Frequently Asked Questions

Plan for about an hour for your cleaning, exam, and X-rays if needed. If we find issues that need discussion, we'll take whatever time is necessary to explain your options clearly.

We try to accommodate same-day requests when possible, especially if you're experiencing discomfort. For routine cleanings, we typically schedule 1-2 weeks out, but call us - we often have cancellations that create earlier openings.

Let us know when you schedule. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for anxious patients and Dr. Butler takes time to explain everything before he does it. Many anxious patients find our approach much more relaxing than previous dental experiences.

Absolutely. Dr. Butler treats patients of all ages and speaks Spanish, which helps with our diverse patient families. We can often schedule family appointments on the same day.

We use gentle techniques and can apply topical numbing gel if needed. Most patients with sensitivity find our cleanings much more comfortable than they expected. Let us know about sensitivity before we start so we can adjust our approach.

Most insurance plans cover two cleanings and one exam per year at 100%. We'll verify your benefits before your appointment and let you know an estimate of what you'll owe.

Dr. Butler will show you the cavity on our intraoral camera and explain your options. Small cavities can often be filled the same day if you prefer. We'll always discuss costs and alternatives before starting any treatment.

Dr. Butler sees patients regularly who haven't had dental care in 5, 10, or even 15 years. We'll start with a comprehensive exam to assess what needs immediate attention and create a realistic plan that fits your budget and schedule. No judgment - just solutions.

Every six months is the standard recommendation because it takes about that long for plaque to harden into tartar that only professional tools can remove. If you have gum disease or other risk factors, Dr. Butler might recommend more frequent cleanings.

Not necessarily. We typically take X-rays once a year to check for cavities between teeth and monitor bone health. If you're having specific problems or it's been several years, we might need more comprehensive imaging.

Keeping your natural tooth is almost always better than extraction. Root canals cost less than extraction plus replacement with an implant or bridge, and your natural tooth root helps maintain jaw bone structure that you lose with extraction.

We prioritize same-day appointments for patients experiencing severe tooth pain. Call us first thing in the morning for the best chance of same-day treatment, but we'll make every effort to see you quickly regardless of when you call.

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until permanent restoration is complete. You can eat soft foods on the other side of your mouth immediately. We'll give you specific dietary guidelines based on your treatment.

Root canal success rates exceed 90% when performed properly. If problems develop, Dr. Butler will evaluate whether retreatment is possible or if extraction becomes necessary. We stand behind our work.

Most back teeth need crowns after root canal treatment because the procedure removes significant tooth structure. Dr. Butler will let you know if a crown is necessary and can often place a temporary crown the same day.

Yes. We use only local anesthesia for root canals, so you can drive and return to normal activities immediately. Some patients prefer to take the rest of the day easy, but it's not medically necessary.

Costs vary depending on which tooth needs treatment, but most insurance plans cover 70-80% of root canal therapy. We'll verify your benefits before treatment and offer financing options through Cherry if needed.

The infection will spread to surrounding teeth and bone, potentially causing dangerous abscesses. You'll eventually need the tooth extracted anyway, but by then you might need additional treatment for bone infection and will definitely need expensive tooth replacement.

Most root canals are completed in a single appointment lasting 60-90 minutes. Complex cases might require a second visit, but Dr. Butler completes the majority of root canals in one session to minimize your time away from work or family.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable root canal treatment actually is. We use advanced numbing techniques that eliminate pain during the procedure. You might feel pressure, but no pain. Any discomfort afterward is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The investment depends on how many veneers you choose and your personalized treatment plan. We'll provide detailed pricing during your consultation and discuss financing options that work for your budget.

Absolutely! Whether you want to enhance just one tooth or transform your entire smile, we can customize your treatment to achieve exactly the results you're looking for.

Most people with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates for veneers. We'll evaluate your smile during a consultation and help you understand how veneers can achieve your specific goals.

Simply care for your veneers like you would your natural teeth - brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit us for routine cleanings. It's that easy to maintain your beautiful smile.

While insurance typically doesn't cover cosmetic veneers, we offer flexible financing options and payment plans to help make your dream smile fit comfortably in your budget.

Your porcelain veneers will actually resist staining better than your natural teeth. You can continue enjoying coffee, tea, and wine while maintaining that beautiful, bright smile you love.

Most patients find the veneer process much more comfortable than they expected. We use gentle techniques and local anesthesia, and many people experience little to no discomfort afterward.

Yes! You can eat almost everything you love with confidence. Just avoid extremely hard items like ice cubes or using your teeth as tools, which is good advice for natural teeth, too.

Most patients complete their smile transformation in just 2-3 comfortable visits over 2-3 weeks. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can go from dreaming about your perfect smile to actually having it.

Absolutely! Our custom veneers are designed to look like the most beautiful version of your natural teeth. People will notice your gorgeous smile and assume you were blessed with naturally perfect teeth.

Yes, veneers are a permanent smile improvement. We remove a small amount of enamel to ensure a perfect fit, which is why we use temporary veneers first so you can be absolutely certain you love your new look.

Your porcelain veneers will keep looking gorgeous for 15-20 years or even longer with proper care. Many patients enjoy their beautiful smiles for decades, making veneers an excellent long-term investment in your confidence and appearance.

