Patient FAQs
quick answers before you book.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
It depends on your oral health needs. Your dentist recommends x-rays based on your history, risk factors, symptoms, and clinical exam results.
What typically guides the timing:
• Medical and dental history
• Age and cavity risk
• Current symptoms
• Clinical exam results
General guidelines:
• New patients: A full-mouth series to establish a baseline (often valid 3–5 years).
• Routine check-ups: Bitewings once or twice a year to catch new cavities or monitor changes.
• Panoramic (as needed): Broad view for wisdom teeth, jawbone, or developing teeth.
Safety note: We use modern digital x-rays with very low radiation and take them only when necessary.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes. Dental x-rays use very low radiation—roughly similar to everyday background exposure.
How exposure is minimized:
• Digital sensors (lower dose than film)
• Lead apron/thyroid protection when appropriate
• Taken only when clinically necessary
Why they matter: X-rays help find problems early, before they become painful or costly to treat.
What do dental sealants involve?
Sealants are a quick, painless coating placed on the grooves of back teeth to help prevent cavities.
Steps:
• Clean: Teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
• Dry: The tooth is kept dry with cotton or similar material.
• Etch: A gentle gel prepares the surface for bonding.
• Apply: Sealant is painted into the grooves.
• Harden: It sets on its own or with a curing light.
Aftercare: With good home care and regular checkups, sealants can last several years.
What does getting porcelain veneers involve?
Typically two visits with minimal tooth shaping for most patients.
Visit 1 — preparation and impressions:
• Teeth are lightly shaped to make room for veneers.
• Impressions are taken for a precise fit.
• Shade is selected for a natural look.
Visit 2 — bonding:
• Teeth are cleaned and prepared for strong bonding.
• Veneers are placed with bonding cement.
• A curing light hardens the cement and secures the veneers.
Aftercare: Brush, floss, and attend regular checkups. Well-cared-for veneers can last many years.
What does tooth whitening (custom trays) involve?
A two-visit process with custom-fitted trays and professional gel.
Visit 1 — impressions:
• Molds of your teeth are taken to make custom trays.
Visit 2 — tray fitting:
• Trays are checked and adjusted for comfort and seal.
• You receive trays and whitening gel with instructions.
At-home use:
• Wear trays with gel as directed (for example, 30 minutes twice daily or overnight).
• Duration depends on stain level and goals.
• Temporary sensitivity can occur and usually resolves after treatment.
Aftercare: Follow instructions and maintain regular dental visits and daily hygiene to keep your smile bright.
Do porcelain veneers stain from tea, coffee, or wine?
Porcelain is highly stain-resistant and should not discolor from everyday foods and drinks.
Keep your overall smile even:
• Brush and floss daily (natural teeth can still stain).
• Schedule regular professional cleanings.
• Rinse or limit frequent exposure to dark beverages.
With proper care, veneers keep their color and luster for many years.
What happens to my teeth after veneers, and can I still get cavities?
The tooth structure under a veneer remains healthy and strong when properly cared for. Veneers do not increase cavity risk, but natural teeth beneath and around them can still decay without good hygiene.
Good habits:
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss every day
• Keep sugary snacks/drinks low and mainly at mealtimes
• See your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams
Healthy habits help your veneers—and the natural teeth beneath and around them—stay in great shape.
What does getting a crown involve?
Usually two appointments—one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary, one to cement the custom crown.
Appointment 1 — preparation and temporary:
• Numb the tooth for comfort.
• Remove decay and reshape the tooth for the crown.
• Take precise impressions for the lab.
• Place a temporary crown (lab time is typically about two weeks).
• Check your bite for comfort.
Appointment 2 — final crown:
• Remove the temporary and clean the tooth.
• Try in and adjust the custom crown for fit and bite.
• Permanently cement the crown.
Aftercare: Brush, floss, and maintain regular checkups. Crowns can last many years with good care.
How are composite (tooth-colored) fillings placed?
Usually completed in one visit with a comfortable, layered technique for a natural look.
Steps:
• Numbing and decay removal: The tooth is numbed; decay is removed and the area is cleaned.
• Preparation: A protective liner may be placed if the cavity is close to the nerve.
• Placement: Composite is added in layers; each layer is light-cured, then shaped and polished to match your tooth.
After treatment:
• Mild hot/cold sensitivity can be normal and typically subsides as the tooth settles.
Make fillings last:
• Brush and floss daily
• Limit frequent sugary snacks/drinks
• Keep regular dental visits