Do you take my insurance?
What's really behind that question is often, "Can I afford to walk into this clinic and get treated?" We work with a lot of insurance plans in this clinic, but every plan has different benefits, limitations, deductibles, and coverage.
Whether you have insurance or you don't have insurance, the best thing to do is contact us and find out what options are available. We can talk about your needs and your coverage. If another clinic or resource is a better fit for your particular insurance or situation, we can also help point you in the right direction. We want to help you find an appropriate way to get the dental care you need.
How much does dental treatment cost?
Cost in dentistry varies depending on what treatment you actually need. My philosophy is to recommend treatment based on your oral health needs and goals rather than adding procedures that aren't necessary.
If you need a root canal, crown, or a couple of fillings, we'll explain those recommendations and why they're needed. If you also have a goal of improving the appearance of your smile, we can discuss those options separately.
That's why I always recommend coming in for a consultation. Once we've evaluated your teeth and understand what's going on, we can give you a better idea of the treatment options and associated costs.
If I have tooth pain, do I need an extraction or root canal?
It really depends. We need to know what's causing the pain, how much healthy tooth structure remains, and whether the tooth can predictably be restored.
For example, if it's a wisdom tooth with significant decay and there's no reason to maintain it, extraction may be appropriate. For another tooth, root canal treatment and a restoration may allow us to preserve the natural tooth. There are also other possible causes of tooth pain that may require different treatment.
If you have tooth pain today, give us a call. We'll do our best to get you evaluated as soon as possible and determine what treatment you actually need.
Is teeth whitening safe, and does it work?
Yes, teeth whitening can work when an appropriate product is used correctly. There are professional whitening treatments as well as over-the-counter options such as whitening strips. Whitening toothpastes can also help remove certain surface stains, although they work differently from peroxide-based bleaching products.
One of the most common side effects of whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity. If you already have sensitivity, cavities, gum recession, or other dental concerns, it's a good idea to have those evaluated before whitening.
If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, we can take a look and determine what's causing it. Once we know the cause, we can recommend appropriate ways to manage it.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. I've seen patients whose implants continue to function very well years after placement, particularly when they're keeping up with their oral hygiene and regular dental care.
But implants aren't guaranteed to last forever. Their longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, gum and bone health, smoking, medical conditions, bite forces, and ongoing maintenance. The implant itself and the restoration attached to it can also have different maintenance and replacement needs over time.
The important thing is to take care of your implants just as you would your natural teeth and keep up with your recommended dental visits.
Should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
It depends. Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. If you're an adult and your wisdom teeth are fully or partially impacted but haven't caused problems, we need to evaluate their position, surrounding tissues, and potential risks before recommending treatment.
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed when they're causing or contributing to problems such as pain, infection, decay, gum disease, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth.
For younger patients, we evaluate the developing wisdom teeth and determine if removal is appropriate based on their position and risk of future problems. Age alone doesn't mean that wisdom teeth automatically need to come out.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry can be used safely for appropriately selected patients when it's administered and monitored by qualified professionals. There are different levels of sedation, and the appropriate option depends on your health, anxiety level, and the procedure you're having.
With moderate IV sedation, you may become very relaxed and drowsy while still being able to respond to verbal instructions or light stimulation. Some patients remember very little about the procedure afterward.
Throughout treatment, we monitor you closely and use local anesthesia and other appropriate measures to manage discomfort. Sedation itself isn't a substitute for local anesthetic or pain control.
If you're anxious about dental treatment, we can discuss whether sedation is appropriate for you, along with its potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Why are my gums bleeding?
Bleeding gums can happen for different reasons. One of the most common is inflammation from plaque buildup or gum disease. Hormonal changes, certain medications, medical conditions, and changes in your oral hygiene routine can also contribute.
If your gums continue to bleed, it's important to have them evaluated rather than trying to determine the cause on your own. We'll examine your teeth and gums, review your health history, and determine if there are signs of gingivitis, periodontal disease, or another issue that needs attention.
At Pacific Park Family Dental, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (360) 803-3546 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.