FAQ

A dental checkup is a routine visit to your dentist, where your oral health is examined to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. It typically includes a professional cleaning, an examination of your oral health, and, if necessary, digital X-rays to identify any underlying issues.

Most dentists recommend having a dental checkup every six months. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits.

Please bring a list of any medications you are currently taking, your insurance card if you have dental insurance and any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health. If this is your first visit, also bring your previous dental records if available.

Not necessarily. The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual oral health needs. Some patients may need X-rays once a year, while others with good oral health might only need them every couple of years. Dr. Schennel will recommend what's best for you.

If Dr. Schennel identifies cavities or other oral health issues during your checkup, she will discuss your treatment options. We prioritize your comfort and health, ensuring you fully understand your condition and the proposed treatment plan.

Noble Dental believes in accessible dental care for all. We offer various payment options and financing plans to make dental care affordable for patients without insurance. Please contact our office to learn more about how we can accommodate your financial situation.

Yes, dental checkups at Noble Dental include VELScope oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive approach to oral health. This quick and non-invasive screening can detect early signs of oral cancer, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Yes, dental checkups can significantly help prevent bad breath by removing the plaque and tartar buildup that contribute to it. Regular cleanings also address the bacteria that can lead to persistent bad breath.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Also, eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks to help prevent cavities and gum disease.

You may need a crown if you have a tooth that is significantly damaged, decayed, or after a root canal treatment. A bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth and wish to restore functionality and aesthetics to your smile.

Modern crowns and bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, making them virtually undetectable.

With proper care and maintenance, crowns and bridges can last many years. On average, they can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or longer, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene practices.

Yes, crowns and bridges can be used in conjunction to restore and replace damaged or missing teeth. Crowns often serve as the anchoring points for bridges, providing a stable and durable solution for tooth replacement.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. It's also important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure the longevity of your restorations.

The process of getting crowns and bridges involves minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used during the preparation phase to ensure a pain-free experience. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity following the procedure, but this typically subsides quickly.

Crowns and bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, zirconia, ceramic, gold, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. The choice of material depends on the location of the restoration, aesthetic considerations, and functional requirements.

The cost of crowns and bridges varies depending on the materials used, the complexity of the restoration, and if other treatments or procedures are required during the course of your care. Most dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for these procedures. Noble Dental offers financing options to make treatment more affordable.

The process typically involves two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary restoration is placed. On the second visit, the custom-made crown or bridge is fitted and permanently cemented into place.

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for crowns and bridges, although the extent of coverage can vary. Noble Dental will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and provide financing options for any remaining balance.

Clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable orthodontic devices used to adjust and align teeth. They offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces, using a series of custom-made, plastic trays to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position.

Clear aligners work by applying controlled force to your teeth, similar to braces, but without metal wires or brackets. Each set of aligners is slightly different, moving your teeth incrementally. You'll wear each set for about two weeks before moving on to the next in the series.

The duration of clear aligner treatment varies depending on the individual's needs and the complexity of their case. On average, treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 24 months, but many patients start seeing results in just a few weeks.

While clear aligners may cause some discomfort or pressure when a new set is first worn, they are generally considered less painful than traditional braces. Any discomfort typically subsides after a few days as your mouth adjusts to the new aligners.

No, you should remove your clear aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents damage to the aligners and maintains oral hygiene. Always brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners.

For the best results, clear aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.

Some people may notice a slight lisp when they first start wearing clear aligners. However, this usually disappears as you become accustomed to wearing them.

Clear aligners are suitable for most teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including crowding, gaps, and certain bite misalignments. A consultation with Dr. Schennel Pollard can determine if clear aligners are the right choice for you.

Clear aligners should be cleaned regularly with a soft-bristle toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic. It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your aligners clean.

After completing clear aligner treatment, you will likely need to wear a retainer to maintain your new tooth alignment. Dr. Schennel will discuss the best retainer option for you, ensuring your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime.

The cost of clear aligner treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and the duration of treatment. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners. Noble Dental also provides financing options to make treatment accessible.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of your smile by addressing a variety of dental imperfections, such as discoloration, chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth.

Porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years or more with proper care, while composite resin veneers typically last around 5 to 7 years. Longevity depends on good oral hygiene practices and avoiding habits that can damage veneers, such as biting on hard objects or using teeth as tools.

Yes, veneers are considered a permanent dental treatment because a small amount of enamel is removed from the surface of your teeth to accommodate the veneer, which cannot be reversed. However, veneers themselves may eventually need to be replaced due to wear, damage, or changes in the teeth or gums.

Veneers do not require special care beyond good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. However, it's recommended to avoid using abrasive toothpaste and to be mindful of consuming hard or sticky foods that could damage the veneers.

Veneers can be used to correct the appearance of slightly crooked or misaligned teeth by covering them with a custom-made shell that gives the appearance of straight teeth. However, for more severe misalignments, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners might be more appropriate.

Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and ability to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. Composite resin veneers are less expensive and require less tooth enamel removal but are not as durable or stain-resistant as porcelain veneers.

The cost of veneers varies depending on the material used (porcelain or composite resin), the number of veneers needed, and other factors related to the complexity of the case. Porcelain veneers are generally more expensive than composite resin veneers. It's best to consult with your dentist for a detailed cost estimate based on your specific needs.

