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Frequently Asked Dental Questions – San Marcos, CA

Have Questions?
Get the Answers Here

Every day our patients bring us no end of interesting questions about our dental office and the various services we provide. Since we’ve heard several questions more often than others, we decided to list some of the answers here for the convenience of our patients. Look over this page to see if it addresses any concerns that are already on your mind and take the time to learn more about dental care. Call us directly if you still have a few questions of your own!

How Many Dental Appointments Do I Need Each Year?

Every one of your family members should be visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Biannual checkups and cleanings are crucial for preventing tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. We’ll let you know if you need more frequent appointments depending on the state of your oral health.

How Can I Improve My Smile?

That depends on what’s bothering you about your smile’s appearance in the first place. Dr. Howard has many ways to transform your teeth, from veneers that can make many corrections at once to professional whitening that can remove stains on and beneath your tooth enamel. We can plan your smile makeover during an initial consultation where you tell us all about the improvements you have in mind.

Do I Need to Fill a Gap from a Missing Tooth in My Smile If No One Else Can See It?

Yes! You need your teeth for more than smiling. They also play an important role in chewing and speaking, and they prevent your jawbone from breaking down. Your oral health will suffer no matter which tooth is missing, which is why important to find a replacement as soon as you can. We generally recommend dental implants for the best-looking and longest-lasting results.

What Can I Do If My Teeth are Spaced Unevenly?

Closing a small amount of space in your smile could be a lot simpler than you might think. In some cases, it can be done in just one visit with the strategic application of composite resin. Veneers can also be used to hide such gaps, although they usually take at least two visits to place.

What Does a Dental Emergency Look Like?

A dental emergency is usually characterized by severe or persistent oral pain and/or visible damage to your teeth. Let us know right away if you’re suffering from a broken or knocked out tooth, a toothache that does not get any better, visible swelling in your mouth, or a loss of a dental restoration. These issues all need to be dealt with immediately if you don’t want them to grow worse.

Will Accept My Dental Insurance?

We are an in-network provider for Delta Dental Premier, Aetna, and Cigna. That means that if you have a plan under one of those carriers, you can maximize your savings by visiting our dental office. It does not mean, however, that we are unwilling to accept other plans. If you call ahead with your insurance information, we’ll let you know what benefits you’ll be entitled to should you choose to schedule an appointment.