Frequently Asked Questions

Teeth cleaning is typically painless, but some patients may experience mild discomfort if there is plaque or tartar buildup.

During a teeth cleaning, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth, and may apply fluoride treatment for extra protection.

While teeth cleaning removes surface stains, it does not bleach your teeth. However, it can make your smile appear brighter by eliminating buildup.

A typical teeth cleaning takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums.

Yes, even with regular brushing, professional cleaning is important to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Yes, by removing plaque and tartar, teeth cleaning helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

After a cleaning, avoid eating hard or sticky foods for a few hours, and continue maintaining good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing daily.

Yes, teeth cleaning is safe for most people, including children and those with sensitive teeth, although specific conditions may require special care.

Some bleeding may occur, especially if you have gum disease or haven’t had a cleaning in a while, but this usually subsides after the procedure.

Common types of fillings include amalgam (silver), composite resin (tooth-colored), ceramic, and gold, each with unique benefits.

The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, but most fillings last between 5 to 15 years with proper care.

The procedure is generally pain-free, as the area is numbed with local anesthesia. Some discomfort may occur after the procedure as the tooth heals.

Your dentist will diagnose a cavity or decay during a routine exam or with X-rays, typically before it causes significant pain or discomfort.

Yes, fillings can wear down or loosen over time, especially if you grind your teeth or eat hard foods, but they can be easily replaced.

If left untreated, a cavity can get worse, leading to tooth infection, abscesses, or even tooth loss.

Proper oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, will help maintain the health of your filling and prevent further decay.

Tooth-colored fillings are often preferred for aesthetic reasons, as they blend with the natural color of your teeth. Silver fillings are more durable but visible.

It’s best to wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. For composite fillings, avoid hard or sticky foods for 24 hours to ensure proper setting.

Most people experience little to no pain during the procedure, as the area is numbed with local anesthesia. Some discomfort may occur after the treatment, but it is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

A root canal is necessary when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, which can cause pain, swelling, and potential tooth loss.

The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the tooth’s condition and complexity.

Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits, with the first visit involving cleaning and preparation, and the second visit for sealing the tooth and placing a crown if necessary.

After a root canal, you may experience mild discomfort or swelling, but this usually subsides within a few days. The tooth is often restored with a crown for added strength and protection.

A root canal is usually the preferred option, as it allows you to save the tooth. Extraction should be considered only when the tooth cannot be saved.

With proper care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last many years or even a lifetime, especially if protected by a crown.

While root canals are generally safe, there are minor risks such as reinfection, nerve damage, or tooth fracture. However, these risks are rare, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced dentist.

After a root canal, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored, and keep up with regular dental checkups.

A smile makeover may include teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, dental implants, bonding, Invisalign, or gum contouring, depending on your specific needs and goals.

Most smile makeover procedures are minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Any post-procedure discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The duration of a smile makeover varies based on the complexity of the treatment plan. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the number of procedures involved.

The cost of a smile makeover varies depending on the treatments chosen, the complexity of the procedures, and the dentist’s expertise. A consultation with a dentist will provide an accurate estimate.

The longevity of a smile makeover depends on the procedures performed and how well you care for your teeth. Treatments like veneers and crowns can last 10-15 years with proper care.

Yes, treatments such as Invisalign or veneers can help straighten or correct the appearance of crooked teeth, depending on the severity of misalignment.

Anyone looking to improve their smile’s appearance and overall oral health is a candidate for a smile makeover, but a consultation with a dentist is necessary to determine the best approach.

While a smile makeover primarily focuses on aesthetics, some procedures, such as crowns or implants, can also improve the functionality and health of your teeth.

Maintaining a healthy smile after a makeover involves good oral hygiene practices, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits that can damage your teeth, such as teeth grinding or eating hard foods.

Tooth extractions may be necessary for reasons such as severe decay, infection, gum disease, impacted teeth, or overcrowding in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The procedure is typically not painful, as the area is numbed with local anesthesia. Some mild discomfort or swelling may occur afterward, but this is usually manageable with pain relievers.

Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. Simple extractions usually heal in a few days, while more complex extractions may take a week or longer.

After an extraction, it’s important to follow aftercare instructions, such as resting, avoiding strenuous activity, and eating soft foods. You may also need to take prescribed antibiotics or pain medication.

It’s best to wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating. Afterward, avoid hard, hot, or sticky foods for a few days to ensure proper healing.

