Frequently Asked Questions

How do the doctors keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Drs. Tong and Lacap are always striving to bring the very best that dentistry has to offer to their practice. Additionally, our team members take courses and attend lectures and seminars to become familiar with the latest techniques and materials. We feel dentistry is constantly changing for the better and we must always be ready to meet new challenges.

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What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

Frankly, most dental practices make the same claims, stating they offer the best in technology, state of the art facilities, patient comfort, excellent sterility of instruments, and so forth. But what really sets our office apart from the rest is our whole-hearted commitment to providing you and your family the very best service. We go the extra distance to gain and then maintain your trust. We are here to help you and your family members achieve your goals. We stand behind and believe in our work. And as a partner in your oral health, we guarantee all of our cosmetic porcelain work for five years.

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I don't like drills. Are there any other options?

Absolutely! It's called the WaterlaseT, a great innovation in dental laser technology. The Waterlase dental laser provides us with great accuracy for decay removal and cavity preparation. A patented "Hydrokinetic T" energy is produced by combining a water spray with laser energy. This process gently washes away tooth decay. The Waterlase is so gentle that many procedures can be performed with little or no anesthesia.

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What is Aesthetic and Restorative dentistry?

Aesthetic dentistry is a facet of dentistry that deals with enhancement, restoration, and maintenance of optimal dental health - specifically designed for you. All of these elements must work properly together for your restorations to look good and remain healthy. Aesthetic dentistry is based on artistic creation within the framework of sound scientific principles. It takes the most advanced techniques and materials to provide you with results that not only make you look natural but also feel good! Performed correctly, aesthetic dentistry can change your life!

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Change the position of teeth in as little as two visits without braces??? How can that be?

With modern dental technology, uneven teeth can be reshaped and laminated with high-tech ceramics to give the appearance and function of a symmetrical smile. The extent to which this approach can be used depends upon how crooked and crowned the teeth are to begin with. It is absolutely amazing what we can do today! For many adults this option is better than traditional orthodontics, and can be completed in just a few weeks. For others, a combination of orthodontics and ceramic enhancement may be the best choice. Because no two patients are alike, we offer complimentary consultations to see if we can achieve your smile goals.

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What is periodontal therapy?

Three out of four adults aged 35 years or older suffer from gum disease. Gum disease is the second most prevalent condition next to the common cold! Medical research has linked gum disease with heart disease. The question is, why do approximately 80% of Americans have gum disease? The answer is that many people don't realize they have gum disease because it doesn't hurt in the early to middle stages. The American Dental Association refers to gum disease as the "silent tooth killer." By the time 'it hurts' it's almost too late to stop the damage that has occurred. But overcoming and preventing gum disease is easier now than ever before. New technologies can help, such as home use oral hygiene products like the Rotodent toothbrush. We may also recommend treatment with the latest in conservative gum therapy, the dental laser (Waterlase).

The Waterlase gently disinfects and evaporates diseased tissues from in and around gum tissue and bone. Repeated visits, generally 2-8, allow the pockets to remain disease free and healthy. This new laser therapy is gentle, less painful, has a quicker recovery, and is less costly than periodontal surgery. While surgery may still be needed for some severe forms of gum disease, laser therapy is a conservative, effective, and more comfortable alternative for the mild to moderate cases.

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I've heard this type of treatment can be expensive. Do you offer a payment plan or any other financial options?

The costs of having cosmetic treatment or even ordinary dental care can vary, depending on your individual needs or dental goals. Simple teeth whitening for a few hundred dollars can be an excellent investment for some, while more extensive treatment options such as porcelain veneers may cost several thousand dollars. A full mouth rehabilitation - due to the great degree of complexity - might cost as much as an average car. Most procedures will fall somewhere in between these fees. Dental treatment is an excellent investment in your medical, psychological, and social well-being! Financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining good oral health and/or the smile of your dreams! We are sensitive to the fact that people have differing financial obligations so we invite you to arrange a consultation to discuss options that best fit your needs and budget. To learn more about fees, insurance, and financing, please click here.

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What can be done with stained or discolored teeth?

If you just wish to enhance your smile by making it brighter, there are various teeth whitening procedures available. Some treatments can be done at home, while others can be performed in the office, often during a single visit. We will be happy to provide you with information about these different treatments so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you.

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What if I have missing teeth?

Many options exist to help you, including bridges, implants or even partial and full dentures. There is no reason to live with missing teeth! Not only does a full set of teeth improve your self-esteem, but it also helps to make your other teeth last longer by reducing the stress placed on the surrounding teeth. A full set of teeth can also improve your speech, eating, and sense of taste.

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What is full mouth rehabilitation?

You won't believe what we can do for you! Imagine being able to turn the clock back 20, 30, or even 40 years! Full mouth rehabilitation involves restoring and revitalizing the teeth, bite, and muscles so your mouth not only looks more natural, but feels much better!

Our quality of life is greatly affected by our oral health. The older we get, the more important our oral health becomes. You don't have to be dissatisfied with the way your smile looks and feels. You don't have to be uncomfortable when you chew, or not be able to eat hot or cold foods.

Using the latest in dental technology, along with full mouth rehabilitation, most of these problems can be resolved. Of all the things we do for people, this process has the most profound and most life-enhancing results!

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