Frequently Asked Questions

Come in anyway. We do not judge how long it has been or what condition your teeth are in when you arrive. We start by understanding where you are, explain what we find, and work with you on a plan that fits your life. The most important step is just getting here.

Absolutely. Family scheduling is one of the things that makes Greenwood Springs Family Dental Care work well for busy households. Book everyone at once and make the most of your time.

We handle a wide range of pediatric dental needs in-house. If something requires a specialist, we will refer you to someone we trust and make sure you understand exactly what the next step looks like before you leave.

Yes. We see patients from age one through adulthood. From your youngest child's first visit to routine care for grandparents, we take care of the whole family.

Our in-house Membership Plan covers two cleanings and exams, two fluoride treatments, all necessary X-rays, and free whitening for $289 per year, plus 20% off any additional treatment. It is one of the most affordable plans of its kind in the area.

We are in-network with Delta Dental, BCBS/Anthem, Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Careington, MetLife, GEHA, Tricare, Sun Life, Humana, Principal, United Healthcare, Paramount, and Liberty. If you do not see your plan listed, call us and we will check.

Yes. We can book multiple family members back to back so you get everyone seen in a single visit. Call us and we will find a time that works for your household.

That is completely normal, and we are good at working with anxious kids. We move at their pace, explain what we are doing before we do it, and never rush through an appointment. Let us know ahead of time if your child has any specific fears and we will plan accordingly.

For most patients, every six months is the standard recommendation. Some patients may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their oral health history. We will let you know what makes sense for each member of your family after the first exam.

We recommend bringing children in by age one, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits help us monitor development, catch any concerns before they grow, and get kids comfortable with dental care from the start.

We handle most pediatric dental needs in-house. When a specialist is the right call, we will refer you to someone we trust and make sure you understand exactly what the next step looks like before you leave.

We are in-network with most major dental insurance plans. Call us and we will confirm your coverage before the appointment.

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals, and floss once your child's teeth start touching. We will give you specific guidance at every visit based on your child's age and what we observe.

Call us as soon as possible. We do our best to accommodate same-day appointments for children in pain.

We take X-rays based on each child's individual needs. Typically we begin taking bitewing X-rays once the back teeth are touching, usually around ages three to four.

Every six months for most kids. We will let you know after the first visit if more frequent care makes sense for your child.

We offer laughing gas for children who need help relaxing during treatment. It is safe, fast-acting, and wears off quickly. We will talk through it with you in advance if we think it would help.

We work at your child's pace. We explain each step before we do it, never rush through an appointment, and always check in to make sure your child feels okay. Tell us about any specific fears when you book and we will plan the visit accordingly.

The first visit is low-pressure. We focus on getting your child comfortable, completing a basic exam to check how their teeth are developing, and giving you practical guidance on home care for their age.

We recommend coming in by age one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help us monitor development and get your child comfortable with dental care before any problems arise.

Come in anyway. We do not judge how long it has been or what your teeth look like when you arrive. We start by understanding where you are, walk you through what we find, and build a plan from there. The most important step is making the appointment.

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, limit sugary and acidic drinks, and stay hydrated. If anything changes between visits, a tooth that starts hurting, sensitivity that is new, or anything that feels different, call us rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.

Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings and exams, often at 100 percent. We verify your benefits before your appointment and let you know exactly what to expect. If you do not have insurance, our in-house Membership Plan covers two cleanings and exams per year along with all necessary X-rays.

Absolutely, and you are not alone. Tell us about your anxiety when you call or when you arrive. We will move at your pace, explain everything before we do it, and check in throughout the appointment. Laughing gas is available for patients who want it.

We visually and physically examine the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissue. It takes just a few minutes and is a routine part of every comprehensive exam. Early detection is the most important factor in successful treatment.

Yes. Our digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. The exposure from a full set of dental X-rays is minimal compared to the radiation we encounter in daily life from natural sources.

Not necessarily. How often you need X-rays depends on your oral health history, your age, and what we observe during the exam. We take X-rays when they are clinically necessary, not on a fixed schedule that applies to every patient.

