Common Dental Procedure Questions
Cosmetic & Life-Changing Procedures
Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain coverings bonded to teeth to improve shape, color, or alignment. Most patients with healthy teeth and gums are candidates; we determine this during your consultation.
No. Dental veneers do not whiten with bleaching — we recommend whitening natural teeth first so we can match veneer shade perfectly. If you have existing veneers that you would like to whiten , then replacing them would achieve the best result.
When done well and with excellent care, porcelain veneers made in a good quality lab often last 10–15+ years.
Root Canal Therapy
Understanding Root Canals
A root canal is a procedure used to save a tooth that has an infected or inflamed nerve. During treatment, the damaged tissue inside the tooth is removed, the space is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed to prevent future infection.
A root canal may be recommended if the nerve of the tooth is affected by:
- Deep decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Trauma to the tooth
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
Even if you’re not in pain, infection can still be present and progress silently.
Pain & Comfort
This is one of the biggest myths in dentistry. Modern root canal therapy is not painful. With today’s techniques and anesthesia, most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling — and often provides relief from pain rather than causing it.
Mild tenderness is normal for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication and resolves quickly.
The Procedure Itself
Most root canals take 60–90 minutes, depending on the tooth and complexity. Some cases may require more than one visit.
In simple terms:
- The tooth is numbed for comfort
- Infected tissue is removed
- The canals are cleaned and disinfected
- The tooth is sealed
- A crown is usually recommended afterward for protection
A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown helps protect the tooth, restore strength, and ensure long-term success.
Alternatives & Long-Term Outcomes
If the nerve is infected, the only alternatives are extraction or doing nothing — which can lead to worsening infection, pain, swelling, or damage to surrounding bone and teeth.
When possible, saving your natural tooth is usually the best option. Keeping your own tooth helps maintain:
- Natural chewing efficiency
- Jawbone health
- Bite balance
- Long-term oral stability
With proper restoration and good oral hygiene, a root canal-treated tooth can last many years — often a lifetime.
Safety & Effectiveness
Yes. Root canal therapy is a well-studied, predictable, and evidence-based procedure performed millions of times each year with a high success rate.
While uncommon, reinfection can occur if:
- The tooth cracks
- A crown is delayed
- Oral hygiene is poor
Routine dental visits help us monitor and protect the tooth.
Insurance & Practical Questions
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for root canal therapy. Coverage varies by plan, and we’ll review your benefits and estimated costs before treatment.
Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the following day.
Court Street Dental’s perspective
Our goal is always to:
- Be conservative
- Preserve natural teeth whenever possible
- Keep you comfortable
- Explain everything clearly
A root canal isn’t about “drilling and filling” — it’s about eliminating infection and protecting your long-term oral health.
Dental Implants
An implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After it naturally integrates with your bone, we attach a crown that looks and functions like a real tooth. Replacing missing teeth is important to prevent other teeth from shifting and to prevent long term dental problems.
The complete process can span several months to allow for bone healing, but it results in a long-lasting and stable restoration.
Invisalign & Orthodontics
Technology & Innovation
Modern dentistry is not about gadgets — it’s about using the right technology, at the right time, for the right patient. We invest in advanced tools only when they meaningfully improve accuracy, comfort, safety, and long-term outcomes. We combine advanced technology with thoughtful clinical judgment — so your care is precise, conservative, and always centered around you.
AI-Assisted Dental X-Ray Diagnosis
AI-assisted diagnostics use advanced software to help identify patterns on dental X-rays — such as cavities, bone changes, or areas that may need closer evaluation. Think of it as an additional layer of support, not a replacement for expertise.
No. All diagnoses and treatment decisions are made by providers. AI simply highlights areas of interest so nothing subtle is overlooked. Your care is always guided by clinical judgment, experience, and context — not software alone.
AI helps with:
- Earlier detection of cavities and bone changes
- Greater diagnostic consistency
- Clearer visual explanations during consultations
- More conservative, proactive care
You get clarity, transparency, and confidence in your treatment decisions.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry uses focused light energy to treat certain soft-tissue conditions with exceptional precision. When appropriate, lasers allow us to work more gently and conservatively.
Depending on the procedure, laser dentistry may offer:
- Less bleeding
- Reduced post-operative discomfort
- Faster healing
- Lower bacterial levels
- Minimal need for sutures
- High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) to promote healing and pain relief.
No. Lasers are a powerful adjunct, not a replacement for sound diagnosis or clinical skill. We use them selectively — only when they truly improve outcomes.
Laser Snoring Therapy
Laser snoring therapy is intended for patients with primary snoring or mild airway concerns. It is not a replacement for medical evaluation or treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Proper screening is essential.
In selected patients, yes. Certain laser therapies can help reduce or eliminate snoring by gently tightening and stimulating collagen in the soft tissues of the throat and palate. This helps prevent tissue vibration that causes snoring during sleep.
