Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Quick answers about our office, dental implants, and other common services.
About Southland Dental Care
What to expect, new patient info, and visit basics.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes. We welcome new patients and begin with a comprehensive exam and personalized treatment plan.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first visit includes a review of your health history, an exam, and any needed imaging to guide recommendations.
Do you treat dental emergencies?
Yes. We provide urgent care for pain, swelling, infections, broken teeth, and other dental emergencies.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
We do our best to accommodate same-day visits for urgent concerns and dental pain.
What technology do you use?
We use modern imaging and diagnostic tools to improve accuracy, comfort, and treatment planning.
Dental Implants
Basics, healing, candidacy, and long-term care.
What are dental implants?
Titanium posts placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots and support crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations.
Am I a candidate for implants?
Candidacy depends on bone support, gum health, and overall health, which we evaluate during your consultation.
How long does the implant process take?
Timelines vary based on healing and whether additional procedures are needed before the final restoration.
Do implants look natural?
Implant restorations are designed to match your surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.
How long do implants last?
With proper care and regular visits, implants can last many years and often decades.
Is implant surgery painful?
Local anesthesia is used, and most patients report mild soreness afterward that resolves within a few days.
Full-Arch Implants & Denture Stabilization
Options for replacing many or all teeth.
What is a full-arch implant solution?
A fixed restoration supported by multiple implants to replace an entire upper or lower arch.
What’s the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
The difference is the number of implants used to support the arch, based on bone support and bite forces.
Can I convert my dentures to implants?
Many patients transition from removable dentures to implant-supported options for improved stability.
Are full-arch teeth removable?
Some are fixed and some are removable for cleaning. Your plan determines which option is recommended.
General Dentistry
Exams, cleanings, fillings, and prevention.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most patients benefit from checkups every six months.
What happens during a cleaning?
Plaque and tartar are removed, gums are evaluated, and your teeth are polished.
Do you treat gum disease?
Yes. Treatment may include deep cleanings and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Do you offer tooth-colored fillings?
Yes. Composite fillings blend with natural teeth for a seamless look.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants protect back teeth from cavities by sealing deep grooves.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Whitening, veneers, bonding, and smile design.
What cosmetic treatments do you offer?
Whitening, bonding, veneers, and gum contouring to enhance your smile.
How long does whitening last?
Results can last months with proper care and occasional touch-ups.
What are veneers?
Thin custom shells that improve the color, shape, and alignment of teeth.
Can cosmetic dentistry fix chipped teeth?
Yes. Bonding or veneers can restore shape and symmetry.
Oral Surgery & Extractions
Extractions, bone grafting, and surgical care.
When is an extraction necessary?
When a tooth cannot be saved due to decay, fracture, or infection.
Do you offer bone grafting?
Bone grafting can rebuild areas of bone loss to support implants.
How long is recovery after an extraction?
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Insurance, Cost & Financing
Coverage basics and treatment estimates.
Do you accept dental insurance?
We work with many plans and help review your benefits.
Does insurance cover implants?
Coverage varies. Some plans contribute to parts of treatment.
Do you offer financing?
Financing options may be available for larger treatments.
How do I get a cost estimate?
After an exam and imaging, we provide a detailed treatment plan with pricing.
