FAQs

It is recommended not only by Dr. Pham but also by the American Dental Association (ADA) that all individuals, no matter the age, see their dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings. These visits make it possible to catch problems early on and keep serious issues at bay – ones that often require complex and costly dental procedures.

It is always better to call and schedule an appointment with our dental team even if your pain goes away over time. Discomfort is only one of the many symptoms you might experience when dealing with a dental emergency. Many other signs can point to a serious problem. This is why it’s best to go ahead and come in to see us so that we can eliminate the possibility of an infection or severe damage that might wreak havoc on your smile.

Dental implants can do what no other tooth replacement solution can do – restore the complete root-to-crown structure. Not to mention, their stability, longevity, and functionality make them the “gold standard” for replacing one or more missing teeth. It is why millions of adults in the United States have turned to and are enjoying their permanent smiles thanks to dental implants. From the permanent placement in the jaw to the ability to eat one’s favorite foods, they simply are the best.

No, Dr. Pham is pleased to provide this service in-house, so our patients can stay in one location with the same familiar dental team. Oftentimes, dentists only offer to place the restoration; however, we take things one step further by performing the entire procedure in-house, keeping patients more comfortable throughout the procedure.

Yes! Dr. Pham and our team of professionals are pleased to see even the youngest patients. Primary teeth must grow and develop correctly to minimize the potential for crookedness, gapped teeth, and misalignment. We’ll monitor your child’s smile as they grow older, ensuring any issues are immediately addressed and putting their teeth and gums on the right path to a healthier smile as they transition to various life stages.

Yes! We are pleased to welcome nearly all types of PPO dental insurance plans and will work in a timely manner to find ways to maximize your benefits, lower your out-of-pocket expenses, and discuss other available payment options should you require them.

Speaking is mostly muscle memory, so any slight change to the shape and location of your teeth is likely to cause a little bit of a disruption in how you talk. As you can imagine, this is going to be the case when you first get your dentures.

It may take some time to get used to speaking with your dentures in, but practice makes perfect in this regard. Find time to work on speaking slowly, getting used to how it feels to have your prosthetic in as you do so. You might try reading aloud for a while or conversing with someone you trust until talking feels natural again.

Generally speaking, we recommend that you take your dentures out when you go to bed. Wearing your prosthetic during the day puts a lot of pressure on your gums, and if you don’t give them time to rest, you’re likely to see an uptick in the number of sore spots and the amount of irritation that you have to deal with.

Moreover, this is a good opportunity to leave your dentures to soak in a disinfectant solution, ensuring that they’re nice and clean as soon as you wake up. You aren’t going to be using your dentures while you sleep anyway, so why not let your gums have a break?

If you find that your dentures develop an unpleasant smell, the most common reason for this is the development of bacteria on your prosthetic. These bacteria can become entrenched in the small nooks and crannies of your dentures, or even underneath them along the gum line. This is compounded by the fact that dentures tend to stymie the production of saliva, which contributes to the buildup of plaque.

Thankfully, there are plenty of measures you can take if you want to keep your dentures in good condition. After you finish eating with them, you can rinse them off to remove any residual food. You should then brush both your prosthetic and your gums twice a day, just like you used to with your natural teeth. Finally, leave your dentures to soak in a cleaning solution each night to break up any residual bacteria on the prosthetic.

People think about the tongue as the core determiner of taste, but there are actually taste buds located all across the mouth. The palate on the roof of your mouth, for example, has a high concentration of them.

Many top dentures cover the roof of the mouth, which can impair your ability to taste. However, if this prospect bothers you, there are some crafted specifically to avoid this issue. Talk to us and we’ll help design a prosthetic that will fit your needs without compromising your ability to enjoy food.

You might be surprised to hear this, but there actually isn’t an upper age limit for dental implants. Candidacy is instead determined by factors like the state of the patient’s oral health, the density of their jawbone, and their willingness to quit bad habits, like smoking. So, you shouldn’t let your age stop you from scheduling a consultation with us to discuss dental implants!

Most patients take a day or two after their procedure off so they can focus on recovering. If you work in construction or in another industry that is physically demanding, then we may recommend taking a bit more time off to prevent complications, like blood diverting from the implant site. If you don’t have a lot of PTO (or you are saving it for a vacation), consider scheduling your appointment on a Thursday or Friday so you have the weekend to recover as well.

Yes, dental implants can replace any type of tooth, including molars. So, if you lost one of yours, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! At your visit, we can review your medical history, learn about your dental needs, and determine if dental implants are the best tooth-replacement solution for you.

Since this is often due to dental implant failure, we don’t recommend taking the “wait and see” approach. Instead, contact us when you first notice that something is wrong. Once we learn more about your symptoms, including how severe they are, we can schedule an emergency exam and walk you through what to do in the meantime, like eating extremely soft foods and not chewing on that side of your mouth.

