Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Same-day emergency appointments are available for urgent dental concerns.

You can still receive care. We review costs before treatment and offer financing options that fit your family’s budget.

We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, and the umbrella network Zelis, and we are working on additional credentialing.

Yes. Root canal treatment removes infection inside a tooth to relieve pain and preserve the natural structure.

Most patients benefit from visits every six months, though some may need more frequent care depending on gum health and risk factors.

Yes. We provide scaling and root planing, root surface debridement, and other periodontal treatments when indicated.

We treat school-age children, teens, adults, and seniors.

Yes. We offer custom night guards and mouth guards for adults to help reduce wear and jaw strain.

We explain the condition of your tooth, review your options, and schedule treatment once you feel ready to move forward.

A routine visit typically includes a professional cleaning, full examination, and digital X-rays when needed.

Not always. Antibiotics depend on swelling, systemic symptoms, and your health history. Dr. Gonzalez will recommend them only when appropriate.

Sensitivity can come from wear, gum recession, cavities, or older dental work. Your exam helps us identify the cause and recommend the right treatment or home-care changes.

You can still schedule a checkup. We review costs before your visit and offer payment and financing options that make your care more affordable.

We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, and the umbrella network Zelis, and we are working on additional credentialing.

Tell us before your visit. Comfort options are available, and sedation options include laughing gas and oral sedation when appropriate.

Yes. We see school-age kids and teens as part of family dentistry, along with adults and seniors.

Yes. Bleeding gums can be an early sign of gum inflammation or gum disease. We’ll evaluate your gums and recommend the right next step.

You can still start with a checkup. We’ll focus on understanding your current oral health and building a plan that feels manageable.

No. We take digital X-rays when they’re needed for diagnosis, routine monitoring, or treatment planning.

Most checkups take about an hour, though timing can vary depending on X-rays, buildup level, and any concerns you want to discuss.

A typical checkup includes a professional cleaning, a full examination, and digital X-rays when needed.

The cost depends on the type of denture and any additional treatment required. We provide a detailed estimate before starting and review payment options with you.

Clean them daily with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser. Soak them as recommended and keep them moist when not in use.

Tell us ahead of time. We can adjust pacing, offer comfort amenities, and discuss laughing gas if needed.

Some patients use adhesive for added security. We will guide you based on your denture fit and oral health.

Most patients remove dentures at night to allow the gums to rest. We will give you specific instructions for your situation.

Your jawbone and gum tissue can change shape. Periodic relines or adjustments help maintain stability.

You will begin with soft foods and gradually return to firmer options. Many patients regain strong chewing function with time and practice.

Mild soreness is common as your gums adjust. Follow-up visits allow us to relieve pressure areas and improve comfort.

Yes. We consider your facial features, smile line, and tooth shade so your dentures complement your appearance.

The timeline depends on whether you need extractions and how your gums heal. Most patients complete treatment over several visits to ensure a proper fit.

Pricing depends on the number of teeth, veneer type, and whether any prep work is needed. We give a clear estimate up front and offer payment options, including financing.

Veneers do not whiten like natural enamel. If you want a brighter smile, we usually plan whitening before veneers so shades match well.

Grinding can shorten the life of veneers. If you clench, we may recommend a night guard to protect your investment.

Some patients need one. Others choose a set for the visible front teeth. We recommend a plan based on your smile line and goals.

They can improve the look of mild crowding or uneven edges. If alignment needs are larger, Invisalign may be a better fit.

Sometimes. No-prep works best when teeth are already in a good position and you want modest changes. We will confirm this during your exam.

Veneers can require small changes to enamel, depending on the type. We explain exactly what will be altered before you agree to treatment.

Most patients do well with local anesthesia. If you feel anxious, we can discuss comfort options and sedation choices.

It depends on the material, your bite, and home care. Many patients get years of use with good hygiene and regular checkups.

Yes, when they are planned for your face and bite. We focus on shape, brightness, and symmetry that looks realistic up close.

Cost depends on the whitening method and your needs. You will receive clear pricing before treatment and help with payment options if needed.

