San Diego Dental FAQ

FAQs

Questions about Cosmetic and Conscious Sedation Dentistry? Ask La Costa Dental Excellence in North County

Many of our patients considering dental procedures understandably have questions about what is involved in these services and how they can receive optimal treatment. Here we offer answer to some of the more common queries. Our dentists, Dr. Stephen Dankworth and Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth, can further inform you of your options and recommend the ideal procedure to address your concerns during a face-to-face consultation. For questions about cosmetic or conscious sedation dentistry, contact North County practice La Costa Dental Excellence. Please choose one of the following questions for more information.

How can I whiten my discolored teeth?
Is teeth whitening safe?
I have missing teeth. What are my options?
Is there a way to avoid braces while straightening my smile?
Are there any services to help those who are apprehensive of dental treatment?
What can I do to eliminate a gap between my teeth?
Can I afford the cosmetic dentistry treatment I need?

How can I whiten my discolored teeth?

Teeth can become dull due to the natural aging process, but other lifestyle choices can also cause teeth to become discolored and retain a yellow or gray tinge. Drinking coffee, tea, soda, and red wine can stain teeth. Smoking also tends to discolor the teeth. Thankfully, the dentists at La Costa Dental Excellence offer multiple options for patients seeking to whiten their teeth professionally. You may opt for Zoom!� whitening, which takes approximately one hour at our practice, or choose from our at-home professional-quality whitening options. Unlike other methods, professional whitening has dramatic results and is visibly effective.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes. The active ingredient in the Zoom!� whitening gel is hydrogen peroxide, which has been safely used by the dental community to whiten teeth for many years. Independent studies by universities such as New York University have found that Zoom!� did not change the underlying structure of the teeth, nor did it damage fillings or tooth enamel.

I have missing teeth. What are my options?

Missing teeth can cause more serious problems than gaps in your smile. Chewing and speaking properly may become difficult. The missing teeth may even cause misalignment of your entire bite as neighboring teeth shift out of place. Dr. Stephen Dankworth and Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth recommend that you restore the gaps in your smile with dental bridges or dental implants. Dental bridges crown the adjacent teeth, which hold a replacement tooth securely in place. Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jaw so that the replacement teeth look and function just like natural teeth. For more information or to determine which option is best for you, please contact our dentists for a consultation.

Is there a way to avoid braces while straightening my smile?

Yes! Thousands of adults have turned to Invisalign® to avoid conspicuous and inconvenient metal braces. Invisalign® features a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are placed in the mouth and gradually shift the teeth into position. The aligners are far more comfortable than braces and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. Learn more about the Invisalign® procedure and find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign® at a consultation with our dentists.

Are there any services to help those who are apprehensive of dental treatment?

Conscious sedation is available at La Costa Dental Excellence for patients who wish to avoid the sights, sounds, and smells associated with dental treatment. Just take a pill before your appointment, have a friend drive you to our office, and wake up comfortably after the procedure has ended.

Our office features numerous amenities designed to make our visitors comfortable. A peaceful office atmosphere with music and a calming waterfall will welcome you to our practice. You will discuss your dental procedure with our doctors in a private consultation room. Patients also enjoy warm blankets and special chair pads while they are treated with dental technology designed to make dentistry more efficient.

What can I do to eliminate a gap between my teeth?

A gap can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry at our North County office. The Invisalign® system gently shifts teeth into position with a series of custom-fitted clear aligners. Gaps may also be concealed with porcelain veneers, thin shells of porcelain that cover the teeth to improve their appearance.

Can I afford the cosmetic dentistry treatment I need?

Our dentists believe everyone deserves to have a beautiful, healthy smile. We offer many cosmetic dentistry financing options at our North County office to ensure that our patients receive affordable treatments that fit their budgets. We accept Care Credit� and Capital One� Healthcare FinanceT payment plans. A simple online application process can tell you if you qualify for these programs.

Have a Question? Ask Us!

For questions about general or cosmetic dentistry in North County, contact our expert dentists. Almost all of our procedures can be combined with conscious sedation. Let La Costa Dental Excellence make you smile with our uniquely comfortable treatments and effective results.