●FAQ

A dental checkup is a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any potential issues and maintain overall oral health. It typically includes a professional cleaning, X-rays (if necessary), and a consultation with your dentist to discuss any findings and recommend treatments.

The American Dental Association recommends that individuals visit their dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits.

During your dental checkup at Kingston Bay Dentistry, our team will:

• Conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
• Perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• Take digital X-rays to detect any hidden problems (when necessary).
• Provide personalized oral hygiene advice and preventive care recommendations.

Regular dental checkups are crucial for:

• Early detection and treatment of oral health issues like cavities and gum disease.
• Preventing tooth loss and maintaining optimal oral health.
• Saving money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures.
• Keeping your natural teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime.

Most dental insurance plans cover routine checkups and cleanings twice a year. Kingston Bay Dentistry is in-network with several major insurance providers. We recommend checking with your insurance company for specific coverage details.

To prepare for your dental checkup, continue practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Also, make a list of any questions or concerns you have about your oral health to discuss with your dentist.

At Kingston Bay Dentistry, we understand dental anxiety and strive to create a comfortable, stress-free environment. We offer various solutions to help ease your fears and ensure a positive dental experience.

Scheduling your dental checkup at Kingston Bay Dentistry is easy! You can call our office directly or visit our website to request an appointment online. We look forward to welcoming you and providing the highest quality dental care.

Yes, same-day crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials that are comparable in strength and durability to those of traditional crowns. They are designed to last for many years with proper care, including good oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups.

Absolutely. One of the significant advantages of same-day crowns is their aesthetic appeal. The ceramic used can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, ensuring that your new crown blends seamlessly with your smile.

Our goal at Kingston Bay Dentistry is to ensure every procedure is as comfortable as possible. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around your tooth, minimizing discomfort during the preparation and placement of the crown. Most patients report feeling little to no pain during the procedure.

The entire process for a same-day crown, from preparation to placement, can be completed in just one visit, usually within a few hours. This is a significant time-saving benefit compared to traditional crowns, which typically require at least two appointments spread over a few weeks.

Caring for a same-day crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential. Although the crown is resistant to decay, the tooth beneath it and the surrounding gum tissue can still be susceptible to gum disease and cavities, making oral hygiene crucial.

Most patients needing a crown are candidates for a same-day crown. However, the final determination will depend on the specific dental needs and the health of the tooth and surrounding area. A consultation with one of our dentists can determine if a same-day crown is the best option for you.

The cost of a same-day crown is comparable to that of traditional crowns, and many dental insurance plans cover them. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Our team at Kingston Bay Dentistry is also here to help with insurance questions and payment options.

Choosing Kingston Bay Dentistry means selecting a practice that values your time, comfort, and satisfaction. Our use of advanced CAD/CAM technology, coupled with our commitment to personalized, quality care, ensures that your same-day crown process is as efficient, comfortable, and rewarding as possible.

Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. They come in various forms, including complete (full) dentures for those who have lost all their teeth and partial dentures for those missing one or more teeth but still have some natural teeth remaining.

If you’re missing several teeth or facing the removal of multiple teeth due to decay or injury, dentures may be a suitable solution for you. Scheduling a consultation with one of our dentists is the best way to determine if dentures are the right choice for your dental needs.

Modern dentures are designed with comfort and functionality in mind. While there may be an adjustment period as you get used to wearing them, our team at Kingston Bay Dentistry works closely with you to ensure your dentures fit well and feel as natural as possible.

Adjusting to dentures varies from person to person. Generally, it can take a few weeks to become accustomed to the feel of dentures in your mouth. We provide guidance and support during this period, helping you adjust to your new dentures comfortably.

Yes, you can enjoy most of your favorite foods with dentures. However, it may take some time to get used to eating with them. We recommend starting with soft foods and gradually introducing more solid foods as you become more comfortable.

Proper care is crucial to extend the life of your dentures and maintain oral health. This includes daily brushing, soaking them overnight in a denture-cleaning solution, and handling them with care to avoid damage.

Initially, you may notice some changes in your speech, but this is typically temporary. With practice and as you adjust to your dentures, your speech will improve. We can provide tips to help you adapt more quickly.

Dentures may need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years due to natural changes in your mouth and wear and tear. However, with proper care and regular checkups, we can help ensure your dentures last as long as possible.

At Kingston Bay Dentistry, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized dental care. Our team uses the latest technology and techniques to create comfortable, natural-looking dentures that enhance your smile and quality of life.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our friendly team is here to answer any additional questions you may have and to guide you through the process of getting your new dentures.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length.

With proper care and maintenance, dental veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. It's important to follow good oral hygiene practices and visit Kingston Bay Dentistry for regular checkups to ensure the longevity of your veneers.

