Frequently asked questions

Are all dentists the same?

Many people think that all dentists provide the same level of care. However, dentists have different specialties and levels of expertise. Finding a dentist who is experienced in the specific treatments and procedures you need is crucial.

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Are dental implants are painful?

While there may be some discomfort during the healing process, modern techniques, and anesthesia make the procedure more comfortable than ever.

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Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants placed into a strong jawbone can last the rest of your life.  To ensure their safety, keep your implants well-maintained. Have routine checkups with the Whittier Dental Center team and practice good oral hygiene. If you don’t take care of your implants, you can develop gum disease just

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Are teeth whitening harmful?

Some people believe that teeth whitening is harmful to their teeth. However, when done correctly, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth. It's essential to consult with your dentist before undergoing any teeth whitening treatments.

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Can I choose my preferred dentist when booking an online appointment?

Yes, when booking an online dental appointment at Whittier Dental Center, you have the option to choose your preferred dentist from our team of experienced professionals. Simply select the desired dentist from the dropdown menu while scheduling your appointment.

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Can I prevent dental emergencies?

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding hard foods can reduce the risk of injury. Regular dental check-ups at Whittier Dental Center can also help identify and treat potential issues before they become emergencies.

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Can I reschedule or cancel my online appointment if needed?

Yes, if you need to reschedule or cancel your online dental appointment at Whittier Dental Center, please contact our office by phone or email as soon as possible. We kindly request that you provide at least 24 hours notice for any appointment changes to allow us to accommodate other patients.

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Can you notice dental implants?

Dental implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually undetectable.

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Dental emergencies can happen at any time

Dental emergencies can happen outside regular business hours, on weekends, and during holidays. It's important to have a plan in place for emergency dental care.

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Do Dental Implants last long?

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a durable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

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Do you only need to see a dentist when you have a problem?

Many believe they only need to see a dentist when they have a toothache or another problem. However, regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health and catching any issues early.

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How are Orthodontic Issues Corrected?

Traditional braces used to be the only way to produce effective results. However, the advances in orthodontic technology have provided several new treatments to straighten teeth and correct your bite. They include: Traditional metal braces These braces are still available but have improved, offering a more comfortable and pleasing appearance.

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How are Veneers Applied to Your Teeth?

Veneers typically require a two-step process. During your first appointment, the Whittier Dental Center team consults with you about your appearance goals. You also determine what shape, size, and color you want for your veneers. Before preparing your teeth for your veneers, you receive an anesthetic to numb the area

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How can Crowns and Bridges Improve My Smile?

Crowns and bridges support your oral health, but they also give your smile a more pleasing appearance. Crowns and bridges can: Replace your damaged tooth Prevent your weak tooth from breaking Cover your discolored tooth Repair your fractured, cracked, or broken tooth Change your tooth’s shape Protect your tooth after

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How can I alleviate dental pain before my emergency appointment?

While waiting for your emergency appointment, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers, apply a cold compress to the affected area, or rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help alleviate discomfort. However, seeking professional dental care as soon as possible is crucial to address the underlying issue.

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How Do I Care for Dental Veneer?

To take care of your veneers, treat them just like you do your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss at least once daily, and continue your regular teeth cleanings at Whittier Dental Center every six months. Don’t chew on ice or hard candy to avoid chipping or damaging your veneers.

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How do I Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist?

To find the right cosmetic dentist, consider their education, training, and experience in the specific procedures you're interested in. Look for patient reviews and before-and-after photos, and schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and ask any questions you may have.

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How do I know if I’m experiencing a dental emergency?

You may be facing a dental emergency if you're experiencing severe pain, bleeding, a knocked-out or fractured tooth, or swelling in your mouth or face. In such cases, contacting Whittier Dental Center as soon as possible is important for advice and prompt treatment.

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How do I schedule an online dental appointment at Whittier Dental Center?

To schedule an online dental appointment at Whittier Dental Center, visit our website and navigate to the "Book an Appointment" section. Select your preferred date and time, enter your personal information, and submit the appointment request. You will receive a confirmation email once your appointment has been scheduled.

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How Long Do Cosmetic Dentistry Results Last?

