Frequently Asked Questions

Book online through our website, or give us a call and our team will help you find a time that works.

A photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, a list of any medications you're currently taking, and your method of payment.

Yes, just give us a call and we'll help you find a new time.

Most visits take about an hour, though it can vary depending on what brings you in. We'd rather take the time to do it right than rush you through.

Yes! We welcome patients of every age, from toddlers to grandparents, and offer family scheduling so you can book everyone together.

We're in-network with Delta Dental. If you have another plan, call us and we'll help you understand your options and payment choices.

We also accept CareCredit financing for care outside your coverage, and we're happy to walk you through your options.

Most patients do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have specific concerns, like gum health or a history of cavities, we may recommend a different schedule built around your needs.

Your visit includes a professional cleaning, a review of digital X-rays, and a thorough exam from our team. We'll walk you through anything we notice and answer your questions along the way.

We recommend starting around age two or three, when it’s easier to build comfort with the dentist early. We design every visit to feel friendly and low-pressure for kids.

It's more common than you'd think, and we're glad you're here. We'll start with a straightforward conversation about where things stand and build a plan from there, at your pace.

Coverage varies by plan. We're in-network with Delta Dental and happy to check your benefits before you begin treatment.

Yes. Family scheduling lets you book appointments for everyone in your household on the same day, so one trip covers it all.

Just let us know. We offer comfort options like laughing gas, and we're always glad to adjust the pace of your visit to help you feel at ease.

We base every recommendation on what we see in your exam and X-rays, and we'll walk you through exactly what we're seeing before recommending anything.

We use digital X-rays, an intraoral camera, and the VELscope for oral cancer screenings, so you get a clear, complete picture of your dental health at every visit.

Give us a call right away. We'll work to get you seen quickly and take it from there.

Most checkups take about an hour, including your exam, cleaning, and any X-rays. We'd rather take the time to do it right than rush you through.

A cleaning removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. A checkup includes that cleaning plus a full exam, X-rays when needed, and a conversation about your overall dental health.

Not necessarily. We take X-rays based on your individual history and what we need to see clearly, not on a fixed schedule.

Let us know before we begin. We'll adjust our approach so your cleaning feels as comfortable as possible.

Yes. Many dental issues don't cause pain until they've progressed, which is exactly why regular checkups matter. We're often able to catch things early, while they're still simple to treat.

Most patients do well with a checkup every six months. If you have specific concerns, we may recommend a different schedule built around your needs.

In many cases, yes. Give us a call and we'll do our best to find a time that works for your schedule.

That's more common than you'd think, and we're glad you're here. We'll start with an honest conversation about where things stand and build a plan from there, at your pace.

Yes. We include a quick VELscope screening as part of your regular checkup, so it's already built into your visit.

Absolutely. Family scheduling lets you book your child's first visit alongside your own, so it's one trip for the whole family.

A crown covers and protects a single damaged tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

Most crowns and bridges take two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second to place your finished restoration.

Yes. We shape and shade every crown and bridge to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth.

We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients describe the process as straightforward, with only mild soreness afterward.

With good care, crowns and bridges can last many years. Regular checkups help us catch any wear early and keep your restoration in good shape.

In many cases, yes. A crown covers and protects a cracked tooth, restoring its strength and preventing the crack from getting worse.

We'll talk through your options during your consultation, whether that's a bridge, an implant, or a combination built around your needs.

Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups are all it takes. We'll show you the best way to clean around your bridge to protect the teeth supporting it.

Yes. We'll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent one is custom made.

Coverage varies by plan. We're in-network with Delta Dental and happy to check your benefits before you begin treatment.

Invisalign uses a series of custom, clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. You'll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, following the plan Dr. Austin maps out for you.

Treatment time varies based on your specific needs, but many patients complete treatment within several months to about a year.

Invisalign works well for a wide range of mild to moderate alignment issues. We'll review your teeth during your consultation and let you know honestly whether it's the right fit.

For the best results, aligners should be worn about 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them mainly for eating, brushing, and flossing.

Yes. Since aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat and drink whatever you'd like, then brush before putting them back in.

Most people won’t notice. Invisalign aligners are clear and fit closely to your teeth, which is part of why so many patients choose them.

A quick rinse and gentle brushing keep your aligners clear and fresh. We'll walk you through the best care routine at your first appointment.

You'll receive a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new position. Wearing it as directed is key to maintaining your results.

