FAQ

Dental Checkups

Are dental cleanings included in my insurance?

Most insurance plans cover cleanings. We offer direct billing for your convenience.

How often should I get a dental checkup?

We recommend visiting every six months for optimal oral health.

How do I prepare for my first visit?

Arrive a few minutes early to complete forms and bring any prior dental records if available.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

Yes! We provide flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring your insurance details, a list of any medications, and your health history.

Can I bring my child for their first visit?

Absolutely! We make dental visits fun and stress-free for kids.

Do I need X-rays at every visit?

X-rays are typically taken once a year unless specific issues need monitoring.

Does a dental checkup hurt?

Not at all! Our team ensures your visit is gentle and comfortable.

What happens if I have dental anxiety?

We recommend visiting every six months for optimal oral health.

Orthodontics

What is the best age to start orthodontic treatment?

Most children benefit from an evaluation by age 7, but orthodontics can be effective at any age.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary but typically range from 12 to 24 months.

Do braces hurt?

Braces may cause minor discomfort after adjustments, but this is temporary and manageable.

Can adults get braces or Invisalign?

Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment works for adults and can improve both aesthetics and oral health.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that could damage your braces.

How often do I need checkups during treatment?

Checkups are usually scheduled every 4-6 weeks to monitor progress and make adjustments.

Is Invisalign as effective as braces?

Invisalign works well for mild to moderate cases, while braces are better for complex alignment issues.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

Costs depend on the treatment type and duration. We offer flexible payment options to fit your budget.

Does insurance cover orthodontics?

Many insurance plans include orthodontic coverage. We also offer direct billing for your convenience.

What happens if my retainer breaks?

Contact us right away to have a replacement made and prevent your teeth from shifting.

Periodontics

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, genetics, smoking, or certain medical conditions.

Is gum disease reversible?

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Advanced stages require treatment to manage symptoms and prevent progression.

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment options include deep cleaning, laser therapy, gum surgery, and regenerative procedures, depending on the severity of the disease.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Brush and floss daily, schedule regular dental checkups, and avoid smoking to reduce your risk.

Does gum disease hurt?

Early stages are often painless, but advanced gum disease can cause sensitivity, pain, and discomfort.

Is periodontal treatment covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover periodontal treatments. We offer direct billing to simplify the process.

What is the recovery time for periodontal surgery?

Recovery depends on the procedure, but most patients experience minimal downtime, especially with minimally invasive options like laser therapy.

Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?

No referral is needed. Our in-house specialists provide expert care conveniently.

Can gum disease affect my overall health?

Yes. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Treating it protects both your oral and systemic health.

What amenities do you offer for comfort during treatment?

We provide relaxing amenities like massage chairs, blankets, and Netflix to ensure a stress-free experience.

Emergency Dentistry

Do you offer emergency appointments on weekends?

Yes, we offer Saturday appointments to accommodate urgent needs.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

Call us immediately. We’ll schedule you for a same-day appointment to address your needs.

Can I get a crown the same day as my emergency visit?

Yes! Our CEREC technology allows us to create and place crowns during the same appointment.

What if my tooth is knocked out?

Keep the tooth moist (in milk or saline) and visit us within an hour for the best chance of saving it.

How much does emergency dentistry cost?

Costs vary depending on the treatment. We offer direct insurance billing and flexible payment options.

Does insurance cover emergency care?

Many insurance plans cover emergency visits and treatments. We’ll help you navigate your coverage.

Are same-day crowns durable?

Yes, same-day crowns are made from high-quality materials designed to last.

Can children receive emergency care?

Absolutely. We provide compassionate emergency dentistry for patients of all ages, including kids.

What if I need sedation during my emergency visit?

We offer sedation options to ensure your comfort during treatment.

What happens if I ignore a dental emergency?

Delaying treatment can lead to infections, tooth loss, or more extensive damage. Immediate care prevents complications.

Veneers

What are veneers made of?

Veneers are made from high-quality materials like porcelain or glass-ceramic, which are durable and mimic natural teeth.

How long do veneers last?

With proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years or more.

Do veneers look natural?

Yes, veneers are custom-designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your teeth for a natural appearance.

Are veneers permanent?

Yes, veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution as a small amount of enamel is removed during placement.

How do I care for veneers?

Brush, floss, and schedule regular dental checkups just as you would for natural teeth.

Can veneers fix crooked teeth?

Veneers can correct minor misalignments, but significant cases may require orthodontics.

How much do veneers cost?

Costs vary depending on the number of veneers and materials used. We offer flexible financing options to make veneers affordable.

Are veneers covered by insurance?

Most cosmetic treatments aren’t covered by insurance, but we provide direct billing and payment plans to help with affordability.

Can veneers stain over time?

Veneers are highly stain-resistant, helping you maintain a bright, white smile for years.

What happens if a veneer chips or breaks?

Contact us immediately. We’ll repair or replace the damaged veneer to restore your smile.

Dental Implants

What are dental implants made of?

Implants are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates with your jawbone.

How long does the implant process take?

The process can take several months, allowing time for the implant to heal and integrate with the bone.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and we provide sedation options for a stress-free experience.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Patients with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density are ideal candidates. We offer solutions for bone loss, such as grafting.

How do I care for dental implants?

Care is simple – just brush, floss, and schedule regular dental checkups.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan, but we offer direct billing and flexible payment options to make implants affordable.

What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?

Missing teeth can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, and oral health issues. Implants prevent these problems.

How long do implants last?

With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

Can smokers get dental implants?

Smoking can affect healing, but it doesn’t disqualify you. We’ll discuss how to optimise your results.

What are the risks of dental implants?

Implant placement is highly successful, but risks like infection or implant failure are rare and manageable.

Teeth Whitening

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, professional whitening is safe and protects your enamel when done by a trained dentist.

How long do whitening results last?

Results can last 6-12 months or longer with proper care and avoiding staining foods and drinks.

Can whitening damage my teeth?

Professional whitening is gentle and safe for your enamel. Overuse of over-the-counter products can cause harm.

Is teeth whitening painful?

Most patients experience little to no sensitivity. We can adjust the treatment to ensure your comfort.

How much whiter will my teeth get?

Results vary, but most patients see their teeth whiten by 3-8 shades after a single treatment.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or fillings?

Whitening doesn’t work on crowns, veneers, or fillings, but we can help you match your natural teeth to your restorations.

What’s the difference between Zoom! and take-home kits?

Zoom! offers fast, in-office results, while take-home kits allow for gradual whitening at your convenience.

Will whitening remove deep stains?

Yes, professional treatments are effective on deep stains caused by coffee, wine, or tobacco.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

Costs depend on the treatment type. Contact us for a consultation to find the best option for your budget.

Do I need a cleaning before whitening?

A professional cleaning ensures your teeth are free of plaque, helping the whitening process be more effective.

Dentists Proudly Serving Oshawa, ON