Frequently Asked Questions

Use the Book Appointment button anywhere on this site to send us your request, or give the office a call. Walk-ins are always welcome, and we reserve time every day for patients who need to be seen urgently.

Bring a valid photo ID and your insurance card. If you have records or X-rays from a previous dentist, bring those too; it saves time and avoids duplicate imaging. Let the front desk know if you have dental anxiety, a complex history, or anything specific you'd like the doctor to be aware of before you go back.

Call us as soon as you know. We ask for as much notice as possible so we can offer the time to another patient who needs it, and we'll get you rescheduled at the earliest available opening.

Yes. Walk-ins are welcome, and we offer same-day emergency appointments. If you are in pain, call us first so we can prepare before you arrive and get you into a chair as quickly as possible.

Most checkups take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on how much buildup needs to be removed and whether X-rays are taken that day. If it's your first visit, plan for a little extra time to complete paperwork and give your doctor a full picture of your health history.

Yes. We care for patients at every stage of life, including cleanings, fluoride, sealants, crowns, Phase 1 orthodontics, and emergency care for children. One practice handles every member of your household.

Yes, and it's more common than most people think. Let us know when you book so your doctor and hygienist can adjust their approach from the start. Blankets, pillows, and music are available, we explain each step before we do it, and no one here will make you feel rushed or judged.

Sí. Dr. Taylor lived in Argentina and is fully fluent in Spanish, and so is our hygienist. Every step of your care is available in Spanish, with no interpreter needed.

We accept all PPO dental insurance plans and Medicare dental supplemental coverage, which makes us one of the few Richardson practices that does. Bring your insurance card to your first visit and we'll handle the verification.

Yes. We verify your benefits before your visit at no charge, so you know what to expect before you sit down rather than finding out at checkout.

You are still welcome here. We accept cash and all major cards, including Apple Pay, and we offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry. Our front desk team can walk you through all three options before you commit to anything.

Most patients do well with cleanings every six months. Patients with active gum disease, dry mouth, a history of frequent cavities, or certain systemic conditions may need to come in every three to four months. Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on your specific situation, not a blanket policy.

Your first visit will include a full exam, X-rays, and a cleaning. If decay, gum disease, or other issues have developed, we'll walk you through what we find and help you prioritize. Patients in this situation are not uncommon, and you won't be made to feel bad about it.

Not necessarily. How often X-rays are recommended depends on your age, oral health history, and cavity risk. We follow clinical guidelines and won't recommend X-rays more frequently than your situation warrants. For new patients, a full set of X-rays gives us a baseline to compare against in future visits.

Yes. Most dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, and oral cancer, develop without causing pain until they've progressed significantly. A checkup is how we catch problems at the stage where they're easiest and least expensive to treat.

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, extends further below the gumline to clean the root surfaces and address the bacterial buildup associated with gum disease. We recommend it only when exam findings indicate it's clinically necessary.

For most cavities, yes. Modern composite materials bond directly to the tooth structure, require less removal of healthy tooth than metal fillings, and are well-suited to small and medium-sized restorations. For very large restorations, your doctor will advise on the most appropriate material.

A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth to eliminate pain and save the tooth from extraction. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients report that the pain before the root canal was significantly worse than the procedure itself.

A night guard is a custom-fitted appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. Signs you may need one include worn or flattened teeth, jaw soreness in the morning, frequent headaches, and sensitivity. We check for evidence of grinding at every exam and will let you know if we see it.

Persistent bad breath is most commonly caused by bacteria on the tongue, between teeth, and below the gumline. Gum disease, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions can also contribute. A professional cleaning, improved home care, and treatment of any underlying gum disease resolve most cases. If the source isn't dental, we'll let you know.

Yes, and it's more common than most people think. Let us know when you book so your doctor and hygienist can adjust their approach from the start. We explain each step before we do it, take breaks when needed, and move at your pace. Blankets, pillows, and music are available, and no one here will make you feel rushed or judged.

Most checkups take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on how much buildup needs to be removed and whether X-rays are taken that day. If it's your first visit, plan for a little extra time to complete paperwork and give your doctor a full picture of your health history.

