Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Houston, TX
Quick Answers For Common Dental Questions
In addition to hands-on services, our team also strives to provide patient education so everyone who comes to see us has all the information they need to take great care of their smiles. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most popular questions we receive every day. If there is something you’d like to know more about that we haven’t covered here, go ahead and give us a call—we’re always happy to talk to you!
When should I get a checkup and cleaning?
You should get at least two checkups and cleanings every year even if you aren’t experiencing any issues with your teeth. Most dental problems have subtle, unnoticeable symptoms at first, and getting regular exams will enable our team to put a stop to them before they cause any pain or damage.
When should my child start visiting the dentist?
Dr. Palmer recommends that a child should start attending regular checkups and cleanings as soon as their first tooth erupts. These early-age appointments give him the chance become familiar with the dental office and to make sure your child’s teeth and mouth are developing correctly, plus we can start to teach them the basics of oral health so they can learn habits that will serve them well into adulthood.
I don’t like how my smile looks! Which cosmetic treatment should I get?
It really depends on what you want your final results to look like! To help provide some clarity, we can use Virtual Smile Design to edit a picture of your current smile and show you what you’d look like after getting porcelain veneers, whitening, or any other procedure. That way, you can work with Dr. Palmer to come up with a treatment plan that’s perfect for you.
Are Lumineers better than porcelain veneers?
It depends on the patient. Lumineers require less preparation and involve enhancing the teeth without actually altering the enamel, while porcelain veneers tend to be more durable and long-lasting. Dr. Palmer will help you choose which treatment would be right for you after discussing your goals and preferences at an in-person consultation.
Does getting dental implants placed hurt?
Not with Dr. Palmer! Using a combination of local anesthetic, sedation dentistry, and his expert training, he’s able to place dental implants while keeping a patient completely comfortable. Most describe feeling a little pressure during the procedure, but nothing resembling pain. A little tenderness and swelling are common afterward, but these can usually be easily managed with an OTC pain reliever.
Will you accept my dental insurance?
Our dental office is in-network with several popular PPO dental insurance plans, and we’re happy to accept many out-of-network policies as well. To get a better idea of how we’ll be able to use your plan to help you save at your next appointment, give us a call today.