Most dental insurance plans consider veneers a cosmetic procedure and may not cover the cost. However, coverage can vary, so it's important to check with your insurance provider. Some dental practices, including Noble Dental, offer financing options to help make veneers more affordable.

Yes, there are several alternatives to veneers, including dental bonding, crowns, and orthodontic treatments, depending on the specific dental issues you're looking to address. Your dentist can help you determine the best treatment option for your needs.

The best way to determine if veneers are the right choice for you is to schedule a consultation with a dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry, like Dr. Schennel Pollard at Noble Dental. During the consultation, you can discuss your aesthetic goals, and your dentist can evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment options to achieve your desired outcome.

Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue, offering a solution for those with partial or complete tooth loss. They help restore function and appearance, enhancing quality of life.

• Complete Dentures: For those who have lost all their teeth in an arch.
• Partial Dentures: For patients with some natural teeth remaining, helping to prevent other teeth from shifting.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Provide more stability by attaching to dental implants anchored in the jawbone.

Adjustment periods vary, but most people start to feel comfortable with their new dentures within a few weeks. Proper fit and gradual wear help ease the transition.

Yes, although it may take some time to adjust. Starting with soft foods and cutting them into small pieces can help. Over time, you'll be able to return to a normal diet, though sticky or hard foods may require caution.

• Remove and rinse dentures after eating.
• Clean your mouth and remaining teeth, if any.
• Brush dentures daily with a soft brush and nonabrasive cleanser.
• Soak dentures overnight in water or a mild denture-soaking solution.
• Rinse dentures before putting them back in your mouth.

Yes, dentures typically need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years due to natural changes in the mouth, wear and tear, and possible changes in the fit over time.

You may notice minor changes in speech initially, but these usually improve as you become accustomed to wearing your dentures. Practicing reading aloud can help speed up this adjustment.

Modern dentures are designed to look natural and are customized to match your facial structure and desired tooth color, making them less noticeable.

Regular dental checkups are still important for denture wearers. Your dentist will recommend a schedule, usually once a year, to check the fit of your dentures and your overall oral health.

Properly fitted dentures should stay securely in place for an ideal candidate, ensuring comfort and functionality. When dentures are accurately tailored to fit the individual's mouth, they provide stability, allowing the wearer to speak, eat, and smile with confidence.

Implant-supported dentures offer improved stability, preventing slipping and providing a more natural biting and chewing experience. They also help preserve jawbone and facial structure, reducing the need for adjustments over time.

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that effectively lightens the color of your teeth, removing stains and discoloration to reveal a brighter, whiter smile. It involves the use of high-grade whitening agents applied by dental professionals for safe and significant results.

Professional teeth whitening offers stronger whitening agents and customized treatments tailored to your specific needs, providing faster, more effective, and longer-lasting results than over-the-counter options. Additionally, treatments are supervised by dental professionals, ensuring safety and minimizing sensitivity.

Yes, when performed under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is a safe procedure. Dentists take precautions to protect the gums and the rest of the mouth from the effects of the bleaching agents, reducing the risk of sensitivity and irritation.

The duration of the teeth whitening process can vary. In-office whitening typically takes about an hour, offering immediate results, while take-home kits may require several weeks of use to achieve optimal results.

The longevity of teeth whitening results depends on lifestyle choices such as diet, oral hygiene, and tobacco use. Generally, results can last from several months to a few years, and maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help prolong the effects.

Teeth whitening is effective on natural teeth but may not work on all types of discoloration or on artificial dental work such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. A consultation with your dentist can determine if teeth whitening is suitable for you.

Some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity following a whitening treatment, but this typically subsides shortly after the procedure. Your dentist can recommend ways to minimize sensitivity, such as using specific toothpaste or adjusting the whitening protocol.

The most common side effects of teeth whitening are temporary tooth sensitivity and occasional gum irritation, both of which usually resolve within a few days after the treatment.

Maintaining your whitening results involves practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding staining foods and beverages, and possibly using a whitening toothpaste. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also crucial for keeping your smile bright.

The cost of professional teeth whitening varies depending on the type of treatment (in-office vs. take-home kits) and the extent of discoloration. While generally more expensive than over-the-counter options, the effectiveness and safety of professional whitening often justify the investment.

Teeth whitening will not affect the color of dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. If you have visible dental work, your dentist can advise you on the best course of action to achieve a uniformly brighter smile.

While it might seem minor, a lost filling or crown exposes your tooth to potential damage and decay. Contact us as soon as possible for a replacement.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or tooth, as this can cause tissue damage.

A dental emergency includes any oral health issue requiring immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or save a tooth at risk. Common emergencies are knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches indicating an abscess, broken or chipped teeth causing significant discomfort, and infections posing a risk to overall health.

Immediate action is crucial in a dental emergency. Contacting your dentist as soon as possible can significantly increase the chances of saving a damaged or knocked-out tooth and effectively managing pain or infection. For the best outcome, aim to see your dentist within an hour, especially if a tooth has been displaced.

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups can significantly reduce the risk. Wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding chewing on hard objects (like ice or hard candy), and not using teeth as tools can also help prevent accidental damage and emergencies.