Let us know when you book. We'll make sure your provider is prepared to go at your pace, explain each step before doing it, and take breaks as needed. Blankets, pillows, and music are available, and you won't be rushed or made to feel judged for being nervous.

For most patients, a routine cleaning is comfortable. If your gums are sensitive or there's significant buildup below the gumline, you may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during cleaning. If anything is uncomfortable, let your hygienist know and they'll adjust.

Not necessarily. X-ray frequency depends on your age, oral health history, and risk factors. We follow clinical guidelines and only recommend X-rays when they're warranted. New patients typically receive a full set of X-rays to establish a baseline.

Your doctor will explain the finding, show you the X-ray or intraoral image, and discuss your options. For most cavities, a composite filling is all that's needed. We'll let you know whether it needs to be addressed promptly or can be scheduled at your convenience.

Yes. Cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer typically develop without symptoms until they've progressed. A checkup is how problems get caught at the stage where treatment is straightforward rather than complex.

Tartar, also called calculus, is hardened plaque that has mineralized onto the tooth surface. Once it forms, it can't be removed by brushing or flossing. It provides a rough surface for more bacteria to accumulate and is a primary driver of gum disease. Professional cleaning tools are required to remove it safely.

Common signs include bleeding when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession. That said, gum disease can be present without obvious symptoms, which is why we measure pocket depths at every exam rather than relying on patient-reported symptoms alone.

Yes, and it's encouraged. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease and inflammation, making regular dental care especially important. Let us know you're pregnant so we can take appropriate precautions with X-rays and any recommended treatment.

Call us as soon as you know. We ask for as much notice as possible so we can offer the time to another patient who needs it. We'll get you rescheduled at the earliest available opening.

Most same-day crown appointments take between 90 minutes and two hours from preparation through bonding. The milling process itself takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes while you wait.

Yes. Same-day crowns are milled from high-strength ceramic that is comparable in durability to the materials used in traditional lab-fabricated crowns. With proper care, a same-day crown can last 15 years or more.

Yes. The ceramic is color-matched to your surrounding teeth before milling. Most patients find their crown indistinguishable from their natural teeth.

The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before preparation, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity in the days following placement is normal and typically resolves on its own within one to two weeks.

Treat it like a natural tooth. Brush twice daily, floss daily, and attend regular cleanings and checkups. Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or chewing on hard objects like ice, which can chip or crack any crown regardless of material.

It is uncommon, but crowns can come loose if the bonding is compromised by decay at the margin or physical trauma. If your crown feels loose or comes off, contact us promptly. Do not attempt to reattach it yourself.

Not always, but it is recommended in most cases. Root canal treatment removes the inner pulp of the tooth, which leaves it more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown protects the tooth from cracking under the pressure of normal biting and chewing. Your doctor will advise based on how much tooth structure remains.

Most PPO dental plans cover crowns the same way regardless of how they are fabricated. Coverage typically applies to a percentage of the fee after your deductible. We verify your benefits before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket costs in advance.

With proper care, most crowns last 15 to 25 years. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, the forces your crown is subjected to, and whether any new decay develops at the margin of the crown. Regular checkups allow us to monitor the crown and address any issues before they become larger problems.

A crown covers the entire visible tooth above the gumline and is used primarily for structural restoration. A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth and is used primarily for cosmetic improvement. Crowns require more tooth preparation and are appropriate when the tooth has been structurally compromised; veneers are used when the underlying tooth is healthy but the appearance needs correction.

With proper care, the implant post is designed to be permanent. The crown attached to it typically lasts 15 to 25 years before it may need replacement due to normal wear. Regular cleanings and checkups are important for long-term implant health.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Some soreness and swelling in the days following surgery is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients find the recovery easier than they expected.

From consultation to final restoration, a single implant typically takes three to nine months depending on whether grafting is needed and how quickly osseointegration occurs. Your doctor will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation.

No. There is no upper age limit. Older patients are evaluated on bone density, gum health, and overall health rather than age. Many of our implant patients are seniors looking for a stable alternative to dentures.

Implant failure is uncommon but possible. The most common causes are infection at the implant site, insufficient osseointegration, and smoking. Following post-operative care instructions and maintaining regular checkups significantly reduces the risk.

