We are about to schedule our son’s first dental visit. Whenever we talk about it, he becomes very anxious and scared. Do you have any suggestions for how we can make the first visit go smoothly?

Often, kids who are scared of the dentist are scared because they don’t know what to expect. It may be helpful to pick up a children’s book that talks about going to the dentist. Make sure that it has plenty of illustrations or photos, so you can point out the types of equipment and tools your son can expect to see during his visit. Also, have him talk to other kids his age who have been to the dentist so they can tell him that it isn’t scary. (Of course, first make sure that their dental visits were positive ones.)

What types of preventive treatments do you offer for kids?

The most common ways to prevent cavities in kids, besides regular brushing and flossing at home, includes sealants and fluoride. Dental sealants are painted onto the tooth surface, and serve as a barrier between decay-causing materials and the tooth. For fluoride treatments, we can provide fluoridated mouth rinses or a topical fluoride paste treatment. If your child grinds his teeth, we also can create a mouth guard to prevent damage.

Why should I take my children to your practice, and not a children’s dentist?

Children’s dentists treat only children. Our practice does most of the things a children’s dental practice does — plus a whole lot more. As your kids age, they may be embarrassed going to a dentist whose waiting room is full of small children. Trusting one dentist for all of your general family dentistry needs is not only convenient, but it helps your family and the dental team get to know one another better. When all parties are relaxed and comfortable with one another, that’s beneficial to your long-term care. Dr. Ayyubi is committed to this holistic approach. In some instances, based on Dr. Ayyubi’s clinical judgement, we will guide you to go to Children’s specialist( Pedodontist) to finish you kids treatment.

In a nutshell, what is the Invisalign system? I know it involved “invisible” and “alignment” of the teeth, but how does it work?

Instead of aligning your teeth using metal brackets, wires, and bands, like traditional braces do, Invisalign treatments use a series of plastic aligners. Basically, these aligners are clear trays that you wear over your teeth for a period of time. Each tray is custom made in order to align your teeth. Each tray is a little different than the one you wear before it, and these nuances are what eventually straighten your teeth.

Can I eat with Invisalign on?

You could, but why would you want to? One of the great things about Invisalign is that you can pop the aligners out to while you eat. This way, you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in them. In fact, you also remove your Invisalign braces to brush and floss your teeth. They’re not only better looking than metal braces, they’re a lot easier to live with, too.

Once the Invisalign treatment is over and my teeth are straight, how do I know they will stay that way?

As with other orthodontic treatments, there is no guarantee that your teeth will not shift over time. You may require follow-up treatment in the future. Or, you may need to wear a positioner or a retainer to keep your teeth from reverting back. There are different retainers available. Some are worn only at night. Dr. Ayyubi will explain your options. Every patient is different. Many patients find that their teeth remain straight without further intervention.

Is it really possible to get my teeth straightened in just six months? All of my friends with braces have had them on for over a year.

Yes, you can get straight teeth in around six to nine months thanks to the Six Month Smiles orthodontic system. Your friends probably have traditional braces, which do tend to take longer until patients see results. The reason Six Month Smiles System is so much faster is because it focuses only on the teeth that are visible when you smile. If the sole reason why you want braces is to have a better-looking smile, fast, then Six Month Smiles may be the ideal solution for you.

What’s the difference between Six Month Smiles system and Invisalign braces?

That’s a great question. Both systems move your teeth and make use of clear trays or clear brackets to do so. But, where the Six Months Smiles system focuses only on the teeth you can see when you smile, Invisalign braces can straighten all of your teeth. Another difference is that Six Months Smiles braces don’t do much to improve an incorrect bite, whereas Invisalign does provide minor bite adjustments. Both systems are effective, but what is right for one patient may not be for another. Dr. Ayyubi will be able to tell you which option would work best on your teeth.

How much does the Six Month Smiles system cost??

The cost will depend on various factors, including how many teeth need to be fitted with braces, and how long you end up wearing them. But most patients say they are surprised at how affordable treatment is. Don’t forget to ask about our flexible payment options, too!

Can I eat foods like apples and raw carrots with dental implants? Or will that cause the implant to come out?

Dental implants are secured into place in your jaw with a metal (titanium) post. Arguably, implants are attached to your jaw more firmly than your natural teeth! Once they are firmly in place, they are not likely to go anywhere unless the dentist removes them. So don’t worry about your implants falling out or becoming loose – any food that you can safely eat with your natural teeth, you can safely eat with your implants.

I already have an implant – I’ve had it for several years. It has become discolored over time. Can Dr. Ayyubi do anything about that?

Absolutely. Dr. Ayyubi also provides implant restoration services. Dr. Ayyubi can remove your discolored artificial tooth from the implant post, restore it to its initial beauty, and then reattach it to your implant post.

Will I feel pain having something attached to my jawbone?

Dr. Ayyubi will refer you to one of best oral surgeon to get your implant post placed.As with most invasive dental procedures, before Oral Surgeon begins the procedure,upon request &/or based of his clinical judgement, he will thoroughly sedate you before placing implant post. You might feel a bit of minor soreness immediately after the post is placed, but that will wear off in time. Before long, your implant will feel as normal as your natural teeth.

Will people be able to tell I have a fake tooth?

Not unless you tell them — or they are dentists. The artificial tooth attached to the implant post will be custom made to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth.

If I have to be sedated for a dental visit, will I really be asleep?

No. Even though you will feel very relaxed and a bit like you are in a dreamlike state, you’ll actually be fully conscious, able to respond to commands, and able to answer questions.

Why is nitrous oxide called laughing gas?

That’s a great question! Don’t worry … if Dr. Ayyubi recommends nitrous oxide to calm your nerves during a dental procedure, it won’t cause you to giggle through your dental visit. (If it did, imagine what it would sound like in the treatment area!) The “laughing gas” nickname came about because the gas relaxes patients and makes them feel happy, sometimes even giddy — giddy, happy people laugh a lot.

I’m kind of reluctant to take pills. How do I know that these “benzos” will be safe to take?

Not every dentist practices oral sedation dentistry, because in order to do so a dentist must have a special certification that allows him or her to. Dr. Ayyubi possesses this certification, meaning that he has completed courses specifically geared around the effects of these medications. Before prescribing any medication, he will review your medical history and make sure that there are no contraindications or dangerous drug interactions. He will prescribe the lowest effective dosage and monitor you thoroughly throughout the procedure. The safety of our patients comes before all else, and Dr. Ayyubi will never do anything to jeopardize it. If you are overly concerned about taking oral conscious sedation, inhaled nitrous oxide sedation may be a viable alternative. Just ask!