The longevity of cosmetic dental procedures depends on the specific treatment and individual factors, such as oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. For example, teeth whitening results can last from a few months to a few years, while dental implants or crowns can last up to 15 years or longer with

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How Often Should My Child Have a Pediatric Dentistry Appointment?

The Whittier Dental Center team recommends bringing your child in every six months for an appointment to ensure your child’s good oral health. They create an inviting, happy, comfortable atmosphere that will have you and your child looking forward to each visit. Call the friendly office staff today or use

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Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance

In general, dental insurance does not cover cosmetic dentistry because it is considered an elective or cosmetic procedure. Most dental insurance plans only cover procedures that are deemed medically necessary, such as preventive care, fillings, and root canals. However, there may be some exceptions depending on the specific insurance plan

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Is Cosmetic Dentistry Painful?

Most cosmetic dental procedures involve minimal discomfort, with many treatments being non-invasive or minimally invasive. For more invasive procedures, local anesthesia or sedation dentistry can be used to ensure a comfortable experience.

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What are common dental emergencies?

Toothaches, broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth are some of the most common dental emergencies. These issues require prompt attention from a dentist to prevent further damage or infection. Some other examples include Chipped or cracked teeth: A chipped or cracked tooth can be painful and affect your smile's appearance. Abscesses:

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What are Crowns and Bridges?

A dental crown, or a "cap," is a tooth-shaped covering made of materials like porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. It is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can also improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. A dental

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What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. They're made of titanium and anchor into your jawbone to replace your natural tooth roots. At Whittier Dental Center, your dentist places your dental implants into the sockets of your missing teeth. Your jawbone then grows around the implants, fusing with them. This fusion

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What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells made of porcelain or composite resin placed over the teeth' front surface to improve their appearance. They are designed to mimic the natural look of teeth and can address various cosmetic dental issues, such as chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth. The process of getting

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What Are Root Canals?

A root canal is a dental procedure to remove infected or damaged tissue inside a tooth. The inside of a tooth contains a soft tissue called the pulp, which can become infected or damaged due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips in the tooth, or trauma to

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What are Some Cosmetic Procedures and their Cost?

Some common cosmetic dental treatments and their approximate costs include: Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening treatments can range from $100 to $500, depending on the type of treatment and the provider. Dental bonding: Dental bonding, which involves applying a tooth-colored resin to repair chipped or misshapen teeth, can cost between $300

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What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer many benefits: Improving your speech Helping you chew food easier Enhancing the appearance of your smile Improving your oral health Dental implants are also permanent, unlike dentures that require you to wear special adhesives and remove them for cleaning. You care for your dental implants just like

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What can I do to Prepare for Oral Surgery?

The dental team will consult with you to explain how to prepare for your oral surgery, what happens during it, and what to expect afterward. Depending on the oral surgery needed, your dentist talks to you about your anesthesia choices. These include: General anesthesia Nitrous oxide sedation Intravenous (IV) sedation

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What Can I Expect After Oral Surgery?

The Whittier Dental Center team gives you specific instructions to follow for your aftercare. You can experience some bleeding from the incision sites for wisdom teeth extractions. You might also feel discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. No matter what kind of oral surgery you

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What can I Expect when Getting Crowns or Bridges?

Our dentist first takes an impression of your teeth and sends it to the dental lab, where a team of specialists creates your custom crown or bridge. You wear a temporary crown or bridge until your next appointment. When your crown or bridge is ready, your dentist makes sure that

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What Can My Child Expect at a Pediatric Dentistry Visit?

When your child comes to the Whittier Dental Center, the team takes every precaution to help them maintain their oral health. Visits typically include: Teeth cleanings In addition to your child practice good oral health habits independently, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily, the hygienist uses a unique

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What Dental Veneers are Used For?

Dental veneers can be used to fix a variety of cosmetic dental issues, including: Discolored teeth: Teeth stained or discolored teeth can be improved with veneers designed to mimic teeth' natural color and clarity. Chipped or broken teeth: Teeth that are chipped or broken can be repaired with veneers, which

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What Happens After Root Canals?

