Dental FAQs in Houston, TX
Lava Dental welcomes you to our dental FAQs in Houston, TX. On this page, you’ll find answers to patients’ most common questions about dental issues, oral health, and our dental care services. You’ll also get helpful tips on proper oral hygiene at home so you and your family can maintain healthy, radiant smiles. Contact our team if you cannot find the answers you seek.
Answers to Common Questions About Care, Visits, and More
Dental Checkups
Absolutely! Children’s dental health is vital as they grow; early checkups help establish good oral hygiene habits. We recommend scheduling their first appointment as soon as possible.
It’s never too late! We provide judgment-free care and are here to help you improve your oral health, no matter how long it’s been since your last visit.
On average, these appointments last around 60 to 90 minutes. However, the duration may vary based on your individual needs and the complexity of the cleaning and exam.
Dental cleanings are typically not painful. Our skilled dental hygienists take great care to ensure your comfort. If you have sensitive gums, you might experience some mild discomfort, but we always prioritize your well-being.
Yes, we offer Saturday appointments to accommodate your busy schedule and extended evening hours for your convenience.
Crowns
Dental crowns can serve you for many years with proper care. However, the longevity of your crown also depends on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental checkups.
No, the dental crown procedure is virtually painless. We prioritize your comfort and use local anesthetics to ensure you experience minimal discomfort during the process.
Yes, at Lava Dental, we offer a range of materials for dental crowns, including porcelain, 3D-printed ceramic, and composite crowns. Dr. Tatari will discuss your options and help you select the best material to suit your needs.
No, the dental crown procedure is relatively quick and requires two appointments. The first appointment involves preparation and impressions, while the second is for crown placement.
We offer same-day crowns using advanced 3D-printed ceramic and composite crown technology. You can have a custom-made crown in just one visit, saving you time and ensuring the immediate restoration of your smile.
Yes, we understand that emergencies can happen. If you require an emergency dental crown, please contact our office, and we’ll do our best to promptly accommodate your needs.
Invisalign
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on individual needs. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months, a timeframe comparable to traditional braces. During your consultation, our team will provide you with a personalized treatment plan.
Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your coverage options. Additionally, we offer financing solutions to help make Invisalign more accessible.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible when worn, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a discreet orthodontic solution. Your friends and colleagues are unlikely to notice you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
You should wear Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours a day for the best results. This allows for effective teeth movement and ensures the success of your treatment.
Yes, you can easily remove Invisalign aligners for special occasions. However, to achieve the desired results within the estimated treatment time, you must wear them consistently as instructed by our team.
Veneers
Veneers are not considered a permanent dental restoration, but they are long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last for approximately a decade.
No, veneers can blend seamlessly with your natural teeth in color, size, and shape. They create a flawless, natural-looking smile.
Veneers can be cared for like natural teeth. For optimal longevity, maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and attending your scheduled dental check-ups.
Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant. However, to maintain their pristine appearance, it’s essential to avoid excessive consumption of stain-inducing foods and beverages.
Veneers are minimally invasive and typically require only slight tooth preparation, ensuring your natural teeth remain healthy and intact during the veneer placement.
Dental Implants
During the procedure, you will be comfortably numbed with a local anesthetic, ensuring a pain-free experience. We also offer sedation options to help you feel relaxed throughout. You may experience mild discomfort during healing, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Dental implant coverage varies among insurance plans. It’s advisable to contact your insurance provider to determine your specific coverage details. At Lava Dental, we also offer flexible financing solutions to make dental implants accessible to our patients.
No, dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth in color, size, and shape, ensuring a flawless, natural-looking smile.
Caring for dental implants is simple. Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and attending your scheduled dental checkups. Avoid biting down on hard objects to prevent damage to your implant-supported crown.
Yes, dental implants can support multiple missing teeth, either through individual implants or implant-supported bridges and dentures. Your dentist will recommend the best approach based on your specific needs.
Dental Implants
Yes, dentures and partials are comfortable and well-fitting. Our team ensures your appliance is custom-made to match your unique dental structure, providing a relaxed and natural feel.
Absolutely! Dentures and partials restore the function of your missing teeth, allowing you to chew, eat, and speak easily.
Taking and cleaning your denture or partial nightly is essential to maintaining your appliance’s longevity and appearance. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on proper cleaning and maintenance.
Yes, dentures and partials are custom-made to resemble natural teeth in color, size, and shape. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth for a natural-looking smile when worn.
Most dentures can last for approximately seven years or longer with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of your prosthetic depends on how well it is cared for and how gently you treat it while wearing it.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and noninvasive procedure when administered by a dental professional. Our whitening system is designed to provide effective results without harming your teeth or gums.
The duration of the teeth whitening process depends on the method you choose. Chairside whitening typically takes around an hour, while at-home whitening kits may require a few weeks of use for optimal results.
Some patients may experience mild sensitivity after teeth whitening. However, this sensitivity is usually temporary and can be alleviated with toothpaste for sensitive teeth, if necessary.
With proper care and maintenance, professional teeth whitening results can last several months to a few years. Regular touch-ups can help you maintain your dazzling white smile.
Teeth whitening primarily affects natural teeth and may not significantly change the color of dental restorations. If you have concerns about the color of your dental restorations, please discuss your options with our dental team during your consultation.
Emergency
Our emergency dental exams are affordable at just $39, ensuring you receive prompt care without breaking the bank.
We accept most dental insurance plans and will work with you to maximize your benefits for emergency care.
If your child has a dental emergency, follow the steps outlined above and contact us immediately. We have experience treating pediatric dental emergencies and providing compassionate care to children.
Yes, laughing gas sedation is safe and well-tolerated by most patients. Our experienced team will discuss your medical history and any concerns before administering sedation to ensure your safety and comfort.
Absolutely! We offer same-day emergency appointments to provide you with the timely care you need.
Ready to experience the Lava Dental difference? We invite you to call 281-741-7400 or book an appointment to experience exceptional dental care in Houston, TX. We are eager to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!
Our Patients Say it Best.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So patient and respectful love the help they give and my kids love it doctors took very care of themTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clean great customer service and greetings are warmTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The visit was awesome.My kids liked it and had no issues. Everyone was super nice and efficient. Glad we chose Lava Dental!!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have good peopleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been coming here for a while, staff is nice & office is clean. Sylvia & Jocelyn were very helpful 🥳Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Y'all are the kindest dentist y'all have the nicest workers and I always complain about the other dentals but y'all are the best one yet I really hope more people come to visit 👍🩷🩵Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice and easy to talk to.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome service….Jocelyn and Sylvia were sooo helpful.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Has been really great service very clean and professional