Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Click on a question below to see the answer.
Dental Cleaning
Do dental cleanings hurt?
No, cleanings are handled by trained dental hygienists who gently yet thoroughly clean and floss your teeth. They are generally quite painless. Patients who have periodontal (gum) disease may experience some tenderness or bleeding. However, you can prevent discomfort by going to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Are cleanings covered by insurance?
Yes, generally, preventive care such as checkups and cleanings are covered in full by your dental insurance. Many major insurance plans cover two preventive dental visits per year. While most insured families receive the majority of preventive services for free, we offer many different payment options so uninsured patients can still receive the dental care they need, and in a manner that fits their budget.
How often should I see the dentist?
Regular preventive visits are the best way to keep your gums healthy and your teeth cavity-free. You can expect to see the dentist every six months so that our dentists can monitor any changes in your oral health and provide prompt treatment recommendations as needed.
Dental Implants
What if I don’t get an implant?
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, it’s important to replace them as soon as you can. Missing teeth can impact your oral health as well as your overall physical well-being, causing problems biting, chewing, and eating properly. You also have a greater chance of developing gum disease, TMJ, crooked teeth, and other issues if you go without replacing your missing teeth.
How much do dental implants cost?
The full cost of your implant procedure will depend on your overall treatment needs, such as the extent of restoration required to complete your smile. Our team will provide you with a complete breakdown of all costs and payment options during your consultation.
Do you offer sedation?
We offer laughing gas sedation at no extra charge. Laughing gas is given to patients undergoing a variety of treatments, including tooth extractions and implant procedures.
Do implants hurt?
You will require a minor surgical procedure to place the implants in your jaw. Following your procedure, it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling while your mouth heals. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and prescribed pain relievers (as needed) to help you manage any discomfort you may experience.
Are implants covered by insurance?
Many dental plans may cover a portion of your procedure. We will verify all benefits prior to treatment and help you make the most of your insurance coverage.
How long do implants last?
Your artificial tooth (called a crown) will only last 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. The implant itself fuses to your jawbone and can provide a stable foundation for your replacement tooth for the rest of your life with good oral hygiene and at-home care.
What are implants made out of?
Dental implants are made from titanium. We use this metal because it’s biocompatible, which means it fuses with the surrounding jawbone tissue. This can prevent or reverse the bone loss that happens when you lose one or more teeth.
Veneers
Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are a permanent cosmetic procedure. They need a thin layer of enamel to be removed from your teeth prior to placement and are bonded to the remaining tooth structure. For this reason, only a trained dental professional can make repairs or adjustments to your veneers.
How long do veneers last?
The lifespan of your veneer depends on the type you choose, and your veneers will eventually need to be repaired or replaced just like any other dental work. A set of ceramic veneers will last 20 years or more, which is why we recommend it to our patients.
Do veneers hurt?
Generally, no. Patients who receive 2-4 veneers typically experience no discomfort. However, patients who receive eight or more veneers may experience some sensitivity or tenderness in the gums. Your dentist will take every precaution during your veneer preparation and administer local anesthetic or sedation as needed to ensure your comfort.
How long does it take to get veneers?
On average, you can expect the process of getting your veneers to take 3-4 weeks. You’ll visit our office 2-3 times during this time, from your initial consultation to the final fitting and application. While you wait for your final veneers to come back from the dental lab.
What kind of veneers can I get?
While there are many options available to today’s patient, our practice offers veneers made from high-quality porcelain. We choose porcelain for its strength, durability, and lifelike appearance, providing years of lasting smiles.
Whitening
Do over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments work?
Yes, but they contain weaker bleaching gels than the kinds of options available at your dentist’s office. This is why over-the-counter and at-home whitening solutions take many uses over days or weeks to provide visible results. Buying drugstore alternatives such as whitening toothpaste, rinses, whitening strips, and kits can add up over time. A session with us in the office can provide instant results that may take weeks and multiple at-home treatments to achieve.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Professional teeth whitening has been proven as safe and effective, grounded in simple science. The whitening chemicals, oxidizing agents, react with the foreign substances to break down and remove them more thoroughly than simply brushing your teeth can. Once the stains are removed, saliva will fill some cracks and remineralize, but regular teeth whitening is necessary to maintain white teeth.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
During an office visit, your dental professional will apply the whitening gel and, depending on the system being used, will shine a light source directly onto the teeth. The entire office visit generally takes about 90 minutes with immediate results. The dentist generally cleans your teeth and places some sort of protective barrier on your gums before the whitening begins. The gel sits on your teeth for several minutes before the dentist washes it off. It is usually reapplied several times before the procedure is over. Many people report increased sensitivity in their teeth during this process, but new gels contain sodium fluoride, which reduces this side effect significantly.
Emergency
Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies can sometimes be frightening and we understand your first instinct may be to go to the hospital. But unless you’re experiencing severe symptoms of uncontrolled bleeding or swelling, you should contact your local dentist right away.
Is an emergency dental exam expensive?
The total cost of your treatment will depend on your case and unique needs. That said, we do everything we can to offer affordable dental care at transparent prices, including all emergency services. We also offer flexible financing options to help you cover all out-of-pocket expenses.
Can you see me today?
We do everything we can to see you! That’s why we offer same-day or next-day appointments to get you in as quickly as possible. Walk-ins are accepted as scheduling permits. We can’t guarantee appointment times, so be sure to call us in case of an accident or emergency.