There are some foods that increase the risk of your restoration breaking, yes. So, do your best to avoid (or, at the very least, exercise caution with) foods that have a crunchier or stickier consistency, like peanut brittle, hard pretzels, and caramel-filled candies. Additionally, don’t chew on ice cubes, drink alcohol excessively, or put the back of your pen or pencil in your mouth.

With a success rate of over 95%, dental implant failure is quite rare. That said, it can happen, and one of the best ways to prevent it from happening to you is by taking great care of your smile – from brushing and flossing consistently to coming to our office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. It’s equally as important that you avoid doing anything that can compromise your dental implant, like smoking, chewing on ice cubes, or using your teeth as tools to open things, so make sure to break any existing bad habits too!

Modern veneers are made of porcelain, making them thinner than ever before. They won’t feel heavy or bulky on your teeth. Etching the surfaces of your teeth allows veneers to fit each tooth like a glove. You won’t have to worry about any ridges or ledges. Your teeth will feel smooth and sleek when running your tongue over them. Although it may take a few days to adjust to wearing veneers, in no time at all, you may soon forget they aren’t part of your natural teeth.

Veneers are meant to provide long-lasting results, but they aren’t permanent. Veneers need to be replaced about every 10 years. The procedure isn’t reversible because Dr. Pham must remove a small amount of enamel to ensure your restorations are flush with your teeth. Although this doesn’t harm your pearly whites, your enamel won’t grow back if your veneers are removed. They’ll be vulnerable to bacteria, sensitivity, and other issues without the protection of restorations, whether veneers or crowns.

The average lifespan of a veneer is about 10 years; however, it’s not uncommon for them to last for a decade or longer. Many factors will affect the life expectancy for your new smile, like your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. You can get the most from your investment by using non-abrasive dental products to brush your teeth twice daily and floss every day. Break any bad habits that can damage your restorations, like chewing on your fingernails or using your teeth in place of scissors. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup to ensure your picture-perfect smile lasts for years.

A veneer can be applied to a single tooth to enhance its color, size, and shape. However, the overall goal of the procedure is to transform your smile as a whole. Therefore, your cosmetic dentist in San Antonio, Dr. Pham, will recommend bonding them to the teeth that show when you smile to ensure seamless results. Every mouth differs, so there’s no way to know how many you’ll need without first examining your smile. Some patients only need 4 or 6, while others can require 8 or more.

Dental insurance rarely covers elective services, like veneers, unless they are medically necessary. Your insurance benefits may partially cover some of the expenses for your consultation, diagnostic services, or preparatory procedures. Besides using your dental benefits, Dr. Pham offers various financial solutions to keep a stunning smile within everyone’s budget, like a monthly payment plan.

Placing veneers will not harm your teeth since the process only involves the removal of a minimal amount of enamel and the bonding agent used to attach the devices is perfectly safe. Since the veneers will protect the treated teeth from injuries and infections, the treatment does not increase the risk of cavities as long as the patient practices excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day. It’s also a great idea to limit your intake of sugars and acids, visit our office in San Antonio for regular checkups and cleanings, and quit habits like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.

After your teeth have been prepared and measured, we will fit you with a set of temporary veneers so you can get used to them while your permanent restorations are being crafted. These temporary devices are not as strong as the permanent ones, so it’s best to avoid tough foods like ice, raw fruits and veggies, and hard candy that can break them. Temporary veneers are also vulnerable to stains, so it’s best to avoid dark foods and beverages as well. After receiving your permanent veneers, you’ll be able to enjoy most foods normally, but you’ll want to be careful when chewing and avoid exposing your teeth too frequently to discoloring foods and beverages like coffee and dark sauces. Alcohol is acidic and can erode the cement holding your appliances in place, so enjoy hard drinks only sparingly. It’s also a great idea to avoid hot or cold foods if your teeth are sensitive after receiving veneers.

Veneers will alter the dimensions of your teeth, and this can change the way air flows about your mouth during speech. When you receive your appliances, you may develop a temporary lisp, but this will go away on its own as you get more practice speaking with them. If you’d like to accelerate this adjustment process, you can try singing a song or reading a favorite book out loud and repeating any troublesome words until you get the hang of them. In some cases, our team in San Antonio can adjust veneers to help a lisp go away.

Whitening products cannot affect veneers, but we may be able to replace or shade your appliances if you wish to change their color. Whitening treatments, on the other hand, will affect only the natural enamel while the veneers stay the same shade, leaving the smile with an uneven coloration. If you wish to whiten your teeth, it’s best to do so before receiving or replacing your veneers so your new appliances can be crafted to match your smile’s brighter shade.

