FAQ

Most dental insurance plans will cover all or part of the cost of routine preventive care, such as professional teeth cleanings and exams. Additionally, many plans also include coverage for additional treatments such as X-rays or fluoride treatments when necessary. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details related to your plan.

Preventive care can help to prevent oral health issues such as gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Regular dental visits can also help identify the early signs of gum disease and prevent it from progressing. Additionally, preventive care can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run by identifying and treating dental issues before they become more serious.

Good oral hygiene starts with brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Also, using mouthwash and a tongue scraper can help remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks and quitting smoking or using tobacco products are also important.

You should have a dental checkup every six months or as recommended by your dentist. Regular checkups can help identify any potential or developing dental issues early on while treatment is most effective and least costly.

It is recommended that you have a dental cleaning every six months or as recommended by your dentist. This schedule allows for the removal of any built-up plaque or tartar on your teeth, which can prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

To clean your clear aligners, rinse them with warm water and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush. You can also use a cleaning solution specifically designed for clear aligners.

No, you should remove your clear aligners when you eat or drink anything other than water. This is because food and drink can stain or damage the aligners.

Clear aligners may cause discomfort when they are first placed or when you switch to a new one. However, this discomfort is usually mild and disappears after a few days.

The length of clear aligner treatment varies depending on the individual patient's needs. Most patients will wear their aligners for 12-18 months, although some may require longer treatment.

Clear aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces. They are virtually invisible, which means that you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. They are also more comfortable than braces; you can remove them to eat, brush, and floss.

Yes, clear aligners are just as effective as traditional braces for most patients. They can be used to treat various orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate crowding, overlapping, spacing problems, overbite, underbite, and open bite.

Caring for your veneers is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You should brush and floss regularly, avoid biting down on hard objects, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist may also recommend using a special mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night to protect your veneers.

Veneers are a great option for many people, but they may not be right for everyone. Your dentist can help determine if veneers are a good fit for you based on your oral health, teeth condition, and overall goals for your smile.

No, veneers are not considered to be reversible. When it comes to porcelain or ceramic veneers, a small amount of enamel is removed during preparation. However, if you no longer want veneers, they can be removed and replaced with new ones or other cosmetic dental treatments.

The process for getting veneers typically involves a consultation with your dentist to discuss your goals and determine if veneers are right for you. If they are, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab to create your custom veneers. Once your veneers are ready, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel and then bond the veneers to the front of your teeth.

The lifespan of veneers can vary depending on the material used and how well they are cared for. Porcelain and ceramic veneers can last for 10-15 years or more with proper care, while composite veneers may need to be replaced more frequently. Composite veneers are not as durable and typically last up to 8 years before they will need to be replaced.

In cases where there is not enough bone to support a dental implant, bone grafting or other procedures may be necessary to build up the bone. Our experienced team at SL Implant & General Dentistry of Renton can help determine your best treatment options.

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants in part or full, but it depends on the specific plan. Contact your insurance provider to find out what your coverage options are.

Dental implants should be cared for like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Avoid chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools, as this can damage the implant.

The dental implant procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure. Some discomfort and swelling may occur after the procedure, but this can be managed with pain medication.

The dental implant process can take several months and involves several stages. The implant must fuse with the jawbone, which can take three to six months. Afterward, the abutment and crown are attached to the implant.

Most people who are missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, candidates must have the sufficient bone density to support the implant and healthy gums.

Dental implants have several benefits, including improved speech, comfort, and chewing ability. They also provide a natural-looking appearance, last a long time, and prevent bone loss.

Teeth whitening can effectively remove certain types of stains, such as those caused by smoking or certain foods and drinks. However, it may not be effective at removing deep, intrinsic stains caused by factors such as aging or medication use. In some cases, alternative treatments such as veneers or bonding may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Teeth whitening is generally considered to be a safe and predictable treatment option. However, overuse or misuse of bleaching agents can potentially damage the enamel of the teeth, leading to sensitivity and other issues. It is important to follow your dentist's instructions carefully to minimize the risk of damage to your enamel.

The results of teeth whitening can vary depending on the individual and the type of treatment used. In general, teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on factors such as diet, lifestyle habits, and oral hygiene.

Yes, teeth whitening is considered safe when done under the supervision of a dentist or dental professional. However, some people may experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation as a side effect of the treatment. It is important to follow your dentist's instructions carefully to avoid the risk of side effects.

Teeth whitening works by using a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down and remove stains from the teeth. The bleaching agent is typically applied to the teeth using a custom-fitted tray or a special light, and the treatment can be done in a dental office or at home.

Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, genetics, smoking, certain foods and drinks, and poor dental hygiene.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves the use of bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from teeth, resulting in a brighter, more radiant smile.

For extreme tooth pain that you cannot determine any particular cause of, try rinsing the mouth with warm salt water and flossing gently. Do not put any kind of medication or painkillers directly on the affected area. See your dentist so that he can examine and diagnose the cause and recommend treatment so you can relieve pain and get back to your daily life!

A cracked or fractured tooth is a serious issue, usually indicating that damage has occurred to the inside of the tooth as well as the outside. Call your dentist for an emergency appointment immediately, and if you cannot see him right away, be sure to clean your mouth by gently rinsing it with warm salt water. If the cracked tooth is caused by facial trauma, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize swelling. Your dentist will need to take an X-ray to properly diagnose the condition of the tooth to determine the best course of treatment, typically either a crown if no damage has been done to the inside of the tooth or possibly root canal therapy if it has.

If a crown falls out, it’s a good idea to temporarily place it back on your tooth until you can visit the dentist using over-the-counter dental cream, which can be found at most drugstores. Do not bite down on it too hard, as that can damage the crown. Keep the crown to bring to the dentist if possible so that he can assess whether it can still be used or if it needs to be replaced entirely. Make every effort to get a crown replaced soon because, without the protective crown, the tooth is now greatly exposed to bacteria and debris, which can cause infection and further damage, and will also likely be extremely sensitive.

If a filling has fallen out, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to make sure the tooth isn’t infected or have other issues that you should be aware of. Be sure to keep your teeth very clean in the time before you can visit the dentist; if it is too painful to brush, try swishing your mouth in warm salt water to keep the mouth clean. Your dentist will determine the best course of action thereafter, such as if a simple replacement filling is sufficient or if the tooth requires more extensive restoration.

A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if replaced within 30 minutes to an hour, so it is important to act quickly. First, be sure to touch the tooth only by the crown (the “top” or visible part of the tooth), never the roots. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk if possible (water only if not), and do not scrub or wrap it in any kind of fabric or cloth, as this can damage the tooth. Try to slip the tooth back into the socket but do not force it; if it does not go in easily simply place the tooth in a glass of milk or your mouth, keeping it moist at all times. Get to the dentist as soon as you can!