FAQ

It's important to schedule an appointment with an experienced pediatric or family dentist as soon as your child's first baby tooth erupts, usually between 6-12 months. This will help them learn healthy habits early in life that will ensure lifelong oral health! At this appointment, the pediatric dentist will review basic oral hygiene techniques with both you and your child, and provide preventive care such as examining their mouth for any potential problems like cavities or misalignment of their bite (occlusion).

During a professional dental cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will use specialized tools to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums. They might also floss between each tooth, polish your teeth, and in some cases, apply fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel and protect against tooth decay.

Most dental insurance plans will cover all or part of the cost of routine preventive care, such as professional teeth cleanings and exams. Many plans also include coverage for additional treatments like X-rays or fluoride treatments when needed. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details related to your plan.

The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings. However, depending on your individual oral health needs and risk factors, your dentist might recommend more frequent visits. For example, if you're at risk of cavities or gum disease, or have other oral health issues, you might need to visit the dentist more often.

Not at all! Dental cleanings are generally a comfortable experience. The hygienist uses a special tool to gently remove any plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth and gums, which might cause a slight sensation, but it shouldn't be painful. If you ever feel uncomfortable or in pain during a cleaning, be sure to let your dentist know right away.

The process of placing a dental crown or bridge typically takes two visits to the dentist. The tooth will be prepared during the first visit, and an impression will be taken. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed while the permanent restoration is being fabricated. The permanent restoration will be placed during the second visit.

Proper oral hygiene is important to maintaining the longevity of your dental crown or bridge. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects, and avoid habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth.

The most common materials used for dental crowns and bridges are porcelain, ceramic, metal, and resin. Our practice uses porcelain for lifelike restorations.

The cost of dental crowns and bridges can vary depending on the type of material used and the extent of restoration required. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns and bridges.

With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last for many years. On average, a dental crown can last for 5-15 years, and a bridge can last for 10-15 years. It's important to practice good oral hygiene and to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to prolong the life of your dental crowns and bridges.

The procedure to place a dental crown or bridge is usually not painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure. After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

The cost of dentures can vary depending on the type of dentures, the materials used, and the location of the practice. It is best to consult with a dentist to get an estimate of the cost for your specific case.

It is not recommended to sleep with dentures in place, as this can cause irritation and sore spots on the gums. Dentures should be removed at night and stored in a clean, dry place.

Dentures should be cleaned daily with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap. They should also be stored in a clean, dry place when not in use. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products or boiling the dentures as this can damage the appliance. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly to check the fit of your dentures and to have them adjusted as needed.

Yes, you can eat with dentures, but you may have to avoid certain types of food that are difficult to chew. It is also important to chew evenly on both sides of the mouth.

Dentures can affect speech, but this is usually temporary. The tongue and lips will need to adjust to the new appliance in the mouth. Some patients may need to practice speaking with their new dentures until they become comfortable.

Yes, dentures can be repaired. Common repairs include relining, rebasing, and replacing missing or broken teeth.

The lifespan of dentures can vary, but on average, they last between 5 to 8 years. They may need to be relined, rebased or remade due to changes in the shape of the patient's jaw or due to wear and tear.

Dentures are made by taking impressions of the patient's mouth, which are then used to create a model of the patient's jaw and remaining teeth. The dentures are then fabricated using this model, taking into account factors such as the patient's bite, speech, and appearance.

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and gums. They can be complete or partial and are custom-made to fit comfortably in the patient's mouth.

The cost of professional teeth whitening can vary depending on the patient’s unique needs. Chairside whitening typically costs more than store-bought or take-home whitening kits, but it is an important investment in your smile. Our team will provide you with an estimation of all treatment costs prior to treatment, as well as all payment and financing options.

Yes, there are several alternatives to professional teeth whitening, such as over-the-counter teeth whitening products, natural teeth whitening methods, and dental bonding and veneers. Your dentist can help you determine which option is best for you based on your individual needs and goals.

Professional teeth whitening is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed dental professional. However, as with any dental procedure, there may be some risks or side effects, such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. It's important to talk to your dentist about any concerns you may have before undergoing a teeth whitening procedure.

The length of time that professional teeth whitening results will last can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of whitening procedure used, your diet and oral hygiene habits, and your individual tooth structure and sensitivity. On average, professional teeth whitening results may last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

There are several different methods of professional teeth whitening, but they all involve the use of a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to remove surface stains and discoloration from the teeth. In-office whitening, also called chairside whitening, is done by the dentist or dental hygienist and typically involves using a high-concentration bleaching gel that is activated with a special light. Take-home whitening kits, which include custom-fitted trays and a lower-concentration bleaching gel, are also available.

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses specialized products and equipment to whiten and brighten the appearance of the teeth. It is typically performed by a licensed dental professional, such as a dentist or dental hygienist.

To take care of your veneers or Lumineers, you should brush and floss your teeth regularly, avoid biting down on hard or crunchy foods, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

The cost of veneers and Lumineers can vary depending on factors such as your location and the dentist you choose. In general, Lumineers may be more expensive than traditional veneers because of the thinner material and the additional process used to create them. Our team will provide you with an estimate of all treatment costs and options during your visit.

Yes, you can eat and drink normally after receiving veneers or Lumineers. However, it is important to avoid biting down on exceptionally hard or crunchy foods to avoid any chipping.

Veneers and Lumineers are both made from durable materials and can last for many years with proper care. However, the lifespan of your veneers or Lumineers will depend on factors such as your oral hygiene habits and the amount of wear and tear they experience.

Both veneers and Lumineers are applied in the same way. The process typically involves a few appointments with your dentist. During the first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and prepare your teeth for the veneers or Lumineers. During the second appointment, your dentist will place the veneers or Lumineers on your teeth and make any necessary adjustments.

If you have an abscess, you should contact your dentist immediately. An abscess is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment, as it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection and may also drain the abscess.

If you have a broken or knocked-out tooth, you should contact your dentist immediately. If possible, you should try to keep the tooth in place by holding it gently against the gums. If you cannot keep the tooth in place, you should place it in a glass of milk or saliva and bring it with you to the dentist.

If you have a toothache, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to help manage the pain. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation.

You can prevent dental emergencies by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, you should avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or popcorn kernels, and wear a mouthguard when playing sports to protect your teeth from injury.

The coverage for emergency dentistry can vary depending on your insurance plan. In general, most insurance plans will cover the cost of emergency treatment, but you may have to pay a co-pay or a deductible. It is always best to check with your insurance provider to determine your specific coverage.

The treatment for a dental emergency will depend on the specific problem you are experiencing. Common treatments include filling cavities, performing root canals, extracting teeth, and providing pain management. In some cases, your dentist may need to refer you to a specialist for further treatment.

If you have a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.

Emergency dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with the immediate treatment of dental injuries and oral health problems that require prompt attention. This can include toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and other serious dental issues.