FAQ

Healthy patients should have a routine dental check-up and professional cleaning twice a year.

Patients with periodontal disease (gum disease) typically need cleanings 3–4 times a year, depending on the severity.

Typical procedures and approximate fees include:

• Dental cleaning, exam & X-rays: ~$200
• Dental fillings (white fillings): $100–$250
• Crowns / veneers (cosmetic dentistry): $1,000 and up
• Dental extractions: $150–$300
• Dental implants: $3,900 and up (includes surgery and restoration)
• Orthodontics (braces or clear aligners): $3,900 and up
• Dentures: ~$1,550
• Root canal treatment: $690–$990

(Prices may vary based on complexity and materials. If you’re searching for affordable dental care or want a personalized estimate, our office is happy to help)

Yes. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day.

Dental emergencies can worsen quickly, so prompt treatment is essential.

If you are searching for an emergency dentist near me, our office is ready to help you get out of pain fast.

Many dental issues begin silently, without noticeable symptoms. Early detection is key.

Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Most cavities do not hurt until they reach the nerve. If a cavity becomes painful, a simple filling may no longer be enough—you may need root canal treatment, which is more complex and costly.

Gum disease (periodontal disease)

Gum disease also often progresses with no pain at all.

Common signs include:

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Tooth mobility

When gum disease becomes painful, it often means an abscess or severe infection has formed, which may result in tooth loss.

Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Here are some helpful tips:

• Brush your teeth after every meal using proper brushing techniques.
• Floss at least once a day, or more often if food frequently gets stuck between your teeth.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste, as long as the patient is old enough not to swallow it.
• Avoid frequent snacking and limit sugary foods and drinks, including juice.
• Rinse your mouth or drink water after meals if brushing isn’t possible.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and personalized oral hygiene recommendations.

The two main types are white (composite) fillings and silver (amalgam) fillings.

White fillings are generally preferred because they:

• Require less tooth reduction (more conservative)
• Bond to the tooth to strengthen it
• Look natural and blend with the tooth color

If you experience a dental emergency, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed and call our office immediately. If a tooth is broken, try to save any tooth fragments if possible and bring them with you to your appointment. Prompt treatment helps prevent infection, pain, and further damage.

All medical and dental treatments have some level of risk. These may include sensitivity, swelling, infection, or other complications depending on the procedure. However, we recommend treatment only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, and we take every step to ensure safety and comfort.

Dental anxiety is very common, and we are committed to creating a calm, gentle, and supportive experience. Most of our patients say our dentists have exceptionally gentle hands. If you prefer, we take extra time to explain each step so you’ll always know what to expect. We also use advanced comfort techniques to make dental injections easier and virtually pain-free. For patients with stronger anxiety, we can prescribe medication before your appointment to help you relax. Our goal is to help you receive the care you need without fear.

Fluoride strengthens your teeth and helps prevent cavities. When used properly and not swallowed in excess, fluoride is both safe and highly beneficial. Professional fluoride treatments, and fluoride toothpaste help reduce your risk of decay, especially for children and patients prone to cavities.

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. They function like a “third set of teeth,” providing excellent stability, a natural look, and the ability to chew comfortably and confidently.

Unlike natural teeth or tooth replacement options that rely on natural teeth—such as dental bridges and partial dentures—dental implants do not develop cavities. They also help preserve the jawbone by preventing bone loss after tooth loss. With proper care, dental implants can last for decades, especially if they remain healthy during the critical first year after placement.

Although implants cannot get cavities, they can develop gum disease if the surrounding tissues are not properly maintained. Keeping the gums around dental implants healthy is essential for long-term success. Compared to dentures or dental bridges, dental implants look and feel more natural, are more stable, and are easier to maintain as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

Yes. Regular dental care during pregnancy is important for both mother and baby. We recommend pregnant patients see a dentist at least twice during pregnancy. Many procedures can be safely completed during the second trimester. Please consult your OB-GYN if you have any concerns.

There are many OTC whitening strips available, but the safest and most effective whitening is professionally performed in a dental office. During in-office whitening, we protect your gums with special barriers, preventing gum irritation that often occurs with at-home products. Professional whitening also provides faster, brighter, and longer-lasting results.

Plaque buildup, tartar, gum disease, and dry mouth can all cause bad breath. Digestive issues and certain medication may contribute as well. The first step should be a dental exam to identify and treat any oral causes.

This varies depending on the type of treatment you’ve received. We provide individualized follow-up instructions for every patient after each procedure.

Dentists treat a wide range of oral conditions. Orthodontists focus mainly on teeth alignment. Dr. Guo is trained in orthodontic treatments such as expansion, clear aligners, and braces. She also evaluates children for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD), which can greatly affect facial growth and tooth alignment. Dr. Guo and her certified team carefully evaluate every child and provides early, timely recommendations when needed and provide timely recommendations.

While some remedies may offer temporary relief, they do not treat the underlying problem. Toothaches typically result from cavities, infections, tooth fractures, or gum disease—conditions that continue to worsen without professional care. Temporary relief isn’t a substitute for a dental exam, and delaying treatment can make the problem more serious.

No—modern root canal treatment is very comfortable. Once the tooth is completely numb, you should not feel pain during the procedure. Many patients are surprised by how easy the experience is, and some even fall asleep during treatment. In fact, removing the infected nerve inside the tooth usually relieves the original toothache and pain rather than causing it.

We use highly effective local anesthesia to ensure you are fully numb before any procedure begins. Our team checks in frequently during treatment to make sure you remain comfortable. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during their visit.

We do not offer sedation dentistry. However, because of our gentle techniques, clear communication, and comfort methods, most of our patients do not need sedation. Sedation dentistry also carries higher risks.

Some people have higher cavity risk due to enamel quality, diet, saliva composition and volume, oral PH, bacterial levels, or medical conditions. Regular dental check-ups, fluoride, and personalized prevention strategies can help reduce your risk.

If you do not have an emergency, your first visit includes a comprehensive dental exam, X-rays, and a professional cleaning. We evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, jaw joint, overall oral health, screen you for oral cancer, sleep related breathing disorders, and discuss any concerns or goals you may have.

Yes. Dental care is safe, important, and recommended for children of all ages. Early dental visits help prevent cavities and support the healthy development of teeth and jawbones. They also allow dentists to screen for airway and sleep-related breathing disorders, which can affect a child’s sleep quality, growth, behavior, and brain development.

We recommend bringing your child in when their first tooth appears--or by age one, whichever comes first.