Your tooth might have some sensitivity for a few days. This is normal. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, or Dr. Nourian can prescribe more vital medication. If you have a temporary filling, don’t chew gum or eat hard-to-chew foods. You want to protect it from coming out. Call the

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What Happens During Cleanings at Dental Exams?

Your dental hygienist scrapes off plaque and tartar from your teeth. If not removed, bacteria can build up, causing gum disease. They then apply gritty toothpaste and use a high-speed electric toothbrush to polish their teeth. The next step involves professionally flossing, going deep between your teeth, and removing any

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What Happens During Root Canals?

Before your procedure begins, the Whittier Dental Center team numbs the area around the affected tooth, ensuring you don’t feel anything. They put a small layer of rubber around your tooth to keep it isolated and dry. To begin your root canal, your dentist makes a small incision in your

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What if I have a dental emergency outside of regular office hours?

At Whittier Dental Center, we understand that dental emergencies can happen anytime. If you experience a dental emergency outside our regular office hours, call our office and follow the instructions to get the care you need as soon as possible.

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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental procedures aimed at improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and bites. It primarily focuses on enhancing dental aesthetics in color, shape, size, position, alignment, and overall smile appearance.

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What is general dentistry?

General dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating various dental conditions and maintaining overall oral health. General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages.

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What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics corrects improperly positioned teeth and jaws. Orthodontics can treat problems like: Crowded teeth Crooked teeth Gapped teeth Overbite Underbite Crossbite Open bite The Whittier Dental Center team can effectively shift your teeth and align your jaw with their orthodontic services to give you a confident smile.

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What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a specialty that caters to children of all ages. Your child’s baby teeth break through their gums around six months old and begin to loosen and come out at age 6 or 7. Their permanent teeth then come in. As these rapid changes happen, your child’s risk

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What is the difference between a general dentist and a specialist?

A general dentist provides comprehensive dental care and focuses on maintaining overall oral health. On the other hand, dental specialists have additional training and expertise in specific areas of dentistry, such as orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, or pediatric dentistry.

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What services can I book an online appointment for?

You can book online appointments for a wide range of dental services at Whittier Dental Center, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, dental implants, orthodontics, teeth whitening, and more. Please consult our website for a comprehensive list of services offered.

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What should I do if I am experiencing a dental emergency and need an urgent appointment?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office immediately to speak with a staff member. We prioritize emergency cases and will do our best to schedule an urgent appointment for you as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow any advice provided by our team to manage

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What Should I Do If I have a Dental Emergency?

If you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist immediately. Whittier Dental Center has provisions for emergency appointments. Our dentist is available 24/7. You can also consider visiting an emergency dental clinic or the emergency room of your local hospital, especially if the situation is difficult or life-threatening.

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What should I do if I have a knocked-out tooth?

If you lose a tooth due to injury or accident, try to locate the tooth and gently rinse it with water, avoiding touching the root. Place the tooth back in its socket or store it in a glass of milk if possible. Contact Whittier Dental Center immediately for further instructions

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When is Oral Surgery Needed?

The Whittier Dental Center team works to keep your oral health strong throughout your lifetime. In some cases, you might need oral surgery. If you experience problems with pain in your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, or face, schedule an appointment at the practice as soon as possible. Problems that might

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When is Orthodontics Necessary?

Orthodontics can give your smile a more appealing appearance, but it can also improve your oral health. For example, if you have improperly aligned teeth, it can be challenging to clean them, putting you at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. If you

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Who Should Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants might be right for you if you’re missing one or more teeth or have one that needs to be extracted (pulled). It would be best if you had a few critical things in place to get a dental implant, including: Being in good health Not having untreated tooth

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Why Do I Need Dental Exams?

Regular dental exams are essential for maintaining good oral health and detecting potential problems before they become more severe and require more extensive treatment. Here are some of the key reasons why patients need regular dental exams: Preventing tooth decay: Regular exams allow dentists to check for signs of tooth

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Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

You may need a root canal if the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or damaged. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including: Deep decay: If a cavity is left untreated for too long, it can reach the pulp inside the tooth and cause an infection. Repeated dental

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