No, veneers do not ruin your teeth. A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth's surface to accommodate the veneer, but this process is minimally invasive. Properly applied veneers by a skilled dentist, like those at Kingston Bay Dentistry, should not cause harm to your teeth.

Before considering veneers, any existing oral health issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, need to be addressed and treated. Veneers are best suited for individuals with healthy teeth and gums, ensuring the best outcome and longevity of the cosmetic treatment.

The process of getting veneers involves minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia can be used during the enamel removal phase to ensure you're comfortable. After the veneers are placed, some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days, which typically subsides.

Caring for veneers is similar to caring for your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding using your teeth to open packages or bite on hard objects. Regular dental checkups at Kingston Bay Dentistry are also essential to maintain your veneers and overall oral health.

Veneers and crowns serve different purposes. Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic enhancements and cover only the front surface of the tooth, requiring less removal of the tooth structure. Crowns encase the entire tooth and are used when there is significant decay or damage. The best option depends on your specific dental needs and goals.

The cost of veneers varies depending on several factors, including the number of veneers needed and the material chosen. At Kingston Bay Dentistry, we strive to provide transparent pricing and can discuss payment options during your consultation to ensure veneers fit within your budget.

Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures like veneers unless they are deemed medically necessary. However, we recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Our team at Kingston Bay Dentistry is also available to help navigate payment and financing options.

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at removing stains and discoloration from teeth, significantly brightening the shade of your natural teeth. At Kingston Bay Dentistry, we offer the Zoom teeth whitening system for effective, fast, and safe results.

Zoom teeth whitening uses a powerful whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide. The gel is applied to the teeth, and a specialized light activates the gel, breaking down stains and discolorations on the tooth surface. This process can make your teeth several shades whiter in just one office visit.

Yes, when performed by a professional dental team, teeth whitening is a safe procedure. At Kingston Bay Dentistry, our skilled staff ensures that your oral health is assessed before treatment to minimize any risks and to ensure the best possible outcome.

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after their whitening treatment. We use advanced products and techniques to minimize sensitivity, ensuring a comfortable experience. Additionally, we can provide you with aftercare tips to help manage any sensitivity that may occur.

The longevity of teeth whitening results can vary based on individual habits and oral hygiene. With proper care, including avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages and maintaining good oral hygiene, your whitening results can last for several months to a few years. Regular touch-ups can help maintain your bright smile.

No, professional teeth whitening does not damage tooth enamel. The whitening agents used in professional treatments are designed to be safe and effective, focusing on removing stains without harming the tooth's surface.

Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for teeth whitening. However, it's not recommended for children under 16, pregnant or lactating women, or individuals with gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, or exposed roots. A consultation at Kingston Bay Dentistry can determine if teeth whitening is right for you.

Teeth whitening treatments do not affect the color of fillings, crowns, or veneers. If you have these restorations in your mouth, our team can advise you on the best cosmetic options to ensure a uniform smile appearance.

To maintain your whitening results, avoid stain-causing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Kingston Bay Dentistry for regular checkups and cleanings will also help preserve your brighter smile.

Scheduling your teeth whitening appointment at Kingston Bay Dentistry is easy. Contact our office directly by phone or visit our website to request an appointment. Our friendly team is ready to help you achieve the radiant smile you've been dreaming of.

A dental emergency includes any situation that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Common emergencies include knocked-out teeth, severe toothache, abscesses, lost fillings or crowns, and broken teeth or dental appliances.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence. Try to handle the tooth by the crown (the part that's visible in the mouth), not the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water without scrubbing. If possible, reinsert it into the socket. If that's not an option, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or in your mouth next to your cheek and seek immediate dental care.

As soon as possible. Some dental emergencies, such as a knocked-out tooth, require treatment within an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth. Other emergencies, while they may not have such a critical time frame, still necessitate prompt care to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.

While the emergency room can provide relief for pain and infections, most do not have the facilities or expertise to address the root cause of dental emergencies. It's better to contact Kingston Bay Dentistry directly for emergency dental care to ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.

We understand the urgent nature of dental emergencies and strive to see emergency patients as quickly as possible. While we recommend calling ahead to ensure we can provide the fastest care upon your arrival, we do our best to accommodate walk-ins with urgent needs.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain temporarily, but should not be applied directly to the gums or teeth as they can cause burns. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can also help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.

Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for emergency services, but coverage can vary widely. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific details about your coverage. At Kingston Bay Dentistry, we're committed to providing transparent cost information and assisting with insurance claims to make the process as smooth as possible.

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding using your teeth to open things or chew hard items can significantly reduce your risk.

If you're experiencing a dental emergency in Kingston, MA, or the surrounding areas, please call Kingston Bay Dentistry immediately. Our team is ready to provide the urgent care you need and guide you on the next steps to take.