Frequently Asked Dental Questions — West Orange, NJ

How do I know when it is time to come in for a dental checkup?

We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a dental checkup and teeth cleaning visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we’ll let you know. Checkups are important because even if you don’t notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we could find signs of potential concerns. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we’ll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We’ll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.

Do I need dental X-rays?

To provide optimal care, we take bitewing X-rays once a year and a panoramic X-ray every three years. Because we use a digital system, our patients are exposed to far less radiation than with a traditional radiograph. X-rays and intraoral photographs help us track your oral health and address problems early on. If you haven’t had a checkup and X-rays taken in a while, call us for an appointment.

What is a dental implant, and how long do they last?

Dental implants are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once the implants are secured, your dentist will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they usually last a lifetime!

Can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?

Yes. We have two different ways to give you a straighter-looking smile without metal braces: veneers and Invisalign clear braces. Veneers basically just cover crooked teeth helping those with minor misalignments achieve a more cosmetically appealing look. Invisalign clear braces actually correct the problem of crooked teeth right at the source for better function and health.

Do you accept dental insurance?

We are a participating provider with Delta Dental, MetLife, Aetna PPO, and United Healthcare. We also file with your insurance as an out-of-network provider if you’re on another plan. Fitting your dental care into your budget is very important to the team at D&G Dental of West Orange.