Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry
Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry

FAQs

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General dentistry covers a broad range of dental services aimed at maintaining oral health, including cleanings, exams, fillings, and preventive care.

It’s recommended to visit your dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning.

Common signs include tooth pain, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

During a dental exam, your dentist will check your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of problems, such as cavities or gum disease.

You can prevent cavities by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings.

A dental filling is a treatment to restore the function and integrity of a tooth that has been damaged by decay.

Yes, dental x-rays are safe and use very low levels of radiation. They are essential for diagnosing dental problems.

Fluoride treatment strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities. It is especially beneficial for children and those at high risk for decay.

Yes, your dentist can identify the cause of bad breath, which may be due to gum disease, cavities, or poor oral hygiene.

A dental hygienist focuses on preventive care, such as cleanings, while a dentist diagnoses and treats dental issues.

Sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay. They are often recommended for children.

Yes, your dentist can treat tooth sensitivity by addressing the underlying cause, such as enamel erosion or gum recession.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, treated with cleanings, scaling, and sometimes surgery.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand and mouth, and consider an electric toothbrush for more effective cleaning.

Regular dental visits help prevent oral health problems, catch issues early, and maintain overall oral hygiene.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile through various treatments.

Common procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and smile makeovers.

Yes, treatments like veneers, Invisalign®, and orthodontics can correct crooked teeth and improve your smile.

The cost varies depending on the procedure, but we offer financing options to make cosmetic treatments more affordable.

Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe and effective, and it’s performed under the supervision of a dentist.

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of your teeth, improving their color, shape, and size.

The timeline varies by procedure, but some treatments, like teeth whitening, can show results in as little as one visit.

Yes, gaps can be closed with treatments like veneers, bonding, or orthodontics.

A smile makeover is a comprehensive treatment plan that combines multiple cosmetic procedures to enhance your overall smile.

Risks are minimal, especially when treatments are performed by an experienced dentist. We’ll discuss any potential risks during your consultation.

Yes, teeth whitening and veneers are popular options for achieving a brighter, whiter smile.

Look for a dentist with experience in cosmetic procedures, positive patient reviews, and a portfolio of successful treatments.

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to your teeth to repair chips, cracks, or gaps, improving their appearance.

Yes, treatments like gum contouring can reshape your gums and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.

Results can last for many years with proper care, but it depends on the treatment and your oral hygiene habits.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance.

With proper care, veneers can last between 10 to 15 years or even longer.

Yes, veneers are an excellent solution for repairing chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth.

Getting veneers typically requires two visits—one for preparation and impressions, and another for placement.

Veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic treatment because a small amount of enamel is removed to place them.

Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant, while composite veneers are quicker to apply and less expensive.

Care for veneers as you would your natural teeth—brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly.

Veneers do not respond to whitening treatments, so it’s important to choose the right shade when they’re placed.

Yes, veneers are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile.

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile, veneers might be a good option. Your dentist can help determine if they’re the right choice.

Veneers are often considered a cosmetic procedure, so they may not be covered by insurance. Check with your provider.

If a veneer falls off, contact your dentist immediately. They can typically reattach or replace it.

Yes, veneers can be used to close small gaps between teeth and improve alignment.

Veneers cover only the front surface of the teeth, while crowns cover the entire tooth. Veneers are typically used for cosmetic purposes, while crowns are used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes.

Veneers offer a quick and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile, covering imperfections like stains, chips, and gaps.

A dental filling is a treatment used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth that has been damaged by decay.

Common materials include composite resin, amalgam, gold, and porcelain.

Signs that you may need a filling include tooth pain, sensitivity, or visible holes or dark spots on your teeth.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend with your natural teeth, while amalgam fillings are more durable but silver in color.

Fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and how well you care for them.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the filling process.

Fillings can occasionally fall out due to wear, but your dentist can replace them if needed.

Signs include tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature, or feeling a rough edge on the tooth.

You can eat normally after a filling, but it’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods for a few hours.

Brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for check-ups to ensure your fillings remain in good condition.

For minor decay, fluoride treatments may be an option, but fillings are the most common and effective treatment for cavities.

Yes, children can get fillings if they have cavities. Pediatric fillings are often made of composite resin.

A temporary filling is used when multiple visits are needed for treatment. It’s not meant to last long and will be replaced by a permanent filling.

Yes, composite fillings can be used to repair chipped teeth and restore their appearance.

A smile makeover is a customized treatment plan that combines multiple cosmetic dental procedures to improve the overall appearance of your smile.

Procedures can include teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, dental bonding, and orthodontics like Invisalign®.

The timeline varies depending on the procedures involved, but it can range from a few weeks to several months.

Yes, orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® or veneers can be part of a smile makeover to correct crooked teeth.

