Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency! What do I do?
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Can you make my silver fillings less noticeable?
What are veneers?
Will tooth whitening work on my teeth?
What is a dental implant? How does it work?
Do you do dentures?
Is sedation dentistry safe? Does it really work for dental phobics?
Why did the dentist recommend a crown for my tooth?
Why do I need a root canal, and does it hurt?
Is gum disease a big deal?
What precautions do you take for infection control and sterilization?
Can you straighten my teeth?
What are oral appliances, and do I need one?
How can I take care of my teeth between check ups?
What is TMJ?
When should I bring my child in for a first visit?

Emergency! What do I do?

If you have an emergency during office hours, please call us, then come in to see us. If your emergency is after hours, call our main phone line for directions on how to contact our Vista dental office. We’re here for you when you need us!

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry includes all dental procedures that improve the aesthetic qualities – the beauty - of a smile. For instance, veneers and teeth whitening are popular cosmetic dentistry procedures because they quickly transform a smile. Restorative procedures have also taken a turn toward beauty, in addition to function, with tooth-colored fillings and cosmetic bonding. Rest assured, we will never compromise function for beauty. Dr. Coleman can create the beautiful, strong, functional, and healthy smile you’ve always wanted.

Can you make my silver fillings less noticeable?

We can remove metal fillings and replace them with tooth-colored composites. If you want an all-white smile, now you can have it.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin, yet strong, shells of porcelain custom crafted to enhance your smile. We permanently attach the veneers to your front teeth to give you a beautiful new smile that you won’t want to hide. To sweeten the deal, veneers don’t stain, so you won’t have to worry about discoloration in the future.

Will tooth whitening work on my teeth?

We’ll perform a comprehensive assessment before deciding if whitening will work for you, but most patients achieve a smile that’s about eight shades whiter with our in-office teeth whitening treatment. Take-home kits allow you to monitor the extent of teeth whitening in the comfort of your home. If you have questions, give us a call or email us. We’ll be happy to explain your options.

What is a dental implant? How does it work?

A dental implant provides a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. A titanium post is implanted into the empty socket left by the missing tooth, and your bone tissue will naturally bond with the metal to form a solid foundation. We’ll then attach a beautiful restoration – a tooth that matches your natural dentition. Because dental implants mimic nature in that they have a root and a crown, they provide the strongest, most reliable option for tooth replacement.

Do you do dentures?

Yes! We’ll be happy to work with you to find comfortable dentures that give you great oral function and a beautiful smile. We also offer implant-supported dentures and partial dentures.

Is sedation dentistry safe? Does it really work for dental phobics?

Oral sedation helps patients in two primary categories: those who are anxious about dentistry and those who need lengthy procedures. One small pill provides anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, effects that allow fearful patients to completely relax for dental treatment. Patients who need hours of dental work performed, or a combination of procedures performed on one day, can have a comfortable experience when oral sedation is used. The effects require a patient to have a driver to and from the dental office, but the following day, the patient may resume normal activities.

Why did the dentist recommend a crown for my tooth?

A crown is a covering that provides stability, strength, and beauty to a tooth that is structurally unsound. Extensive wear, deep cracks, large or multiple fillings, or other significant damage to a tooth can prompt a recommendation for a crown. The alternative to a crown is extraction and a prosthetic, but it is wise to keep your natural dentition in tact whenever possible. If you have questions about our recommendation, please call us or ask us at your appointment. We want you to be fully confident in the treatment you receive.

Why do I need a root canal, and does it hurt?

A root canal can save a tooth that may otherwise require extraction. When damage to the pulp and nerve of a tooth occurs, the tooth will die, thus causing potential for infection. A root canal involves removing the damaged pulp from the canal of a tooth and replacing it with a manmade substance. This allows a patient to keep their natural tooth intact and alleviates the risk of infection. If you have questions about our recommendation, please call us or ask us at your appointment. We want you to be fully confident in the treatment you receive.

Is gum disease a big deal?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can have life threatening implications if left untreated. According to a CDC Fact Sheet, “most” Americans have some form of gum disease. Early symptoms include swollen, red, or bleeding gums. If the disease spreads, it can cause severe gum damage, tooth loss, and even increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and complications for pregnant women and diabetics. Regular dental check ups are important because we will check for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other diseases. If we detect the problem in early stages, treatment is conservative. Call us today if you believe you have symptoms of gum disease or if you need to schedule a semi-annual check up.

What precautions do you take for infection control and sterilization?

Your safety is important, so we take all precautions in regards to infection control and sterilization. This includes meeting or exceeding ADA and CDC standards and using disposable products when possible. We sterilize each operatory, as well as all of our tools, between patients. Rest assured, at Dr. Coleman’s office, your safety comes first.

Can you straighten my teeth?

We offer a quick and easy way to straighten your smile with a combination of spacers and veneers. If your front teeth are slightly misaligned, this method, deemed “instant orthodontics,” can quickly create the smile you want and deserve. If your teeth require extensive orthodontic treatment, we may refer you to one of our trusted and talented associates.

What are oral appliances, and do I need one?

Oral appliances can solve many problems and prevent tooth damage. Any appliance that you put in your mouth can be called an oral appliance. We offer snoreguards to eliminate snoring and give you the rest you and your partner deserve. Children and adults benefit from sportsguards or mouthguards, which protect teeth from damage during exercise or athletic activities. Nightguards help patients who unknowingly clench or grind their teeth, also called bruxing, at night or during the day. All of these oral appliances are available in our office. We’ll custom-fit them for your ultimate comfort.

How can I take care of my teeth between check ups?

Brush twice a day and floss once a day using the products and techniques we’ll show you during your visit. A good mouthwash and tongue scraper will also help reduce the bacteria in your mouth and decrease the risk for decay. Patient education is a vital part of our practice because we believe that your optimal oral health is a team effort between you and us. Together, we can give you a healthy smile to last a lifetime!

What is TMJ?

TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint, and it often refers to dysfunction of these joints, which are located on either side of the jaw. When a bite is misaligned, a patient can suffer from neuromuscular problems, also called TMJ or TMD. The nerves, muscles, and joint function are disrupted by improper alignment of the bite, and this can result in migraines, headaches, jaw popping, inability to open and close the mouth completely, pain in the head, neck, face, or jaw, and/or radiant pain and tingling in hands and feet. You may not be aware of the source of your pain, but if you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, we should evaluate you for TMJ dysfunction. Call us with questions or to schedule your appointment today.

When should I bring my child in for a first visit?

By the time your child celebrates a first birthday, he or she should have seen the dentist at least once. When the first tooth comes in, usually around six to 12 months of age, your child should visit us. We’ll evaluate your child and teach you how to protect his or her smile now and for years to come. If you have questions, call our dental office in Vista, CA. We want to help your child build a solid foundation for a lifetime of oral wellness, as well as a beautiful smile!