Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our preventive care services, including routine checkups, professional cleanings, and personalized treatment plans, are designed to help you maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. We’ll work with you to ensure your oral health stays on track.

We combine advanced technology with gentle, personalized care to make your checkup comfortable and effective. Our team takes the time to address your needs, answer your questions, and explain your treatment options clearly.

Digital X-rays provide high-quality images of your teeth and jaw with significantly lower radiation exposure. This allows us to detect cavities, infections, and other issues early, leading to better treatment and faster results.

Absolutely! Even if you’ve missed previous checkups, it’s never too late to get back on track. We’ll assess your current oral health and create a treatment plan to ensure you’re back to maintaining a healthy smile.

We recommend visiting the dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup. Regular visits help maintain your oral health, catch any issues early, and ensure your smile stays bright and healthy.

Many dental problems, like cavities or gum disease, can develop without causing noticeable pain. Regular checkups help catch these problems early, preventing pain, discomfort, and expensive treatments down the road.

During your checkup, we’ll perform a comprehensive exam, including a professional cleaning, digital X-rays, and an oral cancer screening. Our team takes the time to review your oral health and discuss any concerns or treatment options with you.

Yes! Dental checkups are key to preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Early detection allows us to treat problems before they become bigger, more expensive issues.

Take advantage of our New Patient Special, which offers $200 off your first visit. This offer can be applied to our Healthy Smiles Program, providing affordable dental care for patients without insurance.

Yes, oral cancer screenings are part of every dental checkup at RiverWest Dental. These screenings help identify any early signs of oral cancer, which is crucial for early treatment and better outcomes.

With proper care, same-day crowns can last many years. They are made from durable ceramic materials that are strong and resistant to wear, ensuring your crown will continue to function well and look great over time.

No, the same-day crown procedure is generally comfortable. We use local anesthesia to ensure you are pain-free during the process. After the crown is placed, you may experience mild sensitivity, but this is usually temporary.

Yes! With CEREC technology, same-day crowns are designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The result is a seamless, natural-looking restoration that blends perfectly with your smile.

If you need a crown and want a quick, convenient solution, same-day crowns are an excellent option. Our dentist will assess your individual needs and help determine if same-day crowns are the right fit for you.

Yes, same-day crowns are ideal for damaged, decayed, or broken teeth. They can also be used for cosmetic improvements, such as covering discolored or misshapen teeth, offering a versatile solution for various dental concerns.

The cost of a same-day crown is similar to traditional crowns. However, the convenience of a single visit can reduce additional costs associated with multiple appointments and temporary crowns, making it an affordable option in the long run.

Yes, same-day crowns are made from high-quality ceramic material and are just as durable as traditional crowns. They’re designed to withstand everyday use, providing a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for your dental needs.

Traditional crowns require multiple visits over a few weeks, including wearing temporary crowns while waiting for the lab to make your permanent restoration. Same-day crowns are created and placed in one visit, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and reducing the waiting time.

The entire process of getting a same-day crown typically takes about 1-2 hours. From digital scanning to crown placement, we complete everything during a single visit, saving you time and extra appointments.

Same-day crowns are custom dental restorations that are created and placed in a single visit using CEREC technology. The process includes digital scanning, CAD design, and in-house milling to craft your crown, which is then placed during your appointment.

Yes, clear aligners are an effective way to address bite issues, including overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They work by shifting your teeth into the correct alignment, improving both the appearance and function of your bite.

You’ll typically have check-ins every 4-6 weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. During these visits, we’ll provide you with your next set of aligners and monitor your progress to make any necessary adjustments.

No, clear aligners are nearly invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your braces. This makes them an ideal option for adults and teens who want a discreet solution to improve their smile.

Yes, one of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is that they are removable. You can take them out when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, making it easy to maintain your regular routine. Just remember to wear them for 22 hours a day to ensure effective treatment.

Yes, clear aligners are highly effective for treating a range of dental issues such as crowded teeth, gaps, bite misalignments, and crooked teeth. However, for more complex cases, traditional braces may still be necessary. Our team will help you determine the best option for your smile.

