Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Newark, CA
Learning More About Dentistry
Is there something you want to know about our Newark dental practice? Or do you have a more general question about dental care? The FAQs on this page provide detailed answers to many of the inquiries that our patients have asked over the years. Naturally, you likely have a few questions that aren’t discussed on this page. Remember that you can always reach out to our team at Newpark Mall Family Dental Group to ask anything that might be on your mind; simply give us a call today!
Is seeing the dentist once every six months important?
Even if your smile seems like it’s in good shape on the surface, you should always take the time to pay your dentist a visit at least once every six months. Some dental problems are all too easy to overlook while they’re in their earliest stages, but our dental experts can catch these issues thanks to their expertise and the latest dental technology. Dealing with the small problems now makes it less likely that you will have to deal with a more severe dental emergency later.
I cracked a tooth. How quickly can you see me?
We always strive to see our patients as soon as we can when they have a cracked tooth, severe oral pain, or any other kind of dental issue that urgently needs attention. As such, we will try to see you on the same day whenever possible, which means you will be able to have the tooth in question restored by a professional that much sooner.
How are dental implants different from other types of tooth replacement?
Dental implants are the only type of tooth replacement that can act as artificial roots. This is significant because when your teeth are lost, they no longer provide stimulation to the jaw, which can lead to bone loss. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants can provide the stimulation that your jawbone needs to prevent degeneration. On top of that, dental implants have much longer lifespans than other tooth replacement options. In fact, when they receive the right care, many dental implants can last for 30 years or more.
Do tooth extractions hurt?
As nervous as you might be about having a tooth removed, there should be little to no discomfort during the extraction process thanks to the use of a localized anesthetic. Also, dental sedation can help you stay relaxed during the treatment. It’s normal to experience soreness following a tooth extraction. You should be able to manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever. The discomfort should fade over time; give us a call if it persists longer than expected.
Why should you get a personalized mouthguard?
While you could simply get an athletic mouthguard at the store, a professional mouthguard provided by a dentist is specially made using an impression of your unique mouth. Said impression helps ensure that your mouthguard fits properly and comfortably. You can get a boil-and-bite mouthguard over the counter, but without a professional involved with the process, errors could be made without realizing it, resulting in a mouthguard that doesn’t fit as it should.
Do you take my insurance?
We realize that many of our patients rely on their insurance to reduce their out-of-pocket dental costs, which is why we are in-network with a wide variety of plans. If you want to find out whether we accept your insurance, all you need to do is give our office a call and let us know what plan you have. We can review your coverage with you so that you have a firm grasp of what your benefits look like.