FAQ Beverly Wilshire Dental Group
Anxiety and comfort
1. I’m nervous about the dentist. Can you help?
Yes. Many of our patients arrive anxious, often because of a past bad experience. We explain each step before we do it, work at your pace, and you can raise a hand to pause at any time. Tell us about your concerns when you book so we can plan the visit around them.
2. Will my treatment hurt?
Modern dentistry is much more comfortable than most people expect. We numb the area thoroughly before treatment, and most patients report pressure, not pain. If you feel anything, tell us and we’ll stop and adjust.
3. What if I haven’t been to a dentist in years?
Your first visit is not a lecture. We’ll do an exam, take any needed imaging, and explain what we find in plain language. You’ll get a prioritized plan that separates what’s urgent from what can wait.
4. Do you treat children and nervous family members?
Yes, we see patients of all ages, and families often schedule together.
Trust and honesty
1. How do I know I’m not being sold treatment I don’t need?
We show you your own X-rays and photos, explain why we recommend something, and tell you what happens if you wait. We also lay out less invasive alternatives where they exist. Cosmetic work is always your choice.
2. Can I get a second opinion on a treatment plan from another dentist?
Yes. Bring your X-rays or have them sent, and we’ll give you an honest assessment.
3. Do I really need veneers, or would bonding or whitening be enough?
It depends on what bothers you. Whitening fixes color. Bonding repairs small chips and gaps and is more conservative. Veneers suit bigger changes in shape, color and alignment. We’ll walk through the options with you, starting with the least invasive one that meets your goals.
Cosmetic results
1. Will veneers look natural?
They should. Natural results depend on shade, shape, length and translucency chosen to suit your face and your other teeth. We design these with you before final placement, so you aren’t surprised.
2. How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers commonly last 10–15 years or more with good care. Grinding, biting hard objects and skipped checkups shorten that. A night guard protects them.
3. How long does a smile makeover take?
It depends on the number of teeth and how complex your case is. Some cases take a few visits over a few weeks, while full-mouth cases take longer. [Confirm: same-day or expedited options.] If you have an event deadline, tell us at your consultation.
4. Are temporary veneers or crowns uncomfortable?
They can feel a bit different, and some people notice sensitivity to hot and cold. Avoid sticky or very hard foods while you wear them. If one comes loose or breaks, call us.
5. Can you fix veneers, crowns or fillings done by another dentist?
Often, yes. We evaluate the existing work first. Some can be repaired and others need redoing. We’ll tell you which is which.
Whitening and sensitivity
1. Is professional whitening comfortable?
Most patients tolerate it well. If you have sensitive teeth, we can adjust the strength and use desensitizing steps. Tell us beforehand if whitening has bothered you in the past.
2. Is professional whitening better than store-bought kits?
Professional whitening is supervised and stronger, and it usually works faster and more evenly. Because we check your teeth and gums first, we can spot cavities or worn areas that whitening could aggravate.
Common questions
1. Do you accept insurance? What will I pay out of pocket?
We work with most PPO insurance plans. Because your copay depends on your coverage and the treatment you need, we’re happy to check for you. Just share your insurance information and we’ll verify your benefits and provide an estimate before your visit.
2. Can I have a consultation before I travel to Beverly Hills?
The best way to find out what’s going on is to visit our office. With X-rays and other diagnostic tools, we can pinpoint the cause and recommend the right treatment.
3. How long will my appointment take, and will I wait?
Appointment times depend on the treatment. A cleaning takes about 60 minutes, a crown about 90 minutes, and whitening about 2 hours. Fillings take 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being treated and how large the filling is.
4. Is there parking?
Parking is easy. There’s a lot behind our building, plus plenty of street parking. You can also park free for up to 2 hours at 216 S. Beverly Dr.
5. Will you judge me if I haven’t been flossing or I’ve missed appointments?
No. We’ll help you build a routine that’s realistic.
Emergencies
1. I chipped or knocked out a tooth. What should I do?
Call us right away. If a whole tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it in milk. Speed matters.
2. I have a severe toothache. Can I be seen today? [We prioritize emergencies and try to see patients as quickly as possible.
2. I have a severe toothache. Can I be seen today? [We prioritize emergencies and try to see patients as quickly as possible.
Restorative and complex cases
1 What is a full-mouth reconstruction, and who needs one?
It’s a planned, phased treatment to restore both function and appearance when many teeth are worn, damaged, missing or poorly restored. It’s built on a thorough exam, imaging and a bite analysis.
2. Can you replace old silver (amalgam) fillings with tooth-colored ones?
Yes. Tooth-colored fillings blend in and bond to the tooth. Whether replacement is advisable depends on the condition of the old filling and how much healthy tooth remains.
3. After my crown or veneer, my bite feels off. What should I do?
Call us. A small adjustment often fixes it quickly. Don’t wait and “get used to it,” because a high spot can cause soreness and wear.
4. Will my speech or chewing change with new restorations?
There’s often a short adjustment period. If speech or chewing feels wrong after a week or two, tell us. Fit and bite can be refined, and we’d rather fix it than have you live with it.