Frequently Asked Questions

Call us. We accept most major insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare, and offer Cherry Financing for patients who need flexible payment options. We would rather help you find a way in than have you put off care that matters.

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, including exams and cleanings, at little to no out-of-pocket cost. We accept most PPO plans as well as Medicaid and Medicare. Call us before your appointment and we will verify your benefits.

Yes. Cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer frequently develop without pain or visible symptoms until they have already progressed significantly. A checkup catches what you cannot see or feel on your own.

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, addresses bacterial buildup within the gum pockets and along the root surfaces. It is recommended when gum disease has progressed beyond what a standard cleaning can address. Your dentist will tell you which is right for you.

Yes. We see patients from six months old through their senior years. We can often schedule multiple family members back-to-back on the same day.

Yes. Oral cancer is most treatable when caught before symptoms appear, and this screening is the only way to do that. It adds just a few minutes to your visit and is included at every checkup at no additional cost.

Most appointments run between 45 minutes and an hour. If you are due for X-rays or additional concerns come up during your exam, it may run a little longer.

For most patients, a checkup is painless. Some sensitivity during cleaning is normal, especially near the gumline. If you experience discomfort at any point, let your hygienist know and they will adjust.

We see patients starting fresh after long gaps in care regularly. You will not be judged or lectured. We assess where things stand, explain it clearly, and help you build a plan that works for your schedule and budget.

Most patients benefit from two visits per year. Patients with gum disease, a higher cavity risk, or certain health conditions may need to come in every three to four months. Our team will recommend the right schedule for you.

If it's a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown, not the root, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it moist in milk. Call our office immediately. Time is critical. If it's a baby tooth, don't try to reinsert it, but still call us so we can assess the area and make sure nothing else was affected.

Yes, if they're playing any contact sport or activity where there's a risk of impact to the face. A custom-fitted mouthguard from our office offers significantly better protection than a store-bought boil-and-bite option. Ask us about it at your next visit.

Most children start losing their front baby teeth around age six. The process continues through the early teen years as permanent teeth gradually replace them. We monitor this process at every checkup to make sure everything is moving along as it should.

Yes. We accept several Medicaid plans that cover children, including UHC Texas Medicaid (Children) and TMHP. Our front desk team can verify your child's coverage before the appointment so there are no surprises.

Keep it simple and positive. Tell them they're going to meet the dentist, who is going to count their teeth and make sure they're healthy. Avoid using words like "hurt," "shot," or "drill." Books and videos about dental visits can also help younger kids know what to expect before they arrive.

Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where the deep grooves make it easy for bacteria and food to get trapped. They're one of the most effective tools we have for preventing cavities in kids. Our team will let you know if your child's teeth are good candidates.

Yes. Our digital X-ray system produces up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film. We also only take X-rays when they're clinically necessary, not on a fixed schedule regardless of your child's needs.

It happens, and it's completely normal, especially for very young children. Our team is experienced with kids at every comfort level. We know how to keep things calm and can adjust the visit to focus on what's manageable for that day. Building a positive relationship over time matters more than getting through a perfect exam on visit one.

We go at their pace. Before we start any exam, we take time to show your child what each tool is, explain what it does, and let them get comfortable with the environment. Nothing happens until your child is ready. If you know your child has anxiety, let us know when you book and we'll plan accordingly.

By their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. Starting early helps us spot any developmental concerns and gives your child a positive first impression of dental care before there's ever anything to fix.

A tooth that needs a crown but doesn't get one is at real risk of fracturing further. A crack that extends into the root can turn a restorable tooth into one that needs extraction. In most cases, the sooner a damaged tooth is protected, the more straightforward and affordable the solution.

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown and bridge treatment, particularly when it's placed for functional rather than purely cosmetic reasons. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect. Cherry Financing is also available if you need to spread the cost over time.