Cost varies based on your specific treatment plan. We'll go over pricing and insurance coverage clearly during your consultation, so there are no surprises.

Book a consultation with us. We'll take a look at your teeth, talk through your goals, and map out what treatment would look like for you.

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with an artificial root, topped with a custom crown. Together, they function like a natural tooth.

Most patients in good general oral health are candidates. We'll review your specific situation during your complimentary consultation and let you know honestly what to expect.

Yes. Dr. Austin personally handles both the placement of your implant and the restoration, so you're working with one dentist throughout your care.

Your consultation includes an exam and initial X-rays, giving you a clear picture of your options with no obligation.

Timelines vary depending on your specific case, since your jawbone needs time to heal around the implant before the final restoration is placed. We'll walk you through your personal timeline during your consultation.

We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during placement. Most patients describe manageable soreness afterward, similar to having a tooth extracted.

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, implants can last for decades.

We'll talk through your options during your consultation, whether that means multiple individual implants or another approach built around your needs.

Implants are cared for just like natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and checkups keep them in great shape.

Coverage varies by plan and by case. We're happy to check your benefits and talk through your options during your consultation.

We use ultra-thin, premium dental veneers made from a high-strength glass-ceramic called lithium disilicate.

That depends on your goals. Some patients choose veneers for just one or two teeth, while others opt for a fuller set to create a more even smile.

Yes. Each veneer is custom shaped and shaded to blend in with your surrounding teeth.

Most veneer treatments take a couple of visits: one to prepare your teeth and take impressions, and a second to place your finished veneers.

Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups are all that's needed. We'll walk you through any specific care tips for your veneers at your fitting.

With good care, veneers can last many years. Regular checkups help us keep an eye on their condition over time.

Most patients find the process comfortable, with only mild sensitivity, if any, during preparation.

Yes. Veneers are a popular option for closing small to moderate gaps without orthodontic treatment.

We'll talk through your goals, take a look at your teeth, and walk you through what veneers could look like for your smile, with no obligation to move forward.

Veneers are typically considered a cosmetic treatment, so coverage varies by plan. We're happy to check your benefits and discuss financing options like CareCredit during your consultation.

Professional whitening uses a bleaching agent to break down staining on and just below the surface of your enamel, brightening your smile in a controlled, supervised way.

Results vary from person to person, depending on your starting shade and the type of staining involved. We'll set realistic expectations together during your consultation.

Some patients notice mild, temporary sensitivity. We check for this ahead of time and adjust your treatment to help keep things comfortable throughout.

Results vary based on your habits, but many patients enjoy a brighter smile for several months to a year before considering a touch-up.

Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, not existing dental work. We'll talk through your options so your whole smile looks even.

Ask our team about the whitening options available at your visit, so we can recommend the best fit for your goals and schedule.

We'll recommend a schedule based on your teeth and goals, so you get a brighter smile without overdoing it.

Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and the natural aging process can all contribute to staining. We'll help you figure out which factors are affecting your smile and the best way to address them.

Whitening works well on many surface stains, though deeper discoloration may respond better to a different approach, like veneers. We'll always tell you honestly what to expect for your case.

Regular brushing, routine checkups, and being mindful of staining foods and drinks all help your results last longer.

Knocked-out or loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, sudden severe pain, and swelling or infection all count as emergencies. If you're not sure, give us a call and we'll help you figure out next steps.

Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that's not possible, keep it in milk and call us right away. Acting quickly gives the tooth the best chance of being saved.

In most cases, yes. Call us as soon as you notice a problem, and we'll do our best to get you in the same day.

Call our office and leave a message. We'll follow up as promptly as we can. For a severe or life-threatening emergency, please seek immediate medical care.

Treatment depends on the severity of the crack. Options range from a simple filling or bonding to a crown, depending on what the tooth needs.

Call us and we'll schedule a visit to protect the tooth and replace what's missing as soon as we can.

Yes. An abscess is an infection that needs prompt attention. Call us right away if you notice swelling, a bump on your gums, or a persistent bad taste.

Sometimes. If your treatment requires more than one visit, we'll schedule your follow-up around your recovery and your schedule.

A cold compress can help with swelling, and rinsing gently with warm salt water can offer some relief. Over-the-counter pain relief may also help until your visit.

Coverage varies by plan. We're in-network with Delta Dental and happy to check your benefits before you begin treatment.