Smile Centric
SmileCentric works In Partnership with Tooth n Care. You can make an appointment with Dr Nav by calling 0249334667 or booking online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): General

How can we help you?

General

No - dental abscesses are serious infections requiring immediate attention. They can spread quickly and may become life-threatening if untreated. Signs include severe pain, facial swelling, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth. Seek emergency care right away.

Most dental insurance plans don't cover purely cosmetic procedures. However, some treatments like bonding or crowns may be partially covered if they're necessary for structural reasons. Always check with your provider about coverage. We offer payment plans to help make cosmetic treatments more affordable.

Modern dentistry offers several invisible teeth straightening options, including clear aligners and cosmetic solutions like veneers. Dr Nav can create a custom treatment plan based on your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Many patients achieve their desired results within 6-12 months using discrete treatment methods. Every patient is different and consultation would be required to give more specific information

Regular checkups help catch problems before they become emergencies. Wear a mouthguard during sports, avoid chewing ice or hard candies, and don't use your teeth as tools. If you grind your teeth, get a night guard. Quick attention to small problems prevents bigger emergencies later.

Good candidates for veneers have generally healthy teeth and gums but want to improve issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, or mild misalignment. You should have sufficient healthy tooth enamel for the veneers to bond to. A consultation with your dentist will determine if veneers are right for you or if alternative treatments might work better.

Severe tooth pain, facial swelling, bleeding gums, knocked-out teeth, or loose adult teeth require immediate dental attention. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us for an emergency dental Consult. Don't wait for the pain to worsen - early treatment can prevent more serious complications and reduce your discomfort.

With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer. Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding can significantly extend their lifespan. While veneers are stain-resistant, they may eventually need replacement due to natural wear or changes in your underlying tooth structure.

Emergency dental fees typically range from $200-$1000 depending on the treatment needed. We understand emergencies are unexpected - we offer payment plans and work with all insurance providers. Don't let cost concerns delay essential emergency care.

Costs vary widely depending on the procedures needed. Simple treatments like bonding might cost a few hundred dollars, while full sets of veneers can range from $12,000-$20,000. We provide detailed cost breakdowns during consultation and offer financing options to make treatment affordable. Remember, quality cosmetic dentistry is an investment in both your appearance and confidence

We reserve daily slots for dental emergencies and typically see emergency cases the same day. Severe emergencies like knocked-out teeth, severe pain, or facial swelling are prioritized. Call us immediately - early morning calls have the best chance of same-day treatment.

Recovery time varies by procedure and the nature of your work. Teeth whitening can leave your teeth sensitive so perhaps taking the day off is all you will require. Veneer preparation and placement typically requires 2 visits, these can be long appointments and we recommend taking the day off to have these done but work should be ok the next day for most people. Bonding can be completed in one visit with minimal downtime. More extensive procedures might require a day or two of recovery, but most patients return to work immediately the day after.

Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try placing it back in the socket. If that's not possible, keep it in milk or saliva and see a dentist ASAP. The sooner you get treatment, the better chance of saving your tooth. We know the outcomes are best when seen immediately so we will do our best to see you ASAP.

While not always an immediate emergency, a broken filling should be treated within 1-2 days to prevent further damage or infection. Until you can see us, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. If you're in pain, it becomes more urgent.

Small chips without pain might wait for regular business hours, but large breaks need immediate attention. If the chip exposes inner tooth layers, causes pain, or has sharp edges irritating your mouth, it's considered an emergency. Send us a photo or give us a call - we'll help assess the urgency

For most common alignment issues, Invisalign® or clear aligners are just as effective as traditional braces. The clear aligners can treat overcrowding, gaps, and bite problems. However, very complex cases might still require traditional orthodontics. The main advantage is their nearly invisible appearance and ability to be removed for eating and cleaning.

Root canals get a bad reputation, the work required is not always comfortable however it is the only way to keep the tooth with the other option being extraction which can be leave you in a worse position. Modern root canal procedures are virtually painless thanks to advanced techniques and effective local anaesthesia. Dr Nav prides himself in pain-free dentistry and uses the latest technology to ensure your comfort. Most patients report that root canal treatment feels similar to getting a standard large filling

Professional whitening offers more dramatic results than over-the-counter products because dentists use stronger bleaching agents in a controlled environment. While more expensive, in-office treatments are safer, faster, and more effective, especially for stubborn stains. Results typically last 6-12 months with good oral hygiene. For more permanent options discuss with your dentist 

Facial swelling can indicate a serious infection and should be treated as an emergency. Apply a cold compress and call our emergency line immediately. If you also have difficulty breathing or swallowing or the pain is unbearable, seek medical attention

Take over-the-counter pain medication and use a cold compress outside your cheek. Rinse with warm salt water if there's no obvious injury. Most importantly, contact us immediately – severe tooth pain often indicates an infection requiring prompt treatment.

Severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, major chips or cracks, abscesses, severe bleeding, or facial swelling are all dental emergencies. If you're in severe pain or have trauma to your mouth that can't wait until regular business hours, you need emergency dental care. 

During your consultation, we'll discuss your goals, take photos and X-rays, examine your oral health, and create a digital simulation of possible results. We'll explain all treatment options, timeline, and costs. This helps you make an informed decision about your smile transformation. Something that helps us is when you bring photos of smiles you admire to help communicate your vision.

Professional teeth whitening provides safer, more effective results than over-the-counter products. We offer both in-chair and take-home whitening options. For severely stained teeth, porcelain veneers or dental bonding might be recommended for permanent results.

Professional whitening uses higher-strength peroxide gels under controlled conditions, delivering results in one session. Store-bought products use weaker solutions that take weeks or months for noticeable results. Plus, professional treatments include gum protection and are customized to your sensitivity level.

Tooth sensitivity often indicates worn enamel, exposed root surfaces, cavities, cracked teeth, or gum recession. Professional treatment can help - from desensitizing treatments to restoring damaged teeth. A consultation to identify the problem will be the first port of call. During your consultation, Dr Nav can identify the specific cause and recommend appropriate solutions for sensitive teeth.

Modern cosmetic dentistry focuses on creating natural-looking results. We carefully match shades, shapes, and sizes to your existing teeth and facial features. Techniques like layered porcelain veneers replicate the translucency of natural teeth. Most people won't be able to tell you've had work done – they'll just notice your beautiful smile. Dr nav provides a patient driven facial aesthetics service where the patient is in the Front seat as to how their veneers will look. There can be some limitations but once we know what you are after we can always work to provide that smile

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