FAQ

We recommend that you visit our office every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. These regular checkups allow us to monitor your oral health and provide prompt treatment for any problems that may develop. Depending on your individual needs, our dentists may recommend that you visit more frequently.

Basic preventive care, such as checkups and cleanings, is generally covered 100% by most major dental insurance plans. In-depth periodontal (“deep”) cleaning may be covered in part between 50%-80%, depending on your coverage. We will be sure to confirm your benefits and help you understand your insurance coverage to make the most of the coverage you’re owed.

You can expect to see the dentist at least twice a year, or every six months. In addition to visiting our practice regularly for preventive care, we welcome you to contact us if you are experiencing pain or have a dental emergency. Our dentists and team will be happy to help you.

No, cleanings are performed by trained dental hygienists who understand how to provide you with a comfortable experience. Your hygienist will gently yet thoroughly clean and floss your teeth. Patients currently living with gum disease may experience some tenderness or bleeding. However, you can prevent discomfort by going to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

You will require a minor surgical procedure to place the implants in your jaw. Following your procedure, it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling while your mouth heals. Our team will provide you with detailed postoperative instructions and prescribed pain relievers (as needed) to help you manage any discomfort you may experience.

The full cost of your dental implant procedure depends on your overall treatment needs, such as the extent of restoration required and the type of replacement teeth you need. Our experienced dentists strive to provide our implant services at fair and affordable prices. No matter your needs, the Arbor Dental Group team is here to help you fit quality care into your lifestyle and budget.

It is crucial that you replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Missing teeth can cause your supporting bone tissue to deteriorate, leading to problems with your bite and misalignment of your remaining teeth.

Yes, we do. We offer sedation options to patients undergoing a variety of treatments and procedures. Our team will do everything possible to make your experience as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Many dental plans may cover a portion of your procedure. This will depend on your insurance plan and the extent of coverage provided. Our team will verify all benefits prior to treatment and help you make the most of your insurance coverage. We will also explain all your payment and financing options so you can cover the costs of your care.

Dentures don’t have to be removable! For increased comfort and stability, your dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures. This treatment option is also known as fixed dentures or All-on-4 implants. An implant denture is anchored to your jaw using dental implants. You will receive a series of four implants and the posts will be used to securely fasten your denture in place. Once placed, you will be able to enjoy the increased stability and lifelike appearance of a fixed denture.

In most cases, yes. Dental insurance will usually cover the cost of your dentures in part or full, depending on your plan. Our team is happy to help you by confirming your insurance benefits. and will answer any questions you may have about your insurance, deductible, and all treatment costs.

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All dentures will need to be repaired, refitted, or replaced eventually. However, the lifespan of your denture will depend on how well you care for it. A full set of dentures will typically last 5-8 years, while a partial denture can last 8-10. Be sure to follow the care instructions provided to you by our team to extend the life of your dentures and keep them in the best possible condition.

Implant-retained dentures are more expensive due to the cost of the implants, the surgical procedure needed to place them, and other related treatment fees. The total cost of your implant-retained dentures will depend on your unique case and treatment needs. Our team will provide you with a breakdown of all treatment costs during your visit.

While a considerable investment in your smile and overall oral health, dentures are generally more affordable than dental implants. The total cost of your dentures will depend on your case and the type of dentures you choose, such as full or partial. Our team will discuss all treatment costs and payment options during your visit so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes, we do. We offer sedation options to patients undergoing a variety of treatments and procedures. Our team will do everything possible to make your experience as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Do you already have an existing pair of dentures? You can still enjoy the benefits of a full-arch implant denture without having a new one fabricated. Our team can place special attachments that will allow you to secure your denture to implants.

It takes a few weeks for your mouth to adjust to your new dentures once you begin wearing them. Your gums will feel tender at first and it will take some time to get used to eating. If you need any remaining teeth pulled prior to receiving your dentures, it will take time for your mouth to heal. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reduce any discomfort you experience. Should you experience any issues with your dentures, be sure to call our office right away.

Clear orthodontic aligners are transparent. This means they are barely noticeable when you speak or smile. The aligners are also removable, so you can enjoy your favorite meals, snacks, and beverages without damaging your aligners or impacting your treatment. This makes clear aligners an excellent choice for busy adults or teens, especially those involved in sports and physical activities in which metal braces present challenges.

Yes, many teens can benefit from clear aligner treatment, given its convenience and flexibility compared to traditional metal braces. Be sure to talk to our team about an orthodontic consultation for your teen or tween.