A standard cleaning, called a prophylaxis, removes plaque and tartar from above and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, goes further below the gumline to treat gum disease. We will let you know if your situation calls for one after your exam.

For most patients, a routine cleaning and exam is straightforward and comfortable. If you have sensitive gums or significant buildup, some areas may feel tender during cleaning. Let us know if anything is uncomfortable and we will adjust.

For most adults, every six months is the standard recommendation. Some patients with a higher risk of cavities or gum disease benefit from visits every three to four months. We will tell you what makes sense for you after your exam.

Wear a mouthguard during contact sports. Do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles. Stay current with your regular checkups so small problems are caught before they become urgent ones. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom night guard to protect your enamel.

Call our office number. Our voicemail provides guidance for after-hours situations. For severe swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any symptom that feels medically serious, go to an emergency room.

Mild occasional sensitivity is usually not an emergency. Severe, persistent, or throbbing pain, especially combined with swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, suggests an infection and needs to be seen promptly. When in doubt, call us.

Call us the same way you would for an adult patient. We see pediatric dental emergencies and do our best to get children in quickly. Describe what happened when you call and we will give you guidance on what to do while you wait to be seen.

Most dental insurance plans include some coverage for emergency visits. We verify your benefits before your appointment and give you a clear picture of what to expect at checkout. If you do not have insurance, ask about our in-house Membership Plan or financing options through CareCredit and Cherry.

Call us right away. A dental abscess is an infection that will not resolve on its own and can become serious quickly if left untreated. If we cannot see you immediately and you have significant swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room.

It depends on the severity. A minor chip with no pain can usually be addressed at your next scheduled visit. A crack that is causing sharp pain, sensitivity to pressure, or involves the inner layers of the tooth needs prompt attention. Call us and we will help you assess the situation.

Keep the tooth moist. Place it back in the socket if you can, or store it between your cheek and gum, or in a container of milk. Call us immediately. The faster you are seen, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

Any situation involving severe pain, swelling, infection, a knocked-out tooth, or significant damage to a tooth or restoration qualifies as an emergency. If you are unsure, call us and describe what is happening. We will help you determine how quickly you need to be seen.

We do our best to accommodate same-day appointments for patients in pain. Call us as soon as possible and we will find the earliest available time. We do not accept walk-ins, so calling ahead ensures we are ready for you when you arrive.

We will tell you at your consultation and explain your alternatives clearly. We do not recommend treatment that is not appropriate for your situation.

We fit you for a custom retainer to hold your teeth in their new position. Without one, your teeth will gradually shift back. Wearing your retainer as directed is what keeps your smile permanent.

Some patients notice a slight adjustment with certain sounds in the first few days of a new set. Most people adapt within a day or two and find it does not affect their speech in any meaningful way.

Yes. You remove your aligners to eat and drink anything other than water, so there are no food restrictions. Rinse or brush before putting them back in.

Your treatment will take longer and your results will be less predictable. The aligners need 20 to 22 hours of daily wear to move your teeth on schedule. Consistency is the most important factor in getting results on time.

Most patients feel some pressure for a day or two when switching to a new set of aligners. That is a normal sign the aligners are working. It is much more manageable than the soreness that follows traditional braces adjustments.

Yes. No cost, no commitment. You come in, we assess your teeth, and you decide if you want to move forward.

Many dental and orthodontic plans include some coverage for Invisalign. We verify your benefits before your consultation so you walk in knowing what to expect.

It depends on the complexity and length of your case. We go over pricing in full at your consultation, confirm your insurance coverage, and walk you through financing options before you make any decisions.

Most cases finish in 12 to 18 months. Simpler cases can be done in six months or less. You will get a realistic estimate at your consultation based on your specific tooth movement.

Coverage varies. Some plans cover the restorative crown, others do not cover implants at all. We verify your benefits before your evaluation so there are no surprises.

It depends on your specific treatment plan and whether bone grafting is involved. We go over the full cost at your evaluation and confirm your insurance coverage before you make any decisions. Financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry.