The laser delivers controlled energy to the soft palate and surrounding tissues. This energy promotes collagen remodeling, which can lead to increased tissue tone and stability, reducing airway vibration while you sleep.
Laser snoring therapy is best suited for:
- Patients with primary snoring
- Mild airway tissue laxity
- Snoring not caused by significant obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
A thorough evaluation — and in some cases a sleep study — is essential before recommending treatment.
No. This is very important.
Laser snoring therapy does not treat moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with suspected sleep apnea should undergo proper medical evaluation and may require medical or sleep-specialist care.
Most patients describe the treatment as comfortable, with a warming sensation. It is typically performed without anesthesia, and there is little to no downtime afterward.
Each session usually takes 15–30 minutes. Many patients require a series of treatments over several weeks for optimal results, followed by periodic maintenance depending on individual response.
Results vary by individual anatomy and cause of snoring. Many patients — and their partners — report significant reduction in snoring intensity and frequency. A thorough consultation helps set realistic expectations.
Yes. When performed by trained clinicians, laser snoring therapy is considered safe and minimally invasive. As with any treatment, proper patient selection is key to success.
Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Some experience mild throat dryness or warmth that resolves quickly.
Because for the right patient, it can be a conservative, non-surgical option to improve sleep quality — for both the patient and their partner. We offer it thoughtfully, responsibly, and only when it’s clinically appropriate.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Oral appliances for sleep apnea require a medical diagnosis and prescription. They are not intended to diagnose sleep apnea or replace medical evaluation or CPAP therapy when clinically indicated.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway collapses or becomes blocked, reducing oxygen levels and disrupting restful sleep.
An oral appliance is a custom-made dental device worn during sleep that gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue forward. This helps keep the airway open and reduces airway collapse in certain patients.
Yes.
An oral appliance used to treat sleep apnea requires a prescription from a medical doctor, typically a sleep physician. This ensures the condition is properly diagnosed and that oral appliance therapy is medically appropriate for you.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition, not just a dental issue. A proper diagnosis — often confirmed by a sleep study — is necessary to:
- Determine the severity of apnea
- Rule out other medical risks
- Decide whether an oral appliance is appropriate
- Ensure treatment is safe and effective
Dentistry plays a key role in treatment, but diagnosis and prescription must come from a physician.
Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for:
- Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy
- Patients with specific jaw and airway anatomy suitable for appliance therapy
A coordinated evaluation between your physician and our office is essential.
Once prescribed by a medical doctor, my role is to:
- Design and fabricate a precise, custom-fit oral appliance
- Ensure comfort, function, and jaw health
- Monitor fit and effectiveness over time
- Coordinate follow-up care with your physician
Proper fit and long-term monitoring are critical for success.
Most patients adapt quickly. Appliances are slim, custom-fitted, and designed for nightly use. Minor jaw or muscle soreness may occur early but usually resolves with adjustments.
For the right candidate, oral appliances can significantly reduce apnea events, improve oxygen levels, and enhance sleep quality. Effectiveness varies by individual anatomy and apnea severity, which is why proper screening is essential.
In some cases, yes — especially for mild to moderate OSA or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP or other medical treatments may still be the gold standard.
Because oral health, airway health, and overall health are deeply connected. When done responsibly — in collaboration with medical providers — oral appliance therapy can be a life-changing, non-surgical treatment for selected patients.
Digital Scanners (No Goopy Impressions)
Digital scanners create highly accurate 3D images of your teeth and bite — without messy impression material. They’re fast, comfortable, and extremely precise.
Digital scans provide:
- More comfort (no gagging or trays)
- Greater accuracy for crowns, veneers, and Invisalign
- Faster turnaround times
Better communication — you can actually see your smile and bite
Precision matters. Better scans lead to better-fitting restorations, improved bite balance, and longer-lasting results.
3D Imaging (CBCT Technology)
3D imaging (CBCT) provides a three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and sinuses — far beyond what traditional X-rays can show.
We use 3D imaging when planning:
- Dental implants
- Complex extractions
- Root canal evaluation
- Jaw or bite-related concerns
It allows us to plan treatment with precision and safety.
Yes. CBCT scans use focused, controlled radiation and are taken only when the diagnostic benefit outweighs the exposure — always following safety guidelines.
Why Technology Matters — and Why Judgment Still Leads
Because technology helps us:
- Diagnose earlier
- Treat more conservatively
- Communicate more clearly
- Reduce uncertainty
- Improve long-term outcomes
But technology alone isn’t enough.
Clinical judgment, experience, and ethics.
Technology supports decision-making — it doesn’t replace the human relationship, careful listening, or individualized care that define excellent dentistry.
Post-Operative Care & Recovery
Minor discomfort and bleeding are common. Bite gently on gauze, avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for 24 hours, and use pain relief as recommended. Call us if symptoms worsen.
Mild sensitivity is normal. However, severe or worsening pain, fever, or swelling should prompt a call to us immediately.