While the results of a smile makeover can last for many years, maintaining them requires good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

The cost varies depending on the procedures chosen. We offer financing options to make your smile makeover more affordable.

Anyone looking to improve the appearance of their smile can be a candidate. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and goals to create a personalized plan.

Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by insurance, but some restorative aspects might be. Check with your provider.

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential. Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

Yes, gaps can be closed with veneers, bonding, or orthodontic treatments as part of your smile makeover.

A smile makeover can boost your confidence, improve your oral health, and enhance the overall appearance of your teeth and gums.

Schedule a consultation with your dentist, who will discuss your goals and create a customized treatment plan.

Yes, gum contouring can be included to reshape your gum line and improve the balance of your smile.

Recovery times vary depending on the procedures involved, but most patients can resume normal activities shortly after each treatment.

Many dentists offer digital imaging or mock-ups to give you an idea of what your new smile will look like before treatment begins.

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth, relieving pain and saving the tooth from extraction.

Symptoms include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, and discoloration of the tooth.

Modern root canal procedures are relatively painless, thanks to local anesthesia and advances in dental technology.

A root canal typically takes one to two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection.

The dentist will remove the infected tissue, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, then fill and seal it.

Yes, a root canal can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or damage.

Most people can return to normal activities the day after the procedure, although some discomfort may persist for a few days.

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it's fully restored, and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent future infections.

After a root canal, your dentist may place a crown over the tooth to restore its appearance and function, making it look just like your natural teeth.

While rare, a root canal can fail if the infection returns or if the tooth cracks. In such cases, retreatment may be necessary.

The cost varies depending on the tooth and the complexity of the procedure. Dental insurance often covers part of the cost.

The primary alternative to a root canal is tooth extraction, which may require a dental implant or bridge to replace the missing tooth.

Yes, you can usually drive home after a root canal unless you’ve received sedation that impairs your ability to drive.

A crown is often recommended to protect the treated tooth from fracture and restore its function.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding sugary foods, and visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent tooth decay and infections that lead to root canals.

Invisalign® is a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces.

Invisalign® uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position.

Treatment time varies, but most patients wear Invisalign® aligners for 12 to 18 months.

Yes, Invisalign® is effective for treating many of the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces, including crowding, gaps, and bite problems.

For best results, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Yes, Invisalign® aligners are made from smooth plastic and are more comfortable than metal braces, with no wires or brackets to irritate your mouth.

Yes, since Invisalign® aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you like, unlike with traditional braces.

Clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and rinse them thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth.

Some patients may experience a slight lisp when first wearing Invisalign®, but this usually goes away as you adjust to the aligners.

You’ll need to visit your dentist or orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor your progress and receive your next set of aligners.

Yes, you can remove your aligners for short periods, but it’s important to wear them consistently to stay on track with your treatment.

Yes, Invisalign® is a popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.

The cost varies depending on the complexity of your case, but many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the treatment.

Yes, Invisalign® can be used to correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other bite issues.

After completing Invisalign® treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile and prevent your teeth from shifting back.

Tooth extraction is often necessary when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or causing overcrowding or infection.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the extraction, though some discomfort afterward is normal.

Recovery typically takes a few days, with most people feeling back to normal within a week.

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days after your extraction.

Dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. Avoid smoking, spitting, or using a straw to reduce your risk.

Yes, but avoid the extraction site and be gentle around the area for the first few days.

Healing is usually indicated by reduced swelling and pain after the first few days. If you notice increased pain, bleeding, or swelling, contact your dentist.

Stitches are sometimes needed, especially after surgical extractions, and your dentist will let you know if they’re required.

Your dentist will provide specific instructions, such as avoiding food and drink before the procedure if sedation is used.

If you’ve only received local anesthesia, you can drive home. If you’ve had sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you.

A surgical extraction involves removing a tooth that hasn’t fully erupted or has broken off at the gum line, often requiring an incision in the gum.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and following your dentist’s aftercare instructions can help manage discomfort.

Most dental insurance plans cover tooth extractions, but it’s a good idea to check with your provider.

You can usually return to normal activities within a day or two, but avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days.

Risks include infection, dry socket, and prolonged bleeding, but following your dentist’s aftercare instructions can help minimize these risks.

Dental emergencies include severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and infections that require immediate attention.

Try to place the tooth back in its socket without touching the root, or store it in milk or saliva and see your dentist immediately.

Yes, we offer emergency dental care for urgent situations, and we’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and saltwater rinses can help manage pain until you can see your dentist.

Contact our office, and we’ll provide guidance or arrange for emergency care, even outside of regular hours.

It depends on the severity. If the chip is large or causing pain, it’s best to seek emergency care.

ERs can provide temporary relief, but it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible for proper treatment.