Yes. The crown is custom-fabricated to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. Most patients find their implant indistinguishable from their natural teeth.

Coverage varies by plan. Some PPO plans include a benefit for implants; others cover the crown but not the surgical placement. We verify your coverage before treatment begins so you have a clear picture of costs before committing to anything.

A bridge replaces a missing tooth by crowning the two adjacent teeth and suspending a false tooth between them. It doesn't replace the tooth root, so bone loss at the missing tooth site continues. An implant replaces both the root and the crown, preserves bone, and leaves adjacent teeth untouched.

Once fully healed, yes. Implants function like natural teeth with no dietary restrictions. During the healing period following placement, a soft food diet is recommended to avoid putting pressure on the implant site.

Denture stabilization uses implants to anchor a denture so it stays firmly in place without shifting or adhesive. It is a good option for patients who want significantly more stability and comfort than a conventional removable denture provides, without committing to a full fixed restoration.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age seven. At this point, enough permanent teeth have come in for a provider to identify developing issues with bite, spacing, and jaw development. Most children this age won't need treatment yet, but early evaluation allows us to monitor and intervene at the right time if needed.

Common reasons adults seek orthodontic treatment include crowding, spacing, an overbite or underbite, teeth that have shifted after previous treatment, and cosmetic concerns. A consultation and clinical exam will give you a clear picture of what's going on and what your options are.

For mild to moderate cases, yes. Clear aligners are highly effective for crowding, spacing, and many bite issues. For more complex cases involving significant bite correction or precise tooth movement, traditional braces offer greater control. Your doctor will advise which option is appropriate for your situation.

Treatment length depends on the complexity of the case. Clear aligner therapy for mild to moderate cases typically takes 12 to 18 months. Traditional braces for more complex cases can take 18 months to three years. Phase 1 pediatric treatment usually lasts 9 to 12 months.

Some discomfort is normal, particularly in the first few days after starting treatment or after an adjustment. This is usually described as pressure or soreness rather than sharp pain and typically resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief is effective for most patients.

Yes. After active treatment ends, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original position. A retainer holds them in place while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize. Most patients wear a retainer nightly long-term to maintain their results.

In most cases, yes. Crowns, veneers, and bridges can affect how brackets bond or how aligners fit, and your doctor will factor existing restorations into your treatment plan. A thorough exam and X-rays will identify any considerations before treatment begins.

Contact us as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may recommend moving to the next tray or reordering the current one. Going without an aligner for an extended period can allow teeth to shift, so prompt communication matters.

Many PPO dental plans include an orthodontic benefit, typically covering a percentage of treatment up to a lifetime maximum. Coverage varies significantly by plan. We verify your benefits before treatment begins so you know exactly what's covered and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.

An overbite refers to how much the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth. An overjet refers to how far the upper front teeth protrude horizontally beyond the lower teeth. Both are common and treatable with orthodontic care, but they describe different aspects of how the teeth meet and are addressed differently depending on severity.

Most providers recommend removing problematic wisdom teeth in the late teens or early twenties, when the roots are not yet fully formed and the bone is less dense. Earlier removal generally means a simpler procedure and faster recovery. That said, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age when symptoms or imaging warrant it.

No. Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, properly aligned, and accessible for cleaning do not always need to be removed. The decision is based on your imaging, your symptoms, and your risk for future problems. We will give you a straightforward recommendation based on what we actually see.

The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and should not be painful. Post-operative discomfort varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. Most patients manage well with over-the-counter pain relief. Prescription medication is provided when clinically appropriate.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed, exposing the underlying bone. It is the most common complication following wisdom tooth extraction. To reduce the risk, avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or spitting forcefully for at least 72 hours after the procedure.

Not immediately. Stick to soft foods for the first several days and avoid anything hard, crunchy, or chewy that could disturb the extraction site. Good options include yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hot foods and drinks for the first 24 hours.

Most patients recover from straightforward extractions within three to five days. Surgical extractions involving impacted teeth may take up to a week or longer. Swelling typically peaks at 48 to 72 hours and gradually improves. Full tissue healing takes several weeks, though most patients return to normal activity well before that.