Yes! Clear aligners are smooth and custom-fit to your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and irritation-free experience. Unlike metal braces, they have no wires or brackets that can cause discomfort. You may feel some pressure when you change aligners, but this is a normal part of the treatment.

The cost of clear aligners varies based on your treatment plan, but generally, they are significantly less than metal braces. We offer flexible financing options to help make clear aligners more affordable, and new patients can take advantage of our special discounts.

The duration of clear aligner treatment typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on your unique needs. A consultation will help determine a personalized treatment plan, so we can give you a more accurate estimate based on your goals.

Clear aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into their desired positions. Over time, you switch to new sets of aligners every 1-2 weeks, each one bringing you closer to a beautifully aligned smile.

Clear aligners are a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces. They are custom-made, transparent trays designed to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, offering an effective way to straighten your smile without the visibility of metal braces.

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within 1-2 days following their implant procedure. While you may experience some swelling or mild discomfort, this typically resolves quickly, and many people return to their normal routine soon after surgery.

Yes, seniors can be excellent candidates for dental implants! Age isn’t a factor—overall health and bone density are more important when determining eligibility. Our team will assess your health and ensure that implants are a safe and effective option for you.

Alternatives to dental implants include traditional bridges and dentures. However, unlike implants, these options may not provide the same stability, comfort, or long-term benefits. Dental implants are often the most durable and natural-feeling solution.

Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for dental implants, although coverage varies. We work with major providers like Delta Dental and BlueCross BlueShield to maximize your benefits and make dental implants more affordable for you.

Caring for your dental implants is easy and similar to caring for natural teeth. Simply brush, floss, and schedule regular cleanings with your dentist. Proper oral hygiene is key to maintaining the health and longevity of your implants.

In many cases, we can place a dental implant during the same appointment as your tooth extraction, depending on the condition of your bone and gums. This procedure is called immediate implant placement and helps streamline your treatment.

Dental implants have a success rate of over 95% when placed by skilled professionals like our team at RiverWest Dental. The long-term success is supported by the high quality of materials and the precision of our advanced technology.

The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on your healing time and treatment plan. This includes the placement of the implant, healing period for bone integration, and final restoration with a crown, bridge, or denture.

We prioritize your comfort during the procedure. Using local anesthesia and sedation options, such as laughing gas, oral sedation, or IV sedation, we ensure you feel relaxed and pain-free. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The implant itself is durable and permanent, but the crown on top may need to be replaced after 10-15 years due to natural wear. Regular checkups can help ensure your implants stay in great condition for years to come.

We understand that dentures are an important investment in your health and confidence. That’s why we offer multiple financing options and payment plans to help make dentures affordable for every budget. Let us help you find the best payment solution for your needs.

We recommend visiting us for regular check-ups every 6-12 months to ensure your dentures fit well and function properly. Over time, your gums may change shape, and adjustments may be needed to maintain comfort and fit.

Yes, we offer immediate dentures for patients who need replacement teeth right away. These dentures allow you to maintain a full smile during the healing process, so you don’t have to go without teeth.

Initially, you may notice some differences in taste as you adjust to wearing dentures. However, most patients quickly adapt and can enjoy their favorite foods with no issues.

While it’s possible to sleep with your dentures, we recommend removing them at night to give your gums rest and maintain optimal oral health. Removing dentures at night helps prevent gum irritation and allows your gums to recover.

We will provide you with detailed care instructions to ensure your dentures stay clean and comfortable. This includes proper cleaning techniques and recommended products to maintain the quality and appearance of your dentures.

There may be a brief adjustment period while you get used to your new dentures. However, most patients adjust quickly and return to normal speech patterns within a few weeks.

With proper care, dentures typically last 5-7 years before needing replacement. Regular care and maintenance are key to keeping your dentures in top shape for as long as possible.

Yes, we work with many major insurance providers, including Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, United Concordia, and MetLife. Our team will help you maximize your benefits and navigate your insurance coverage to make your dentures more affordable.

The process for getting dentures typically takes 3-6 weeks, from your initial consultation to the final fitting. The exact timeline depends on your specific needs and the type of dentures selected, ensuring that your dentures fit comfortably and look natural.