Dr. Pham keeps your comfort a priority. A local numbing agent can block any pain signals so you won't feel any discomfort. Sedation may also be an option. While you might feel some pressure, you will not have any outright pain. However, depending on the procedure, your mouth may be a little tender after the effects of any numbing agents or sedatives dissipate. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eat soft foods. Follow any additional aftercare instructions explained by Dr. Pham.

Most dental insurance doesn't cover elective services, but there are exceptions. Your insurance may include your consultation, diagnostic imaging, or preparatory procedures, like a dental cleaning. If treatment is medically necessary, like fixing a chipped tooth, your insurance may cover some of the cost after meeting your annual deductible. A member of our office will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable coverage. They will explain how your benefits are being used and if there's any remaining balance. Our office offers various financial solutions to keep the smile of your dreams within your budget.

Many factors affect the lifespan of a smile makeover, like the procedures used. Some services can last for many months or years, while others can thrive for decades. Your oral hygiene routine can promote the life expectancy of your new smile. Brush your teeth at least twice daily for 2 minutes each session using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss your teeth every night before going to bed. You can get the most from your investment by breaking any bad habits, like smoking, using your teeth in place of scissors, or chewing on your fingernails. Limit how often you have sugary foods and drinks to prevent decay. Moderate your consumption of crunchy, chewy, or hard foods. Besides caring for your smile at home, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Dr. Pham will review any additional tips to maintain your results based on your treatment.

It's never too late to invest in a picture-perfect smile. Although there's no age limit for a smile makeover, certain oral and general health conditions can make your treatment a little more challenging, like those associated with aging. After learning more about your medical history, your dentist will create the personalized plan you need to transform your smile safely.

Candid clear aligners are crafted from clear plastic that renders them virtually invisible when inside the mouth, but they are clearly visible when not worn. Since Candid clear aligners are so incredibly discreet, patients won’t have to worry about their appliances showing up when they smile like they would with traditional metal braces. However, Candid treatment sometimes requires accessories such as buttons or elastics that are not made from clear plastic, so these attachments may be more visible than the aligners. With excellent hygiene and maintenance, you can prevent your appliances from developing unsightly stains and discoloration that can make them conspicuous.

Many patients who have previously worn braces can be excellent candidates for Candid clear aligners. While traditional braces are usually the best way to address severe misalignments such as crossbites, overbites, underbites, and open bites, many patients who wore them as children find that their teeth drift out of their hard-won alignments due to them not wearing their retainers as instructed. In many of these cases, Candid can be an excellent way to bring the teeth back into a healthier alignment. However, only your dentist can make an qualified call as to whether you qualify for Candid, so please contact our San Antonio office to schedule your consultation at your convenience.

Several factors play large roles in determining your candidacy for Candid clear aligners. Most teenagers with mild dental misalignments can be excellent candidates for the treatment, but the process will require them to commit to excellent hygiene and maintenance habits that some adolescents may not be ready for. Patients will need to wear their aligners for at least twenty hours daily to keep their treatments on schedule, so those who could have difficulty keeping track of their appliances may be treated better with traditional braces since they are irremovable. Candid can be an excellent way to resolve crookedness, gaps, crowding and dental misalignments, and the treatment can also address more complex issues with the inclusion of accessories such as elastics. However, some misalignments are too severe for Candid clear aligners to resolve, and traditional metal braces will probably be the best choice in these cases.

Candid clear aligners are designed to be easily removed so patients can eat whatever they like. However, eating while wearing your aligners can damage them since these appliances are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing, and drinking anything but water can allow sugary or stain-causing residues to seep into the small space between the appliances and the teeth. It’s important to remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything but water and remember to store them in a safe container while you are not wearing them.

Contrary to common belief, an occasional toothache isn’t normal. It’s a symptom of a larger underlying problem, like an infection deep within the tooth. The issue won’t go away with no treatment. In fact, you can be at risk of losing your tooth if you delay seeing an emergency dentist. Dr. Pham will pinpoint the source of your discomfort to create an effective treatment plan to stop your pain and save your tooth.

Not all chipped teeth cause discomfort, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to see a dentist. A chipped tooth is a dental emergency in San Antonio. Your tooth will be vulnerable to sensitivity, bacteria, and additional damage if you put off having it treated because your enamel will not grow back. Even if you aren’t experiencing any pain, it’s best to schedule an appointment promptly.

Your teeth are protected by your enamel, which is the hardest substance in your body. It is even stronger than some metals! However, unlike other tissues, your enamel can’t regenerate. Once it is gone, it is gone for good. Therefore, your tooth will not grow back. At most, it may remineralize, but it must still be repaired by an emergency dentist.