●FAQ

A dental checkup is a routine visit to your dentist, where your oral health is examined, and your teeth are cleaned. This visit helps prevent dental issues and ensures your mouth remains healthy.

It's recommended to have a dental checkup every six months. However, depending on your oral health status, Dr. Hasham A. Majoka may suggest more frequent visits.

During a checkup at H&M Dental, you can expect:

1. A warm welcome and review of your medical history.
2. A thorough oral examination, including teeth, gums, and mouth.
3. Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
4. An oral cancer screening.
5. Personalized oral hygiene advice.

Dental checkups are generally painless. Our team at H&M Dental prioritizes your comfort, employing gentle techniques during examinations and cleanings. If you have dental anxiety or sensitivity, let us know so we can make accommodations.

During a checkup at H&M Dental, you can expect:

1. A warm welcome and review of your medical history.
2. A thorough oral examination, including teeth, gums, and mouth.
3. Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
4. An oral cancer screening.
5. Personalized oral hygiene advice.

Dental checkups are generally painless. Our team at H&M Dental prioritizes your comfort, employing gentle techniques during examinations and cleanings. If you have dental anxiety or sensitivity, let us know so we can make accommodations.

Most dental insurance plans cover two checkups per year. H&M Dental accepts a wide range of insurance plans. We recommend checking with your provider for specifics about your coverage.

We understand that visiting the dentist can be anxiety-inducing for some. At H&M Dental, we strive to create a calming atmosphere and offer support and accommodations to help ease your fears.

Regular checkups are crucial for:

• Preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
• Catching potential problems early.
• Keeping your overall health in check, as oral health impacts your whole body.

Yes, you can eat before your checkup. However, we recommend brushing your teeth after eating and before your appointment to ensure a more thorough examination and cleaning.

Please bring:

• A list of current medications.
• Your dental insurance card (if applicable).
• Any questions or concerns you have about your oral health.

A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at saving a tooth that has been severely damaged or infected. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then filling and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection.

With modern anesthesia and dental techniques, root canal treatment at H&M Dental is typically painless during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity immediately after, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to visit H&M Dental for a comprehensive evaluation.

The length of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the tooth and the extent of the infection. Generally, the treatment can be completed in one to two visits, each lasting from 90 minutes to two hours.

After a root canal, it's normal to experience some sensitivity or discomfort in the treated area for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients can return to their normal activities the next day. We'll provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

In most cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment will need a crown to protect and restore it to full function. A crown helps prevent the tooth from fracturing in the future and restores its natural appearance and function.

Root canal treatments have a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care. The key to a successful root canal is early detection and treatment of tooth decay or damage.

Preventing root canals starts with good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups at H&M Dental. Avoiding hard foods that can crack your teeth and wearing a mouthguard during sports can also help protect your teeth from damage that could lead to a root canal.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing.

Invisalign works through a series of custom-made, clear aligners that you wear over your teeth. These aligners gently and gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the individual's needs but typically ranges from 6 to 18 months. During your consultation at H&M Dental, Dr. Majoka will provide you with a personalized treatment plan, including an estimated timeline.

Invisalign treatment involves minimal discomfort. Some patients may experience temporary pressure or minor discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This sensation is a normal part of the aligning process and usually subsides quickly.

Invisalign is effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. However, severe cases may require traditional orthodontic treatment. A consultation with Dr. Majoka can determine if Invisalign is the right option for you.

For the best results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.

To care for your Invisalign aligners, rinse them with water and brush them gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the aligners. It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your aligners clean.

Some people may notice a slight change in speech, such as a lisp, when they first begin wearing Invisalign aligners. This adjustment period is typically short-lived, and most patients quickly adapt to speaking comfortably with their aligners.

After completing Invisalign treatment, you may need to wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile. Dr. Majoka will discuss the best post-treatment plan for you to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions.

Choosing H&M Dental for your Invisalign treatment means receiving care from a dedicated team led by Dr. Majoka, who brings expertise and a personalized approach to every patient. Our Springfield, MA, practice is committed to providing a comfortable, supportive environment and achieving the beautiful, healthy smiles our patients dream of.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Good candidates for veneers are individuals looking to improve the appearance of their smile due to issues such as discoloration, worn enamel, chipping, misalignment, gaps, or irregular shaping. Ideal candidates should have healthy teeth and gums, with sufficient enamel to support the veneer.

The lifespan of veneers depends on the material used and how well they are cared for. Porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years, while composite veneers may need to be replaced more frequently, typically around 5 to 7 years.

Veneers are considered a semi-permanent dental procedure because they involve the removal of a small amount of enamel to accommodate the veneer. Once this enamel is removed, the process cannot be undone, and the tooth will always need to be covered with a veneer or crown.

Veneers do not require special care beyond good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting H&M Dental for regular check-ups and cleanings. However, it's advisable to avoid using your veneers as tools to open packaging or biting down on very hard foods to prevent damage.

Yes, veneers are custom-made to match the color of your surrounding teeth for a natural and cohesive look. Dr. Majoka will work closely with you to select a shade that complements your overall smile and meets your aesthetic goals.

No, veneers cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening products or procedures. If you're considering whitening your teeth, it's recommended to do so before getting veneers so that your new veneers can be matched to your whiter teeth.

