Oral health plays an important role in overall wellness. Preventive dental care helps reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral infections. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums also supports proper nutrition, comfortable chewing, clear speech, and long-term quality of life. Research has also shown connections between gum disease and certain systemic health conditions, making routine dental care an important part of maintaining overall health.
Preventive dentistry focuses on identifying and addressing small problems before they require extensive treatment. Regular exams, cleanings, and screenings often allow issues such as cavities, gum inflammation, and enamel wear to be treated early. This proactive approach can help reduce the need for more complex procedures such as crowns, root canals, tooth extractions, or dental implants.
Not necessarily. Inlays and onlays are often recommended when enough healthy tooth structure remains to avoid full crown coverage. A dental crown may be the better option when a tooth has extensive damage or significant structural weakness. Dr. Stiles will recommend the treatment that best protects the tooth while preserving as much natural structure as possible.
Yes. Inlays and onlays are custom crafted to match your surrounding teeth in color, contour, and shape. The result is a restoration that strengthens the tooth while maintaining a natural appearance that blends with your smile.
Yes. Dental implants are often an excellent solution for replacing front teeth because they provide stability, natural appearance, and long-term function. Each restoration is carefully designed to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, helping create a seamless and confident smile.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth by anchoring directly into the jawbone. A dental bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support. Implants help preserve bone and don’t require altering adjacent teeth. Bridges may be a good option in some cases, and we’ll help you compare benefits during your visit.
Modern dental crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We match the shape, size, and color carefully so your restoration looks natural and feels comfortable when you smile or speak.
Saving a natural tooth is often preferred when possible. Treatments like crowns or root canal therapy can restore function and relieve pain. However, if a tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction may be the healthier choice. We’ll explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Dental crowns and bridges can be made from ceramic, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or metal alloys. Ceramic and porcelain restorations are popular for visible teeth because they closely resemble natural enamel, while zirconia is often selected for its exceptional strength and durability. The right material depends on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your long-term restorative needs.
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns and bridges when treatment is considered medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment, explain your coverage, and help maximize any available insurance benefits. Financing options are also available for qualified patients.
Both dental bridges and dental implants are effective ways to replace missing teeth. A bridge uses neighboring teeth for support, while an implant replaces the tooth root and helps preserve jawbone structure. The best option depends on your oral health, bone support, budget, and long-term goals. Dr. Stiles can help you determine which solution is right for you.
A dental bridge requires special attention because food particles and plaque can collect beneath the replacement tooth. Most patients use floss threaders, bridge floss, or water flossers to clean under the bridge and around the supporting teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental cleanings can help protect the bridge and the teeth supporting it.
Yes. Once you have adjusted to your dental bridge, you should be able to eat most foods comfortably. A bridge restores chewing function and helps distribute bite forces more evenly. To maximize the lifespan of your restoration, it is still a good idea to avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other extremely hard foods.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during a dental crown procedure because the tooth is thoroughly numbed before treatment begins. Some mild sensitivity may occur after the appointment, but it typically resolves within a few days. Our team prioritizes your comfort throughout the process.
Dental bridges are fixed restorations designed for long-term use. Regular care and dental visits help maintain their stability.
With proper care, most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years, and many last even longer. The lifespan of a crown depends on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, grinding habits, and the material used. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help extend the life of your restoration.
A dental implant restoration is the custom-made replacement tooth that attaches to a dental implant after the implant has healed and integrated with the jawbone. Depending on your needs, the restoration may be a crown, bridge, or denture. The goal is to restore the appearance, function, and stability of your smile while allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
The timeline varies depending on your treatment plan and healing process. In most cases, the implant must fully integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration can be placed. Once healing is complete, impressions are taken and your custom restoration is fabricated and attached. Dr. Stiles will review your expected timeline and guide you through each stage of treatment.
Yes. If an implant crown becomes chipped, cracked, worn, or damaged over time, it can often be repaired or replaced without removing the implant itself. During an examination, Dr. Stiles can evaluate the restoration and recommend the most appropriate solution to restore both appearance and function.
Most patients find the implant restoration phase to be comfortable. Because the implant has already healed before the final restoration is placed, the process typically involves minimal discomfort. Some patients experience mild sensitivity or temporary soreness, but most are able to return to their normal activities shortly after treatment.
Delaying the final restoration may affect your ability to chew comfortably and fully benefit from your dental implant. Completing treatment as recommended helps restore proper function, protects your oral health, and allows the implant to serve as a reliable long-term replacement for your missing tooth.
