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Frequently asked questions
Most patients adapt within 1 to 2 weeks. Some mild jaw soreness or excess saliva in the first few days is common as your muscles adjust. These side effects almost always resolve on their own. Follow-up appointments allow us to fine-tune the fit if needed.
They can provide some relief, but they are one-size-fits-all and are not calibrated to your specific anatomy. Custom appliances made from precise impressions of your teeth fit better, are more comfortable, and are significantly more effective for most patients.
If you snore but have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a sleep study is often recommended before treatment to rule out moderate to severe apnea. If you already have a diagnosis, we can often proceed directly to fitting an appliance. Your dentist will guide you through the right steps for your situation.
No. CPAP delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air to keep the airway open. An oral appliance works mechanically by repositioning the jaw. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances are often as effective as CPAP and much easier to tolerate. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP is generally the preferred treatment.
Snoring is often caused by the tongue and soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxing and partially blocking the airway during sleep. A custom oral appliance repositions the lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the airway open and reduces or eliminates the vibration that causes snoring.
Results typically last from several months to a few years depending on your diet and habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are the main culprits for restaining. Touch-up treatments with your take-home trays can extend and refresh your results easily.
No. Whitening agents only work on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, and composite fillings will not change color. If you have visible restorations, discuss this with your dentist before whitening so you can plan for any shade differences.
When used as directed, professional whitening is safe and does not damage enamel. It temporarily opens the pores of the enamel to lift staining, which is why some patients experience sensitivity afterward. This resolves within a day or two.
Professional whitening uses higher-concentration prescription-strength gel that penetrates the enamel more effectively than over-the-counter strips or trays. The custom trays we make also ensure even contact with every tooth, reducing the risk of patchy results. Results are typically faster and more dramatic.
Results vary depending on the natural shade of your teeth and the type of staining. Most patients see a noticeable improvement of several shades. Your dentist will give you a realistic expectation during your consultation based on the current color and condition of your teeth.
Most root canals are completed in one appointment of 60 to 90 minutes. Complex cases or teeth with multiple canals may require a second appointment. We will give you a clear idea of the timeline before we begin.
Once the pulp is removed, the tooth no longer receives nutrients from inside and can become more brittle over time. A crown protects it from cracking under the pressure of normal biting and chewing. Not all teeth require a crown after a root canal, but your dentist will discuss whether one is recommended for your specific tooth.
An infected tooth will not heal on its own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to surrounding teeth, the jawbone, and in serious cases beyond the mouth. Leaving it untreated also means the tooth will eventually need to be extracted. A root canal is what allows us to save the tooth and stop the spread of infection.
Common signs include a persistent toothache, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth darkening, swelling near the gum, and a recurring bump on the gums near the affected tooth. Some cases have no symptoms at all and are identified on x-rays. If you notice any of these signs, call us so we can take a look.
This is the most common question we get, and the answer surprises most people: no. The procedure is done under full local anesthesia and should feel no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. The tooth may be sore for a few days afterward, but the procedure itself relieves the pain of the infection rather than causing it.
Stick to soft foods for the first day or two. Good choices include yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straw), scrambled eggs, and soup (not too hot). Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until the site has healed.
For most teeth, yes. When a tooth is removed the neighboring teeth can shift and the bone beneath the socket can deteriorate over time. We will discuss replacement options including implants, bridges, or partial dentures at your appointment or in a follow-up visit.
Most patients feel back to normal within 2 to 3 days for a simple extraction. Surgical extractions like wisdom teeth may take a bit longer, typically 3 to 5 days of noticeable discomfort before things improve steadily. Full socket healing takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket after an extraction is dislodged or dissolves before the site has healed. It can cause significant pain starting around 3 to 4 days after the procedure. To avoid it, do not smoke, use straws, spit forcefully, or rinse aggressively for the first 24 hours after your extraction. Call us right away if you experience worsening pain after the third day.
