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FAQ

Dental Implants

What can I expect during my implant appointment?

Dr. Hassan and the staff at Apex Dental are friendly, welcoming, and will take the time to educate and inform you of all of your options. Patients trust Dr. Hassan to replace their teeth in the way that helps them to accomplish their lifestyle goals. That means that Dr. Hassan will make a detailed recommendation about which direction you should go for replacing your missing teeth. Just remember that you can have a beautiful and natural-looking smile by working with a professional implant dentist, and if you are suffering from missing teeth, we can help you by transforming your smile. 

What happens if I don’t get an implant?

Missing teeth make it difficult to properly eat your food, leading to digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies. After you lose a tooth, your jaw will also begin to shrink, which will cause your facial muscles to sag.

Do you offer sedation?

Yes, we offer oral sedation to patients undergoing implant surgery to ensure a painless and relaxing experience.

Do implants hurt?

Getting an implant involves a minor surgical procedure, during which your dentist will insert the implants into your jawbone. Be sure to follow the post-operative care instructions we provide you with to ensure a comfortable recovery.

How many appointments will it take to get implants?

You will visit our office 3-4 times during your dental implant treatment experience. The full process includes your initial consultation, treatment planning, surgery, and follow-ups to check on your progress.

Invisalign

How much does Invisalign cost?

Invisalign is a flexible treatment that can be tailored to your needs. We’ll have to perform a full assessment of your teeth during your consultation so we can provide you with a breakdown of all treatment costs. That said, Invisalign is comparable to the cost of braces, making it affordable for most patients.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

The cost of Invisalign treatment is typically covered in part by most dental insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your plan and stated benefits. We’ll be sure to confirm your benefits to help you make the most of your coverage.

Can teens get Invisalign?

Yes, teens living a variety of orthodontic concerns can benefit from Invisalign treatment. We treat teens and adults using Invisalign to transform smiles, straighten teeth, correct jaw issues, and much more. Many young patients may be candidates for clear aligners, so be sure to talk to our team about an Invisalign consultation for your teen or tween.

How long should I wear Invisalign?

They are only worn for 22 hours a day for two weeks at a time. Because you can take them out for a few hours a day, you can remove them to eat dinner, go on a date, or make an important presentation at work.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Unlike wearing traditional braces, Invisalign won’t make a major impact on your quality of life. Since the aligners are clear, they won’t impact your appearance. Additionally, since they can be removed during meals, they will not interfere with eating. This is a huge advantage because you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about something becoming stuck in your teeth or a wire being pulled out of place. Overall, this is a convenient way to straighten your teeth and provides the maximum level of flexibility.

Veneers

What are the benefits of veneers?

This procedure is an excellent solution because veneers can be used to transform your smile into one that looks perfect and beautiful. It does so, while still using your natural teeth, so there is no need for surgery, and the recovery time is reduced. Since the veneers are made to match your other teeth, they will look natural, and no one will be able to tell that you had any cosmetic dentistry work completed. Another benefit is that they are made out of a stain-resistant material. This means that your teeth will stay whiter and brighter, even if your favorite beverage is a hot cup of coffee.

Are veneers permanent?

Veneers are a permanent cosmetic procedure. They need a thin layer of enamel to be removed from your teeth prior to placement and are bonded to the remaining tooth structure. For this reason, only a trained dental professional can make repairs or adjustments to your veneers.

How long do veneers last?

The lifespan of your veneer depends on the type you choose, and your veneers will eventually need to be repaired or replaced just like any other dental work. Composite resin veneers typically last 5-7 years while porcelain veneers will last 10-15 years. A set of ceramic veneers to last 20 years or more, which is why we recommend it to our patients.

Do veneers hurt?

Generally, no. Patients who receive 2-4 veneers typically experience no discomfort. However, patients who receive eight or more veneers may experience some sensitivity or tenderness in the gums. Your dentist will take every precaution during your veneer preparation and administer local anesthetic or sedation as needed to ensure your comfort.

How long does it take to get veneers?

On average, you can expect the process of getting your veneers to take 3-4 weeks. You’ll visit our office 2-3 times during this time, from your initial consultation to the final fitting and application.

What kind of veneers can I get?

We offer high-quality veneers made from ceramic, porcelain, or composite resin. Each material is chosen for its strength, durability, and lifelike appearance.

Dental Cleanings

Do dental cleanings hurt?

Generally, no, dental cleanings are painless procedures. At Apex Dental, Dr. Hassan and his team practice gentle dentistry. Our hygiene teams provide teeth cleanings for patients with sensitive teeth. Many adults avoid visiting the dentist because they are concerned that their teeth will hurt or feel worse during the exam or subsequent cleaning, and we understand that. When working with the right dentist, you can feel comfortable regardless of how sensitive your teeth are.

How often should I see the dentist?

Routine preventive care is the foundation of good dental health and wellness. You can expect to see the dentist every six months. This allows Dr. Hassan and his team to monitor changes in your oral health over time and provide timely treatment recommendations to keep your teeth healthy.

Are cleanings covered by insurance?

Yes, most major dental insurance plans cover 100% of preventive care services. Preventive care includes your bi-annual (twice yearly) checkups and cleanings. More involved procedures, such as “deep cleanings” are typically covered anywhere from 60-80% by your dental plan. We will confirm your benefits during your visits and help you maximize the coverage you are owed.

How can I prevent cavities?

We recommend that you use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth twice a day and use fluoride toothpaste. This will keep harmful sugar and bacteria off of your teeth and the fluoride will help to strengthen them. You should also floss daily to get food particles and bacteria out of hard-to-reach places. Following up with an antibacterial mouthwash will help to kill any remaining germs.

Your diet is also important to good oral health. Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat a diet that contains dairy products, lean protein, green vegetables and complex carbs so that your body gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. We can provide additional tips and information during your dental cleaning and examinations.

How can you keep my child calm during their cleaning?

Dr. Hassan works with patients of all ages and knows how to help children to feel comfortable while visiting the dentist. While cleaning children’s teeth, our staff has been trained to take it slowly and practice gentle dentistry. By building a rapport with our young patients, they will feel more relaxed during their dental appointments and visiting the dentist becomes fun instead of intimidating.

How can I prepare for my child’s dental visit?

We recommend that parents take the time to read stories about going to the dentist and play games by teaching children how to examine their toy’s teeth. These little steps can help children to feel comfortable when getting their own teeth cleaned. By doing so twice a year, their baby teeth are more likely to stay in until they are supposed to fall out, and their adult teeth will also stay healthier.

Emergency

How can I relieve dental pain while waiting for an emergency dental appointment?

We help patients stay comfortable while they wait to be seen by their dentist. Often, we will recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help with the pain. You may also want to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area in order to reduce or prevent swelling.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Call our office immediately. Over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease the symptoms. You may apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the face in the area of the pain, but do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

What should I do if I suffer a blow to the head or jaw fracture?

You need immediate medical attention. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital. A severe head injury can be life-threatening.

What should I do if my tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken?

Contact your dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out

Contact your emergency dental office as soon as possible. The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap — use only water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Get to the Emergency Dentist immediately. (Call the emergency number if it’s after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Apex Dental is here to make you smile.