FAQs

Yes. Please arrive 5-20 minutes early for your appointment. You might need to fill out a patient questionnaire form before your appointment. You can relax in our waiting area and get accustomed to the clinic environment.

We understand the first dental visit can be very intimidating. At Arte Dental, we provide a relaxing environment to make your visits comfortable and stress-free. When you first visit our dental clinic, we advise you to bring any referral letters, insurance cards or claim forms, and any prescription medications you have been taking.

Your first appointment can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes. During your first visit, we will examine your teeth. X-rays might sometimes be needed as it helps us see in-between the teeth areas. You can also discuss any concerns or issues you have with our dentist.

At Arte Dental, we recommend getting the cleaning done during your twice-yearly check-ups. Regular cleaning will ensure your mouth is free of plaque and bacteria.

Yes! We work with all major insurance providers to ensure you have continued access to the dental care near you. These include:

At Arte Dental, we believe oral care should be accessible to everyone. If you do not have insurance, we offer various flexible payment options to suit you. We accept cash and all major credit cards as well as CareCredit® healthcare financing. We have also collaborated with Sunbit financing to make payment simple and convenient. Talk to us today to find out about the different options available to you.

Regular visits to the dentist are extremely crucial in maintaining your oral as well as overall health. At Arte Dental, we recommend visiting the dentist at least every six months. During your regular visits, we will not only check your teeth for cavities but also screen your mouth for oral cancer, gum disease, and other abnormalities.

Even if you are brushing and flossing regularly, minor issues might go undetected. Our dentists can identify these minor issues saving you time and cost in the future. Early detection is the key to prevent and treat oral disease. Talk to us today to book an appointment.

Each tooth has five surfaces. Brushing alone cannot reach all the surfaces of the tooth, leaving food and bacteria trapped on these surfaces. Regular flossing can reach these areas, adequately removing all the plaque and bacteria and preventing dental decay and gum disease. Ask our dentist about the correct flossing technique to clean your teeth effectively.

The best way to get kids to brush their teeth is to make it fun! Have a regular brushing routine. Let your child choose their favorite color or character toothbrush. Kid-friendly flavored toothpaste is now available, which can make brushing pleasant. Children learn from their parents. Try to brush together with your child and encourage them to copy you. You can also reward good brushing behavior with a sticker.

Home care is important to maintain a good healthy mouth. Twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush is recommended. Ask our dentist about the correct toothbrushing technique. Eat healthy food and try to reduce sugar in your diet. Sugar is one of the major causes of dental decay. Be aware of hidden sugars. Even dried fruits such as raisins and apricots can cause tooth decay. Try to have sugar during meal times only.

Do not forget flossing! Brushing does not remove all the plaque and bacteria from your teeth, especially the areas between your teeth. Floss your teeth at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. You can also try sugar-free chewing gum, which will increase the saliva in your mouth and help reduce dental decay.

X-rays are sometimes recommended to examine your teeth as well as the surrounding areas. It helps us see minute details that may not be visible such as:

• In-between the teeth areas
• Surrounding bone
• Gums and other soft tissue
• Unerupted teeth
• Impacted teeth
• Initial decay
• Oral cancer

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is known to reduce dental decay. It is found in rocks, soil and is often added to drinking water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses.

When we have certain foods, the pH in the mouth starts dropping. This causes the teeth to lose minerals, causing demineralization and ultimately leading to dental cavities. Fluoride prevents this demineralization of teeth. It also helps in repair by adding the minerals from saliva back into the teeth.

In dental clinics, fluoride is often applied in the form of a gel or varnish. It is a simple, quick, and painless procedure that has long-term benefits. We recommend fluoride treatment for all kids and even adults!

If you have deep pits and grooves on your back teeth, food and bacteria may get entrapped in these areas causing dental decay. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that seal these pits and grooves, preventing dental decay in vulnerable areas. They are commonly recommended for children; however, adults can benefit from them too. Getting dental sealants is a simple, painless procedure and takes only a few minutes to apply.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately. Timely treatment is extremely crucial for a good outcome. A knocked-out tooth has the best outcome if placed back within an hour. However, there are some things you can do before you arrive at the dental clinic.

• Do not hold the tooth by the root.
• If you are confident, you can try to put the tooth back into the mouth.
• If you are not confident, store the tooth in milk until you reach a dental clinic.

When we sleep at night, saliva production in the mouth reduces significantly. This causes harmful bacteria to grow and produce a foul smell. The most common cause is poor oral hygiene and food particles left in between your teeth. To reduce morning breath:

1. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before going to bed.
2. Clean your tongue and rinse with a mouthwash.
3. Avoid smoking and certain foods such as garlic or onions.

Teeth are covered by an outer layer called enamel. When this layer is worn off, usually by aggressive brushing or grinding of teeth, it can cause the teeth to become sensitive. Tooth decay and fracture of the tooth or the filling can also cause the tooth to be sensitive. It causes sharp, temporary pain while brushing, having hot or cold foods, or just breathing through the mouth. To reduce sensitivity, you can use desensitizing toothpaste with a soft toothbrush. Wear nightguards if you have a habit of grinding teeth. Other treatments may also be needed, such as filling, root canal treatment, or crown, depending on the cause of sensitivity.