Yes. Once your permanent restoration is placed and your bite feels comfortable, you can eat normally. We generally recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods that put excessive pressure on any dental work, but day-to-day eating, including most foods you enjoy, isn't a problem.

Yes. Tooth-colored crowns and bridges are custom-made to match the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth. Most patients find that after a short adjustment period, their restoration feels and looks completely natural.

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Crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or zirconia. The material recommended depends on the location of the tooth, how much force it takes when you bite, and your cosmetic goals. Your dentist will explain the options and recommend the best fit for your specific case.

They're different solutions with different considerations. A bridge is a faster, non-surgical option that works well when the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong. An implant replaces the root of the missing tooth and doesn't require the neighboring teeth to be altered, but it involves a more involved process and longer timeline. Your dentist will walk you through both options so you can make the decision that fits your situation.

It's uncommon, but it can happen, usually because of a weakened tooth underneath or normal wear on the dental cement over time. If your crown or bridge feels loose, comes off, or doesn't feel right, call our office. We'll get you in quickly to assess the situation.

Most crown and bridge treatments involve two appointments. The first is for preparing the tooth and taking impressions. The second is for placing the permanent restoration. There's typically a one to two week wait between appointments while the lab fabricates your custom restoration.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the appointment. Some sensitivity and soreness in the days following is normal, especially around the gum tissue. Over-the-counter pain relief handles it for most patients.

With proper care, crowns and bridges typically last between 10 and 15 years, and often longer. How long yours lasts depends on the material used, where it's located in your mouth, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene and keep up with regular checkups.

The longer a tooth goes unreplaced, the more the surrounding bone shrinks and the more neighboring teeth drift out of position. This can make implant placement more complicated and may require a bone graft that wouldn't have been necessary if treatment had started sooner. If you're considering an implant, getting an evaluation sooner rather than later keeps your options as simple as possible.

Coverage varies significantly by plan. Some insurance plans cover a portion of implant treatment, particularly the crown or restoration. Others cover little to none of it. Our team will verify your benefits before your consultation so you have a clear picture of your out-of-pocket costs. Cherry Financing is also available to help spread the cost over time.

The surgical phase of implant treatment is performed by a trusted oral surgeon we work with closely. We coordinate your care between both offices so your treatment plan stays consistent and nothing gets lost in the handoff. You'll always have our team available to answer questions throughout the process.

The implant post itself is designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The crown or denture attached to it typically lasts 10 to 20 years before it may need to be replaced due to normal wear. How long yours lasts depends on your oral hygiene habits and how well you maintain regular dental visits.

The same way you care for natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with your regular checkups. The implant itself can't decay, but the gum tissue around it still needs to be kept clean to prevent infection. Your dentist will walk you through any specific care instructions at your restoration appointment.

Yes. Implant-supported dentures are a popular option for patients who are missing multiple teeth or an entire arch. They attach to a small number of implants for a secure, non-removable fit that's far more stable than traditional dentures. Your dentist will help you determine how many implants are needed based on your situation.

Bone loss is common after a tooth has been missing for a while. If your bone density isn't sufficient for implant placement, a bone graft can rebuild the area before surgery. We offer bone grafting in-house, so that step doesn't require an additional referral.

A regular crown is placed over a natural tooth that has been reshaped to support it. An implant crown attaches to the implant post rather than a natural tooth, but it looks and functions exactly the same way. The difference is what's underneath it.

From consultation to final restoration, the implant process typically takes between three and six months. Most of that time is the healing period between surgery and your restoration appointment. The actual number of visits involved is smaller than most people expect.

The surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the placement. Most patients report that the discomfort afterward is milder than they expected and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Your oral surgeon will give you specific aftercare instructions to make recovery as smooth as possible.

Traditional dentures typically last five to ten years before they need to be replaced or relined due to normal wear and changes in the shape of your jaw. Keeping up with regular checkups allows us to monitor the fit and recommend adjustments before they become a bigger issue.

