FAQ

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. They allow your dentist to detect and address potential issues early, preventing more serious problems down the line. Checkups typically include cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar build-up, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

It's generally recommended that you visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, your dentist at Ascend Dentistry may suggest a different frequency.

At Ascend Dentistry, a dental checkup starts with a warm welcome in our comfortable, spa-like environment. Your visit will include a thorough oral examination, professional cleaning, and a review of your oral hygiene practices. We'll also discuss any specific concerns you have and create a personalized care plan.

Yes, part of your dental checkup includes screening for oral cancer. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, making regular checkups an important part of your overall healthcare routine.

We strive to make dental checkups at Ascend Dentistry as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Our gentle approach and state-of-the-art technology ensure a smooth, relaxing experience. If you have dental anxiety or sensitivity, please let us know so we can accommodate your needs.

Most dental insurance plans cover biannual checkups and cleanings. Ascend Dentistry accepts most major insurances and offers flexible payment options to ensure our services are accessible. Please contact us with your insurance details so we can help maximize your benefits.

If your dental checkup reveals the need for additional treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or cosmetic procedures, we'll discuss your options and provide detailed information on the next steps. Our team is committed to transparent communication and personalized care plans tailored to your needs.

To prepare for your dental checkup, simply ensure that your medical and dental history is up to date and bring any relevant documents with you. Continue your regular oral hygiene routine, and jot down any questions or concerns you might have to discuss with your dentist.

Absolutely! We welcome new patients and those returning to dental care after a hiatus. Our team at Ascend Dentistry is here to support you on your journey to optimal oral health, regardless of when your last dental visit was.

Scheduling your dental checkup at Ascend Dentistry is easy. You can call our office directly, or visit our website to request an appointment online. Our friendly staff will help find a time that works best for you.

Dental crowns are custom-fitted caps placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants.

You may need a dental crown if you have a tooth that is weakened, broken, severely worn down, or has had a significant portion removed due to decay. A bridge might be the right the solution if you're looking to replace one or more missing teeth to restore function and prevent remaining teeth from shifting.

Crowns and bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, metal alloys, or a combination. Porcelain and ceramic options are popular for their natural appearance, making them ideal for visible teeth.

With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last many years. The longevity depends on the material used, the location in the mouth, and your oral hygiene practices. On average, they can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or longer.

Modern dental technology has made it possible for crowns and bridges to look very natural. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from your original teeth.

At Ascend Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort. The procedure for placing crowns and bridges is performed with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. You may experience some sensitivity after the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few days.

Caring for crowns and bridges involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups. Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects that could damage your restoration.

In some cases, a damaged crown or bridge can be repaired, depending on the extent of the damage. It's essential to contact us immediately if you notice any issues with your crown or bridge.

The cost of dental crowns and bridges varies depending on the materials used and the complexity of the procedure. We offer a range of financing options to make your treatment as affordable as possible and are happy to discuss these with you during your consultation.

Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for crowns and bridges. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your benefits. Our office can also assist you in determining your coverage and maximizing your insurance benefits.

Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are virtually invisible and can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing.

After a detailed assessment and using 3D computer imaging technology, a custom set of aligners is created specifically for your teeth. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next in the series, gradually shifting your teeth into their desired position.

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the individual's needs but typically ranges from 6 to 18 months. During your consultation at Ascend Dentistry, we'll provide you with a personalized treatment plan, including an estimated timeline.

Clear aligners are designed to minimize discomfort. While you may experience some pressure and mild discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners, this is a normal sign that the treatment is working and your teeth are moving.

Clear aligners are effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. However, some complex cases may require traditional braces or additional orthodontic treatments.

For the best results, clear aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, only being removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.

Clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and water, avoiding hot water as it can warp the plastic. Use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a mild detergent for a deeper clean. Always rinse the aligners before putting them back in your mouth.

Some people may notice a slight change in their speech, such as a lisp when they first start wearing clear aligners. This is typically temporary and goes away as you become accustomed to the aligners.

The cost of clear aligner therapy varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Ascend Dentistry offers competitive pricing and flexible financing options to make Invisalign accessible to everyone. We also accept most major dental insurances, which may cover a portion of the treatment cost.

Many dental insurance plans include coverage for orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners. Contact your insurance provider for specific coverage details. Our team at Ascend Dentistry is also happy to help you understand and maximize your benefits.

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.

Porcelain veneers are made from a durable, high-quality ceramic that closely mimics the natural appearance of tooth enamel. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are made from a tooth-colored resin material. Porcelain veneers generally offer greater durability and stain resistance compared to composite veneers, but composite veneers can be applied in a less invasive procedure and are often more cost-effective.

Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 to 15 years, while composite veneers may need to be replaced more frequently, usually around 5 to 7 years. The lifespan of your veneers can be extended with proper care and maintenance.

Veneers are an excellent option for individuals looking to improve the appearance of their smile due to issues such as discoloration, chips, gaps, or misalignment. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for veneers. A consultation with one of our dental professionals can determine if veneers are the best choice for your dental needs.

Veneers do not require any special care beyond regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. However, it's important to avoid using your teeth to open packaging or chew on hard objects to prevent damaging the veneers.

