Frequently Asked Questions

To prepare for your dental checkup and cleaning, simply bring any medical information, including medications you’re taking, and let us know if you have any concerns about your oral health. Arriving with a clean mouth and being ready to discuss your oral care routine will help ensure a smooth and effective visit.

Yes! Bad breath is often caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar, which can trap bacteria. A professional cleaning removes this buildup, helping to freshen your breath and improve your oral hygiene. If bad breath persists, we can also discuss any underlying causes and solutions.

If you haven’t had a cleaning in six months or are experiencing symptoms like tooth pain, bleeding gums, or bad breath, it's time to schedule an appointment. Regular checkups ensure your teeth stay healthy and help us spot any potential problems before they become serious.

Oral cancer screenings are a routine part of every dental checkup. We check for any signs of oral cancer, which can be hard to detect without a professional exam. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, which is why we make sure to include this step in every checkup.

During your teeth cleaning, our hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, clean between your teeth, and polish your smile. The process is quick, and most patients find it comfortable, leaving you with a bright, clean feeling afterward.

Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing cavities and gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit us for regular checkups and cleanings. Healthy habits, combined with professional care, keep your smile in excellent shape.

A routine dental checkup includes a comprehensive exam of your teeth, gums, and mouth, along with a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. We also perform an oral cancer screening and take digital X-rays if necessary, ensuring your overall oral health is in top shape.

We recommend scheduling a dental checkup every six months. Regular visits help us catch problems early, prevent cavities and gum disease, and keep your smile healthy. For patients with specific concerns, we may suggest more frequent visits to address individual needs.

Teeth cleanings are generally not painful. You may experience some mild discomfort if you have sensitive areas, but the procedure is typically quick and straightforward. We make sure to keep you comfortable throughout your appointment.

Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. A professional cleaning helps remove this buildup, preventing cavities, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity. Regular cleanings also ensure that your smile stays fresh and healthy.

For the best results, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You only remove them to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Wearing them as much as possible ensures that your teeth move into their proper positions quickly and effectively.

Caring for your aligners is easy. Simply rinse them when you take them out and clean them with a soft toothbrush and water. It’s also important to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in, ensuring that you maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment.

Once your Invisalign treatment is finished, Dr. Claassen will provide you with a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new positions. Wearing your retainer as instructed is key to maintaining your beautiful, straight smile for years to come.

Yes! Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are nearly invisible when worn. Whether you're at work, socializing, or taking photos, you can feel confident that others won't notice you're wearing them, making it a great option for adults and teens alike.

Invisalign is great for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues. If you have crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, or other bite problems, Invisalign could be a good fit. During your consultation, Dr. Claassen will assess your teeth and discuss your goals to determine if Invisalign is the best treatment for you.

The cost of Invisalign can vary depending on the complexity of your case. On average, treatment costs between $3,000 and $5,000. Dr. Claassen offers flexible payment options and can help you explore financing plans, so you can fit your treatment into your budget.

Invisalign typically requires fewer office visits than traditional braces. You’ll visit our Richardson office every 6 to 8 weeks for a quick checkup, so Dr. Claassen can track your progress and give you your next set of aligners. These visits help make sure your treatment is on track.

Yes! Many adults in Richardson prefer Invisalign because it’s a clear and comfortable way to straighten teeth without the metal braces look. Whether you want to fix a minor cosmetic issue or a more complex bite problem, Invisalign provides a discreet option that fits into your lifestyle.

Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner system that straightens your teeth gradually, without the need for traditional metal braces. The aligners are custom-made for you and are almost invisible, making them a discreet option for both teens and adults. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving to the next, slowly shifting your teeth into better alignment.

The length of Invisalign treatment varies, but most patients in Richardson complete their treatment in about 12 to 18 months. The exact time depends on the complexity of your case. Dr. Claassen will discuss your treatment timeline during your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to help you achieve your dream smile. We accept CareCredit and other payment plans, making porcelain veneers more affordable. Let us help you find a payment plan that fits your budget.

No special care is required for your veneers. Just continue with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. Following these practices will keep your veneers looking great for years to come.

Yes, you can get single-tooth veneers for issues like chips, discoloration, or imperfections. However, for a more uniform look, multiple veneers often provide the best results. Dr. Claassen can help you decide the best option for your smile during your consultation in Richardson, TX.

Yes, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, which helps them maintain their bright appearance over time. With good care, you can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without worrying about discoloration.

Yes, at Claassen Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we ensure your veneers match your natural teeth for a seamless, beautiful result. Whether you’re enhancing one tooth or several, your smile will look balanced and natural.

While veneers themselves don’t decay, the natural tooth underneath can still develop cavities. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and keep up with regular dental checkups at our Richardson office to keep both your veneers and natural teeth healthy.

Our custom-made veneers are designed to feel completely natural. Most patients adjust quickly and comfortably, and after a short period, you’ll be able to smile, speak, and eat just like you would with natural teeth.

Getting porcelain veneers typically requires 2-3 appointments at our Richardson office. During the first appointment, we’ll design your ideal smile and take impressions of your teeth. In the second visit, we’ll prepare your teeth and ensure that the veneers fit perfectly.

Finally, during your last appointment, we’ll bond your custom veneers to your teeth, providing you with a beautiful and lasting smile.

Yes, veneers are considered permanent. A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth to ensure the veneers fit securely. Once placed, they provide a long-lasting solution to enhance your smile in Richardson, TX.

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer. Regular check-ups with our Richardson dental team and good oral hygiene will ensure your veneers maintain their bright and beautiful appearance for years to come.

Professional whitening uses stronger whitening agents, custom-fitted trays, and expert application techniques for superior, longer-lasting results. Over-the-counter products may be less effective and often don’t provide the same level of customization and precision.