Right after whitening, darker foods and drinks can re-stain more easily. We will give you a clear list of what to avoid and for how long.

Often, yes. We may recommend a slower approach and sensitivity support so you can whiten more comfortably.

Some options brighten quickly, while others work more gradually. We will match your plan to your timeline and comfort level.

Uneven results can happen if you have staining differences, enamel changes, or dental work on front teeth. We look for these issues before treatment.

When done with professional guidance, whitening is considered safe for most patients. An exam helps confirm it is a good option for your teeth.

No. Whitening gels do not change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings. We will help you plan around existing dental work.

Results vary based on diet, coffee or tea habits, and tobacco use. Many patients maintain a brighter smile with occasional touch-ups.

Many patients feel no discomfort. Some feel temporary sensitivity, especially to cold. We plan around this and can help reduce it.

It depends on your natural tooth color and the type of stain. We will give you an honest expectation after checking your shade and enamel.

Not always. Antibiotics are based on infection severity and health history. Dr. Gonzalez will only prescribe them when appropriate.

Dry socket happens when the clot at the extraction site is lost too early. Avoid straws, smoking, and aggressive rinsing right after treatment, and follow your aftercare steps.

Options depend on the location of the tooth and your bite. We can discuss a bridge or a partial/full denture after healing if replacement is needed.

You can usually eat once numbness wears off, starting with soft foods. We tell you what to avoid so you do not disturb the healing site.

Mild to moderate swelling is common for the first couple of days. We provide specific instructions to reduce it and monitor your healing.

It depends on the tooth and root complexity. After your X-ray, we can estimate procedure time more accurately.

We use local anesthesia to numb the area. We also plan for comfort before we begin, especially for nervous patients.

Most patients are awake with the area fully numbed. If you are anxious, laughing gas may be an option.

It is a tooth removal that requires extra steps beyond a routine extraction, often due to tooth position, root shape, or breakage below the gumline.

Cost depends on the tooth, the complexity of the canals, and whether you need a crown afterward. We review pricing before treatment, help with insurance, and offer financing options for self-pay patients.

Mild soreness is common for a few days. If pain increases, swelling returns, or you cannot bite comfortably, call us so we can evaluate.

Root canals are a common treatment with a strong track record when the tooth is properly restored and maintained with routine dental care.

Infection can spread, symptoms can worsen, and the tooth can become harder to save. Earlier treatment often leads to fewer complications.

A crown helps protect the tooth from cracking, especially in back teeth that handle heavy chewing.

Yes, once numbness wears off. We usually recommend avoiding chewing hard foods on that side until the tooth is fully restored.

Some root canals are completed in one visit. Others require two visits based on complexity and infection level.

It depends on the tooth and infection severity. After your exam and X-rays, we can estimate your appointment time more accurately.

Most patients feel pressure, not pain, because the tooth is numbed. If you are anxious, laughing gas may help.

Not always. Antibiotics are based on infection severity and health history. Dr. Gonzalez will only prescribe them when appropriate.

If it is painful or sharp, you should be seen. Lost restorations can expose the tooth and increase the risk of fracture or infection.

Bring a list of medications, any relevant medical history, and your insurance information if you have it. If you are coming for trauma, share when and how it happened.

You can still be seen. IMG Dental welcomes self-pay patients and offers financing options to help break up the cost.

IMG Dental works with insurance and helps you understand benefits before treatment when possible.

Only if the tooth cannot be saved or removal is the safest option. If saving the tooth is possible, we will explain the best path forward.

In many cases, yes. Treatment depends on what we find and may include stabilizing care, drainage, a root canal plan, or extraction.

Tell us when you call. We can plan for comfort, explain each step, and discuss laughing gas when appropriate.

Swelling that is increasing, spreading, or paired with fever needs prompt evaluation. It can be a sign of infection.

Call as soon as you can. Severe pain can signal infection, a crack, or nerve inflammation that needs treatment, not just pain medicine.

Often, yes. IMG Dental offers same-day emergency appointments when you need help fast.