The area is completely numbed before any work begins. You will feel pressure and movement during the extraction but should not feel sharp pain. If you feel anything more than pressure at any point, let us know right away. Post-procedure soreness for a day or two is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone, which holds them firmly in place and eliminates the movement and adhesive reliance of traditional dentures. They also help preserve jawbone over time. They are a great option for patients who want the security of a fixed restoration combined with the convenience of a full-arch replacement.
As you age, the jawbone naturally changes shape, especially when teeth are missing and there is no root stimulating the bone. This can cause dentures to fit less securely over time. If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, come in and we can reline or refit them. We also offer implant-supported dentures for patients who want a more stable, permanent solution.
Remove your dentures at night and clean them daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner or mild soap. Avoid regular toothpaste as it can be abrasive. Store them in water or a denture soaking solution to prevent them from drying out and warping.
There is an adjustment period of a few weeks as your mouth adapts to wearing dentures. Speech may feel slightly different at first but normalizes quickly with practice. Eating with dentures takes some getting used to, but most patients adapt well and can eat a varied diet comfortably.
Full dentures replace all the teeth in an arch, either upper, lower, or both. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth and clip onto your remaining natural teeth to stay in place. Both are removable and custom-made to fit your mouth.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink over time because it no longer has a root stimulating it. Neighboring teeth can also drift toward the gap, affecting your bite. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that preserves the bone and prevents these changes.
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top may eventually need replacing after 10 to 15 years depending on wear, but the implant post itself is designed to be permanent.
From the initial consultation to placing the final crown, the process usually takes 4 to 9 months. Most of that time is the healing phase where the implant fuses with the bone. The individual appointments themselves are not lengthy, but the biology requires patience.
The surgical placement is done under local anesthesia so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Most patients report that the soreness and swelling afterward is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and resolves within a few days. The experience is typically much less uncomfortable than people expect.
Most adults in good general health with adequate bone in the jaw are candidates. A thorough evaluation including x-rays and possibly a 3D scan will help us assess your bone density and jaw anatomy. Certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease may need to be addressed first. Smoking can affect healing and success rates.
Yes. We match the color and shape of the pontic to your surrounding teeth so the bridge blends in naturally. Most patients cannot tell the difference between a bridge and their natural teeth once it is in place.
A well-maintained bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the most important factors in bridge longevity.
Because the pontic sits against the gumline, you cannot floss between the teeth the traditional way. We recommend using a floss threader, a water flosser, or interdental brushes to clean underneath the bridge daily. This is important for keeping the gum tissue beneath the pontic healthy.
A bridge relies on the adjacent teeth for support and does not require surgery. An implant is a titanium post placed directly in the jawbone, which preserves bone and does not require altering neighboring teeth. Both are good options depending on your situation, and your dentist can help you decide which is the better fit.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth, called a pontic, anchored to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The whole structure is cemented in place so there is nothing to remove.
Call us right away. Keep the crown or veneer if you can. In many cases it can be re-cemented. Do not try to reattach it yourself with household adhesives.
Veneers do require a small amount of enamel removal to make room for the veneer. This is permanent and means the tooth will always need a veneer covering it going forward. Because of this, we make sure you have realistic expectations and are confident in your decision before any preparation begins.
With good care, crowns and veneers typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Avoiding habits like chewing ice, biting fingernails, or grinding your teeth will help extend their lifespan. We check all crowns and veneers at your regular exams.
The preparation appointment involves local anesthesia so the area is fully numb during the procedure. You may feel pressure but should not feel pain. Mild sensitivity after the appointment is common and resolves within a few days.
A crown covers the entire tooth and is used when the tooth is damaged, cracked, or needs structural support. A veneer covers only the front surface of the tooth and is primarily cosmetic, used to improve color, shape, or size. Your dentist will help determine which is appropriate based on your teeth and goals.
It depends on the treatment. Veneers and crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Bleaching results last anywhere from several months to a few years depending on your diet and habits. We will give you a realistic picture of longevity for whatever treatment you choose.
It should look like your smile at its best, not like obvious dental work. We match materials carefully to your surrounding teeth and take care with shape, proportion, and shade so the result complements your face. A good cosmetic result should make people notice your smile, not wonder what you had done.
