Frequently Asked Questions

Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid applied directly to a cavity to stop its progression without drilling. It's commonly used for young children, patients with significant dental anxiety, or anyone for whom traditional treatment isn't immediately practical.

Northwest Dental Studio accepts most major dental insurance plans. If you'd like to confirm your coverage before your first visit, book online or give us a call and we'll verify your benefits.

Cavities don't always cause pain, particularly in their early stages. Dr. Chitkara can identify decay from X-rays and clinical examination before it becomes symptomatic. If a filling is recommended, he'll explain exactly what he found and why.

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where cavities most commonly develop. They're most often recommended for children, though adults with deep grooves in their molars may benefit as well. Dr. Chitkara will let you know whether sealants make sense based on the individual patient.

An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the soft tissues in your mouth, throat, and neck. It's included in every comprehensive exam at Northwest Dental Studio. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, and the screening itself takes only a few minutes.

Yes. Dr. Chitkara works with anxious patients regularly and adjusts his approach accordingly. Nothing happens before you're ready, and appointments stop when you need them to. If you'd like to talk through your concerns before booking, we're happy to do that first.

Your exam includes digital X-rays, an oral cancer screening, a full clinical evaluation of your teeth and gums, a review of any existing dental work, and a professional cleaning. Dr. Chitkara will walk you through every finding during your appointment.

Yes. Northwest Dental Studio sees patients from infancy through adulthood. We recommend bringing children in by age one, or within six months of their first tooth appearing.

You're not alone, and you won't be made to feel badly about it. Dr. Chitkara will start with a thorough exam to understand where things stand, explain what he finds, and work with you to build a plan that addresses priorities first.

Most patients benefit from twice-yearly visits. Dr. Chitkara may recommend more frequent appointments depending on your gum health, cavity risk, or existing restorations. He'll let you know what makes sense for your specific situation.

Most plans cover preventive care at little or no cost to you. Book online or give us a call and we'll verify your benefits before your first visit.

A visual and physical examination of the soft tissues in and around your mouth, throat, and neck. It's included at every checkup, takes only a few minutes, and is one of the most effective tools for early detection.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in.

Yes. Northwest Dental Studio provides scaling and root planing, pocket reduction, and ongoing periodontal maintenance for patients managing gum disease.

Come in. Dr. Chitkara will assess where things stand, explain what he finds, and build a plan that addresses priorities first. There's no judgment here.

Yes. Digital X-rays use a fraction of the radiation of traditional film. Dr. Chitkara takes them based on clinical need, not on a fixed schedule.

He'll show you what he found, explain your options, and walk you through next steps before anything is scheduled. Nothing moves forward without your understanding and agreement.

A routine cleaning addresses buildup above and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a therapeutic procedure that reaches further below the gumline to treat active gum disease.

A routine exam and cleaning should not be painful. Some patients experience mild sensitivity during cleaning. If you're uncomfortable at any point, let us know and we'll adjust.

New patient appointments typically run 60 to 90 minutes, including X-rays, a full exam, and a cleaning. Established patient visits are usually shorter.

Minor adjustments to bite and fit are made chairside before the crown is cemented. If any issues arise after your appointment, contact us and we'll schedule a follow-up to assess and address them.

Most dental insurance plans that cover traditional crowns also cover CEREC crowns, as the restoration itself is the same class of treatment. Coverage varies by plan. We're happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.

A crown covers the entire visible surface of the tooth above the gumline. An inlay restores damage contained within the cusps of a back tooth. An onlay covers one or more cusps but doesn't extend to the full crown. Dr. Chitkara recommends the most conservative restoration that adequately addresses the damage.

CEREC crowns are well-suited for most teeth, including molars that absorb significant chewing force. Dr. Chitkara will assess your specific situation and confirm whether a same-day crown is the right option before your appointment begins.

Care for a crown the same way you care for your natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss along the gumline where the crown meets the tooth, and attend regular checkups so Dr. Chitkara can monitor its condition over time. Avoid using the crowned tooth to bite hard objects like ice or hard candy.

