Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Implants
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When Is an Implant the Best Choice?
An implant is not always the best solution for filling in missing teeth. To determine whether or not an implant is right for you, we analyze your adjacent teeth, the health of your gums, and the strength of your bone. Consult our office today to see if it is the best option for you. Everyone’s situation and health is different.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Implant failures are rare. They tend to last many years and of course need to be properly taken care of. This also depends on the person’s overall health and wellness.
Will my insurance cover my first visit?
Depends on your insurance. Our office can find this for you
How Long Is the Process to Receive an Implant?
Because there are different types of implants, receiving an implant can take anywhere from a few weeks to months depending on the health of your bones and other factors. If an extraction is needed, then additional time is needed for your gums to heal before placing the implant. Again, because each person’s health and dental situation is different, it is best to come in for a consult to assess what type of implant would be best for you and how long it will takem members or any other items you want to highlight on your site. Have a lot to say? Easily turn any item into a full page by clicking ‘Create a page from this item’ in the edit panel.
What Is the Process of Dental Implants?
If we decide an implant is the right option for you, and your jaw, bone, and gum health is carefully assessed, then an impression is needed of your mouth. At your second appointment, the implant post is placed in your mouth (after numbing the area). Immediately, a crown or restoration is placed on top of the implant root.
When I Am Waiting for My Implant, Will I Have to Wait Without Teeth?
We will always make sure you are comfortable with your smile – even if that means giving you a temporary solution if you have to wait for you real implant
Will My Insurance Cover Implants?
Everyone’s insurance plan is different. Sometimes implants are covered and sometimes just a percentage. Our office’s financial team are experts in helping you maximize your insurance and find the best option to meet your personal needs. We are more than happy to research your insurance and confirm your patient portion for you.
Do You Offer Payment Plans to Help Pay for Implants?
We do.
Dental Cleaning
Can teeth cleaning cause sensitivity?
Most patients who get their teeth cleaned regularly do not experience sensitivity after the procedure. However, for a person who has not had the teeth cleaned in a while the experience is often different. A person’s teeth may feel more sensitive because the calculus and plaque that covered areas of the teeth are removed and this exposes the areas to hot, cold, solids and liquids. A person may experience tooth sensitivity as the teeth adjust to being fully exposed again.
Does teeth cleaning hurt?
Teeth cleaning is often not painful. A dentist can use a variety of options, including applying a numbing anesthetic gel before cleaning to help minimize the discomfort. However, after a routine dental scaling and polishing, a patient may find the teeth and gums to be a bit sore. If a person experiences some tooth sensitivity after cleaning, taking over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve pain.
How often should a person have the teeth cleaned?
Ti is recommended that one gets their teeth cleaned every six months. After assessing a patient’s oral health, the doctor will make particular recommendations about how often the patient should come in for a cleaning.
Sealants
Does the Procedure Hurt?
Sealing a tooth does not require numbing as it is a painless procedure. The application of the material only takes a couple minutes per tooth.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants can last up to 10 years, however they should be periodically checked at regular dental visits by your dentist.
Which Teeth Are Sealed, and When?
Usually molars are sealed soon after they erupt (around age six). This is because they are more susceptible to cavities. Pre-molars and molars are also good candidates for sealants depending on ones teeth's grooves and natural shape.
Cavities
Do I have a Cavity?
A dental examination will find tooth decay and cavities.
How Is a Cavity Treated?
There are several types of restorations, including fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns, and these can be made from a variety of different dental materials in a laboratory. a dentist will determine on what is the best solution for the situation.
How Long Does It Take to Fill Cavities?
Each cavity is unique and every person’s oral health is different thus times may vary. Once a cavity is diagnosed, the dentist can estimate how much time it will take to fill and if they can complete it the same day.
Root Canal
What Happens During a Root Canal?
The area is numbed completely. The dentist will make a hole in your tooth and use a dental file to carefully clean out the infected pulp. Various small instruments are used to clean the root canals out and shape it properly. After the pulp is removed, steps to restore the tooth are done. Usually placing a crown on top of the remaining tooth is needed. If the tooth is severely broken down, it may be necessary to build the tooth up first with composite material.
What Are Some Causes of the Infection?
The tooth becomes infected when bacteria invade the inner layers of the tooth. Infection mostly occurs through a deep cavity that lets the bacteria in through the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth. Sometimes the pulp dies due to a fracture or a impact to the tooth.
Is a Root Canal a Painful Procedure?
The dentist will numb your tooth and the surrounding area to make the visit as comfortable as possible, so you do not feel any pain.
Will the Tooth Hurt After the procedure?
The amount of pain that one experiences, may vary, depending on ones symptoms and the severity of the infection. The dentist may have to prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to help alleviate any pain.