The investment depends on how many veneers you choose and your personalized treatment plan. We'll provide detailed pricing during your consultation and discuss financing options that work for your budget.

Absolutely! Whether you want to enhance just one tooth or transform your entire smile, we can customize your treatment to achieve exactly the results you're looking for.

Most people with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates for veneers. We'll evaluate your smile during a consultation and help you understand how veneers can achieve your specific goals.

Simply care for your veneers like you would your natural teeth - brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit us for routine cleanings. It's that easy to maintain your beautiful smile.

While insurance typically doesn't cover cosmetic veneers, we offer flexible financing options and payment plans to help make your dream smile fit comfortably in your budget.

Your porcelain veneers will actually resist staining better than your natural teeth. You can continue enjoying coffee, tea, and wine while maintaining that beautiful, bright smile you love.

Most patients find the veneer process much more comfortable than they expected. We use gentle techniques and local anesthesia, and many people experience little to no discomfort afterward.

Yes! You can eat almost everything you love with confidence. Just avoid extremely hard items like ice cubes or using your teeth as tools, which is good advice for natural teeth, too.

Most patients complete their smile transformation in just 2-3 comfortable visits over 2-3 weeks. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can go from dreaming about your perfect smile to actually having it.

Absolutely! Our custom veneers are designed to look like the most beautiful version of your natural teeth. People will notice your gorgeous smile and assume you were blessed with naturally perfect teeth.

Yes, veneers are a permanent smile improvement. We remove a small amount of enamel to ensure a perfect fit, which is why we use temporary veneers first so you can be absolutely certain you love your new look.

Your porcelain veneers will keep looking gorgeous for 15-20 years or even longer with proper care. Many patients enjoy their beautiful smiles for decades, making veneers an excellent long-term investment in your confidence and appearance.

Most patients can achieve 3-8 shades whiter teeth, but results vary based on your starting point and the type of stains you have. We'll show you realistic expectations during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes! We provide custom-fitted whitening trays with professional-grade gel that you can use at home. These are much more effective than store-bought options and perfect for maintenance.

Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, so existing restorations won't change color. We'll discuss how this might affect your results and whether you'll need to replace any restorations to match your new whiter teeth.

Professional whitening is very effective on most common stains from food, drinks, aging, and smoking. Some internal stains from medications may require alternative treatments like veneers for best results.

Professional whitening uses stronger formulations, custom application, and expert supervision to deliver results that are 5-10 times more effective than over-the-counter products. You get better results faster, and they last much longer.

We'll recommend a maintenance schedule based on your lifestyle and goals. Many patients do a touch-up every 6-12 months, while others wait 2-3 years between treatments.

For the best results, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries for 24-48 hours after treatment. Your teeth are more porous right after whitening and can stain more easily.

Most dental insurance plans consider teeth whitening cosmetic and don't provide coverage. However, we offer affordable financing options to help make your bright smile fit your budget.

Some patients experience mild sensitivity during or after treatment, but it's usually temporary and resolves within 24-48 hours. We can adjust the treatment if you have sensitive teeth.

Your results typically last 1-3 years, depending on your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits. Coffee drinkers and smokers may need touch-ups more frequently, while others enjoy their results for years.

Yes, professional whitening is completely safe when performed by trained dental professionals like our team. We use proven methods and materials that have been safely used for decades.

Most in-office whitening treatments take 60-90 minutes from start to finish. You can easily fit it into your lunch break or after work and leave with a dramatically whiter smile.

The investment depends on how many veneers you choose and your personalized treatment plan. We'll provide detailed pricing during your consultation and discuss financing options that work for your budget.

Absolutely! Whether you want to enhance just one tooth or transform your entire smile, we can customize your treatment to achieve exactly the results you're looking for.

Most people with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates for veneers. We'll evaluate your smile during a consultation and help you understand how veneers can achieve your specific goals.

Simply care for your veneers like you would your natural teeth - brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit us for routine cleanings. It's that easy to maintain your beautiful smile.

While insurance typically doesn't cover cosmetic veneers, we offer flexible financing options and payment plans to help make your dream smile fit comfortably in your budget.

Your porcelain veneers will actually resist staining better than your natural teeth. You can continue enjoying coffee, tea, and wine while maintaining that beautiful, bright smile you love.

Most patients find the veneer process much more comfortable than they expected. We use gentle techniques and local anesthesia, and many people experience little to no discomfort afterward.

Yes! You can eat almost everything you love with confidence. Just avoid extremely hard items like ice cubes or using your teeth as tools, which is good advice for natural teeth, too.

Most patients complete their smile transformation in just 2-3 comfortable visits over 2-3 weeks. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can go from dreaming about your perfect smile to actually having it.

Absolutely! Our custom veneers are designed to look like the most beautiful version of your natural teeth. People will notice your gorgeous smile and assume you were blessed with naturally perfect teeth.

Yes, veneers are a permanent smile improvement. We remove a small amount of enamel to ensure a perfect fit, which is why we use temporary veneers first so you can be absolutely certain you love your new look.

Your porcelain veneers will keep looking gorgeous for 15-20 years or even longer with proper care. Many patients enjoy their beautiful smiles for decades, making veneers an excellent long-term investment in your confidence and appearance.