Once veneers are bonded to your teeth, they cannot be removed as part of the tooth enamel is usually removed to fit them. However, they can be replaced if they get damaged or worn out over time.

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after the placement of veneers due to the enamel removal process. This sensitivity typically subsides within a few days to weeks.

The cost of dental veneers varies depending on the type of veneers you choose and the number of veneers you need. Porcelain veneers are generally more expensive than composite veneers. We offer various financing options to help make your cosmetic dental treatment more affordable.

Most dental insurance plans classify veneers as a cosmetic procedure and do not cover the cost. However, we recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific details regarding your coverage.

Choosing Ascend Dentistry means selecting a team of dedicated professionals who prioritize your comfort and satisfaction. Our state-of-the-art practice in Charlotte, NC, provides a welcoming, supportive environment where we use the latest technology and techniques to achieve the best results for your veneer treatment.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made from titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, they bond with the natural bone, providing a sturdy base for supporting artificial teeth, such as crowns or dentures.

Once an implant is placed and fused with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration, it serves as a foundation for the artificial tooth (or teeth). An abutment is attached to the implant, which then holds the crown, bridge, or denture in place.

Good candidates for dental implants typically have sufficient bone density to support the implant, good oral hygiene practices, and are in overall good health. A detailed evaluation by a dental professional can determine if implants are the right choice for you.

The dental implant process varies, depending on the individual's needs and healing ability. Generally, it can take several months from implant placement to the final placement of the crown, bridge, or denture.

Patients may experience some discomfort during the implant surgery, but this can usually be managed with local anesthesia and over-the-counter pain medication. Most people report feeling less discomfort than they anticipated.

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implant may need to be replaced due to wear over time, but the implant itself can last many years with good oral hygiene.

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth, involving regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Your dental professional can provide specific care instructions based on your individual needs.

While dental implant failure is rare, it can occur, especially in patients who smoke, have poor oral hygiene, or suffer from certain medical conditions. Following your dentist's care instructions and attending regular dental checkups can help ensure the longevity of your implants.

Dental implants provide a more natural look and feel compared to dentures, offer improved comfort and speech, prevent bone loss, and do not require adhesives. They also provide a permanent solution that can improve overall oral health.

The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants needed, the type of artificial teeth chosen, and other factors. Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for implants, and financing options are available to make them more affordable.

Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure aimed at removing stains and lightening the color of your teeth. It uses high-concentration bleaching gels that are applied under controlled conditions to ensure safety and maximize results.

Professional whitening offers stronger bleaching agents and customized treatment plans under the supervision of a dentist, ensuring safer application and more effective, longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter whitening products.

Yes, when conducted by a professional, teeth whitening is a safe procedure. Dentists use approved bleaching agents and take precautions to protect your gums and tooth enamel from damage.

Most adults with good oral health and without restorations (like veneers or crowns on front teeth) are candidates for teeth whitening. However, a dental examination is necessary to determine eligibility, as conditions like gum disease or deep cavities need to be addressed first.

The durability of teeth whitening results varies based on dietary habits, oral hygiene, and tobacco use, but typically, results can last from several months to a few years. Periodic touch-up treatments can help maintain the brightness.

No, professional teeth whitening does not damage the tooth enamel. The bleaching agents used are designed to be safe for your teeth when applied by a dental professional.

Some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity following a whitening treatment. This sensitivity is usually mild and subsides shortly after the treatment concludes. Your dentist can recommend products to minimize discomfort.

The outcome of teeth whitening varies among individuals, but teeth can become several shades lighter. The final result depends on the original color of your teeth and how they respond to the whitening process.

Maintaining your whitening results involves good oral hygiene practices, avoiding staining foods and beverages, and possibly using a whitening toothpaste. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important.

Yes, for the first 48 hours after whitening, it is recommended to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, to maximize the longevity of your results.

Contact us immediately. We'll provide guidance on managing your situation until you can reach our office.

Many emergencies result from untreated dental issues. Regular checkups can help prevent potential emergencies before they occur.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort. Avoid applying heat or aspirin directly to the affected area.

Children are prone to accidents. We provide specialized care to address pediatric dental emergencies, ensuring your child feels safe and comfortable.

A toothache can be a sign of various dental issues, ranging from a cavity to an abscess. As a first step, try rinsing your mouth with warm water and gently using dental floss to remove any food particles. If pain persists, contact us immediately for an evaluation and to prevent further complications.

Preventive measures include maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding chewing hard foods or objects that can crack your teeth, and regular dental check-ups to identify and treat potential issues before they escalate into emergencies.

Yes, a knocked-out (avulsed) tooth can often be saved if you act quickly. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that's not possible, keep it moist in milk or a tooth preservation product and seek immediate dental care.

Dental emergencies include severe toothache, knocked-out teeth, loose or missing fillings, abscesses, swelling, bleeding that won't stop, and injuries to the mouth or jaw. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's crucial to seek immediate dental care to prevent further damage or complications.

Immediate action is often crucial in a dental emergency to save a tooth, prevent infection, or alleviate severe pain. Contact us as soon as possible for advice and to arrange an emergency appointment. We strive to see emergency cases promptly to provide relief and necessary treatment.