Frequently Asked Questions

We meet every patient where they are. There is no judgment here. We do a thorough exam, give you an honest picture of where your child's oral health stands, and build a plan from there.

Yes. Nest Dental provides geriatric dental care for older adults, accounting for the ways oral health needs shift with age, including changes in medication, bone density, and gum health.

A knocked-out tooth, a broken or cracked tooth, sudden swelling, or significant tooth pain all qualify. Contact us as soon as possible. We see emergency patients the same day, including children.

Yes. We offer family block scheduling specifically for this reason. Let us know when you book and we will build an appointment window that works for your household.

Every six months for most patients. Children or adults with a higher cavity risk or a history of gum disease may benefit from more frequent visits. We will tell you what schedule makes sense for each family member based on what we find.

Typically around age six when the first permanent molars come in, and again around age twelve when the second set arrives. Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities are most likely to develop.

A pediatric crown covers and protects a baby tooth that is too damaged for a filling to restore effectively. It holds the space open for the permanent tooth developing underneath and prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting.

No. We use tooth-colored composite fillings for all patients. They are mercury-free, blend naturally with the tooth, and hold up well for both baby and permanent teeth.

It happens, and we are prepared for it. We move at your child's pace, explain each step before we do it, and never force a procedure a child is not ready for. Laughing gas is available for children who need additional help relaxing.

When their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. Starting early lets us catch developmental concerns before they become problems and helps your child build a comfortable relationship with dental care from the beginning.

Let us know when you book. Dr. Jeong holds a background in psychology and works to understand what specifically makes dental visits difficult before anything clinical begins. Laughing gas is available on request for patients who want extra help staying calm.

Most PPO plans cover preventive care including exams and cleanings, often with no out-of-pocket cost. Nest Dental is in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, and United Healthcare. Our front desk team can help you understand your benefits before your visit.

We tell you directly, explain what it means, and give you your options. If it is something we handle in-house, we will walk you through the treatment and get it scheduled. If it requires a specialist, we will refer you to the right provider and make sure you understand why.

A professional cleaning removes surface staining from coffee, tea, and wine that regular brushing leaves behind. It will not change the underlying shade of your enamel. For deeper discoloration, professional whitening is a more effective option. We can discuss what is realistic for your specific situation.

Not at every visit. How often you need X-rays depends on your dental history, your risk factors, and what we find during the exam. We take a targeted approach and only recommend X-rays when they add useful information.

Come in. We assess where things stand, address any active concerns in order of priority, and build a realistic plan forward. A long gap between visits is not unusual, and it is never a reason to put it off longer.

A standard new patient exam typically runs 60 to 90 minutes to allow enough time for X-rays, a full exam, cleaning, and a thorough review of your results. Returning patient visits are usually shorter. We block the time to get through everything without rushing.

For most patients, a routine cleaning involves little to no discomfort. If your gums are inflamed from significant buildup or if it has been a long time since your last visit, you may notice some tenderness. That typically resolves within a day or two. If you have sensitivity, let us know before we start.

A cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface staining from your teeth. A checkup is the full examination, including X-rays, an oral cancer screening, an assessment of your gums and bite, and a review of your results. Both happen at the same appointment.

Every six months for most patients. If you have a history of gum disease, a higher cavity risk, or health conditions like diabetes that affect oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits. We will tell you what schedule makes sense based on what we find.

Most dental insurance plans cover composite fillings, though coverage levels vary by plan and tooth location. Crowns are typically covered in part when they are deemed medically necessary. Nest Dental is in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, and United Healthcare. Our team can help clarify your benefits before your visit.

A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while your permanent restoration is being fabricated. It is not as durable as the final crown, so avoid sticky or hard foods on that side, and be gentle when flossing around it. Contact us if it comes off before your next appointment.

Typically two. The first appointment involves preparing the tooth, taking a digital scan, and placing a temporary crown. The second appointment, usually a few weeks later, involves placing and cementing the permanent crown.

Yes. Fillings wear down, crack, or develop gaps over time that allow bacteria back in. If an existing filling is failing or decay has formed underneath it, replacing it promptly prevents the problem from progressing to a point where a crown becomes necessary.

In most cases, yes. A root canal removes the nerve and blood supply from the tooth, which leaves it more brittle and prone to fracture over time. A crown provides the full coverage and protection the tooth needs to function safely long term.

