FAQ

Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

For most patients, basic preventive care such as checkups and cleanings is covered 100% by insurance. 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.

Most patients want to know how often they should visit their local dentist! The truth is that it can depend on your overall oral health and wellness. However, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your trusted local dentist every six months. This helps our team diagnose problems as they arise and give prompt treatment recommendations to keep your oral health on track.

No, we strive to make sure cleanings are a comfortable experience for our patients. Your cleaning is handled by a trained dental hygienist who gently yet thoroughly cleans, polishes, and flosses your teeth. Patients who have gingivitis may experience some discomfort, tenderness, or bleeding. However, you can prevent the discomfort caused by gingivitis by attending regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings.

Invisalign corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces. The only difference is that Invisalign trays are almost invisible when worn and are removable, which means they can be removed at will. Usually, new trays are necessary every two weeks, and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye as your teeth slowly shift into the correct alignment.

Yes, teens can benefit from Invisalign treatment. Many young patients may be candidates for clear aligners, so be sure to talk to our team about an Invisalign consultation for your teen or tween.

The cost of Invisalign treatment may be covered in part by some major dental insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your plan and stated benefits. Our team will check your visits and confirm your benefits to help you make the most of your coverage. We will also discuss all your payment and financing options during your visit.

The total amount of aligners required varies with each individual case, but 20-29 sets per arch is typical. Your dentist will perform a full assessment of your teeth during your consultation to design your personalized treatment plan. Next, our staff will provide you with a breakdown of all treatment costs and out-of-pocket expenses. We offer convenient payment and financing options that are designed to fit your budget.

Veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic procedure because they require a thin layer of enamel to be removed from your teeth prior to placement. They are bonded to the tooth structure using dental cement. For this reason, only a trained dental professional can make repairs or adjustments to your veneers.

As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile. With good at-home care and regular dental checkups, you can expect your veneers to last 10 years or more.

Veneers create a brighter, straighter, and more uniform smile without the need for teeth whitening, orthodontics, or other treatments. They are used to mask the appearance of crooked, misshapen, discolored, chipped, cracked, gapped, or worn-down teeth.

Generally, no. Patients who receive 2-4 veneers typically experience no discomfort. However, patients who receive eight or more veneers may experience some sensitivity or tenderness in the gums. Your dentist will take every precaution during your veneer preparation and administer local anesthetic as needed to ensure your comfort.

On average, you can expect the process of getting your porcelain veneers 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.

Implants provide you with many benefits, such as replacing one or more missing teeth with affecting adjacent teeth, restoring natural bite strength and function, and filling gaps in your smile to restore your confidence.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, it’s important to replace them as soon as you can. Missing teeth can impact your oral health as well as your overall physical well-being, causing problems biting, chewing, and eating properly. You also have a greater chance of developing gum disease, TMJ, crooked teeth, and other issues if you go without replacing your missing teeth.

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. You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.

Dental implants are strong, durable, and will last many years. You can extend the lifespan of your implant up to 20 years or more through good at-home care and regular dental checkups. On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear and tear over time.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and provide a fixed solution for dental crowns, bridges, and full or partial implant dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances and can restore your smile to the fullest.

Our dentists recommend teeth whitening treatment to remove stains and improve the appearance of teeth that appear yellow, brown, or dull. Brighter teeth help hide cosmetic flaws such as chips or cracks that may otherwise make us worry about the quality of our smiles.

While the total cost of your treatment will depend on your unique needs as determined by your dentist, take-home whitening is generally a more affordable treatment option than in-office whitening. Our team will provide you with a complete breakdown of all treatment costs and payment options.

Philips Zoom take-home whitening provides noticeable results in as little as two weeks. Wear your trays twice a day for at least fourteen days for dramatically brighter teeth.

Generally, no. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching. The whitening gel used in your take-home kit is also formulated with a unique blend of ingredients to help protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity. You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

Generally speaking, a dental emergency refers to any problem that needs immediate treatment. This may be to stop bleeding, alleviate severe tooth pain, treat a tooth infection, or save a damaged tooth.

Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether you need emergency care. What may seem like a minor inconvenience can cause more painful and expensive issues later if left untreated. If you experience a problem with dental repair work or dental prosthetics, be sure to call us right away to schedule an appointment. This can include a loose or missing filling, broken crown, damaged dental bridge, or a cracked or broken denture.

Dental emergencies are more common than you might think! Our doctors and team treat a wide range of common emergencies in our Bridgewater dental office, such as infected teeth, bleeding teeth or gums, mouth sores, knocked-out teeth, and chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.

Our doctors and their team will do everything we can to see you! That’s why we make ourselves available 24/7 for after-hours or weekend emergencies. Walk-ins are also accepted as scheduling permits. No matter when your dental emergency occurs, we are here to give you the care you need.

We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and your first instinct may be to go to the hospital. Emergency rooms are the best choice for medical emergencies, but they aren’t set up to handle dental emergencies. Unless you’re experiencing severe symptoms of uncontrolled bleeding or swelling, you should contact your local dentist right away. Our experienced dentists have the advanced training and fully-equipped facilities needed to provide relief.