Most cosmetic procedures are considered elective and are not covered by dental insurance. However, some treatments like crowns may be partially covered if they also serve a restorative function. We will review your coverage and let you know what to expect before any work begins.
The best first step is a consultation. We will take a look at your teeth, listen to what bothers you about your smile and what you would like to change, and walk you through the options that make sense for your situation and budget. There is no pressure and no obligation.
We offer tooth bleaching, veneers, crowns, bonding for chips and cracks, and coordination of smile makeover planning. We can also advise on how different treatments work together if you have multiple concerns you want to address.
Numbness typically lasts 1 to 3 hours after the appointment depending on the type and amount of anesthetic used. During this time be careful eating and drinking hot beverages since you may not feel heat or pressure normally.
Yes, and many patients choose to do so either for cosmetic reasons or because their old fillings are showing wear. We will evaluate each filling and let you know if replacement makes sense for your specific situation.
White fillings are made of composite resin and are bonded directly to the tooth, which means we can preserve more natural tooth structure. Silver fillings, called amalgam, are more durable but require more tooth material to be removed and are visible when you open your mouth. We use tooth-colored composite resin as our standard material.
Composite resin fillings typically last 7 to 10 years or longer with good home care. Factors like the size of the filling, its location, and your bite habits all play a role. We check all existing fillings at every exam so we can address any wear before it becomes a problem.
The procedure itself should not hurt. The area is fully numbed with a local anesthetic before any work begins. You may feel pressure or vibration from the drill, but you should not feel pain. If at any point you feel discomfort, let us know immediately and we will make sure you are comfortable before continuing.
Bitewing x-rays are small images that show the upper and lower back teeth biting together, primarily used to detect cavities between teeth and check bone levels. A full set, called a full mouth series, includes 14 to 18 images covering all your teeth and roots from multiple angles. Panoramic x-rays show the entire jaw in a single image and are used for a broader view of overall dental and jaw health.
We generally recommend postponing non-essential x-rays during pregnancy as a precaution, especially during the first trimester. If x-rays are needed for diagnosis or treatment, we use a lead apron and thyroid collar to minimize exposure. Please let us know if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant before your appointment.
Many dental problems, including cavities between teeth, bone loss, and infections, have no symptoms in the early stages. X-rays allow us to catch issues before they become serious, which means simpler and less expensive treatment. We always recommend x-rays on the schedule that is right for your situation.
Most patients receive small check x-rays called bitewings once a year and a full set every 3 to 5 years. The right frequency depends on your individual history, risk factors, and how long it has been since your last set. Your dentist will let you know what makes sense for you.
Yes. Digital x-rays expose patients to up to 80% less radiation than traditional film x-rays, and the dose from a full set of dental x-rays is lower than the radiation you receive on a short airplane flight. We also use lead aprons for added protection. The diagnostic benefit of x-rays far outweighs the minimal risk.
Not necessarily. For most patients, we take a full set of x-rays once every few years and smaller check x-rays (bitewings) about once a year to monitor for cavities between teeth. At your cleaning appointment, we will let you know what makes sense based on your history and how long it has been since your last set.
Not at all. We are just glad you are here. Life gets busy, and we see patients all the time who are getting back into a routine after a gap. This is a judgment-free office. We will take good care of you and get you back on track without any lectures.
It is common, but it is worth paying attention to. Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis). The good news is that with more consistent flossing and a professional cleaning, most cases of gingivitis can be reversed. We will check your gum health at every visit and let you know where things stand.
A regular cleaning (called a prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes further below the gumline to treat the pockets that form when gum disease is present. Your hygienist will always let you know if they see signs that a deep cleaning would benefit you before any work is done.
For most patients, a cleaning is very comfortable. You may feel some mild pressure or sensitivity, especially near the gumline. If you have sensitive teeth or tender gums, just let your hygienist know at the start and they can adjust their technique to take extra care in those spots.
For most people, twice a year is the right cadence, once every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or certain health conditions like diabetes, we may recommend coming in every 3 to 4 months. Your hygienist will let you know what schedule makes the most sense for you.