An inlay or onlay may be recommended when a cavity or damaged area is too large for a traditional filling but does not require a full dental crown. These restorations provide additional strength and support while preserving more of your healthy natural tooth structure. During your examination, Dr. Stiles will evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend the most conservative treatment that provides long-term protection.
With proper care, inlays and onlays can often last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, dietary habits, and routine dental care. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings help protect the restoration and allow any concerns to be addressed before they become larger problems.
Treatment is completed with a local anesthetic, and most patients remain comfortable throughout the process.
No. Modern porcelain and ceramic inlays and onlays are designed to closely match the color, shape, and appearance of your natural teeth. Once bonded into place, they blend seamlessly with the surrounding enamel, making them difficult for others to notice.
Caring for an inlay or onlay is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, avoiding habits such as chewing ice or hard objects, and maintaining routine dental visits can help maximize the lifespan of your restoration and support long-term oral health.
Yes. Your treatment plan is customized based on your goals and preferences.
Yes. Each treatment is designed to match your natural teeth and facial features.
Results are long-lasting but require proper care and maintenance.
Treatment time varies depending on the number of procedures involved. Some treatments are completed in one visit, while others may take several months.
It helps identify abnormal tissue changes that may not be visible to the naked eye during a routine oral cancer exam.
No. The VELscope examination is quick, non-invasive, and comfortable.
It supports oral cancer detection but does not replace biopsy or diagnostic testing.
Most patients benefit from annual oral cancer screenings, though some may need more frequent evaluations.
Coverage varies depending on the dental services included in your plan.
You can, but it’s smart to be a little cautious. Biting directly into hard or crunchy foods with your front teeth puts extra pressure on the bonding and can cause chipping. Try cutting apples and similar foods into smaller pieces and chewing with your back teeth when possible.
Yes, it’s possible. Bonding seals the surface of the tooth, but it doesn’t make the tooth immune to decay. Bacteria can still find their way in along the edges of the bonding if oral hygiene slips, so regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are essential to catching any issues early.
Brush and floss just as you would your natural teeth, and keep up with regular checkups so our dentists can monitor the bonding for wear. Avoid habits like nail-biting or chewing on pens, which can chip the resin over time.
Unfortunately, no. The composite resin used in bonding doesn’t respond to whitening treatments the way natural enamel does. If you’re considering whitening, it’s best to do it before any bonding work so our team can match the resin to your newly whitened shade. If you whiten afterward, the surrounding natural teeth may become noticeably brighter than the bonded one.
Most bonded teeth last anywhere from 3 to 10 years before they need touching up, depending on which teeth were treated and how well they’re cared for. Front teeth used mainly for biting into softer foods tend to hold up longer than teeth exposed to heavier chewing. Our dentists will keep an eye on your bonding at your regular cleanings and let you know if it’s time for a refresh.
Not quite. Both can improve the look of a tooth, but they work differently. Veneers are thin shells custom-made in a lab and bonded over the front of a tooth, while dental bonding uses a composite resin that our dentists shape directly onto your tooth chairside. Bonding is typically less expensive and can often be completed in a single visit, but veneers tend to hold up longer and resist staining better.
Most patients benefit from professional dental cleanings and exams every six months. Regular visits allow our team to remove plaque and tartar buildup, monitor your oral health, and identify potential concerns before they become more serious. Some patients with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or other risk factors may benefit from more frequent preventive visits based on their individual needs.
Yes. Brushing and flossing are essential, but they cannot remove hardened tartar that forms over time. Professional cleanings help remove buildup in areas that are difficult to reach at home, while routine exams allow us to detect cavities, gum disease, and other concerns in their earliest stages. Combining excellent home care with regular dental visits provides the best protection for your oral health.
No. Fluoride treatments can benefit both children and adults. Patients who are prone to cavities, experience dry mouth, have exposed tooth roots, or are at increased risk for decay may benefit from additional fluoride protection. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and supports the natural remineralization process that protects teeth from cavities.
Yes. While sealants are commonly associated with children and teenagers, adults with deep grooves in their molars may also benefit from sealant protection. Sealants create a protective barrier that helps prevent food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped in areas that are difficult to clean, reducing the risk of cavities.
Small issues may go undetected and develop into more serious conditions that require more extensive treatment.
