Frequently Asked Questions

Pain is a late symptom. Many dental problems—cracks, infection, wear, gum disease—develop quietly. Most patients benefit from exams and cleanings every six months, but the right interval should be individualized based on factors like dry mouth, medical history, bite forces, and past dental work.

X-rays are not taken “just because.” They help detect problems we can’t reliably see—decay between teeth, bone loss, infections, and certain fractures. Modern digital X-rays use very low radiation, and imaging is tailored to your risk level and dental history.

Dental imaging uses extremely low levels of radiation. When taken appropriately, the diagnostic benefit far outweighs the risk. I’m especially careful with imaging decisions for medically complex patients and those with prior medical radiation exposure.

Composite bonding is ideal for subtle to moderate changes—small chips, minor gaps, uneven edges, or shape refinements. Veneers are better for full-coverage esthetic changes, larger shape corrections, or major color transformations. The right choice depends on your goals, bite forces, and long-term expectations—not just the “before and after.”

When done thoughtfully, cosmetic dentistry should preserve tooth structure, not sacrifice it. Conservative preparation, proper material selection, and respect for enamel matter. If a treatment requires aggressive reduction just to look good, it’s usually the wrong plan.

The most common reasons are bulky shapes, unnatural proportions, poor shade selection, and inadequate surface texture. Natural results require restraint, time, and careful finishing—not shortcuts.

Longevity varies by treatment and patient factors. Bite forces, grinding, diet, hygiene, and medical conditions (like dry mouth) all influence wear and staining. Well-planned dentistry should last many years, and maintenance is part of keeping results stable.

Yes. Dental implants are one of the most predictable treatments in dentistry when properly planned and maintained. Success depends on bone health, medical history, gum stability, bite forces, and long-term hygiene—not just surgical placement.

Implant failure can result from infection, smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, excessive bite forces, poor hygiene, or rushed planning. Many failures are preventable with good risk assessment, careful technique, and appropriate follow-up.

Implants preserve bone and don’t rely on neighboring teeth, but they aren’t ideal for every patient or situation. A bridge can be a great solution when anatomy, health, or timelines make implants less favorable. The right answer depends on your mouth—not a generic rule.

Implants can last decades, but they still require excellent hygiene and ongoing professional monitoring. The implant itself may be stable long-term, while components like crowns or screws can occasionally require maintenance.

Yes. Cancer treatment can permanently affect saliva, enamel strength, bone healing, and infection risk. Planning before and after cancer therapy often requires special precautions to reduce complications such as osteoradionecrosis and restorative or implant failure. If you’ve had head and neck radiation, dental decisions should be made carefully.

Saliva protects teeth and gums and helps stabilize restorations. Dry mouth increases the risk of decay, gum inflammation, and repeated dental breakdown—especially around crowns and fillings. If you have dry mouth, treatment plans should be designed for higher risk and long-term prevention.

Many patients with medical conditions can still be excellent candidates for implants, but the approach must be individualized. Factors like blood sugar control, immune status, medications, and bone health affect healing and infection risk. The goal is to plan for predictability, not optimism.

For most patients, existing amalgam fillings are not an emergency and do not need to be removed “just because they’re metal.” If a filling is failing, cracked, leaking, or structurally compromising the tooth, replacement may be appropriate. Removal should be based on tooth health and function—not fear.

Routine replacement of stable fillings is often unnecessary and can remove additional tooth structure. I recommend replacement when there is active decay, cracks, leakage, recurrent breakdown, or structural risk. Conservative dentistry means doing the right amount—not the most.

Fluoride is one of the most studied tools for reducing cavities and strengthening enamel. For higher-risk patients—dry mouth, heavy restorative history, orthodontics, frequent cavities—fluoride can be especially helpful. Recommendations should be individualized based on risk, not trends.

Sometimes, yes. Deep cleaning is recommended when there is evidence of gum infection and bone loss—typically shown by bleeding, deeper pocket measurements, and tartar below the gumline. It’s not appropriate for everyone, and it should be diagnosis-driven.

Modern dentistry should not be painful. Comfort starts with communication, effective anesthesia, and a calm, unhurried approach. If you’ve had bad experiences in the past, tell us—we’ll plan accordingly.

Permanent nerve injury from routine dental anesthesia is extremely rare. When nerve irritation occurs, it is typically temporary. Technique, anatomy, and the specific procedure all influence risk, and I take a conservative approach to minimize complications.

Dental insurance is designed to manage cost, not optimize care. Coverage decisions are based on plan rules and contracts, not what’s ideal for your long-term outcome. My recommendations are based on what is best for your health and function.

Often, yes. Shortcuts, inferior materials, or rushed care can lead to repeated repairs, failed work, and higher total cost. The most expensive dentistry is dentistry that has to be done twice.

Absolutely. Sometimes the best decision is monitoring, preventive care, or delaying treatment. Thoughtful dentistry is about the right plan—not the most treatment.