will I need?
The number of veneers needed varies by patient, typically ranging from 4-8 for a complete smile transformation.
Are veneers covered by insurance?
As a cosmetic procedure, veneers are typically not covered by insurance, but we offer flexible financing options.
How do I care for my veneers?
Maintain your veneers with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, just like natural teeth.
Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes, you can enjoy most foods with veneers, though we recommend avoiding excessive force on them.
How many appointments are needed?
Most veneer treatments require 2-3 appointments from consultation to final placement.
Is the veneer procedure painful?
We ensure your comfort throughout treatment with local anesthesia and sedation options if desired.
Will veneers look natural?
Our custom-crafted porcelain veneers are designed to match your natural teeth in color, translucency, and shape.
How long do veneers last?
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer.
Are veneers permanent?
Yes, veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution as they require the removal of a small amount of natural tooth structure.
Teeth Whitening
How soon can I eat or drink after treatment?
We recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours before consuming dark-colored foods or beverages to allow the whitening treatment to fully stabilize.
Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans consider teeth whitening cosmetic and don't provide coverage. We offer flexible financing options to help make treatment affordable.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have dental work?
Existing dental work won't respond to whitening treatments. We can discuss options to ensure your smile looks uniform after whitening.
What makes KöR whitening different?
KöR whitening uses a proprietary formulation and delivery system that provides superior results and reduced sensitivity compared to other whitening systems.
How can I maintain my results?
Regular dental cleanings, good oral hygiene, and avoiding staining substances will help maintain your results longer.
Can all types of stains be removed?
While most external stains respond well to whitening, some internal stains may require alternative cosmetic treatments.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes, professional whitening is safe when performed under dental supervision. We carefully monitor the process to ensure your comfort and safety.
How long do results last?
Results typically last 6-12 months with proper maintenance and good oral hygiene habits.
Will whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, but our professional treatments are designed to minimize discomfort.
How long does professional teeth whitening take?
Most in-office whitening treatments take between 60-90 minutes to complete.
Emergency Dentistry
What if I need emergency care but don't have insurance?
We offer flexible financing options and payment plans to make emergency dental care accessible to all patients.
Do you offer sedation for emergency procedures?
Yes, we can provide relaxing laughing gas to ensure your comfort during emergency treatment.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
Regular checkups, wearing protective gear during sports, and avoiding hard foods can help prevent many dental emergencies.
Will I need follow-up care after an emergency visit?
Depending on your situation, we may recommend follow-up treatment to ensure complete resolution of your dental emergency and prevent future issues.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Handle the tooth by the crown only, rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket. If not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva and seek immediate care.
How can I manage dental pain until my appointment?
Over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and salt water rinses can provide temporary relief. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the affected area.
What if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Contact our office immediately. Our answering service will provide guidance and connect you with Dr. Smith if necessary.
Will my insurance cover emergency dental care?
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency services. We'll help you understand your benefits and available payment options.
How quickly can I be seen for an emergency?
We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day or the next business day, depending on the severity of your situation.
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
Any dental issue causing severe pain, bleeding, or trauma requires immediate attention. This includes knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken teeth, or facial swelling.
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