FAQ

A dental checkup is a routine visit to a dentist, where your oral health is assessed. It typically includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth, a professional cleaning, and sometimes X-rays. The goal is to maintain your oral health by detecting and treating any issues early.

The American Dental Association recommends that adults and children should visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. However, depending on your individual oral health, your dentist might suggest more frequent visits.

During your visit to Fame Dental:

• Our dental hygienist will clean plaque and tartar off your teeth, polish your teeth, and floss.
• Dr. Merchant will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, and other health issues.
• Depending on your situation, we may take digital X-rays to identify problems beneath the surface of your gums and teeth.

Regular dental checkups are crucial because they:

• Help prevent dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
• Allow for early detection of problems, which can lead to simpler and less expensive treatments.
• Contribute to overall health by reducing the risk of certain diseases linked to poor oral health.

Most people find dental checkups painless. However, if you have sensitive teeth or gums, you might experience some discomfort. We strive to make your visit as comfortable as possible and can provide options to help manage any anxiety or sensitivity.

Dental anxiety is common, and at Fame Dental, we take special care to ensure our patients feel relaxed and comfortable. We offer various amenities and sedation options to help ease your anxiety and make your visit pleasant.

At Fame Dental, we offer promotional pricing: $69 for adult complete checkups and $39 for children’s complete checkups. We accept most major insurance plans and offer various payment options to accommodate your financial needs.

To maintain good oral health between checkups:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen breath.
• Avoid sugary snacks and drinks which can lead to tooth decay.

Absolutely! We provide dental checkups for children as well as adults. Our friendly and professional team is experienced in making children feel at ease during their visit.

Crowns are recommended for teeth that are:

• Broken or worn down.
• Weakened by tooth decay or large fillings.
• Significantly discolored or poorly shaped.
• Have undergone root canal treatment.

Bridges are recommended for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite.

Getting a crown or bridge usually requires two visits to our practice:

1. First Visit: Dr. Merchant will prepare the tooth/teeth involved, which may include recontouring these teeth to allow room for a crown or bridge. Impressions of your teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the crown, bridge, false tooth, or teeth will be made by a dental lab.
2. Second Visit: Once your custom crown or bridge is ready, you'll return for placement. Dr. Merchant will ensure the fit and color are perfect before permanently cementing it into place.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, crowns and bridges can last a lifetime. However, it's not uncommon for them to become loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene.

Modern dental procedures for placing crowns and bridges are generally not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area during the procedure to ensure you are comfortable. Some sensitivity or discomfort may be experienced after the anesthesia wears off, but this should subside quickly.

Care for crowns and bridges just like you would your natural teeth:

• Brush at least twice a day.
• Floss daily to keep the area around the crown or bridge clean.
• Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects.

The cost of crowns and bridges varies depending on several factors, including the materials used and the complexity of the placement. Fame Dental accepts most major insurance plans, which can help cover a portion of the cost. We also offer financing options to ensure our treatments are affordable.

If you think you might need a crown or bridge, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Amit Merchant at Fame Dental. We will assess your specific needs, discuss your options, and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Modern root canal treatments are performed using advanced techniques and effective local anesthesia, making the procedure as painless as possible. Most patients report that the process feels similar to having a filling placed. Any discomfort typically felt after the procedure can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

A root canal usually requires one or two visits to complete. Each visit may last between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the tooth and the severity of the infection.

Symptoms indicating the need for a root canal include:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.
• Prolonged sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed).
• Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.
• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.

After a root canal treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This sensitivity or discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.

Root canal treatments are highly successful, with more than a 95% success rate. Many teeth fixed with a root canal can last a lifetime.

After your root canal treatment, you should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored by a dentist. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.

In most cases, a tooth that has had a root canal treatment will need a crown to protect and restore it to full function. Dr. Merchant will discuss with you the need for any additional dental work following your root canal.

