Frequently Asked Questions for Aghbashian Dental in Glendale, CA
FAQs About Our Dental Services
Choosing a new dentist often comes with questions about insurance, emergency care, implants, cosmetic treatment, comfort, and what to expect at your first visit. At Aghbashian Dental in Glendale, CA, we believe patients should have clear, honest information before making treatment decisions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from patients and families in Glendale and nearby communities.
General Dental Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for a routine exam and professional cleaning. These visits help detect cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns early, when treatment is usually simpler and less expensive.
What services does Aghbashian Dental offer?
Aghbashian Dental provides preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental care in Glendale. Services may include dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, gum care, tooth extractions, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, and urgent dental treatment.
Why are regular dental cleanings important?
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home cannot fully remove. Routine cleanings help lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and staining while supporting long-term oral health.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Aghbashian Dental welcomes new patients looking for comprehensive dental care in Glendale, CA. Whether you need a checkup, a second opinion, cosmetic treatment, or emergency care, our team is here to help.
New Patient Questions
What happens during my first dental visit?
Your first visit typically includes a review of your medical and dental history, digital X-rays if needed, a comprehensive oral exam, gum evaluation, and a discussion of any findings or treatment recommendations. The goal is to understand your oral health clearly and create a plan that fits your needs.
What should I bring to my first dental appointment?
Please bring a photo ID, your dental insurance card if you have coverage, a list of medications, and any recent dental records or X-rays if available. This helps us make your visit smoother and more efficient.
How long does a first dental appointment take?
Many first visits take about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on whether X-rays, a full exam, or additional consultation is needed.
Do you see patients who have not been to the dentist in a long time?
Yes. Many patients return to dental care after several years away. Our team focuses on helping you move forward comfortably and without judgment.
Insurance, Payment, and Cost Questions
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes. Aghbashian Dental works with many dental insurance plans and also helps patients by electronically filing claims. If you are unsure about your specific plan, contact the office and the team can help review your benefits.
What if I do not have dental insurance?
Patients without insurance can still receive care. Depending on the treatment, payment options or financing may be available to help make dental care more manageable.
Does dental insurance cover routine checkups and cleanings?
Many dental insurance plans cover preventive services such as exams, cleanings, and routine X-rays. Coverage varies by plan, so it is best to confirm details with the office before treatment.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Implant coverage depends on the plan. Some plans may cover part of the procedure or related components, while others may only cover alternative tooth replacement options. A personalized insurance review is the best way to understand your benefits.
Why do dental treatment costs vary?
Dental costs can vary based on the complexity of the case, the type of treatment, materials used, lab work, diagnostic imaging, and whether multiple procedures are needed.
Emergency Dental Questions
What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency may include severe tooth pain, facial or gum swelling, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of infection. Fast treatment can reduce pain and improve the chance of saving the tooth.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water if dirty. If possible, place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, store it in milk or saliva and contact a dentist right away. Time matters.
What should I do for severe tooth pain?
Severe tooth pain can be a sign of infection, nerve irritation, or dental damage. Contact the office as soon as possible for evaluation, especially if the pain is worsening or comes with swelling.
Can a cracked tooth be repaired?
Often, yes. Treatment may include bonding, a dental crown, or root canal therapy depending on how deep the crack is and whether the nerve is affected.
Do you offer emergency dental care in Glendale?
Yes. Aghbashian Dental provides emergency dental care for patients dealing with urgent pain, dental injury, swelling, or broken teeth.
Dental Implant Questions
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. After healing, they can support a crown, bridge, or denture to restore appearance, bite strength, and function.
Why is it important to replace a missing tooth?
A missing tooth can affect chewing, appearance, bite balance, and nearby teeth. Over time, neighboring teeth may shift and the jawbone in that area may begin to shrink. Replacing the tooth can help protect both function and oral structure.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental implants can last many years and often 20 years or longer.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Many adults with one or more missing teeth may be candidates for implants if they have healthy gums and enough supporting bone. A consultation and imaging are needed to determine the right treatment plan.
Are dental implants painful?
The procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia, and sedation may be available for added comfort depending on the treatment plan. Most patients describe the recovery as manageable.
Invisalign and Orthodontic Questions
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Many patients with mild to moderate alignment or bite concerns may be candidates for Invisalign. The best way to know is to schedule an exam and have your teeth evaluated.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case. Some patients begin noticing changes within a few months, while full treatment may take around 12 to 18 months or longer in more complex situations.
Can I remove Invisalign aligners?
Yes. Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes eating, brushing, and flossing easier. For best results, they generally need to be worn about 20 to 22 hours per day.
Is Invisalign better for adults who want a discreet option?
For many adults, yes. Invisalign is popular because the aligners are clear and removable, making them a more discreet alternative to traditional braces.
Cosmetic Dentistry Questions
What cosmetic dental treatments do you offer?
Cosmetic dental options may include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, bonding, and smile enhancement treatments designed to improve the color, shape, and appearance of teeth.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Results vary from person to person. Whitening can last from several months to a few years depending on diet, smoking, oral hygiene, and whether touch-up treatments are done.
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
Professional whitening, when used appropriately under dental supervision, is generally considered safe for enamel.
Should I choose whitening or veneers?
That depends on your goals. Whitening may be enough for surface discoloration, while veneers may be a better option for deeper staining, chips, shape concerns, or multiple cosmetic issues at once.
Comfort and Sedation Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation is generally considered safe when recommended appropriately and provided by trained dental professionals. Your medical history, medications, and treatment needs are reviewed first.
Who may benefit from sedation dentistry?
Sedation may help patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, have a strong gag reflex, need longer procedures, or have difficulty sitting comfortably during treatment.
Will I still need local anesthesia if I choose sedation?
In many cases, yes. Sedation helps you relax, while local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area.
Oral Health Questions
How many times should I brush my teeth each day?
Most patients should brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily unless their dentist recommends a different routine.
When should I see a dentist immediately?
You should seek prompt dental care if you have severe pain, swelling, a broken tooth, bleeding that does not stop, pus, signs of infection, or a knocked-out tooth.
What are signs of gum disease?
Common signs include bleeding gums, swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum tenderness, and gums that appear to pull away from the teeth.
Looking for a dentist in Glendale, CA 91202?
Aghbashian Dental provides comprehensive dental care for patients in Glendale and surrounding communities. Whether you need a routine checkup, dental implant consultation, cosmetic smile improvement, Invisalign evaluation, or urgent dental care, our team is here to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.