Frequently Asked Questions

Our membership options are designed to help our patients with an affordable alternative to receive quality care. The plans give you immediate access to care, substantial savings, and the flexibility to choose a plan that fits your needs.

It is natural to worry that a dental crown procedure will be painful. The good news is that you shouldn’t feel much more than some slight discomfort. The dentist will use a numbing agent to reduce sensation in your mouth before placing the dental crown.

After the procedure, your mouth may feel a little tender, and you may experience some gum inflammation. This should disappear relatively quickly, but your dentist will discuss your options for dealing with any post-procedure discomfort.

Dental crowns make a damaged tooth look and function like normal, so you want them to last as long as possible. Crowns, onlays, and inlays can last up to 15 years with proper care, but what does that mean?

To maximize the life of a new crown, avoid grinding your teeth and biting or chewing objects or fingernails. Always wear protection during activities where objects could hit your teeth, like sports.

A crown replacement may be necessary if you can see the crown shifting, if the tooth looks misshapen, or if you experience any pain in the treated tooth.

Plaque on your teeth can lead to cavities that can be treated with a filling if they’re small. Fillings are used for patients with minor tooth decay to prevent it from getting worse.

Dental crowns, on the other hand, are placed when a tooth shows extensive decay or has been severely damaged. Dental crowns help restore the shape of the tooth and its functionality, as well as cover the tooth to help protect it.

A patient may need a crown due to a broken or fractured tooth or a pair of crowns to support a dental bridge. In some cases, a patient may get a crown to prevent a weakened tooth from breaking.

Crowns, inlays, and onlays are all used to treat and restore damaged teeth. However, they each have unique attributes.

Dental crowns cover an entire visible tooth, so they’re ideal for teeth that are very weak and require structural support and protection. They are also placed after a root canal or when a tooth has extensive decay or cracking.

Dental inlays fit inside the tooth’s surface, much like a filling. If a patient has damage to the tooth’s cusp that is too large for a filling, they may be a good candidate for an inlay.

Onlays cover more of the tooth than an inlay and are ideal for teeth that have damage to one of the cusps but do not require a full restoration.

We recommend having your teeth cleaned every 6 months to remove plaque and tartar buildup and give us a chance to examine your teeth and gums.

Some patients may be advised to come in for additional cleanings throughout the year. This typically applies to individuals who are at an increased risk of gingivitis or periodontal disease or those with existing chronic diseases that impact oral health. Pregnant patients may require additional cleanings and exams as well.

When in doubt, ask your dentist how often you should schedule teeth cleaning appointments.

There are several steps to a teeth cleaning visit. The dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of problems. They’ll spend much of the visit removing tartar and plaque using a tool called a scaler. Then they’ll use a prophylaxis paste and electric brush to deep clean and polish your teeth.

Just as you do at home, the hygienist will also floss between your teeth to make sure nothing is left between them and to look for signs of bleeding gums. They may also use a fluoride rinse to help strengthen your teeth against developing cavities.

The dentist will provide a summary of your oral health and answer questions and provide recommendations for tooth care at home.

A comprehensive dental exam checks your oral health holistically. It typically includes a cleaning to remove tartar and plaque and floss and may include X-rays so dental professionals can look at your jaw and bite alignment. They will also look for signs of gum disease and tooth decay and signs of oral cancer. They’ll also review previous dental work to verify that fillings or other treatments are still in good condition.

New patients can expect to have X-rays done, and the dentist will do a more in-depth examination between individual teeth and along the gumline for a more complete picture of their condition. The dentist and hygienist will also ask about previous issues to develop a maintenance and treatment plan moving forward.

Stay on top of your oral health by finding a practice that provides dental cleanings near you.

Dental implants look natural and can restore your bite, so we understand that patients want the procedure done as quickly as possible. After having a tooth extracted, it is typical to wait several months before an implant placement. This gives the gums ample time to properly heal from the extraction surgery.

However, some patients are able to get the implant within a couple of days or during the same appointment. Your dentist will determine how long you should wait based on gum and bone health.

Placing the implant will likely take more than one visit as well. It takes time for the jawbone to heal around the implant post before the dentist can add the replacement tooth.

Most people can return to their daily routine within a few days of an extraction, including a wisdom tooth removal, but full healing can take several weeks.

Implant healing may take several months, as it involves multiple steps. First, a metal dental implant post is placed into the bone to be the root of the tooth. During healing and osseointegration, the bone joins with the implant to create a strong foundation.

Next, the dentist will attach an abutment to your new tooth. Patients can require two or more weeks of healing before the artificial tooth is attached.

​Tooth extraction healing can vary depending on your treatment plan and oral health. Beam Dental will work to determine the best restorative dentistry plan for you.