The cost of a root canal varies depending on the complexity of the problem and which tooth is affected. Generally, root canal treatment is much less expensive than having a tooth removed and replaced with a bridge or implant. Fame Dental accepts most major insurance plans and offers financing options to help manage the cost of treatment.

If you think you might need a root canal or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact Fame Dental in Frisco, TX, to schedule an evaluation. Our team is ready to provide you with the care you need and answer any further questions you may have.

At Fame Dental, we prioritize your comfort. The extraction area will be numbed with local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. After the extraction, there may be some discomfort, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and following post-operative care instructions provided by our team.

Recovery time varies depending on the individual case and the complexity of the extraction. Generally, the initial healing phase takes one to two weeks. Full healing of the gum and bone can take several more weeks. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to help speed up your recovery and minimize discomfort.

Post-extraction care is crucial for healing and includes:

• Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours to reduce bleeding.
• Ice Pack: Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling.
• Diet: Eat soft foods and avoid hot beverages and spicy foods for the first few days.
• Cleaning: Continue brushing and flossing your teeth, but avoid the extraction site until it has healed.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can inhibit healing and should be avoided.

While tooth extraction is generally safe, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks. These can include infection, prolonged bleeding, dry socket, and damage to adjacent teeth or jawbone. We take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.

The cost of a tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional procedures are required. Fame Dental accepts most major insurance plans, which can significantly offset the cost. We also offer financing options to make the procedure more affordable.

If you receive local anesthesia only, you may be able to drive yourself home. However, if you opt for sedation, you will need someone to drive you home as you may be groggy and temporarily unable to drive safely.

Whenever possible, we strive to save your natural teeth. Alternatives to extraction may include dental fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy, depending on the condition of the tooth and the specific dental issue.

If you think you might need a tooth extraction or if you're experiencing dental pain, contact Fame Dental in Frisco, TX, today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to provide expert care and answer any further questions you may have.

Proper care is crucial to extend the life of your dentures and maintain oral health:

• Clean them daily using a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleanser.
• Keep dentures moist when not in use to maintain their shape.
• Handle them with care to avoid bending or damaging the material.

Initially, new dentures may feel a little odd or loose until the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to keep them in place. However, they should become more comfortable over time. Any persistent discomfort should be addressed by your dentist.

With proper care, dentures typically last between 5 to 7 years before needing replacement due to normal wear or changes in your gums and jawbone.

It is recommended to remove dentures at night to allow your gum tissues to rest and to promote oral hygiene. However, follow the specific advice of your dentist regarding the long-term care of your dentures.

The cost of dentures varies based on the type of dentures chosen and the preparatory work needed for your gums and jaw. At Fame Dental, we provide detailed pricing information during your consultation and offer various payment and financing options to accommodate your budget.

Immediately try to place the tooth back in its socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva and get to a dentist immediately. Time is crucial for the successful reimplantation of the tooth.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean it out and reduce swelling. You may also use over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid applying a painkiller directly to the gum as it can burn the tissue.

A severe toothache that causes significant pain or is accompanied by fever, swelling, or taste of infection could indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention.

If you are in severe pain, have lost a tooth, or have a loose tooth, it’s an emergency. Significant infection or risk of infection are also emergencies.

Yes, infections, especially those causing severe pain or swelling, need to be treated immediately to prevent spreading.

Contact us immediately. In the meantime, a cold compress can help alleviate pain and swelling.

Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when performed under the supervision of a dentist. Dr. Merchant uses safe, effective products and techniques to ensure your teeth and gums are protected throughout the process.

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The longevity of teeth whitening results varies depending on your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. With proper care, you can expect your smile to stay bright for several months to a year. Avoiding staining foods and beverages and maintaining good oral hygiene can prolong your results.

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity after teeth whitening. Dr. Merchant takes steps to minimize sensitivity, and we can recommend products to help manage any discomfort you may experience.

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It’s generally recommended to wait at least six months to a year between professional whitening treatments. Over-whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity and enamel damage, so it’s important to follow Dr. Merchant’s advice on the appropriate frequency for your treatments.

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