Teeth whitening won’t affect existing dental work such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. However, your dental work may need to be updated to match your newly whitened teeth, which we can help you with during your visits.

Professional whitening can be safely repeated every 6-12 months, depending on your individual needs and how well you maintain your results. We’ll work with you to determine the best timing for your touch-ups.

Yes, we offer custom-fitted take-home whitening trays so you can maintain your bright smile at your convenience. These trays are designed to give you the best results while being comfortable and easy to use.

We recommend avoiding dark-colored foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, and wine) for 24-48 hours after your whitening treatment to protect your results and avoid re-staining.

While most external stains (from food, beverages, or smoking) respond well to whitening, internal stains (often from medications or natural aging) may require other cosmetic treatments, like veneers or bonding.

Most patients see their teeth brighten by several shades. Results vary depending on the initial color of your teeth and the level of staining. Our team will help you set realistic expectations during your consultation in Richardson, TX.

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity after teeth whitening. However, we have specialized treatments and techniques to manage this, ensuring your comfort throughout the process.

Yes! Professional teeth whitening is completely safe when performed by trained professionals like those at Claassen Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our whitening systems are FDA-approved and designed for safe, effective use.

With proper care and good oral hygiene, professional teeth whitening results typically last 6-12 months. Regular touch-ups and maintenance help keep your smile bright over time.

Caring for your dental implants in Richardson is simple. Just brush and floss your implants like your natural teeth, and attend regular checkups to monitor their health. Dr. Claassen will ensure your implants are in great shape during routine visits, helping you keep your smile beautiful and functional for years to come.

Yes, dental implants can be used to replace multiple missing teeth in Richardson. Whether you need a single implant, an implant-supported bridge, or even a full mouth restoration with All-on-4 implants, Dr. Claassen offers solutions that provide a stable and natural-looking result for multiple missing teeth.

The dental implant procedure in Richardson typically involves several stages. The initial implant placement takes about 1 to 2 hours. The implant will need 3 to 6 months to fuse with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. After the implant has fully integrated, the final crown can be placed, which usually takes just one visit.

The dental implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the process. Afterward, most patients in Richardson experience only mild discomfort, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Dr. Claassen will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help with a smooth recovery.

If you have one or more missing teeth and are in good overall health, you may be a good candidate for dental implants in Richardson. Ideal candidates have healthy gums and sufficient bone in the jaw to support the implant. Dr. Claassen will assess your oral health during your consultation to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Yes, we offer flexible financing plans for dental implants in Richardson, including options like CareCredit. We understand that dental implants can be a significant investment, and we work with you to create a payment plan that suits your budget, making your dream smile more affordable.

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The titanium post bonds with your jawbone to provide a stable foundation. The crown may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear, but the implant itself will typically last decades when maintained properly.

In Richardson, the cost of dental implants typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per implant, depending on your specific needs and the type of implant required. During your consultation with Dr. Claassen, we’ll give you a detailed cost breakdown and discuss all available options to fit your budget.

Dental implants are a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. A titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone to provide a strong foundation for a custom-made crown. This restores both the function and appearance of your natural teeth, offering a reliable and lasting solution right here in Richardson.

At Claassen Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide gentle, patient-focused care with the latest technology to ensure the most comfortable root canal experience possible. We’re dedicated to making your treatment stress-free, efficient, and affordable, all while keeping your best interests in mind.

Yes, we offer same-day emergency appointments for root canal treatments. If you're experiencing severe pain or discomfort, contact our Richardson office, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding tooth damage, and attending regular checkups at our Richardson office can help prevent the need for a root canal. Early detection of problems allows us to address them before they require more extensive treatment.

While good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth decay and infection, some issues, like trauma or deep cavities, may still require a root canal. Regular checkups at our Richardson office can help catch problems early, reducing the need for more invasive procedures.

After your root canal, most patients experience a quick recovery. You may feel some mild discomfort, but this typically goes away within a few days. Our Richardson team will provide aftercare instructions to help ensure your healing goes smoothly.

No, modern root canal procedures are designed to be as comfortable as possible. At our Richardson practice, we use local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure you experience little to no discomfort. Most patients find it similar to getting a filling.

The cost of a root canal varies depending on the tooth being treated and the complexity of the procedure. We offer flexible payment options and work with you to make the treatment affordable. Contact our Richardson office to discuss pricing and financing options.

Root canal treatments typically take one or two visits to complete. The procedure usually lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. Our Richardson office will make sure you feel relaxed and informed throughout the process.

Signs that you may need a root canal include ongoing tooth pain, swelling in the gums, tooth discoloration, or lingering sensitivity to hot or cold. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our Richardson office to determine if a root canal is necessary.

We accept various payment methods, including cash, check, credit cards, and CareCredit, to make emergency care accessible when you need it.

We prioritize your comfort and offer various pain management options, including local anesthesia and nitrous oxide, to ensure a comfortable experience.

Regular checkups, proper oral hygiene, and wearing protective gear during sports can help prevent many dental emergencies.

Depending on your situation, we may recommend follow-up treatment to ensure complete resolution and prevent future problems.

Contact our office immediately. Our answering service will provide guidance and help determine if immediate care is necessary.

Coverage varies by insurance plan. We offer our emergency exam and x-ray special for $99 and can discuss payment options during your visit.

Rinse with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the affected area.

Keep the tooth moist, preferably by placing it back in the socket or in milk, and contact us immediately. Time is crucial for saving a knocked-out tooth.

Any situation causing severe pain, bleeding, or trauma to your teeth or gums requires immediate attention. This includes knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken teeth, or dental abscesses.

We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies during our regular business hours to ensure you receive prompt care when you need it most.