Periodontal disease or gum disease is the infection of the gums. The initial form of gum disease known as 'gingivitis' is completely treatable with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning by a dentist. If left untreated, it can progress to a more advanced stage of the disease known as 'periodontitis.' Some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Pain in the gums
• Bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Pus from the gums
• Loss of teeth

The deep cleaning procedure is completely different from your regular bi-annual cleaning. It is also called scaling and root planing. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above as well as below the gumline. The exposed roots are also smoothed, which helps the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. A deep cleaning procedure usually takes 2-3 appointments to complete, and it will prevent the progression of gum disease.

The results depend on your oral habits as well as the type of whitening treatment done. Professional teeth whitening done by a dentist offers the best results and lasts the longest. It can last anywhere from six months to three years, after which retreatment may be necessary. Taking good care of your teeth and avoiding tea, coffee or smoking results in long-lasting results.

Whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that can only remove surface stains. It does not change the natural color of your teeth. Professional teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide is recommended to effectively change the color of your teeth and improve your smile.

Canker sores or aphthous ulcers are shallow ulcers in your mouth. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. However, it can be caused by an injury such as a sharp tooth or an ill-fitting appliance, decreased immunity, stress, medications such as ibuprofen, and iron deficiency. Canker sores usually get better within 5-7 days. If it does not get better, talk to a dentist immediately.

Smokeless tobacco contains harmful cancer-producing chemicals as well as nicotine. Although smokeless, it is linked to cancer of the mouth, gums, cheek, tongue, and esophagus. Nicotine can lead to addiction, and it can cause red and white lesions in the mouth.

Do your gums bleed when brushing? Bleeding gums are one of the most common signs of gum disease. Healthy gums look pink, firm, and do not bleed on brushing. With poor oral hygiene, plaque and tartar start to accumulate around your teeth. This plaque harbors bacteria which causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums.

The initial form of gum disease, known as 'gingivitis,' is completely reversible. Hence, it is important to visit a dentist immediately to prevent the progression of gum disease. Other signs of gum disease include swollen gums, bad odor, and pain in the gums. If you have any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

Teeth can darken or change color due to several reasons. Some of the common reasons are tea, coffee, tobacco, or smoking. Teeth can also change color as we grow older. Other reasons include any trauma to the teeth or if you had root canal treatment. Talk to our dentist to find out the different options available to improve your smile.

Both Type I and Type II diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. The bacteria from severe gum disease can also increase blood sugar and interfere with diabetic control. Uncontrolled diabetes can also delay healing after any procedure. Hence it is important to let the dentist know if you have diabetes.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can be safely carried out during pregnancy. If you need X-rays, you can wear a lead apron to protect the baby. It is extremely important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. Pregnant women can also suffer from a condition known as 'pregnancy gingivitis.' It is caused by an increase in the progesterone hormone, which causes swollen and bleeding gums. Talk to our dentist if you are concerned about your oral health during pregnancy.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have a profound impact on your oral health. The most common side effects include dry mouth, infection, change of taste, and an increased risk of decay. It is extremely crucial to maintain your oral hygiene with regular brushing and visits to the dentist. If any dental treatment such as extraction is required, a specialist referral may be needed.

Yes! It is important to visit your dentist for your bi-annual check-up. If you are wearing dentures, our dentist will check the fit and stability of your appliance. Ill-fitting appliances can cause ulcers as well as bite issues. We will also complete an oral cancer screening at this appointment. You can discuss any concerns you have with our dentist.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium metal. It consists of three components: the titanium metal root, an abutment, and an artificial tooth. The titanium metal root is inserted into the jaw bone and fuses with the bone. An abutment acts as a connector between the root and the artificial tooth. The artificial tooth replaces your missing tooth and is usually made of porcelain, giving you a natural appearance.

If you have missing teeth and are generally in good health, you might be a good candidate for dental implants! Talk to one of our experienced dentists to find out if dental implants are suitable for you.

One of the biggest advantages of a dental implant is that it looks and feels like your natural teeth. It improves speech and preserves bone in your jaw. Dental implants do not need to be taken out at night and provide a permanent, long-term solution for your missing teeth.

Dental implants need adequate bone to be present in the jaw for placement. If you do not have adequate bone, dental implants may not be a viable option for you. However, bone grafts are now available to increase the amount of bone.

Dental implant cost varies depending on the number of implants required to replace the missing teeth and if any additional procedures are required, such as bone grafting. They cost more than other replacement options. However, dental implants last longer and might be a more cost-effective and permanent long-term solution.

Dental implant placement may qualify for some insurance coverage depending on the provider. Talk to our staff today to find out if you qualify for insurance coverage.

With good care, dental implants have a high success rate of more than 95%.

Dental implants are just like your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene is extremely crucial to increase the longevity of dental implants. Twice daily brushing and flossing with non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. It is also a good idea to stop smoking to prevent staining of the implant. With good oral hygiene and regular visits to our dentists, dental implants can last a lifetime!

All-on-4® implant is also known as a teeth-in-a-day procedure. It involves placing four implants at specific locations in your mouth that will act as anchors to support a full permanent denture. As the name suggests, the procedure can be completed in a single day, giving you a beautiful smile instantly!

Dental implants are fixed in your mouth. They are usually made of titanium metal that fuses your jaw bone by a process known as osseointegration.

Traditional full and partial dentures are held together in the mouth with the help of suction from your saliva. However, they do not provide adequate stability, especially the lower denture. There is a risk that it might fall out while talking or eating, leading to social anxiety.

Dental implants can be used to stabilize your full or partial denture. They are called implant-retained dentures or snap-on dentures and provide excellent support for your denture.