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that cannot fully erupt because it is blocked by the adjacent molar, bone, or gum tissue. It may be partially visible above the gum or entirely beneath the surface. Impacted teeth are more complex to remove than fully erupted ones and carry a higher risk of infection, cyst formation, and damage to neighboring teeth if left in place.

Yes. Some degree of swelling is a normal part of the healing response. Applying an ice pack to the outside of the face for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours helps reduce swelling. Most swelling resolves within three to five days.

Contact us promptly. Signs of infection include worsening pain after the first few days, swelling that is increasing rather than improving, fever, and discharge from the extraction site. Infections following extractions are treatable but need to be addressed quickly.

Yes, and it is more common than most people expect. Let us know when you book so your provider can prepare accordingly. We explain each step before we do it, move at your pace, and make sure you are comfortable before we begin. If your anxiety is significant, ask about your options at your consultation.

We see emergency patients the same day and welcome walk-ins. If you are experiencing swelling that is affecting your airway or ability to swallow, go to an emergency room immediately.

If you are in significant pain, have visible damage to a tooth, are experiencing swelling, or have lost a restoration leaving a tooth exposed and sensitive, call us. When in doubt, it is always better to call and let us help you assess the situation than to wait and allow a problem to worsen.

Sometimes, yes. The most important factor is time. A tooth reimplanted within 30 minutes has the best chance of survival. Call us immediately and follow the steps outlined above for the best possible outcome.

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or other parts of the body. Symptoms include severe throbbing pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. Call us immediately if you suspect an abscess.

It depends on the extent of the break. A small chip that isn't causing pain or sensitivity can usually wait for a scheduled appointment. A break that has exposed the inner layer of the tooth, caused significant pain, or left sharp edges that are cutting the tongue or cheek should be seen the same day.

Call us to schedule a same-day appointment. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Over-the-counter dental cement can temporarily protect the exposed tooth until you are seen. Do not leave a lost crown or filling unaddressed for long, as the exposed tooth can decay or crack quickly.

Urgent care clinics and emergency rooms can address pain with medication, but they cannot treat the underlying dental problem. Antibiotics or pain relief from an urgent care visit buys time but does not resolve the issue. A dental office is always the appropriate place for dental emergencies.

Our emergency exam is available for $1. Beyond the exam, treatment costs depend on what your situation requires. We verify your insurance and walk you through your options and estimated costs before beginning any treatment.

Call our office. If you are experiencing swelling affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, uncontrolled bleeding, or any other symptoms that feel medically serious, go to your nearest emergency room.

Yes. We provide emergency care for patients of all ages, including children. If your child is in pain, has a broken tooth, or has experienced dental trauma, call us and we will get them in the same day.

We offer porcelain, composite, and glass-ceramic veneers, professional teeth whitening, clear aligner therapy, and coordinated smile makeover planning. All cosmetic treatment is planned alongside your overall oral health care.

It depends on what you want to change and your current oral health. A consultation is the right starting point. Your doctor will assess your teeth and gums, discuss your goals, and help you understand which options are appropriate and in what sequence.

Preparation is done under local anesthesia. Some sensitivity in the days following is normal and temporary. Once bonded in place, most patients have no ongoing discomfort.

Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 20 years with proper care. Composite veneers generally last five to seven years. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, and habits like grinding or chewing on hard objects.

Whitening does not affect the color of crowns, veneers, or composite restorations. If you have visible restorations, your doctor will factor them into the plan. In some cases, whitening first and then replacing restorations to match the new shade is the most effective approach.

Most patients see results last one to three years. Diet and habits are the primary factors; coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco accelerate restaining. Touch-up treatments are shorter and less intensive than the initial session.

Most cosmetic procedures are elective and not covered. Exceptions exist when a procedure has a restorative function alongside the cosmetic one. We verify your benefits before treatment and walk you through costs before anything is scheduled.

In some cases, yes. Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface and is performed in-house. Whether it is the right approach depends on the underlying cause of the gummy appearance, which we assess at your consultation.

Whitening is appropriate for staining from food, drinks, or tobacco. Veneers are the better option when discoloration doesn't respond to whitening, or when there are additional concerns like chips, gaps, or uneven shape to address at the same time.