Let us know when you book. Dr. Chitkara explains each step before he takes it and moves at your pace throughout the appointment. Sedation options are also available for patients who need additional support.

The tooth and surrounding area are numbed before preparation begins. Most patients experience no pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity is normal in the days following placement as the tooth settles, and typically resolves on its own.

Yes. Dr. Chitkara selects a ceramic block matched to the color and translucency of your natural teeth. The finished crown is designed to blend with your surrounding dentition.

Yes. CEREC crowns are milled from high-strength ceramic, the same class of material used in lab-fabricated restorations. With proper care, a same-day crown can last 15 years or more.

Most same-day crown appointments run two to three hours from start to finish, including exam, preparation, milling, and placement. The milling stage itself typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

SureSmile uses precision digital planning and high-clarity aligner material. Dr. Chitkara has specific training in the system and uses it as his clear aligner treatment of choice. He's happy to answer any questions about it at your consultation.

Some plans provide partial coverage for clear aligner treatment. We're happy to verify your benefits before your consultation.

For the cases they're designed to treat, yes. Cases involving significant bite correction or severe misalignment may be better addressed with traditional orthodontics. Dr. Chitkara will let you know which approach is right for your situation.

Yes, for the right candidate. Dr. Chitkara will assess whether a teen patient's dental development and ability to maintain the wear schedule make them a good fit.

Yes. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time, and consistent retainer wear is what keeps them in position after active treatment ends.

Contact us as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in treatment, Dr. Chitkara will advise whether to move to the next tray, return to the previous one, or fabricate a replacement.

Yes. Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, brush before reinserting, and there are no restrictions.

Some patients notice a slight adjustment in the first few days. Most adapt quickly with no lasting impact on speech.

20 to 22 hours per day. Aligners are removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth.

It depends on your case. Mild corrections may take as little as six months. More involved cases can run 12 to 18 months or longer. Dr. Chitkara will give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.

A bridge anchors to the teeth on either side of the gap, requiring those teeth to be prepared and crowned. An implant replaces the missing tooth independently without involving neighboring teeth. Dr. Chitkara will walk you through both options at your consultation.

Coverage varies by plan. Some plans provide partial coverage; others exclude implants entirely. We'll verify your benefits before your consultation.

Implants are recommended for adults whose jawbones have finished developing. There is no upper age limit. Candidacy is based on health and bone volume.

Yes. Implant-supported bridges use two implants to anchor a restoration replacing several consecutive teeth. Implant-supported dentures stabilize a full arch. Dr. Chitkara will discuss which option fits your situation.

Dr. Chitkara will give you specific post-operative instructions following placement. Once the crown is in place, care is the same as a natural tooth.

Smoking significantly reduces success rates by interfering with healing and bone integration. Quitting before and during the healing process meaningfully improves outcomes. Dr. Chitkara will discuss this with you directly.

Patients with insufficient bone volume may still be candidates after grafting. Dr. Chitkara performs this in-house and will confirm at your consultation whether it's needed.

A straightforward single implant without grafting typically takes three to six months from placement to final crown. Cases requiring bone grafting take longer. Dr. Chitkara will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation.

The area is fully numbed before placement. Most patients find the procedure more comfortable than expected. Soreness and mild swelling in the days following is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

The implant itself is designed to be permanent. The crown typically lasts 15 years or more before it may need replacement due to normal wear.

Because enamel removal is involved, the tooth will always need a restoration going forward. Replacement veneers are fabricated and placed the same way as the originals. Dr. Chitkara monitors their condition at regular checkups and will let you know when replacement is warranted.

Grinding shortens veneer lifespan considerably. In many cases, a night guard worn during sleep provides enough protection. Dr. Chitkara will assess your situation at your consultation and let you know whether veneers are a viable option.

A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth. A crown covers the entire visible surface and is used when structural damage or decay requires full coverage. Veneers are the more conservative option when the underlying tooth is healthy.

