Dental FAQs in Parma Heights OH

A. We recommend coming in for a check-up and professional cleaning at least twice a year to keep your teeth and gums healthy. But if it’s been a while—even a few years—don’t worry. It’s never too late to get back on track, and we’re here to help you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way.

The most commonly scheduled appointments are:

• routine checkups, x-rays, and a preventative cleaning
• emergency exam and single x-ray

For both, dental insurance will typically cover these in full after which we will go over any needed treatment and the estimated out-of-pocket cost after insurance.

Absolutely! We always try to fit in patients for same-day appointments for dental emergencies. Walk-in appointments are welcome too!

Cavities can cause dark spots, tooth sensitivity, discomfort, pain, swelling, or broken teeth. Gum disease may result in swollen, red, or bleeding gums and bad breath. Regular check-ups help to catch problems early and avoid more serious problems or infections.

Good oral hygiene starts with simple daily habits. Brush and floss after meals to maintain healthy teeth. Tooth decay happens when food particles are left on or between the teeth—these particles feed bacteria that produce acid, which can damage your tooth enamel over time. To help protect your smile, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, contact York Dental for an appointment and we will schedule you at the soonest available. For a knocked out tooth, see advice at this link. For life-threatening situations (e.g., severe facial injury, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, severe swelling of your face), call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that most closely resembles natural teeth.

Yes! We may avoid taking x-rays unless necessary and we may ask your doctor to advise whether dental treatment can proceed or if it is advised to wait till after your delivery.

Teeth whitening is only advised after any decay or cavities are treated. You should also be aware that dental fillings or crowns will not be affected by the whitening material, therefore, consult with the dentist first before you try whitening products. We offer custom take home whitening treatment which comes with custom trays that allow the bleach to be spread evenly and work better than most over-the-counter whitening treatments.

Some causes may be bacteria, decay, and gum disease. Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and don't delay treatment to help reduce or eliminate bad breath symptoms.

During the treatment, the area will be numbed well and you will not feel any pain. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness after the procedure but it will subside after a few days.

Even with good brushing and flossing habits, other factors can still lead to cavities. Frequent snacking, sugary or acidic drinks, dry mouth, and even genetics can all play a role. Acid from certain foods and drinks can weaken your enamel, making it easier for cavities to form. To lower your risk, limit sugary and acidic snacks, drink plenty of water, and make sure you’re getting regular dental checkups to catch issues early.

After your check in at the front desk, you will be asked to complete the new patient registration forms with contact information, medical history, allergies, medications, and insurance information. Then you will be seen by the hygienist who will start with your diagnostic xrays and images. A screening for gum disease will take place which may involve pocket measurements between your teeth and gums. If you have healthy gums, the hygienist will begin the preventative cleaning of your teeth. After the cleaning, the doctor will examine your teeth to check for cavities or dental problems. The doctor and the hygienist will discuss the needed treatment and any options. If needed, a custom treatment plan is created for you to estimate any insurance coverage and plan for future appointments.

Not necessarily! Mild superficial staining can be removed at your professional dental cleaning appointment. More severe staining may require whitening treatment.