FAQ

In general, yes, but not in all cases. Dental insurance plans typically cover around 50 percent of the cost of your crown procedure. However, dental insurance coverage only applies when the procedure is deemed medically necessary. If you want a crown for cosmetic reasons, such as dental staining, your insurance will most likely not cover it.

Just like any dental restoration, your crown or bridge will eventually need to be replaced due to natural wear and tear. The full lifespan of your crown or bridge will depend on how well you take care of your teeth. In most cases, you can expect your crown or bridge to last 10-15 years. You can keep your restoration in the best possible condition by practicing good at-home oral hygiene and maintaining a regular preventive visit schedule with your dentist.

If you’re currently experiencing the loss of one or more teeth, your dentist may recommend an artificial restoration to treat your tooth loss. A bridge is a fixed restoration made from one or more crowns. Bridges are used to restore your natural ability to bite, chew, and speak, distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth, and prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting out of position.

A dental crown is commonly known as a cap. It is recommended when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. It can be used to repair a cracked or broken tooth, hold together a fractured tooth, restore a badly worn-down tooth, or cover tooth decay that’s too extensive for a cavity filling to address.

How often should you have a teeth cleaning or attend a checkup? It can depend on your overall oral health and wellness. That said, it’s generally recommended to visit the dentist twice yearly (or every six months) for a routine dental cleaning and checkup.

For most patients, basic preventive care such as checkups and cleanings is covered 100% by insurance. In-depth periodontal (“deep”) cleaning may be covered in part between 50%-80%, depending on your coverage. We will be sure to confirm your benefits and help you understand your insurance coverage to make the most of the coverage you’re owed.

The American Dental Association recommends visiting your trusted local dentist every six months. This helps our team check for concerns as they arise and give prompt treatment recommendations to help you maintain a healthy, functional smile.

Generally, no, not at all! Dental cleanings are handled by one of our trained hygienists who gently yet thoroughly clean and floss your teeth.Patients who have periodontal (gum) disease may experience some tenderness or bleeding. However, we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs and make you feel comfortable at all times.

Your dentures should be treated just like regular teeth! Be sure to see your dentist every six months for a checkup to see how your dentures are fitting and look for signs of concern.

Generally, a full set of dentures will last 5-7 years before needing to be replaced due to wear and tear. Partials may last 5-10 years, depending on the quality of the materials used and how well you care for them at home.

Over time, you will need to get your dentures repaired, or even replaced, due to normal wear and tear. If you experience any issues with your dentures or find that they no longer fit your mouth properly, visit our office.

In most cases, yes. Many major dental insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of dentures. However, the extent of coverage depends on your plan and carrier. Be sure to refer to your insurance plan or discuss your insurance questions with our team.

It will take some time to get used to wearing your dentures once you receive them from your dentist. It’s normal for the dentures to feel loose or bulky in your mouth, and it may take a week or two to get used to eating with them. However, as you adjust to your new dentures, you will begin to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Practice good at-home care, attend regularly scheduled dental cleanings, and avoid overindulging on acidic or staining foods and beverages. This can help keep your smile looking bright for years to come.

The effects of your whitening treatment can last up to 1-2 with good at-home care and regular cleanings. Habits such as smoking, drinking dark liquids, and eating heavily pigmented foods can stain your teeth. Be sure to practice good at-home hygiene to help maintain your whitening results.

There are many reasons why your teeth may be looking dull or yellow, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, practicing poor oral hygiene, drinking dark liquids (coffee, tea, or red wine), or eating staining or acidic foods (like beets, berries, tomatoes, or curries). Your teeth can become gray or brown due to injury or infection, as well.

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.

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. Porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years with good at-home care and regular cleanings. As long as you treat your veneers with the same care as your natural teeth, you can expect to keep smiling for many years to come.

Generally, no. Patients who receive 2-4 veneers typically experience little to no discomfort after the application procedure. However, patients who receive eight or more veneers may experience some sensitivity or tenderness. Dr. Harvey will take every precaution during your veneer preparation and administer local anesthetic as needed to reduce your discomfort and ensure a relaxing treatment experience.

Veneers are the most effective way to effortlessly solve a wide range of dental imperfections, such as stains, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, worn-down enamel, misshapen teeth, and irregularly sized teeth.

Most patients can expect the process of getting porcelain veneers to take 3-4 weeks. You will visit our office 2-3 times during the process, from your initial consultation and tooth preparation to the final fitting and application when your veneers return from the lab.

We offer high-quality veneers made from aesthetic porcelain. This material is chosen for its strength, durability, and lifelike appearance, perfect for making over your smile with natural results.

The total cost of your treatment will depend on your case and unique needs. That said, we do everything we can to offer affordable dental care at transparent prices, including all emergency services. We also offer flexible financing options to help you cover all out-of-pocket expenses.

We do everything we can to see you! That’s why we offer same-day or next-day appointments to get you in as quickly as possible. Walk-ins are accepted as scheduling permits. We can’t guarantee appointment times, so be sure to call us in case of an accident or emergency.

Dental emergencies can sometimes be frightening and we understand your first instinct may be to go to the hospital. But unless you’re experiencing severe symptoms of uncontrolled bleeding or swelling, you should contact your local dentist right away.