Most patients with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates for veneers. During your consultation, we’ll assess your oral health and discuss your goals to determine if veneers are the best option for you.

While veneers are highly durable, they can be replaced if damaged. If you notice any issues with your veneer, please contact us immediately, and we’ll provide a solution to restore your smile.

Caring for your veneers is simple. Just maintain regular oral hygiene by brushing and flossing, and visit us for routine dental checkups. With proper care, your veneers will stay beautiful and durable for many years.

As a cosmetic procedure, veneers are typically not covered by insurance. However, we offer financing options to make veneers more affordable and accessible for you. Our team will work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget.

Yes, you can eat most foods normally with veneers. However, we recommend avoiding excessive pressure or biting down on hard foods to prevent damage. It’s always a good idea to use caution when eating tough or sticky foods.

We use local anesthesia to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the treatment.

With our CEREC technology, most patients can receive their veneers in just one visit. This means quick results without the need for multiple appointments or temporary veneers.

Absolutely! Our custom-designed veneers are crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency, ensuring a seamless, natural-looking smile that enhances your appearance.

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10-15 years or even longer. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups will help keep your veneers looking great for years.

Yes, veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution. Since a small amount of enamel needs to be removed for proper placement, they are not reversible. However, they provide a lasting solution for achieving your ideal smile.

Professional whitening uses stronger agents and custom trays, providing faster, more consistent results under the supervision of your dentist. Over-the-counter products may not deliver the same level of effectiveness and can sometimes cause uneven results or sensitivity.

When performed correctly, professional teeth whitening does not damage tooth enamel. Our whitening treatments are designed to be safe and gentle while effectively brightening your smile.

To keep your smile bright, we recommend regular dental cleanings, practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee, red wine, and tobacco.

Teeth can yellow due to a variety of factors, including aging, consuming staining foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, and wine), tobacco use, and certain medications. Whitening treatments can help address these common causes of discoloration.

While most patients are great candidates for teeth whitening, we will evaluate your oral health and discuss any concerns before moving forward to ensure whitening is appropriate for you.

No, there’s typically no downtime after your whitening treatment. However, some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, which usually fades within a few hours to a day.

Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. However, we offer financing options and payment plans to make professional whitening more affordable for you.

With proper care, results from professional whitening can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular cleanings will help keep your smile looking bright for longer.

Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when done under dental supervision. Our experienced team ensures your teeth and gums are protected throughout the treatment, giving you safe, effective results.

Whitening treatments typically take 60-90 minutes, providing fast, noticeable results. For take-home treatments, you'll wear custom trays daily for 1-2 weeks, gradually achieving your desired level of whiteness at your convenience.

Follow-up care varies depending on your treatment. It may include additional visits for permanent restorations or monitoring your healing progress to ensure full recovery.

The length of your emergency appointment depends on the nature of your issue. We aim to address your emergency as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the quality care you need.

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency procedures. Our team will assist you in verifying your insurance benefits and will help explain any out-of-pocket costs for your treatment.

If you experience a dental emergency after hours, contact our office for guidance. We offer extended hours during the week and Saturday appointments to accommodate urgent dental needs.

Yes, we offer several sedation options to ensure you’re comfortable during emergency treatment. These include laughing gas and local anesthesia, tailored to your comfort level.

If a tooth is knocked out, it’s important to keep the tooth moist—place it in milk or hold it in your mouth between your cheek and gums. Contact us immediately. If treated within an hour, there’s a higher chance of saving the tooth.

To manage pain until your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medications as directed. Avoid putting aspirin directly on the affected area, as it can cause tissue damage.

We offer multiple payment methods, including cash, checks, and financing options through Repeat MD, MACU Financing, and Sunbit Financing. We also work with most major insurance providers to help make emergency care as affordable as possible.

Yes! We prioritize urgent dental needs and reserve emergency appointment slots each day, allowing us to often see patients the same day for quick relief and treatment.

A dental emergency usually involves severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or trauma to your teeth or mouth that requires immediate attention. Prompt care is necessary to avoid complications or permanent damage to your teeth and gums.