Yes. Nest Dental uses tooth-colored composite for fillings and porcelain for crowns, both of which are shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. The restoration blends naturally and is not visible during normal speech or smiling.

A well-placed porcelain crown can last 15 years or more with proper care. The crown itself does not decay, but the tooth underneath it can if oral hygiene slips. Regular cleanings and checkups are important for maintaining both the crown and the tooth beneath it.

A composite filling placed with quality materials typically lasts 7 to 10 years or longer with good oral hygiene and regular checkups. Fillings in high-stress areas like back molars may wear more quickly due to chewing forces.

The area is fully numbed with local anesthetic before any work begins, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some tenderness in the area is normal for a day or two after treatment, particularly with crowns that involve more preparation work.

Your doctor determines this based on how much healthy tooth structure remains after decay or damage is accounted for. A filling works when there is enough intact tooth to support it. A crown is needed when the remaining structure is insufficient to hold a filling or when the tooth is at risk of cracking under pressure.

Most dental emergencies are preventable with consistent care. Routine checkups allow us to catch cracked teeth, failing restorations, and developing infections before they become urgent. If cost or access has made regular care difficult, talk to us about our in-house membership plan and financing options. We would rather help you stay ahead of problems than only see you when something breaks.

Most PPO plans include some coverage for emergency exams and urgent treatment. The extent of coverage depends on your specific plan and what treatment is needed. Nest Dental is in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, and United Healthcare. Our front desk team can help clarify your benefits when you contact us.

A lost crown or filling leaves the tooth underneath exposed and vulnerable. Contact us to be seen as soon as possible. In the meantime, dental wax or sugar-free gum can cover the area temporarily, and you should avoid chewing on that side.

An abscess is a bacterial infection that produces a pocket of pus in or around the tooth or gum. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or beyond, which can become a serious medical emergency. Symptoms include swelling, throbbing pain, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. This requires same-day attention.

It depends on how quickly you act and how the tooth was handled after it came out. If you get to us within an hour with the tooth stored properly, there is a reasonable chance it can be reimplanted successfully. The sooner you contact us, the better.

Dr. Kang performs extractions in-house, including complex cases. If extraction is the recommended course of treatment, your doctor will explain why, walk you through the procedure, and discuss tooth replacement options including implants so you can plan your next steps before you leave.

The goal of every emergency visit is to get you out of pain as quickly as possible. Local anesthetic fully numbs the area before treatment begins. Laughing gas is also available for patients who need extra help managing anxiety during the procedure.

Yes. Nest Dental can perform root canal therapy on the same day for most cases, including first and second molars, which many general practices refer out. Dr. Jeong handles root canal treatment in-house so you do not have to wait for a specialist appointment when you are already in pain.

Contact us and describe what you are experiencing. The team can help you determine whether you need to come in the same day or whether your situation can be scheduled for the near future. When there is genuine uncertainty, we always err on the side of getting you in.

We prioritize same-day appointments for patients in active pain. Contact us as early in the day as possible to secure a same-day visit.

Some dental and orthodontic insurance plans include partial coverage for Invisalign. Coverage varies by plan. Our front desk team can help you review your benefits before your consultation. CareCredit financing and our in-house membership plan are also available for patients who need flexibility on cost.

Yes. Teeth shift naturally over time, and a retainer is what keeps your results in place after treatment ends. Dr. Jeong reviews your retention plan before your final aligner so you know exactly what is expected and how to protect your outcome.

Contact us as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may recommend moving to your next set early or ordering a replacement. Going without an aligner for too long can allow your teeth to shift, which affects how the following sets fit.

Attachments are small tooth-colored dots bonded to specific teeth to give the aligners better leverage for certain movements. Not every case requires them. Dr. Jeong will let you know at your consultation whether attachments are part of your treatment plan and what they will look like.

No. Hot liquids can warp the plastic and affect how the aligners fit. Anything other than water should be consumed with the aligners out. Rinse your mouth before putting them back in to avoid trapping sugar or staining agents against your teeth.

Some patients notice a slight adjustment period during the first few days of wearing aligners. Most people adapt quickly and speak normally within a short time. The adjustment is temporary and typically shorter than the speech changes that come with traditional braces.

20 to 22 hours per day. You remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Wearing them less than that extends your treatment timeline and can affect how well each aligner fits as you progress.

Most patients experience some pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, which typically resolves within a day or two. This is a sign the aligners are working. It is different from the ongoing soreness and gum irritation that brackets and wires can cause because the aligners are smooth and do not have hardware rubbing against the inside of your mouth.

