Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Pacoima, CA

Will my dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?

While most dental insurance companies may cover a portion of the cost of dental implants, it’s rarely the case that your benefits will apply to the entire treatment. However, our team will do our best to help maximize your coverage so you pay as little out-of-pocket as possible. We also offer additional financing through CareCredit and Lending Club to make getting your complete and functional smile possible.

Should I replace my older, metal restoration?

If you have an older metal restoration that hasn’t been replaced within a decade, it may be time to consider upgrading and replacing it. Metal restorations are known to result in unwanted side-effects, including gum and tooth discoloration and dental sensitivity. When you replace it for a natural-looking, more modern restoration made from EMAX, zirconia, or ceramic, it will flawlessly blend in with your surrounding teeth and be gentler on your gums.

Is there any way to fix a gummy smile?

Yes! Gummy smiles can be a result of overgrown soft oral tissues, which can be addressed with a treatment called gum recontouring. During this procedure, our team will remove the excess tissue, making your smile line even and allowing more of your teeth to show whenever you grin.

How often should I change out my toothbrush?

It’s recommended that you switch out your toothbrush once every three months, whenever you notice the bristles beginning to fray, or after you get sick.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

There are a few common signs of gum disease that you should always keep an eye out for at home, including:

• Bleeding gums whenever you brush or floss your teeth.
• Gum recession that makes your teeth appear longer.
• Chronic bad breath, also referred to as halitosis.
• Discoloration caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth.

Our team includes a specially trained periodontist who has spent years studying oral tissues and gum disease. This allows our team to provide advanced gum disease treatments in-office to help reverse and tame the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Is it really necessary to get routine dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays are a crucial part of your routine checkups because they allow our team to see the hidden part of your mouth that lies beneath the gumline. They help us diagnose problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like impacted teeth, infections of the roots, and even cavities that have formed between the teeth. That way, we can treat them before they get worse and cause more issues down the road.