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of denture treatment. Coverage varies by plan and may include a waiting period or a frequency limitation on how often replacements are covered. Our team will verify your specific benefits before your appointment. Cherry Financing is also available to help make the cost manageable over time.

For the right patient, yes. They stay in place without adhesive, allow for stronger chewing function, and help preserve the jawbone in a way traditional dentures can't. The tradeoff is a more involved process and higher upfront cost. Whether they're worth it depends on your priorities and your oral health. Your dentist will give you an honest comparison at your consultation.

In many cases, yes. If your denture cracks, chips, or a tooth breaks off, call our office. Depending on the damage, it may be repairable. Avoid trying to glue a broken denture back together at home, as this can make professional repair more difficult.

This is common and happens because the jawbone gradually changes shape after teeth are lost. Loose dentures should be addressed promptly because they can cause sore spots and make eating difficult. A reline or adjustment can restore the fit. Don't try to fix loose dentures with over-the-counter adhesive long-term. Come in and let us assess the fit.

There's a brief adjustment period during which certain sounds may feel different. Most patients adapt within a few weeks. Practicing out loud at home speeds up the process significantly.

Remove your dentures and rinse them after eating. Brush them daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive. Soak them overnight in a denture solution to keep them from drying out and losing their shape. Your dentist will walk you through a complete care routine at your placement appointment.

Most dentists recommend removing your dentures at night. This gives your gum tissue time to rest and reduces the risk of bacterial buildup. Your dentist will give you specific guidance based on your situation.

Yes. Modern dentures are designed to look like natural teeth and gums. Your dentist works with you on the shape, size, and shade of your new teeth so the result is realistic and proportional to your face. Most patients feel confident in their appearance once they've adjusted to wearing them.

From your initial consultation to receiving your finished dentures, the process typically takes a few weeks, depending on whether extractions are needed and how much healing time is required. Your dentist will give you a specific timeline at your first appointment.

Your retainer. Once treatment is complete, your teeth need ongoing support to stay in their new position. Your dentist will fit you for a custom retainer and give you clear instructions on how often to wear it. Consistent retainer use is what protects the investment you made in your smile.

Some plans that include orthodontic benefits apply a portion of those benefits to Invisalign. Coverage varies significantly by plan. Our team will verify your benefits before your consultation so you know what to expect. Cherry Financing is also available to help spread the cost over time.

Call our office right away. Depending on where you are in your treatment, your dentist may have you move on to the next set or order a replacement. Leaving a gap in your aligner sequence can allow your teeth to shift back, so it's important to address it quickly.

Some patients notice a slight adjustment in speech during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Most people adapt quickly and find that it's barely noticeable after the first week.

Those are attachments, small tooth-colored bumps bonded to specific teeth to help the aligners apply more targeted force to move certain teeth more precisely. Not every patient needs them, but they're common and virtually invisible in daily life.

For mild to moderate alignment cases, yes. Some complex bite issues are better addressed with traditional braces, and your dentist will give you an honest answer about which approach fits your specific situation. We don't recommend Invisalign for cases where it isn't the best tool for the job.

You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food and colored beverages can stain the aligners and trap bacteria against your teeth. The good news is there are no food restrictions with Invisalign. Eat whatever you want, just take the aligners out first.

Most patients feel mild pressure for the first day or two after switching to a new set of aligners. That's a sign the aligners are working. It fades quickly and is manageable without anything more than over-the-counter pain relief if needed.

Twenty to twenty-two hours per day. The aligners only move your teeth when they're in your mouth. Wearing them less than recommended extends your treatment timeline and can affect your results.

Most cases are completed in six to eighteen months. Mild corrections can take less time. Complex cases may take longer. Your dentist will give you a realistic timeline estimate at your consultation based on what your teeth actually need.

For the first 48 hours after whitening, your teeth are more porous and susceptible to restaining. During this window, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, and tobacco. After that period, you can resume your normal diet while following general maintenance habits to protect your results.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by dental insurance. Our team will confirm this with your plan before your appointment. Cherry Financing is available if you'd like to spread the cost over time.