Age alone is not a disqualifying factor. Bone density, gum health, and overall health matter more. We evaluate every patient individually.

Brush twice a day, floss around it, and keep up with your regular cleanings. No special tools or maintenance required.

Active gum disease needs to be treated first. It is one of the leading causes of implant failure. We address it before moving forward and confirm your gum health is stable.

Some patients need a bone graft before placement to rebuild the jawbone. It is a common, predictable procedure. We discuss it at your evaluation if it applies to you.

Implant placement requires surgical training. We partner with a specialist for that step and focus on restoring the implant and managing your overall treatment.

Four to eight months from placement to final crown. Most of that is healing time. The appointments themselves are straightforward.

Placement is done under local anesthesia. Most patients describe post-procedure discomfort as mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Swelling and soreness typically resolve within a few days.

The implant post is designed to be permanent. With proper care, it can last a lifetime. The crown typically lasts 15 to 25 years before it may need replacement.

No. Implant placement is performed by a trusted oral surgeon. We handle the planning, coordination, and final restoration.

Most patients with healthy teeth and gums qualify. Active decay or gum disease needs to be addressed first. We evaluate your oral health at your consultation and give you a direct answer.

Veneers are cosmetic and typically not covered. We go over full costs at your consultation and offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry.

No. Brush twice a day, floss, and keep up with cleanings. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, as grinding is the most common cause of veneer damage.

It depends on your goals. Some patients want one chip corrected. Others want to address everything visible when they smile. We discuss what makes sense for your specific situation.

Porcelain is fabricated in a lab, more durable, and stain-resistant. Composite is applied in a single visit, costs less, but does not last as long and is more prone to staining. We help you weigh both options at your consultation.

Yes. Because enamel is removed during preparation, the tooth will always need to be covered. Veneers are a long-term commitment, and we make sure they are the right choice for your situation before moving forward.

No. Porcelain does not respond to whitening. If you want a lighter shade, we whiten your natural teeth first and match the veneers to that result.

Yes. We match the shade and shape to complement your surrounding teeth and your face. The goal is a result that looks like it was always there.

Most patients feel minimal discomfort. We use local anesthetic during the preparation appointment. Some sensitivity after preparation is normal and resolves once the permanent veneers are placed.

Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years. Composite veneers last five to seven. How long yours last depends on your home care habits and whether you grind your teeth.

Most patients with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates. Active decay, gum disease, or certain types of intrinsic staining may affect your candidacy or your results. We evaluate your oral health before treatment and give you a straight answer about what whitening can and cannot do for your smile.

Whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by dental insurance. We go over costs at your appointment and can discuss financing options if needed.

Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Rinse with water after consuming staining foods or drinks. Brush twice daily and keep up with your regular cleanings. We can provide touch-up trays to freshen your results as needed.

No. Professional whitening works well on extrinsic and enamel staining from food, drinks, tobacco, and aging. Intrinsic staining from tetracycline or fluorosis does not respond to bleaching. If whitening is not the right solution for your staining, we will tell you and discuss alternatives like veneers.

Both use professional-strength Opalescence. In-office whitening delivers faster, more dramatic results in a single appointment. Take-home whitening gives you more control over the pace and is a good fit for patients with sensitivity or a flexible timeline. We help you choose based on your goals.

Whitening agents do not affect crowns, veneers, or composite restorations. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, whitening your natural teeth may create a mismatch in shade. We assess this before treatment and discuss your options.

Most patients maintain their results for one to three years depending on diet and habits. Avoiding heavy staining foods and drinks and using a whitening toothpaste between visits helps extend your results. Touch-up treatments are straightforward when needed.

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment. It typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know before treatment begins and we will adjust accordingly.

Yes. Opalescence is a clinically tested system used by dental professionals. We assess your teeth and gums before treatment to make sure you are a good candidate and to minimize the risk of sensitivity.

Results vary depending on the type and severity of your staining and the option you choose. Most patients see several shades of improvement. We give you a realistic expectation at your assessment based on your starting point.