Contact our office immediately. If the injury is severe, such as a knocked-out tooth, follow the same steps as for an adult.

Regular dental check-ups, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding chewing hard objects can help prevent emergencies.

An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that can cause severe pain and swelling. It is a dental emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Keep the crown and contact your dentist immediately. They can often re-cement the crown or provide a replacement.

Symptoms include severe tooth pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. An infection is a dental emergency.

Carry a dental emergency kit, know the location of nearby dental offices, and maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of emergencies while traveling.

Some bleeding is normal, but if it’s heavy or doesn’t stop after a few hours, contact your dentist for emergency care.

Many dental insurance plans cover emergency care, but it’s important to check with your provider for details.

Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health through regular check-ups, cleanings, and patient education to prevent dental problems before they start.

It’s recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning.

Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. They are especially beneficial for children.

Fluoride treatment strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities by making them more resistant to decay.

You can prevent gum disease by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings.

Maintain good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet, avoid sugary snacks, and see your dentist regularly.

Yes, foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, like dairy products and leafy greens, help strengthen teeth, while crunchy fruits and vegetables can help clean teeth.

Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury during sports and physical activities.

An oral cancer screening is a part of your routine dental exam where your dentist checks for signs of oral cancer.

Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, avoid acidic foods and drinks, and maintain good oral hygiene.

Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.

If you grind your teeth at night or wake up with jaw pain, a night guard can help protect your teeth from damage.

Yes, maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent bad breath caused by dental issues.

A balanced diet with limited sugar intake helps prevent cavities and supports overall oral health.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat a healthy diet, and avoid tobacco products.

Dentures are removable appliances that replace all or some missing teeth, while bridges are fixed restorations that replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth.

With proper care, dentures and bridges can last many years, but they may eventually need to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced.

Yes, but it may take some time to adjust. Start with soft foods and gradually reintroduce more solid foods.

Clean your dentures daily with a soft brush and mild denture cleaner, and soak them in water or a denture solution overnight.

Brush and floss around your bridge daily, and use a special floss threader to clean under the bridge.

Yes, both dentures and bridges can help improve speech by filling gaps caused by missing teeth.

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Yes, dental implants are a popular alternative that offers a more permanent solution for missing teeth.

Modern dentures are designed to look natural and match your existing teeth for a seamless appearance.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

It’s generally recommended to remove dentures at night to give your gums a rest and to clean them properly.

Partial dentures replace some missing teeth and are held in place by metal clasps that attach to your natural teeth.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Implant-supported dentures are secured in place by dental implants, providing more stability than traditional dentures.

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dentures and bridges, but it’s important to check with your provider.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Most adults with good oral health and adequate bone density are candidates for dental implants. Your dentist will evaluate your specific case.

The process involves surgically placing the implant into the jawbone, followed by a healing period, and then attaching a crown, bridge, or denture to the implant.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the surgery. Some discomfort after the procedure is normal.

Healing can take several weeks to a few months, depending on your individual case and the need for additional procedures like bone grafting.

Care for implants like your natural teeth—brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.

Implants provide a more permanent solution, offer better stability, and help preserve jawbone structure.

Yes, implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even support a full set of dentures.

The cost varies based on the number of implants and additional procedures required. We offer financing options to make implants more affordable.

Yes, dental implants have a high success rate and are a safe and effective solution for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implant coverage varies by insurance plan. It’s important to check with your provider to understand your benefits.

A bone graft is a procedure to add bone to your jaw if there isn’t enough bone to support an implant. It helps create a stable foundation for the implant.

Gum disease must be treated before implants can be placed. Your dentist will assess your oral health and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Implants prevent bone loss, support adjacent teeth, and restore full chewing ability, contributing to better overall oral health.

It’s recommended to get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months to maintain optimal oral health.

During a cleaning, a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth, and may apply fluoride for extra protection.

Teeth cleaning is generally not painful, though some patients with sensitive gums may experience mild discomfort.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

A regular cleaning focuses on the surfaces of your teeth and above the gum line, while a deep cleaning involves scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line.

Yes, polishing during a cleaning can remove surface stains, though deeper stains may require whitening treatment.

Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, and they keep your smile looking its best.

Brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid sugary foods and drinks to maintain your oral health between cleanings.

Yes, you can eat after a cleaning, but it’s best to avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee or red wine immediately afterward.

Some bleeding during cleaning can be normal, especially if you have gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help reduce bleeding over time.

Yes, removing plaque and tartar helps eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath.

Yes, by removing plaque and tartar, teeth cleanings help prevent the formation of cavities.

Your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning if you have signs of gum disease, such as deep pockets around your teeth.

Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year. Check with your provider for details.

Yes, children should start getting their teeth cleaned as soon as their first teeth appear to establish good oral hygiene habits.