Most dentists recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to undergo elective whitening treatments. Let your dentist know your situation at your consultation and they'll advise you on the right time to move forward.

Whitening lifts the shade of your natural teeth, but the degree of change depends on the type and depth of your staining. Teeth that are naturally more yellow tend to respond well to whitening. Very dark or gray discoloration may require a different approach, such as veneers. Your dentist will give you an honest assessment of what whitening can realistically achieve for your teeth.

Over-the-counter strips use a much lower concentration of whitening agent than professional products. They also don't conform precisely to the shape of your teeth, which leads to uneven coverage and inconsistent results. Professional whitening uses stronger formulas applied correctly for your tooth shape and sensitivity level.

Many patients with sensitivity can whiten safely. Opalescence is available in formulations designed for sensitive teeth, and your dentist will adjust the concentration and application time accordingly. Let your dentist know about your sensitivity before treatment begins.

Most patients enjoy their results for one to three years with good oral hygiene. Avoiding heavy coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco use extends results significantly. Touch-up treatments are quick and easy when needed.

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening, particularly to cold temperatures. This usually resolves within a day or two. Using a lower-concentration formula or shorter application time can reduce sensitivity without significantly affecting results. Your dentist will factor in your sensitivity level when recommending a treatment approach.

Yes, when used as directed. Opalescence is clinically tested and widely used in dental practices. Overusing whitening products or using them too frequently is what leads to sensitivity and enamel concerns. Professional treatment is monitored and dosed correctly for your specific teeth.

Results vary based on the degree and type of staining, your starting shade, and the formula used. Most patients see a noticeable improvement of several shades. Your dentist will give you a realistic expectation at your consultation rather than a number that may not apply to your situation.

Many can. Keeping up with regular checkups is the most effective way to catch small problems before they become urgent ones. Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports protects your teeth from injury. Addressing a cracked tooth or failing restoration before it breaks completely prevents a minor issue from becoming an emergency. Consistent preventive care is the best insurance you have against unexpected dental problems.

In most cases, yes. Emergency appointments focus on getting you out of pain and stabilizing the situation. Additional treatment is often needed to fully resolve the underlying problem. We schedule that follow-up before you leave so everything is planned and in place.

Go to the emergency room if swelling is spreading to your neck, throat, or eye area, if you're having difficulty breathing or swallowing, if you have a high fever alongside dental pain, or if you feel seriously unwell. These can be signs of a spreading infection that needs medical attention beyond what a dental office can provide. For all other dental emergencies, call our office first.

We see patients regardless of insurance status. Our team will walk you through your payment options, including Cherry Financing, so cost doesn't prevent you from getting the care you need. Don't let uncertainty about payment stop you from calling.

Yes. We see pediatric emergency patients as well as adults. If your child has a dental injury, broken tooth, or severe toothache, call our office right away. Our bilingual team is experienced with young patients and will help you stay calm and get your child seen quickly.

Time is critical. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if it's reinserted within an hour of being knocked out. Follow the steps outlined above and call our office immediately. We'll do everything we can to save the tooth.

Yes. A dental abscess is a serious infection that needs prompt treatment. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, performing a root canal to address the source of the infection, or extracting the tooth if it can't be saved. We assess the situation at your appointment and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Not always, but it should never be ignored. Mild occasional sensitivity is different from persistent or severe tooth pain. If your pain is keeping you up at night, getting worse, or accompanied by swelling, that's an emergency. Call us and describe your symptoms, and we'll help you determine how urgently you need to be seen.

We hold availability every day specifically for emergency patients. In most cases, we can see you the same day you call. If you call first thing in the morning, we'll do everything we can to get you in that day.

Call our office and listen to the after-hours message for guidance. For emergencies that involve significant swelling spreading to your neck or face, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any situation that feels medically urgent, go to the nearest emergency room.