FAQs

Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
We use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection to find cavities in the earliest stages, and often that's before you see or feel them. Early detection allows us to provide the most conservative treatment, which saves you time, expense, and possible discomfort. We also use the VELscope to screen for oral cancer, a disease that will affect more than 30-thousand Americans this year. Oral cancer is deadly, but early detection offers an 80-percent cure rate. Gum disease is another sneaky problem that we try to catch early. It has been linked to stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, and other health risks, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.

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What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We follow strict guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.

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I do not like drills. Are there any other options?
We offer minimally invasive laser dentistry for tooth preparation. If you need veneers, a crown, filling, or bridge, our hard tissue laser will precisely and quickly prepare your tooth for the restoration. For some procedures, patients don’t even require anesthesia. Lasers do not emit heat, vibration, and smoke like dental drills. These three things contribute to most of the discomfort associated with dental drills. Learn more about laser dentistry here.

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My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

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What are crowns in an hour?
With innovative D4D technology, we can create custom crowns, inlays, and onlays in about an hour. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple.

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What are mini implant dentures?
MDIs are dental implants that hold dentures in place, and they can be surgically implanted in one day. Implant-supported dentures create a reliable hold and freedom from messy adhesives! Learn more about MDI on the Imtec website.

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Does your office use lasers?
We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry…

DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and we will not have to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.

Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.

Our hard tissue laser removes decay, replacing the traditional dental drill. We can also do bone grafts with this laser.

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What are my options to replace missing teeth?
We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and implant restorations to replace missing teeth. If you suffer with a loose denture, consider Mini Dental Implants for stabilization. Learn more about these services on our services page, then call for a consultation. With digital X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your dentition, the dentist can help you decide which replacement option will be best for you.

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Is teeth whitening safe?
Absolutely. We bet you didn't know that teeth whitening, in some form, has been around since the 1700s. Modern whitening uses safe and effective bleaching gel to melt away stains and discoloration. Choose from Zoom! Whitening in our office or convenient take-home teeth-whitening kits.

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What is the difference between veneers and Lumineers?
Lumineers are actually a brand of veneers that requires minimal or no tooth preparation prior to placement. Some patients prefer Lumineers because of the quick application and reduced risk for sensitivity. However, others prefer traditional veneers because of their completely customized design.

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What can you do to straighten my smile?
Porcelain veneers can correct slight misalignments and gaps, as well as discolorations, chips, and other imperfections. From Hollywood to Beverly Hills, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available today. Learn more about porcelain veneers here.

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