Treatment length varies based on how much movement is needed. Mild cases can be completed in six to twelve months. More complex alignment issues may take eighteen months or longer. Dr. Jeong gives you a projected timeline at your consultation based on your specific case.

Invisalign works well for mild to moderate alignment issues in adults and teens. Severe bite problems or complex cases may require a different orthodontic approach. Dr. Jeong evaluates your teeth at your consultation and gives you a direct answer about whether aligners can achieve the result you are looking for.

Coverage varies widely. Some plans include partial coverage for the crown or the surgical procedure. Many classify implants as elective and do not cover them. Our front desk team can help you review your benefits before your consultation. CareCredit financing and our in-house membership plan are also available to help make treatment more accessible.

No. Patients with sufficient bone volume at the implant site do not need grafting. It becomes necessary when significant bone loss has occurred due to a missing tooth, gum disease, or trauma. Your CBCT scan determines whether grafting is part of your treatment plan.

A fixed implant-supported denture is permanently attached and removed only by a provider. A removable option snaps onto the implants for daytime stability and is taken out at night. Both are significantly more stable than traditional dentures. Dr. Kang helps you determine which fits your anatomy, budget, and lifestyle.

Possibly. Bone loss is likely if the tooth has been missing for an extended period, which may require grafting before an implant can be placed. Dr. Kang evaluates the site with CBCT imaging and tells you exactly what is needed.

The same way you care for natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss daily, and come in for regular cleanings and checkups. The implant itself cannot decay, but the gum tissue and bone around it can be affected by poor hygiene.

Dental implants have a success rate of approximately 95 percent or higher in healthy patients when placed by an experienced provider following thorough pre-treatment planning. The quality of planning, placement technique, and post-placement care all affect long-term outcomes.

Osseointegration is the process by which the implant fuses with your jawbone. The bone grows around and into the surface of the titanium post, creating the stability that makes it function like a natural root. This biological process cannot be accelerated, and moving forward before it is complete compromises the outcome.

A straightforward single implant without grafting can be completed in three to six months from placement to final crown. Cases requiring bone grafting take longer. Dr. Kang gives you a realistic timeline at your consultation based on your imaging.

The area is fully numbed before placement begins. Most patients report feeling pressure, not pain. Laughing gas is available for patients who want additional help staying relaxed. Post-procedure soreness is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and resolves within a few days.

Most adults with good general health and sufficient jawbone are candidates. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, or heavy smoking can affect healing and implant success. Dr. Kang reviews your full health history at your consultation and gives you a direct answer.

Book a cosmetic consultation at Nest Dental. Dr. Jeong examines your teeth, listens to your goals, and gives you a clear picture of your options and what each one involves. There is no pressure and no obligation. You leave with enough information to make a decision that makes sense for you.

Most cosmetic procedures are considered elective and are not covered by dental insurance. Treatments that also serve a restorative function, such as bonding to repair a broken tooth, may qualify for partial coverage depending on your plan. Invisalign coverage varies by plan. Our front desk team can help you review your benefits before your consultation. CareCredit and our in-house membership plan are available for patients who need flexibility on cost.

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Yes. Bonding is an effective and conservative way to close small gaps between teeth by building out the sides of the adjacent teeth with composite material. For larger gaps or multiple spacing issues across the smile, veneers or Invisalign may be a more appropriate solution. Dr. Jeong evaluates the size and location of the gap and recommends the most effective approach.

Results vary based on your diet, hygiene habits, and the whitening system used. Most patients see results that last one to three years with proper maintenance. Avoiding heavy staining foods and beverages and periodic touch-up treatments extend the outcome.

Whitening agents do not affect porcelain or composite restorations. If you have existing veneers or bonding, whitening your natural teeth can create a shade mismatch between your restorations and the surrounding teeth. Whitening is best completed before restorations are placed so everything can be matched to your new shade.

Most cosmetic procedures involve minimal to no discomfort. Bonding requires no anesthetic in most cases. Veneer preparation involves mild reduction of tooth surface, performed under local anesthetic. Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity in some patients, which resolves quickly. Dr. Jeong discusses what to expect before any treatment begins.