To prevent dry socket, avoid sucking motions (such as using straws), smoking, and disturbing the extraction site during the healing process. Your dentist will provide instructions to reduce this risk.

A simple extraction involves removing a visible tooth, while a surgical extraction is more complex and may be needed for teeth that are impacted, broken, or beneath the gum line.

Yes, options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures can replace a missing tooth after extraction to restore function and appearance.

While tooth extraction is generally safe, there are some risks, such as infection, excessive bleeding, or damage to adjacent teeth. Your dentist will take precautions to minimize these risks.

Dental implants are an effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a permanent and natural-looking option that restores function, appearance, and oral health.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients experience little to no pain during the implant placement. Some discomfort or swelling may occur afterward, but it can be managed with pain relievers.

The process typically takes several months, as it involves two main steps: placing the implant and allowing it to integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration), followed by attaching the replacement tooth. Each stage may take a few weeks to several months.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, although the replacement teeth (crowns, bridges, etc.) may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

Most people in good health with sufficient jawbone density are candidates for dental implants. A consultation with a dentist will determine if implants are suitable for you based on your oral health and bone structure.

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining the health of the implant and surrounding tissues.

Dental implants offer a more permanent solution compared to dentures or bridges. Implants don’t require altering adjacent teeth and provide better stability and comfort for eating and speaking.

While rare, risks of dental implants include infection, nerve damage, or implant failure. Choosing an experienced dentist and following aftercare instructions helps minimize these risks.

The cost of dental implants varies based on factors such as the number of implants, location, and any additional procedures required (like bone grafting). A consultation will provide an accurate estimate based on your specific needs.

Crowns and bridges restore the appearance, function, and strength of damaged or missing teeth. Crowns protect weak teeth from further damage, while bridges fill gaps caused by missing teeth.

With proper care, crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer, depending on the materials used and your oral hygiene.

The procedures are generally not painful, as local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Some discomfort or sensitivity may occur after the treatment but usually resolves in a few days.

Crowns and bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of metal and porcelain. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your needs and preferences.

The process typically involves two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, and impressions are taken. In the second visit, the crown or bridge is placed, adjusted, and cemented into position.

Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, are essential to maintain crowns and bridges. Avoid hard foods that could damage them.

Yes, crowns and bridges can be customized to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance.

If your crown or bridge becomes damaged or falls off, contact your dentist immediately. In most cases, the issue can be repaired or replaced.

Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns and bridges. However, coverage varies, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider for details.

Dentures are typically recommended for individuals who have lost multiple teeth due to decay, injury, or age and want to restore their ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.

The process of getting dentures typically takes several weeks. It involves taking impressions, creating the dentures, and multiple fittings to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.

While dentures may feel uncomfortable at first, they generally become more comfortable as you get used to them. Your dentist will adjust them to ensure a good fit and minimize any discomfort.

Yes, modern dentures are designed to look and feel as natural as possible. They are made from materials that mimic the appearance of real teeth, and your dentist will customize them to match your natural smile.

While it may take some time to adjust, most people are able to eat and speak normally with dentures once they are comfortable. Start with soft foods and gradually reintroduce harder ones as you get used to them.

Dentures should be cleaned daily using a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Be sure to remove them at night to allow your gums to rest and to keep them moist in a denture solution or water.

Well-fitting dentures should stay in place during normal activities. However, some people use denture adhesives for added security. If dentures are loose, they may need to be adjusted by your dentist.

Dentures typically last between 5 to 10 years, but they may need to be relined or replaced over time as your mouth changes shape due to age or bone loss.

Yes, partial dentures can be made to replace a few missing teeth while leaving your remaining natural teeth intact. Your dentist will help you determine the best option for your specific needs.

Treatment duration varies, but generally lasts 6-18 months, depending on the complexity of the case.

While clear aligners are effective for mild to moderate cases, more complex cases may require alternative treatments like traditional braces.

Most clear aligner appointments are brief, with check-ups typically every six weeks.

Some initial discomfort is normal as your teeth adjust, but it's generally not painful and is usually temporary.

The recommended wear time is 20-22 hours per day, with removal for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene.

It's best to remove aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid staining or damage.

It may take a few days to adjust to speaking with aligners, but they are designed to be micro-thin, and most people adjust quickly.

Clean aligners with a soft toothbrush and specialized cleaning solutions.

Yes, they are designed for easy cleaning, and you can remove them for thorough cleaning.