Bonding corrects minor chips, gaps, or discoloration without preparation and at a lower cost, but it's less durable and more prone to staining over time. Veneers are the longer-lasting solution for patients whose goals warrant the investment.

Veneers are a cosmetic restoration and are typically not covered by dental insurance. Financing options are available and our team will walk you through what's available at your consultation.

Yes, if whitening is part of your plan. Porcelain doesn't respond to whitening treatments, so the shade is fixed at fabrication. Any whitening should be completed before veneers are placed.

It depends on your goals. Some patients address a single tooth; others veneer the full smile line. Dr. Chitkara will recommend what's needed for a balanced result.

Traditional veneers are a permanent commitment because enamel is removed during preparation. No-prep veneers are an exception for appropriate candidates.

When designed well, yes. The goal is an improvement that looks like your teeth, not like veneers. Dr. Chitkara won't finalize a design until it reflects what you're trying to achieve.

With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years or more. Longevity depends on oral hygiene habits, grinding, and regular monitoring at checkups.

Whitening is generally recommended for adults whose permanent teeth have fully developed. Dr. Chitkara will advise on timing for younger patients on a case-by-case basis.

Always before. Completing whitening first allows any cosmetic restorations to be matched accurately to your new shade.

Sensitivity is more common in patients who already experience it. Dr. Chitkara will evaluate your situation before recommending an approach and may suggest a lower-concentration treatment or sensitivity protocol if needed.

Dr. Chitkara will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your results and goals. Overuse can cause sensitivity and is not recommended.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance.

No. Existing restorations don't respond to whitening agents. If you have restorations in visible areas, Dr. Chitkara will discuss how that affects your options.

In-office whitening produces the most immediate results in a single appointment. Take-home whitening builds results gradually using custom trays and professional-grade gel. The difference is the timeline, not the strength of the agent used.

Most patients maintain results for one to three years with good habits and periodic touch-ups. Diet, oral hygiene, and tobacco use are the biggest factors.

Yes, when used as directed. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, which typically resolves within a day or two.

Results depend on the nature of your staining and your starting tooth color. Dr. Chitkara will give you a realistic expectation before treatment begins.

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency exams and some emergency procedures. Coverage varies by plan. We'll review your benefits when you call and let you know what to expect before your appointment.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort temporarily. A cold compress applied to the outside of the face can reduce swelling. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum tissue, which can cause a chemical burn.

Pain can subside temporarily, but the underlying cause rarely resolves without treatment. If the pain stops suddenly after being severe, it may indicate the nerve has died — which still requires treatment. If you've had dental pain, get it evaluated.

Call our office. If we're unable to answer, our voicemail provides guidance on next steps. For severe swelling affecting your airway or ability to swallow, go to the nearest emergency room.

Not necessarily. A root canal is indicated when the nerve of the tooth is infected or irreversibly damaged. Dr. Chitkara will determine whether it's needed based on his findings and explain why before anything is scheduled.

It depends on the extent of the crack. A crack confined to the crown of the tooth is often restorable with a crown or other restoration. A crack that extends into the root is more complex. Dr. Chitkara will evaluate the tooth and walk you through your options.

Common signs include persistent throbbing pain, swelling in the face or jaw, fever, a bad taste in the mouth, or a visible bump on the gum near the affected tooth. An abscess is an infection and should be evaluated promptly. If swelling is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, seek emergency medical care immediately.

It depends on whether you're in pain and the condition of the exposed tooth. If the tooth is sensitive, painful, or sharp enough to cut soft tissue, call us. If there's no discomfort, schedule an appointment as soon as possible rather than waiting for your next routine visit.

Keep the tooth moist — in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum — and get to us within the hour. The sooner you're seen, the better the chances of successful reimplantation.

Patients of record in pain are seen the same day. New patients are accommodated as quickly as possible. Call us as soon as you can and let us know what you're experiencing.