General Dentistry
What is general dentistry?
General dentistry includes all routine and preventive dental care, such as cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, and treatment for common issues like cavities and gum disease.
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Most patients should visit every six months. Patients with gum disease or other oral health concerns may need more frequent visits.
Do you treat children and adults?
Yes! We provide family dental care for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. We adjust our approach to meet the needs of each patient.
Is dental care painful?
We take a gentle, comfort-first approach. With advanced tools, patient amenities, and compassionate care, we help reduce anxiety and make your experience as stress-free as possible.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time?
There’s no judgment here. We’re here to help, not criticize. We’ll meet you where you are and work with you to get your oral health back on track.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We’re in-network with most PPO insurance plans, including MetLife, Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and CareFirst. We also offer flexible payment options.
Dental Checkups
Do you see children?
Yes, we welcome patients of all ages and provide gentle, age-appropriate care for children.
What if I need emergency dental care?
We accommodate same-day emergency appointments and offer online scheduling for urgent care needs.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, our digital X-rays use minimal radiation while providing detailed images essential for proper diagnosis.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your ID, insurance card, and completed new patient forms. You can find these on our website to save time.
Can I schedule appointments for my whole family?
Absolutely! We offer family scheduling to make dental care convenient for busy households.
What if you find a problem during my checkup?
We'll explain our findings in detail and discuss treatment options, ensuring you understand all aspects of recommended care.
What if I have dental anxiety?
We offer a welcoming, judgment-free environment with comfort amenities like wireless headphones and blankets. Our team is experienced in helping anxious patients feel at ease.
Do you accept my insurance?
We're in-network with most major PPO plans including MetLife, Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and CareFirst. Our team will help maximize your benefits.
How often should I schedule a dental checkup?
Most patients should visit every six months for optimal oral health. However, some may need more frequent visits based on their individual needs.
How long does a checkup appointment take?
A typical checkup takes about 60 minutes, allowing time for thorough cleaning, examination, and discussion of any findings.
Invisalign
Is Invisalign painful?
Patients may experience mild pressure when starting new aligners, indicating treatment is working.
What happens after treatment?
Wear a custom retainer as directed to maintain your new smile long-term.
Are there age restrictions for Invisalign?
Invisalign is suitable for teens and adults with fully developed teeth.
How often are appointments needed?
Most patients visit every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligners.
Can I eat with Invisalign?
Remove aligners while eating and drinking anything except water to protect them from damage.
How do I clean my aligners?
Clean aligners daily with lukewarm water and gentle soap or specialized cleaning solutions.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
For optimal results, wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, and cleaning.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Most patients experience minimal speech changes that resolve within a few days of starting treatment.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign similarly to traditional braces. We work with most major PPO providers.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment typically takes 12-18 months, though timing varies based on individual needs.
Dental Implants
Can I get implants if I have bone loss?
Yes, many patients with bone loss can still receive implants. We offer bone grafting and other preparatory procedures when necessary.
What makes Dovedale Dental Care different?
Our combination of advanced technology, experienced care, and patient-focused approach ensures exceptional implant results in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
How soon can I eat after getting implants?
Diet restrictions vary based on your procedure. We'll provide detailed post-operative instructions for optimal healing.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Many insurance plans provide partial coverage for implants. Our team will help you maximize your benefits.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Implants require the same care as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95% when placed by experienced professionals like our team.
How long do implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups help ensure their longevity.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost varies based on individual needs. We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make treatment affordable.
Are dental implants painful?
We ensure your comfort throughout the procedure using local anesthesia and sedation options. Most patients report minimal discomfort during recovery.
How long does the implant procedure take?
The timeline varies depending on your specific case. While some patients qualify for same-day implants, traditional implant procedures typically take 3-6 months from start to finish.
Veneers
Can veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, maintaining their bright appearance for years.
What if a veneer becomes damaged?
While rare, damaged veneers can be replaced individually without affecting the others.
How do I care for my veneers?
Maintain regular oral hygiene and dental visits. Avoid using your teeth as tools or biting very hard objects.
Are veneers covered by insurance?
As a cosmetic procedure, veneers are typically not covered by insurance. We offer flexible financing options.
How many appointments are needed?
Most veneer treatments require 2-3 appointments from consultation to final placement.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. We provide local anesthesia and sedation options for your comfort.
Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes, you can enjoy most foods. We recommend avoiding excessive force and very hard foods.
Do veneers look natural?
Our custom-designed veneers are crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency.
How long do veneers last?
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer.
Are veneers permanent?
Yes, veneers are considered a permanent restoration as the process requires removing a small amount of natural tooth structure.
Teeth Whitening
How often can I whiten my teeth?
Professional whitening can be safely repeated every 6-12 months based on individual needs.
Do you offer take-home whitening options?
Yes, we provide custom-fitted trays for at-home maintenance and touch-ups.
Can I eat normally after treatment?
We advise following a "white diet" for 24-48 hours after treatment to maintain results.
How white will my teeth get?
Most patients see their teeth brighten by several shades, though results vary by individual.
How long does the treatment take?
In-office whitening typically takes 60-90 minutes to complete.
Is there any special preparation required?
We recommend a professional cleaning before whitening for optimal results.
Can all types of stains be removed?
Professional whitening works best on external stains. Some internal stains may require alternative treatments.
Will I experience sensitivity?
Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, which typically subsides within 24-48 hours.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when performed by qualified dental professionals, teeth whitening is both safe and effective.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Results typically last 1-2 years with proper maintenance and good oral hygiene habits.
Emergency Dentist
Is sedation available for emergency procedures?
Yes, we offer local anesthesia and inhaled sedation options to ensure your comfort during emergency dental procedures.
What payment options are available for emergency care?
We accept most major insurance plans and offer various payment options to make emergency dental care accessible when you need it most.
Will I need follow-up care after an emergency visit?
Depending on your specific situation, follow-up care may be necessary to ensure proper healing and prevent future problems.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
Regular dental checkups, wearing protective gear during sports, and avoiding hard foods can help prevent many dental emergencies.
Can you treat children's dental emergencies?
Yes, we provide emergency dental care for patients of all ages in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
Keep the tooth moist, preferably by placing it back in the socket or in milk, and contact us immediately. Time is crucial for saving a knocked-out tooth.
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency?
We accommodate same-day emergency appointments and will do our best to see you as quickly as possible to address your urgent dental needs.
What if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Contact our office for emergency guidance. We'll provide instructions for immediate care and schedule you for the earliest available appointment.
Are emergency dental services covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency dental care. We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer flexible financing options.
What constitutes a dental emergency?
A dental emergency typically involves severe pain, bleeding, trauma to the mouth, or any condition that requires immediate attention to prevent worsening complications or tooth loss.
