Dental Checkups
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we offer flexible financing options including CareCredit and accept various payment methods to make dental care accessible.
What if you find a cavity during my checkup?
If we detect a cavity, we'll discuss treatment options and can often provide same-day treatment with our composite fillings.
What if I have dental anxiety?
We offer various comfort amenities, including laughing gas, to help anxious patients feel relaxed during their visit.
Do you see children?
Yes, we welcome patients aged 13 and up, and provide age-appropriate dental care in a friendly environment.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept most major PPO insurance plans. Our team will help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits.
Are dental X-rays really necessary?
Yes—they reveal problems between teeth and below the gum line that we can't see during a visual exam, often catching issues before they cause pain.
I haven't been to a dentist in years - will you judge me?
Never. We meet you where you are and focus on getting your oral health back on track without any judgment.
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 should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your insurance information, medical history, and a list of current medications. Arriving 15 minutes early helps us complete necessary paperwork.
What if you find something wrong?
We'll explain exactly what we found, discuss your treatment options, and often can provide same-day care for simple issues like cavities.
How long does a typical checkup take?
Most routine visits take about 60 minutes, but your first appointment may be longer for a comprehensive exam.
Crowns
How soon can I get a crown?
We typically can start treatment within a week of your consultation, and we offer flexible scheduling including evenings and Saturdays.
Can a crowned tooth still get cavities?
The crown itself can't decay, but the tooth underneath can still get cavities at the gum line if not kept clean.
What if my crown feels loose or falls off?
Call us immediately—we offer same-day emergency appointments and can usually recement or replace a crown right away.
How do I care for my crown?
Brush and floss normally, and keep up with regular dental cleanings—your crown will last longest with good oral hygiene.
Are crowns covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of crown costs when they're medically necessary, and we'll help you maximize your benefits.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Once your permanent crown is placed, you can eat all your favorite foods without worry—crowns are designed to handle normal chewing forces.
Will my crown look natural?
Absolutely—we carefully match the color, shape, and size to your natural teeth so it blends seamlessly with your smile.
How many visits are required for a crown?
Traditional crowns require two visits about two weeks apart, though we also offer same-day crowns for certain cases.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel any pain—most patients say it's much easier than they expected.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, crowns typically last 10-15 years, and many last much longer.
Invisalign
What keeps my teeth straight after treatment?
We'll provide a custom retainer and show you exactly how to maintain your new smile for life.
How often do I need to come in?
We'll see you every 6-8 weeks to check your progress and give you your next sets of aligners—quick, easy appointments.
Am I too old for Invisalign?
Age isn't a factor—we treat teens and adults successfully. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you're likely a candidate.
Will people notice I have a lisp?
Most patients adjust to speaking with aligners within a few days. Any initial speech changes are temporary and barely noticeable.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
Gently brush them with lukewarm water and mild soap when you brush your teeth. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Can I drink coffee or wine with aligners in?
Remove aligners for anything except water to prevent staining and warping. This also protects your teeth from sugary or acidic drinks.
What if I forget to wear my aligners?
For best results, wear them 20-22 hours daily. The more consistent you are, the faster and more predictable your results will be.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Treatment cost depends on your specific case complexity. We offer CareCredit financing and work with most PPO insurance plans to make it affordable.
Will it hurt?
You might feel pressure when you switch to new aligners—that's your teeth moving! Any discomfort is mild and typically lasts just a day or two.
How long will my treatment take?
Most patients complete treatment in 12-18 months, but simple cases can be finished in as little as 6 months.
Veneers
Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes, once your veneers are bonded, you can eat all your favorite foods—just avoid using your teeth as tools or chewing on very hard objects.
How much do veneers cost?
Veneer cost varies based on how many you need, but we offer financing options and will discuss all costs upfront during your consultation.
Are veneers reversible?
Because a small amount of tooth enamel is removed, veneers are considered permanent, so it's important to be committed to the decision.
Can veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and won't discolor from coffee, wine, or smoking like natural teeth do.
How many veneers do I need?
Most patients get 6-10 veneers on their upper front teeth for a complete smile makeover, but some need fewer depending on their goals.
Does getting veneers hurt?
The procedure requires minimal tooth preparation and is done under local anesthesia, so most patients experience little to no discomfort.
Do veneers look natural?
When done properly with quality materials, veneers look completely natural—most people won't know you have them unless you tell them.
How long do veneers last?
With proper care, quality porcelain veneers typically last 10-20 years, and many patients keep theirs even longer.
Teeth Whitening
Is everyone a candidate for whitening?
Most patients are good candidates, but we'll evaluate your oral health and discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
What should I avoid after treatment?
Avoid dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, wine, and berries for 24-48 hours to prevent new stains from setting.
Can I whiten if I have crowns or veneers?
Artificial dental work won't change color with whitening, but we can discuss options to ensure your entire smile looks uniform.
How can I maintain my results?
Regular dental cleanings, good oral hygiene, and limiting staining foods and drinks will help maintain your brighter smile longer.
Is whitening covered by insurance?
Cosmetic whitening is typically not covered by insurance, but we offer flexible payment options including CareCredit financing.
Can all stains be removed?
Most external stains respond excellently to whitening, but some internal stains from medications may require alternative treatments like veneers.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity that usually resolves within 24-48 hours after treatment.
How long do results last?
Results typically last 6-12 months with good oral hygiene, and touch-up treatments can extend results even longer.
How long does professional teeth whitening take?
Most in-office treatments take 60-90 minutes and can lighten teeth 4-8 shades in a single visit.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, professional whitening is completely safe when performed under dental supervision with proper protective measures.
Emergency Care
When should I go to the hospital emergency room instead?
Go to the ER for severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or high fever—for dental-specific pain and injuries, we're better equipped to help you.
What if I can't afford emergency treatment right now?
We offer CareCredit financing and multiple payment options because dental emergencies shouldn't go untreated due to cost—we'll work with you to find a solution.
How long will my emergency appointment take?
Most emergency visits take 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity, but we focus on efficient care that thoroughly addresses your problem.
Do you treat children's dental emergencies too?
Absolutely—we provide gentle emergency care for patients of all ages and have experience helping anxious children through dental emergencies.
What emergency services can you actually provide in your office?
We can treat severe pain, repair broken teeth, replace lost fillings, drain infections, and handle trauma-related injuries—most emergency situations can be resolved in our office.
How can I manage severe tooth pain until I can get to your office?
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the package, and avoid very hot or cold foods that might increase sensitivity.
Will my insurance cover emergency treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover emergency care, and we accept all major PPO plans—we'll handle the insurance paperwork so you can focus on getting better.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Keep the tooth moist by placing it back in the socket if possible, or in milk, and call us immediately—we have the best chance of saving it if you're seen within an hour.
What actually qualifies as a dental emergency?
Any dental problem causing severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling, or trauma to your teeth or mouth needs immediate attention—don't wait to see if it gets better.
Can you really see me the same day I call?
Yes, we reserve appointment slots specifically for emergencies and will make room in our schedule when you're in pain.
What happens if I need emergency dental care?
We strive to accommodate same-day emergency appointments and offer extended hours for urgent dental needs.
