Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Checkups
How often should I schedule a dental checkup?
For most patients, we recommend a dental checkup every six months. Regular visits, help us catch problems early and maintain a healthy smile. Some patients may need more frequent visits, depending on their unique needs.
Why should I get regular dental checkups?
Regular checkups help you avoid bigger dental issues by detecting early signs of cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Preventive care saves you time and money while keeping your smile healthy.
What should I bring to my dental appointment?
Bring your insurance information (if applicable), a valid ID, and any medical history relevant to your oral health. This will help us give you the best care possible.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes, we accept PPO insurance plans. Our team will guide you through the process, help you understand your benefits, and ensure you get the most out of your coverage.
How long does a typical dental checkup take?
Most dental checkups take about an hour. This gives us plenty of time to perform a thorough cleaning, take X-rays, and ensure that your oral health is in top shape.
Are digital X-rays safe?
Yes, our digital X-rays use minimal radiation and provide detailed images that help us accurately diagnose and treat dental issues, all with your safety in mind.
What’s included in a dental checkup?
A typical checkup includes a professional cleaning, digital X-rays, a comprehensive exam by Dr. Asthana, and an oral cancer screening to ensure your overall health.
How can I keep my teeth healthy between visits?
Brush and floss regularly, use the right products for your oral health, and avoid foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay. Our team will provide tips tailored to your needs during your visit.
Do you offer emergency dental care?
Yes, we offer same-day emergency appointments for both new and existing patients. If you're experiencing pain, injury, or any other urgent concern, we’re here to help.
Invisalign
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign treatment typically takes 12-18 months, but the exact time depends on your individual case. Some treatments may take less time, while others may take longer.
Does Invisalign hurt?
You may experience some discomfort or pressure when switching to a new set of aligners. This is normal and indicates that the aligners are working to shift your teeth.
How often should I wear my aligners?
To achieve the best results, wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day. Remove them only for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
You can remove your aligners to eat and drink anything except water. Just make sure to clean your teeth before reinserting them.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Clean your aligners with lukewarm water and a gentle soap. We also recommend using a specialized Invisalign cleaner to keep your aligners fresh.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Most people experience a slight change in speech when they first begin wearing their aligners. However, this usually resolves after a few days as you adjust.
How often will I need to visit the dentist during treatment?
You’ll have check-ups every 6-8 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing smoothly and to receive your next set of aligners.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for Invisalign, similar to traditional braces. Our team will help verify your benefits and ensure that you get the most out of your plan.
What happens after Invisalign treatment?
Once treatment is complete, you'll need to wear a retainer to keep your new smile in place. We’ll discuss the best retention options for you.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is suitable for most adults and teens. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Asthana to find out if clear aligners are the right option for you.
Veneers
How long do veneers last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or more.
Are veneers permanent?
Yes, veneers are a permanent solution, requiring only minimal removal of natural tooth structure for placement.
Will veneers look natural?
Absolutely! Our high-quality porcelain veneers are designed to match the color, translucency, and shape of your natural teeth for a flawless smile.
Is the veneer process painful?
We prioritize your comfort, and most patients experience minimal discomfort. We use local anesthesia to ensure a relaxed treatment.
How many appointments are needed?
Typically, the veneer process requires 2-3 visits: one for consultation, another for preparation and temporary veneers, and a final visit for placement.
Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes! You can eat most foods as usual, but it’s a good idea to avoid very hard or sticky foods to protect your veneers.
Do veneers require special care?
Veneers require the same care as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
Are veneers covered by insurance?
Since veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they are typically not covered by insurance. However, we offer flexible financing options to help make your treatment affordable.
How many veneers will I need?
This depends on your smile goals. Some patients choose just a few veneers, while others opt for a full set for a complete smile makeover.
What makes Fig Tree Dental Studio different?
Our boutique practice blends artistic expertise, advanced technology, and personalized care to give you the best possible results. Dr. Asthana’s extensive training ensures a smile that’s both beautiful and functional.
Crowns & Bridges
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
With good care, crowns and bridges can last 10-15 years or longer.
Will my crown or bridge look natural?
Yes! We use high-quality materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Is the procedure painful?
We use local anesthesia and gentle techniques to ensure a comfortable experience. Most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure.
How long does the process take?
Crowns and bridges usually require 2-3 visits over a few weeks. For some cases, same-day treatment may be available.
Are crowns and bridges covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover crowns and bridges if they’re medically necessary. We’ll help you understand your benefits.
How do I care for my new restoration?
Keep up with good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, to ensure your restoration lasts as long as possible.
Can I eat normally with a crown or bridge?
Once your restoration is in place, you can eat most foods normally. However, we recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods to protect your restoration.
What happens if my crown or bridge feels loose?
If your restoration feels loose or uncomfortable, contact us right away so we can address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
How soon can I return to work after getting a crown or bridge?
Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we offer flexible financing options to make your dental care more affordable.
Teeth Whitening
How long does professional teeth whitening take?
Most in-office whitening treatments take about an hour, with immediate results you can see right away.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes, professional whitening is completely safe when performed under the supervision of our experienced dental team.
How long do the results last?
With proper care, results typically last 6-12 months, depending on your lifestyle and habits.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, but it usually goes away within 24-48 hours.
Can all stains be removed?
While most external stains respond well to whitening, some internal stains may require other cosmetic treatments.
Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?
Since teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by dental insurance.
How can I maintain my white smile?
We’ll provide personalized maintenance tips and touch-up options to help keep your smile bright.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have dental work?
Dental work won’t respond to whitening treatments, but we can discuss options to ensure your smile remains uniform.
What makes professional whitening better than over-the-counter products?
Professional whitening offers stronger agents, custom-fitted trays, and expert supervision for better, safer results.
How do I prepare for my whitening treatment?
We recommend a professional cleaning before whitening and will provide pre-treatment instructions during your consultation.
Emergency Dentistry
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any issue that causes severe pain, bleeding, or threatens the health of your teeth or gums. This includes things like severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, and dental infections.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
Yes, we offer same-day appointments and extended hours on Mondays until 7 PM to accommodate urgent dental needs.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saliva and contact us immediately. Time is crucial for saving a knocked-out tooth.
Will my emergency visit be painful?
We focus on your comfort and use gentle techniques and local anesthesia to minimize discomfort during your emergency visit.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
Regular checkups, wearing protective gear during sports, and avoiding hard or sticky foods can help prevent many dental emergencies.
What payment options do you offer for emergency care?
We offer flexible financing options and work with various PPO insurance plans to make emergency care more accessible.
How long will my emergency appointment take?
Every emergency is different, but we work quickly and efficiently to get you the care you need, while ensuring thorough treatment.
Can I wait to treat a cracked tooth?
It’s best to treat a cracked tooth as soon as possible to avoid further damage or infection. Contact us right away for guidance.
What should I do about severe tooth pain?
Contact our office immediately. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers and apply a cold compress to manage the pain.