You may need restorative treatment if you’re experiencing tooth pain, difficulty chewing, sensitivity, or have visible damage such as cracks, large fillings, or missing teeth. Even if discomfort is mild, these issues can worsen over time. A dental exam allows us to identify the cause and recommend the right solution.
No. Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and rebuilding teeth, while cosmetic dentistry improves appearance.
It depends on your situation. Dental implants preserve adjacent teeth, while bridges may be recommended based on your needs.
The lifespan of a dental restoration depends on the type of treatment, the materials used, and how well you care for your oral health. Tooth-colored fillings may last several years, while dental crowns, bridges, and implants can often last 10 years or longer with proper maintenance. Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits such as chewing ice, biting hard objects, or grinding your teeth can help extend the life of your restoration.
Many plans provide partial insurance coverage for medically necessary procedures. Coverage varies by provider.
Stiles Dental Care offers a wide range of services and products that can help brighten your smile. Our most comprehensive tool is our smile makeover plan, which scans your teeth and transforms them before your eyes. You will see what your smile could look like, and we will help outline the path that you will need to take to get there.
Some treatments to improve smiles include whitening, bonding, veneers, Invisalign, implant restoration, bridges and crowns, and much more.
Dental emergencies can include cracking, breaking, or losing a tooth. In this case, try to locate your tooth or tooth fragment, wash it off, and transport it to our office in a glass of milk or inside your cheek to keep it alive. There is a chance that we could reattach or repair it.
If you’re not sure if you’re undergoing an emergency, err on the side of caution — call our office!
Yes — Stiles Dental Care is proud to offer our expert assistance in the case of an emergency. Emergencies don’t wait for regular office hours. Call us as soon as you can — we’re here for you in every emergency case.
Just the term “root canal” can send shudders up a spine, but it’s a misconception that these restorative treatments are painful. The pain comes from not treating it, and a root canal actually relieves the infection that causes the pain. With advances in anesthesia and modern dentistry, you can expect to be as comfortable during a root canal as you are during a regular filling.
A preventive dental exam includes a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, existing dental work, and oral tissues. We look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, enamel wear, and other potential concerns. Depending on your needs, digital X-rays and additional screenings may also be recommended to help identify problems that are not visible during a visual examination.
The most important thing you can do is to get yourself scheduled with us as soon as possible. It’s never too late to start getting your teeth back into shape. Don’t be surprised if we find you need some restorative work done. We will make sure you understand every step that must be taken as we prioritize your care.
Attending your regularly scheduled checkups is important. But it’s just as important for you to do all that you can to maintain your oral health when you aren’t in the dental chair.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, particularly after eating to clear debris and flush out sugar. The bacteria that occurs naturally in your mouth love to eat sugar. Afterward, they produce the bad stuff that causes tooth decay. That’s why it’s important to at least rinse your mouth with water if you are unable to brush after eating.
Flossing is also important to do every day. Even if you find your gums bleeding, at first, stick with it. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
If you ever have an issue with your teeth or notice changes in your mouth that can’t be explained between regular appointments, don’t hesitate to contact Stiles Dental Care — we’ll get it checked out.
In short, every insurance plan is different — just like every smile is different! What is covered for one person might not be covered for another, and there are a significant amount of people who do not have dental coverage through their insurance plans.
Broadly speaking, insurance plans that do include dental coverage offer assistance and coverage for your regular cleaning and exams, and could provide help in some treatments.
Your best bet is to let our team touch base with your insurance provider so we can help you determine what costs you might be responsible for when you visit our office.
For our regular patients, the team would typically like to see you in the office twice each year for regular exams and cleaning. It’s important to stick with these appointments, as we do a deep and thorough cleaning that simply isn’t possible at home. Exams are also designed to detect any issues early. The earlier we identify a problem, the sooner we can address it.
If you are a periodontal patient, or if you have any treatments that must be completed, we may want to see you more frequently than once every six months.
Do you have a question that wasn’t listed here? Call our office today at 609-654-0033 — we’d be glad to get it answered for you.
“The quality of knowledge, care and experience you receive from Dr. Stiles and his entire staff is second to none. From the moment you walk into the office till the moment you leave, you are made to feel that you are the most important patient there.”
“I have been going to see Dr. Stiles and his staff since I was a little girl. In all the years that I have been a patient, I have never had a back experience, have always received the best treatment, and am always treated like family.”
“I just had my first dentist app that with Dr. Stiles and his staff. They were very thorough and detailed. They took the time and attention throughout my visit. I would highly recommend for dental care.”