The answer depends on your insurance. The cost of clear aligner treatment is covered in part by some major dental insurance plans as part of orthodontic coverage. However, some insurance plans categorize aligners as a cosmetic procedure. Overall, your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your plan and stated benefits. Our team will confirm your benefits to help you make the most of your coverage, as well as provide you with all your payment and financing options.

The cost of your treatment will depend on your needs. First, your dentist will perform a full assessment of your teeth during your consultation and discuss your unique treatment plan. Next, we will provide you with a breakdown of all treatment costs. That said, clear aligners treatment is comparable to the cost of braces, making it affordable for most patients. We also offer financing options with monthly payment plans designed to fit your needs.

You may notice that your teeth become dull or stained over time. This may occur due to a number of factors, including the natural aging process, poor oral hygiene, foods and drinks that stain, smoking and other tobacco use, illness, the use of certain medications, or fluorosis (excessive fluoride consumption).

Patients have more teeth whitening options than ever before thanks to store-bought treatments. These options do provide some degree of whitening, but they contain weaker bleaching gels than the kinds of options available at our office. This is why over-the-counter and at-home whitening solutions take many uses over days or weeks to deliver visible results. Buying drugstore alternatives such as whitening toothpaste, rinses, whitening strips, and kits can also add up over time. A session at our office can provide instant results that may take weeks and multiple at-home treatments to achieve, saving you time and money.

Yes, teeth whitening is a very safe procedure. Millions of people safely and comfortably whiten their teeth each year. We use a peroxide-based bleaching gel that is specifically formulated to brighten teeth and strengthen enamel without causing damage or pain. Our dentists want you to leave our office with healthier teeth than when you arrived, and that applies to cosmetic procedures, as well!

Generally, no! Teeth whitening is a very comfortable procedure for most patients. You may experience some temporary sensitivity in your teeth after whitening, especially if you have issues with increased tooth sensitivity. However, your dentist takes every precaution necessary to minimize any discomfort you may feel. We use gentle products that lift stains from your teeth without causing irritation.

Yes, porcelain veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic procedure. They require a thin layer of enamel to be removed from your teeth prior to placement and are then bonded to the natural tooth structure. For this reason, only a trained dental professional can make repairs or adjustments to your veneers.

Generally, no, veneers are very comfortable to receive. Patients who receive 2-4 porcelain veneers typically experience little to no discomfort. However, patients who receive eight or more may experience sensitivity or tenderness in their gums. No matter your treatment needs, your dentist will take every step necessary to ensure a comfortable procedure.

It depends on the type of veneer that’s right for your smile. With porcelain veneers, You can expect the process to take 3-4 weeks. You’ll visit our office 2-3 times during this time, from your initial consultation to the final fitting and application. Because composite resin veneers can be applied directly to the tooth’s surface and sculpted in place without tooth preparation, you can typically receive this type of veneer in 1-2 visits.

Just like any other dental work, your veneers will eventually need to be repaired and replaced. The lifespan of your veneers depends on factors such as your diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits. However, you can expect your porcelain veneers to last at least 10 years.

Your smile is an important investment, but we understand you want to make sure you understand the full cost of that investment! The total cost of your cosmetic procedure will depend on the extent of work required to achieve your desired goals. For example, some patients only need 2-4 veneers to improve their smile, while some may need ten or more to achieve their best results. Our team will provide you with a full breakdown of all costs and fees during your consultation.

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A dental emergency is a situation that requires prompt attention from a dental professional. At our office, we understand that you cannot always plan for when you will need our care. This may be to stop bleeding, alleviate severe tooth pain, treat tooth infection, or save a damaged tooth. We will do everything we can to treat emergency conditions and get your smile back on track.

Dental emergencies are more common than you might think! We are happy to care for several types of dental emergencies, including severe toothaches, a lost dental restoration (crown or filling), soft tissue damage (tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums), a cracked or fractured tooth, a chipped or broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth. If you suffer from one of these conditions or another type of dental emergency, please contact our office.

We will do everything we can to accommodate the needs of our emergency patients with same-day appointments! We also welcome walk-in patients. If possible, please try to call ahead of time. This will allow our team to be able to provide you with instructions on how to take care of your smile until you are able to come to our office to meet with us.

Hospital emergency rooms are the best choice for medical emergencies, but they aren’t set up to handle dental emergencies. If you have experienced trauma to the head or neck, we recommend that you visit the emergency room or your general physician before coming to us, even if your smile is also damaged. However, for general dental emergencies, please call our office right away.