The process typically involves a consultation to discuss your goals and determine your eligibility, preparation of the teeth, which may include reshaping and taking impressions, and the application of the veneers. For porcelain veneers, there will be a waiting period while your custom veneers are being made, during which you may have temporary veneers.

The cost of veneers varies depending on the number of veneers needed and the type of material chosen (porcelain or composite). At H&M Dental, we provide a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation and discuss financing options to make your treatment accessible.

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post that acts as a tooth root, which is surgically implanted into the jawbone, and a custom-made crown that is attached to the post, providing the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may need replacement due to wear and tear after 10-15 years, but the implant itself can last indefinitely with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

Patients are often surprised to find that the discomfort associated with dental implant surgery is minimal. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, and many patients report feeling less discomfort than they anticipated. Post-operative pain is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

Ideal candidates for dental implants have good overall health, adequate bone density to support the implant, and do not suffer from gum disease. However, advancements in dental technology have made it possible for many who were previously ineligible for implants to successfully receive them. A consultation with Dr. Majoka will determine your suitability for dental implants.

The cost of dental implants varies depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed and any additional procedures required to prepare your mouth for implantation. During your consultation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan, including a breakdown of costs. Dental implants are an investment in your oral health, providing a permanent solution for tooth loss.

Dental implant coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. Our office staff at H&M Dental can help you understand your benefits and will work with your insurance company to maximize your coverage. We also offer financing options to make dental implants more accessible.

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintaining your implants and overall oral health. With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental implants have a high success rate, often exceeding 95%. Factors such as good oral hygiene, non-smoking, and regular dental visits contribute to the long-term success of your implants.

The dental implant process can vary from patient to patient, typically ranging from several months to over a year. This includes the initial consultation, surgery to place the implant, the healing period, and the placement of the crown. Dr. Majoka will provide you with a detailed timeline specific to your treatment plan.

Professional teeth whitening uses high-concentration bleaching agents to break down stains and discoloration on the tooth surface, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. The process can be performed in-office for immediate results or through take-home kits for convenience, both under the guidance of a dental professional.

Yes, when conducted under the supervision of a dental professional, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. Dentists ensure that the health of your gums and teeth is considered, and they take precautions to minimize any sensitivity or discomfort.

Teeth whitening is most effective on extrinsic stains (those on the surface of the teeth) caused by food, drink, and tobacco. Intrinsic stains (within the tooth) caused by medications, fluoride, or trauma may not respond as well to whitening. During your consultation, Dr. Majoka will assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action.

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to temperature or touch after teeth whitening treatments. This sensitivity is usually mild and subsides shortly after the treatment ends. We take steps to minimize sensitivity, including the use of desensitizing agents when necessary.

The longevity of teeth whitening results can vary based on dietary habits, oral hygiene, and tobacco use. With proper care and occasional touch-ups, professional whitening results can last from several months to a few years.

No, professional teeth whitening does not damage the enamel. The bleaching agents used in professional whitening treatments are designed to be safe for your teeth when used as directed by a dental professional.

To maintain your brighter smile, consider the following tips:

• Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages, or consume them in moderation
• Use a straw for beverages that might stain
• Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily
• Visit H&M Dental for regular check-ups and cleanings
• Consider using whitening toothpaste or touch-up treatments as recommended by your dentist

Most people with healthy teeth and gums can benefit from teeth whitening. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, including those with extensive dental work, intrinsic stains, or gum disease. A consultation with Dr. Majoka can help determine if teeth whitening is right for you.

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, bleeding, or save a tooth. Common dental emergencies include:

• Severe toothache or pain
• Swollen jaw or mouth
• Knocked-out tooth
• Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
• Lost filling or crown
• Abscess or infection

If you have a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence. Follow these steps:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (top part), avoiding the root.
• If dirty, gently rinse the tooth with water, without scrubbing.
• Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket, or keep it moist by placing it in milk or between your cheek and gums.
• Contact H&M Dental immediately for same-day emergency care.

For temporary relief from dental pain, you can:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, following the package instructions.

Remember, these are temporary measures. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible is crucial for addressing the underlying cause of your pain.

While the emergency room can provide relief for pain and infections, most do not have the facilities or expertise to address specific dental issues like a dental professional can. For most dental emergencies, it's best to contact a dentist who specializes in emergency care.

Immediate action is critical in a dental emergency. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the chances of resolving the issue effectively and preventing further complications. H&M Dental offers same-day appointments for emergency situations to ensure you get the care you need promptly.

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, here are some tips to reduce your risk:

• Maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
• Visit H&M Dental for regular check-ups and cleanings.
• Wear a mouthguard during sports and recreational activities.
• Avoid using your teeth to open packages, cut tape, or chew hard objects.

The cost of emergency dental care can vary depending on the nature of the emergency and the required treatment. At H&M Dental, we understand the importance of addressing dental emergencies promptly and offer various payment options to ensure you receive the care you need without delay. We're happy to discuss costs, insurance coverage, and payment solutions during your visit.

At H&M Dental, we prioritize patients with urgent needs, offering same-day emergency appointments. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Hasham A. Majoka, is equipped to provide immediate, effective treatment for a wide range of dental emergencies. We focus on alleviating pain, addressing the cause of your emergency, and setting a path for long-term oral health.