It depends on what you want to change and the current condition of your teeth. Bonding works well for isolated chips or minor shape issues. Veneers address more significant discoloration, size, or spacing concerns across multiple teeth. Whitening targets staining in otherwise healthy enamel. Invisalign corrects alignment. Dr. Jeong evaluates your teeth and your goals at your consultation and recommends the most direct path to the result you are looking for.

That depends on how many teeth are visible when you smile and which ones you want to address. Some patients need two to four veneers to correct a single area of concern. Others want a full smile redesign across eight to ten teeth. Dr. Jeong maps out which teeth are in your smile line and discusses how many veneers would achieve a balanced, natural-looking result.

Bonding uses composite resin applied directly to the tooth to correct isolated chips, gaps, or minor shape issues. It is completed in one visit and requires no tooth preparation in most cases. Veneers involve custom-fabricated restorations that cover the entire visible surface of the tooth and address more significant changes in color, shape, or alignment. Bonding is more conservative. Veneers are more comprehensive.

Grinding significantly increases the risk of veneer fracture, particularly with porcelain. It does not automatically disqualify you, but it does mean a custom night guard is a required part of your treatment plan to protect the restorations. Dr. Jeong evaluates the severity of your grinding before recommending which material is appropriate for your case.

Composite veneers can often be repaired chairside. Porcelain and ceramic veneers that chip or fracture typically need to be replaced, since bonding material does not adhere to the surface of fired porcelain in the same way. Contact us as soon as possible if a veneer is damaged.

No. Porcelain and ceramic veneers do not respond to whitening agents. This is why whitening is completed before veneers are placed, so your natural teeth can be brought to your desired shade and the veneers can be matched to it. If your natural teeth stain over time, whitening can bring them back to match your veneer shade.

Tooth preparation is performed under local anesthetic, so you should not feel discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after preparation while the temporaries are in place. Once the permanent veneers are bonded, most patients adjust quickly and notice no lasting sensitivity.

Not when they are designed well. The shade, shape, and translucency of each veneer are selected to complement your face and blend with your surrounding teeth. The goal at Nest Dental is a result that looks like a naturally great smile, not an obvious cosmetic procedure.

Traditional veneers require the removal of a small amount of enamel, which makes the process irreversible. The tooth will always need to be covered by a restoration going forward. No-prep veneers involve little to no enamel removal and may be reversible in some cases. Dr. Jeong explains the long-term commitment clearly before you decide.

Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan, generally 5 to 7 years, but are more easily repaired if chipped. Longevity depends on the material, oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind or clench your teeth.

For the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, avoid dark or heavily pigmented foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, and berries. The enamel pores are temporarily more open during this window, making the teeth more susceptible to re-staining. After that period, normal habits can resume.

Not effectively. Tetracycline and certain other medications cause intrinsic staining that is embedded in the tooth structure rather than on the surface. Professional whitening can lighten it to a degree but typically cannot eliminate it completely. Veneers are a more effective solution for this type of discoloration. Dr. Jeong discusses your options honestly based on the source of your staining.

In-office whitening uses a higher concentration of whitening agent and delivers results in a single appointment. Take-home whitening uses a lower concentration applied over a longer period using custom-fitted trays. In-office treatment is faster. Take-home whitening gives patients more control over the pace and is a good option for those with sensitivity or a preference for gradual results.

Typically one to three years, depending on diet and oral hygiene habits. Patients who consume a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine may notice re-staining sooner. Periodic touch-up treatments with take-home trays extend the outcome without needing a full in-office session.

No. Whitening agents do not affect porcelain, ceramic, or composite restorations. If you have crowns or veneers, whitening will only change the shade of your natural teeth, which can create a mismatch. Dr. Jeong identifies any existing restorations before treatment and discusses how to manage the shade difference.

Yes, with the right approach. Dr. Jeong selects a whitening system based on your sensitivity history. Lower-concentration formulas used over a longer period are often more comfortable for sensitive patients than a single high-concentration in-office treatment. Sensitivity toothpaste used before and after treatment also helps.

Yes, when performed as directed. The whitening agents used in professional treatments temporarily open the pores of the enamel to lift staining, then the enamel remineralizes naturally. Overuse of high-concentration whitening products can cause sensitivity and surface changes over time, which is why professional supervision matters.

Most in-office whitening appointments take between 60 and 90 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and shade assessment.

Results vary based on the starting shade of your teeth and the type of staining present. Most patients see a improvement of several shades after a single in-office treatment. Dr. Jeong gives you a realistic expectation at your appointment based on your specific situation.