Frequently Asked Dental Questions – San Ramon, CA

Do I really need a dental checkup and cleaning every six months?

Simply put, yes, your biannual trips to the dentist are absolutely essential when it comes to protecting your smile. A trustworthy dentist has the training and technology needed to identify dental problems while they’re still small and relatively easy to deal with. They can also get rid of tartar, which is a hardened form of plaque that can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone. By seeing your dentist regularly, you can significantly lower your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

How soon can you see me if I crack a tooth?

As soon as possible! Our practice is proud to offer 24/7 emergency dental care, so if you have an urgent dental problem – be it a cracked tooth, a severe toothache, or a tooth that has been lost entirely – we’ll often be able to see you on the same day. You won’t have to wait too long to have your smile repaired by our compassionate dental experts.

What makes dental implants different than traditional bridges and dentures?

The main thing that sets dental implants apart from other forms of tooth replacement is that they can act as artificial roots in order to support a customized crown, bridge, or denture. The implant posts will form a lasting bond with the jaw; not only does this give them more stability and chewing power, but it can also stop the surrounding bone from degenerating. Additionally, a dental implant can last for decades while traditional dentures and bridges often have to be replaced after just 5 to 7 years.

I’m having a tooth removed. Will it hurt?

You shouldn’t experience discomfort during your extraction since your mouth will be numbed. (Nitrous oxide sedation or oral conscious sedation may also be used depending on your needs and preferences.) Of course, some soreness might occur once the numbness wears off, but it’s nothing to worry about; not only can you typically control it with ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever, but it should go away on its own after a certain amount of time.

What are the advantages of getting a custom mouthguard?

A custom athletic mouthguard usually offers a more comfortable fit and improved protection compared to a store-bought one since it’s designed based on an impression of the patient’s smile. With over-the-counter boil-and-bite mouthguards, it’s all too easy to make a mistake and end up with results that don’t fit as they should. As such, asking a dentist for a custom mouthguard can be a worthwhile investment.

Will you accept my dental insurance plan?

We consider ourselves an insurance-friendly dental practice, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to use your insurance benefits to get the care you need. And since we’re in-network with a variety of plans, we can help many of our patients save more money on their care. If you call our office, we can confirm whether we take your insurance plan and give you an overview of what your coverage will look like.