FAQ

You should have your teeth cleaned as part of your complete dental checkup twice a year. If you need periodontal cleanings, also known as deep cleanings, to address gum disease, you may return more frequently. As always, our team will discuss your treatment needs with you to make sure you get the care you need as promptly as possible.

You should expect to see the dentist at least twice a year, or every six months. This allows our team to monitor changes in your oral health, provide treatment recommendations, and keep your smile healthy. Your care may require more frequent visits to address treatment needs, but our team will provide you with a recommended schedule to treat your needs quickly and conveniently.

Not at all! A cleaning should always be a comfortable experience for the patient. If you have extensive tooth decay, tenderness in your gums due to periodontal disease, or other oral health concerns, your teeth or gums may be sensitive. This can cause some pain or discomfort during your cleaning. However, our hygienist will take every precaution to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed while you’re having your teeth cleaned.

While young children are more prone to cavities than older kids and teens, it’s important to help them develop good habits. Teach your child to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss daily. Be sure to limit sugary foods, beverages, and snacks, as they can break down your child’s enamel and cause cavities. You can also prevent cavities by getting sealants applied to the surfaces of your child’s back teeth, sealing out cavity-causing bacteria.

Be sure to book regular checkups every six months, or as recommended by Dr. Lin. Keeping a regular preventive care regime for your child will help keep their teeth healthy and strong as they grow into teens and young adults.

You and your child can expect gentle, personalized attention at Parkway Place Family Dentistry. Dr. Lin takes her time to make sure your child feels comfortable in the dentist’s chair. She will explain every step of their appointment and help keep them calm and relaxed throughout their visit. Our entire staff is trained to treat children with a patient and compassionate approach, and we will do everything we can to give your child the best possible experience.

Children have unique dental needs as their teeth and jaws develop over time. You can expect to take your child to their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or when their first tooth comes in. This allows Dr. Lin and her team to monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws. We can make timely treatment recommendations as issues arise and make sure your child’s smile develops comfortably.

Missing teeth make it difficult to properly eat your food, leading to digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies. After you lose a tooth, your jaw will also begin to shrink, which will cause your facial muscles to sag.

Dental implants are made from titanium. This type of metal is strong, long-lasting, and biocompatible, meaning that it fuses with the surrounding bone tissue in your jaw. Once placed, the implants will be absorbed by your jawbone to provide a stable foundation for your artificial teeth.

You will make 3-4 office visits during your dental implant treatment experience. The full process includes your initial consultation, treatment planning, surgery, and follow-ups to check on your progress.

Getting an implant involves a minor surgical procedure, during which your dentist will insert the implants into your jawbone. Be sure to follow the post-operative care instructions provided to you by your oral surgeon to ensure a comfortable recovery.

No, Dr. Lin uses crowns and bridges to restore (or complete) a dental implant. You will undergo your implant surgery with your oral surgeon, but Dr. Lin will work closely with them from the beginning of your case to the end to make sure every aspect of your care is accounted for.

Your teeth can become stained, dull, or yellow for a number of reasons. Common causes include highly colored foods and beverages, such as tea, coffee, red wine, and berries. Smoking, dental trauma, certain medications, and the aging process can cause your teeth to darken over time as well.

Yes, teeth whitening is a very safe and effective procedure on your teeth and gums. Clinical studies have shown that whitening your teeth under the supervision of a trained dental professional is safe, comfortable, and highly effective.

Over-the-counter whitening products are not customized to meet your specific needs. With Zoom in-office whitening, Dr. Lin tailors the treatment process to deliver the best results for your smile. Your smile is in good hands!

Professional in-office whitening is designed to eliminate stains, but your diet or lifestyle can cause your teeth to become discolored again. Zoom whitening with Dr. Lin, as well as touch-up treatments or customized take-home products, will keep future stains from settling in and maintain your results for years to come.

Yes, veneers are a permanent cosmetic restoration. Because your veneers are bonded to the surfaces of your teeth, they can only be removed, repaired, or replaced by your dentist. Veneers will eventually need to be replaced, just like all dental work, but you can expect them to last up to a decade or more.

The lifespan of your veneer depends on which type you choose for your smile. Porcelain veneers generally have a lifespan of 10-15 years, while ceramic veneers can last 20 years or more. You can significantly extend the lifespan of your veneers with regular cleanings and good at-home oral care.

The veneers themselves don’t hurt and tooth preparation is generally a quick and painless procedure. Dr. Lin removes an ultra-thin layer of enamel from your teeth to ensure the best look and fit, but this shouldn’t cause you any discomfort. To ensure your comfort, she administers anesthesia to quickly numb your teeth and help you relax in the dentist’s chair.

The process of receiving porcelain or ceramic veneers typically takes 2-3 visits over the course of your treatment, from the initial consultation to receiving your final veneers.

Generally speaking, a dental emergency refers to any problem that needs immediate treatment. This may be to stop bleeding, alleviate severe tooth pain, treat a tooth infection, or save a damaged tooth.

Dental emergencies are more common than you might think! We treat a wide range of common emergencies, such as dental infections, bleeding in your teeth or gums, mouth sores, knocked-out teeth, and chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.

Dr. Lin and our team will do everything we can to see you ASAP! Walk-ins are accepted as scheduling permits, and we try to fit same-day or next-day appointments in whenever possible. We can’t guarantee appointment times, so be sure to call us in case of an accident or emergency.

While we understand your first instinct is to go to the hospital when you’ve suffered a dental injury, don’t! Hospital emergency rooms are designed to help patients with medical emergencies, but they can’t treat your dental emergency. Unless you’re experiencing uncontrolled bleeding or swelling, call our office right away. Dr. Lin has the training and facilities needed to treat your symptoms and provide relief.