Your oral health needs to be in good standing first. Active decay, gum disease, or bite problems are addressed before cosmetic treatment begins. Cosmetic work placed over an unhealthy foundation will not hold up or look right over time.

Yes. A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth surface during preparation, which means the tooth will always need a veneer or other restoration going forward. This is why we assess candidacy carefully before recommending them.

Porcelain and glass-ceramic veneers typically last 10 to 20 years with proper care. Composite veneers generally last five to seven years. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, and habits like grinding or chewing on hard objects.

Yes, when they are well-designed and properly matched. Porcelain and glass-ceramic closely mimic how natural enamel reflects light. Color, shape, and proportion are planned to complement your facial features, not to look like an obvious cosmetic procedure.

Tooth preparation is done under local anesthesia. Some sensitivity in the days following is normal, particularly to temperature. Once the permanent veneers are bonded in place, most patients have no ongoing discomfort.

Yes. A single veneer is appropriate when one tooth is chipped, discolored, or misshapen while the surrounding teeth are in good condition. Matching a single veneer to your existing teeth requires careful shade selection, which we take seriously at the planning stage.

Porcelain and glass-ceramic veneers are highly resistant to staining. Composite veneers are more susceptible to discoloration over time, particularly from coffee, tea, and red wine. The bonding margins at the gumline can pick up staining if oral hygiene is not maintained, regardless of material.

No. Whitening agents don't affect veneer materials. If composite veneers discolor significantly, they can be polished or replaced. If you're considering whitening your natural teeth, do it before veneer placement so the veneer shade can be matched to the whitened result.

No special routine is required beyond regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Avoid using your teeth to open packaging, biting into very hard foods, and habits like nail biting or chewing on pens, all of which can chip or dislodge veneers. Patients who grind their teeth may be advised to wear a night guard.

It depends on your goals. Some patients address a single tooth; others veneer the full visible upper arch, typically six to eight teeth. Your doctor will recommend a number based on which teeth are visible when you smile and what you want to change.

Not everyone. Active gum disease, significant decay, a misaligned bite, or insufficient enamel can affect whether veneers are appropriate. If veneers aren't the right fit, your doctor will explain why and discuss what alternatives might better serve your goals.

It depends on the nature of your staining and your natural tooth shade. Most patients see a noticeable difference, but results vary from person to person. Your doctor will give you a realistic expectation at your consultation based on your specific teeth.

Most patients find results last one to three years. Diet and habits are the biggest factors; coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco speed up restaining. Periodic touch-ups with take-home trays extend results between full treatments.

Yes, when done professionally. The main side effect is temporary sensitivity, which typically resolves within a day or two. Professional treatment includes protecting your gums and soft tissues before the gel is applied, which store-bought products don't do.

Some sensitivity during and after treatment is common and temporary, usually resolving within 24 to 48 hours. If you already have sensitive teeth, let your doctor know before treatment starts so the approach can be adjusted accordingly.

Whitening agents don't change the color of crowns, veneers, or composite restorations. If you have visible restorations, your doctor will discuss how that affects the plan. In some cases, whitening first and then replacing restorations to match the new shade is the most effective approach.

Whitening toothpastes work by polishing away surface staining; they don't contain enough peroxide to affect deeper discoloration. They're useful for maintaining professional results between treatments but can't produce the same degree of whitening on their own.

No. Active gum disease needs to be treated before whitening. Applying whitening gel to inflamed or compromised gum tissue causes significant irritation and can worsen the condition. Your doctor will identify any gum health issues at your consultation and address them first.

Most providers recommend waiting until the late teens, after permanent teeth have fully erupted and the pulp has matured. Whitening younger teeth can cause increased sensitivity. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate timing for teenage patients.

Limit staining foods and drinks, or rinse with water right after having them. Use a whitening toothpaste between professional treatments to manage surface buildup. Avoid tobacco. Periodic touch-up sessions with take-home trays help keep results looking fresh between full treatments.

Not always. Patients with significant intrinsic staining, active decay, or gum disease may not be good candidates or may need other issues resolved first. A consultation is the right place to find out whether whitening makes sense for your situation and what results are realistic.