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FAQ

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.


Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrushes can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.

The conventional process can take from three to six months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved, and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.



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.

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Yes, many teens can enjoy a healthier, more attractive smile with Invisalign Teen! Invisalign Teen helps our young patients straighten their teeth and improve their smiles without the need for the metal mouth that comes with traditional braces. This treatment option uses a blue indicator dot on the aligner, so you and their dentist know if your child is wearing their aligners properly.

In most cases, yes. Many major dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may cover up to 50% of your Invisalign treatment, depending on your coverage. Our team will help you understand your insurance coverage and maximize your benefits whenever possible.

Invisalign is a flexible treatment that can be tailored to your needs. We’ll have to perform a full assessment of your teeth during your consultation so we can provide you with a breakdown of all treatment costs. That said, Invisalign is comparable to the cost of braces, making it affordable for most patients.

Invisalign orthodontic aligners are transparent and are barely noticeable when you speak or smile. The aligners are also removable, so you can enjoy your favorite meals and snacks without damaging your aligners or impacting your treatment. This makes Invisalign an excellent choice for busy adults or teens involved in sports activities in which metal braces present challenges.

Yes, you can! We offer affordable financing options through CareCredit, Denefits, and Sunbit. Thanks to our partnership with these financing companies, you can cover the cost of your treatment with affordable monthly payment plans.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Following your procedure, you will receive care instructions for veneers. You can care for your veneers just like natural teeth. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.

Teeth whitening is not permanent. A touchup may be needed every 6-12 months, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine. You can expect your whitening results to last a year or more with good at-home brushing and flossing. You can also extend your whitening results by keeping up with your regular cleaning schedule.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, we invite new and returning patients to visit us for the care they need! Our team will see you as promptly as possible. For same-day emergency care, visit or call us today.

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