FAQs

How long do Dental Implants last?
With proper brushing and flossing, along with routine dental cleanings, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Do you still need to visit your dental hygienist if you have dental implants?
Absolutely! Dental implants are similar to natural teeth and must be cleaned daily and have routine cleanings twice a year.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for dental implants?
The best candidates have healthy gum tissue and are free of periodontal disease. We will take a three-dimensional cone-beam x-ray to determine your bone health in order to ensure there is adequate bone to support the implant.
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How do I know Invisalign will work for me vs. conventional braces?
Invisalign will correct many of the same issues as conventional braces. However, the amount of correction needed plays a role. A consultation is always needed in order to determine your best option.

Are dental x-rays safe?
Dental x-rays involve radiation but the exposure levels are so low that they are considered safe for children and adults. With the use of digital x-rays, your risks of radiation exposure are even lower.

Is fluoride important for teeth?
Fluoride works against the destructive acids that are found in foods, drinks, and produced by plaque. Fluoride helps to remineralize your tooth enamel which is extremely important in preventing tooth decay.

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
Routine dental exams and cleanings should be done every six months. However, based on your periodontal health, your hygienist will determine whether more frequent cleanings are needed.

What are the steps for dental implants?
Dental implants are determined case by case so treatment varies between patients. The doctor always starts with a CBCT, a three-dimensional cone-beam x-ray, to determine adequate bone health. Healing after the implant is placed varies and is determined by the dentist at the time of appointment. The final steps to complete the process are an impression for an implant crown and will be complete at implant crown delivery.

How long will it take to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant from start to finish?
Every patient is different case by case. However, if the dental implant and bone have integrated well with each other and healed properly, the general time frame is 3 to 6 months.

I really don’t like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
You are not alone; many people are uncomfortable when visiting the dentist. Your comfort is our highest priority and our office is designed so that you can enjoy a relaxing dental visit. We even offer sedation options to provide a more relaxed dental visit.

What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
By replacing missing teeth, either with a bridge or with an implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with a missing tooth and will restore your smile to its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, your dentist places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as new, solid support for a natural-looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

What type of different payment options do you accept?
Helping to make your dental care financially comfortable and affordable is important and we proudly offer a variety of options listed below:

• A 10% cash courtesy discount if your entire treatment plan is paid in full in advance.

• Payments by appointment, letting you spread out payments according to your treatment plan.

• Visa, Master Card, and Discover

• Cash or check

• Long-term or extended payment plans through our healthcare financing program (CareCredit) allow you to make small monthly payments over the course of your treatment, once accepted.
  
  

We are happy to estimate fees and insurance reimbursement before starting recommended treatments and will gladly file insurance forms for you. Optimal, comprehensive dentistry is what we practice and we do not base our treatment on what insurance will or will not pay. We base our treatment on what is best for you and any treatment not paid by insurance is your financial responsibility.

What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is a type of sedative used to ease dental anxiety and phobia. The most common medication used is Halcion (also known as Triazolam) which is a sleep aid that causes amnesia and reduces anxiety. Unlike general anesthesia, Halcion is an oral conscious sedation medication. In order to be under conscious sedation, a driver is required to take you to and from your appointment.