Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, Sugar Land Dental Associates, aims to provide you with answers to some of the most commonly asked
questions about our services, dental care and your overall oral health. If you do not find the information you are
looking for, please feel free to contact us directly at 281-207-4161.

General Questions

What services do you offer at your dental practice?

We offer a comprehensive range of dental services, including routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, root canals,
extractions, cosmetic dentistry and more. Our goal is to provide personalized care to meet your unique dental needs.

How often should I visit the dentist for a checkup?

We recommend regular dental checkups every six months. However, the frequency may vary based on your individual oral
health needs. Our dentist will advise you on the optimal schedule during your appointments.

Do you treat children?

Yes, we are a family-friendly dental practice. We provide dental care for patients of all ages, including children.
Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and prevent potential issues.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. Our services include dental bonding, veneers,
Invisalign® clear aligners, smile makeovers and Zoom® teeth whitening.

How do dental veneers work?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their appearance.
They can address issues like discoloration, gaps and misaligned teeth.

Can you tell me more about Invisalign® clear aligners?

Invisalign treatment is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth discreetly.
It is a popular choice for those seeking a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces.

What is involved in a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is a customized treatment plan combining various cosmetic procedures to enhance the overall
appearance of your smile, addressing multiple concerns simultaneously.

How does Zoom® teeth whitening work?

Zoom® Teeth Whitening is an in-office procedure that uses a special light to activate a whitening gel, providing a
faster and more effective way to achieve a brighter smile.

Dental Technology

What dental technologies do you use at your practice?

We incorporate cutting-edge dental technologies, including CEREC porcelain restorations, cone beam 3D imaging,
digital X-rays, and intraoral cameras, to ensure accurate diagnoses and efficient treatments.

What are CEREC porcelain restorations?

CEREC technology allows us to create and place ceramic restorations (crowns, inlays, onlays) in a single visit,
saving you time and providing durable, natural-looking results.

How is cone beam 3D imaging beneficial?

Cone beam 3D imaging provides detailed 3D images of the teeth and jaw, enabling precise treatment planning for
procedures such as implant placement and orthodontic treatment.

Are digital X-rays safe?

Yes, digital X-rays emit significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays, and we take additional precautions
such as lead aprons to minimize exposure.

What is the purpose of intraoral cameras?

Intraoral cameras allow us to show you detailed images of your mouth, helping you better understand your oral health
and treatment options.

General & Family Dentistry

What does general dentistry entail?

General dentistry covers a range of services, including dental cleanings and exams, dental sealants, fluoride
treatment, emergency dental care, night guards, pediatric dentistry, periodontal maintenance scaling and root
planing and TMJ treatment.

Why are dental cleanings and exams important?

Regular dental cleanings and exams are crucial for preventing dental issues, maintaining oral health and addressing
potential concerns before they become more significant problems.

What is the purpose of dental sealants?

Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities, especially in
children who may have difficulty cleaning these areas effectively.

How does fluoride treatment benefit oral health?

Fluoride treatment helps strengthen enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay and cavities.

Do you provide emergency dental care?

Yes, we understand that dental emergencies can happen. We strive to accommodate emergency appointments and address
urgent dental issues promptly. Please contact us immediately if you require emergency dental care.

What are night guards, and who needs them?

Night guards are custom-made oral appliances worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding and clenching,
preventing damage to the teeth and jaw.

Do you offer pediatric dentistry services?

Yes, we provide specialized dental care for children, focusing on preventive measures and early intervention for
optimal oral health.

What is periodontal maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance involves regular cleanings and check-ups for patients with a history of gum disease to
prevent its recurrence.

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning procedures to treat gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from below
the gumline.

How do you address TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) issues?

We offer various treatments for TMJ issues, including lifestyle changes, oral appliances, and, in severe cases,
surgical intervention.

Oral Surgery

What oral surgery services do you provide?

Our oral surgery services include bone grafting, dental implant restorations, implant-supported dentures, tooth
extractions and wisdom teeth removal.

What is bone grafting, and when is it necessary?

Bone grafting is a procedure to augment bone density, often performed before dental implant placement to ensure a
stable foundation.

How do dental implant restorations work?

Dental implant restorations involve attaching custom-made crowns or dentures to dental implants, providing a
natural-looking and functional solution for missing teeth.

What is the process for wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure to address potential issues such as impaction, crowding or
infection.

Restorative Dentistry

What is restorative dentistry, and what services do you offer?

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring damaged or missing teeth. Our services include dental
bridges, dental crowns, dental fillings, dentures and root canal therapy.

How do dental bridges work?

Dental bridges consist of artificial teeth anchored by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants, effectively
“bridging” the gap caused by missing teeth.

What is the purpose of dental crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore strength, shape, and
functionality.

What types of dental fillings do you offer?

We offer various dental filling materials, including composite (tooth-colored), to repair cavities and restore the
structure of decayed teeth.

Can you tell me more about dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth, providing improved aesthetics and
functionality.

What is root canal therapy, and when is it necessary?

Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp from a tooth, preserving the tooth and
alleviating pain.

We hope this FAQ page has addressed your inquiries. If you have additional questions or need further clarification, do
not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team to schedule a one-on-one appointment with Dr. Patel. We look
forward to serving you at our dental office in Sugar Land, Texas, and helping you achieve optimal oral health!