Broken tooth repair is often possible, but there are times when an extraction is the best option. Removing teeth is more appropriate in cases of widespread decay or severe gum disease, or when a patient experiences pain around or in the tooth. A dentist may also recommend an extraction if they find cysts or tumors during an exam.

​Wisdom teeth may be extracted if they only emerge partially or are fully hidden underneath the gums, which is known as impaction. This condition can increase the chance of infection and crowding, even if your teeth are already straight.

You should not experience pain during a wisdom tooth extraction. Your dentist will decide whether local or general anesthesia is right for you. Local anesthesia numbs the extraction site, so patients may experience discomfort but not pain. Patients who receive general anesthesia are asleep during the procedure.

After the surgery, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever or provide a prescription to manage any pain when the anesthesia wears off. You may also experience swelling or bruising, which should improve within a couple of days.

Whether you need a tooth extracted or just want top-of-the-line general oral care, Beam Dental makes the process simple and comfortable.

Deep cleaning teeth is more involved and comprehensive than a typical cleaning since much of it takes place below the gumline—so it’s normal to wonder whether the process is painful. The dentist will numb the part of your mouth being cleaned, so you may feel discomfort and pressure against your gums but should not feel pain.

After the deep cleaning, your gums and teeth may feel sore or more sensitive than usual. This should go away on its own, but your dentist may recommend pain relievers to help alleviate the discomfort. If needed, they may prescribe a specific medication to address any remaining aches.

During a regular cleaning, dentists remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that can cause gingivitis and lead to infections.

In a deep cleaning, a dentist performs scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar. This is done to clean below the gumline to help with gum disease treatment. This type of cleaning also protects your teeth’s roots and can help treat an existing infection.

Since deep cleanings are more involved, you may require several appointments. The mouth is divided into quadrants for these appointments. Your dentist will schedule one or more sections per visit.

Much like a regular cleaning, it won’t take long to recover from a periodontal cleaning. Most patients can return to their normal routine right after their appointment.

You may experience some sensitivity in your gums and teeth afterward, so the dentist may recommend staying away from some foods, such as very cold or very hot foods that can trigger sensitivity. Softer foods also help with discomfort from biting and chewing. You may also be advised to use an over-the-counter painkiller to manage mild pain.

Keeping up with positive brushing and flossing habits will help your mouth heal and keep your teeth and gums clean after the procedure.

Plastic dental sealants are applied to the tooth’s surface to protect against damage. They prevent food and bacteria from coming into contact with the enamel and leading to decay and cavity development.

The best part is that dental sealants are safe and quick to apply. The dentist will clean and prepare the tooth's surface before applying the sealant in a liquid form. They will then use a light to set the sealant and harden it.

Dental sealants prevent cavities by adding a protective layer to keep food from contacting the teeth directly. Food debris eventually becomes plaque, which can harden into tartar, ultimately leading to tooth decay. Sealants create a shield that keeps this process from occurring.

Sealants may be used with fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the likelihood of decay. A dentist may combine a fluoride gel or varnish with a sealant for maximum protection.

Ask a Beam Dental professional what cavity prevention measures are right for you.

Fluoride helps prevent cavities from forming by strengthening tooth enamel, so it’s safe and beneficial for children and adults. This mineral can be found in food and public drinking water, and it can also be supplemented with topical fluoride treatments and toothpaste.

Ultimately, it’s best to talk with your dentist about whether additional fluoride treatments are right for yourself and your child.

Not only does the team at Beam Dental provide guidance on the best course of treatment, but we also make sure quality care is accessible through affordable rates and memberships.

Dental sealants last for roughly 5–10 years with proper care. After a sealant is applied, patients are advised to avoid foods that can damage the coating and the tooth, such as very sticky, chewy, or hard foods that can crack the material.

Sealants can also be applied to children’s teeth to help reduce the chances of developing cavities early on. Since this is a form of preventative dental care for children, it may be covered by your insurance. Our team will help you verify coverage before proceeding.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that you take your child to an orthodontist by age 7, as the specialist can identify and address any concerns before all the child's adult teeth come in.

Taking your child to see an orthodontist around age 7 does not necessarily mean they will have to start orthodontic treatment immediately. The orthodontist may tell you that there's no need for treatment, or that your child may need treatment in the future. During periodic check-ups, the orthodontist can monitor the youngster's development.

When children come in for early orthodontic treatment, their orthodontists can optimize treatment based on their growth and development. Many orthodontic concerns are easier to treat while children are still growing. In many cases, children's orthodontics is a preventive measure.

If, for example, an orthodontist sees that your child will likely have issues with tooth overcrowding, they can recommend palatal expansion while they're still growing. The expansion creates more room for the teeth to sit correctly, so extractions and other procedures may not be necessary. Addressing the same overcrowding issue later in life can be more complicated and even require surgery, so it's best to visit a Beam Dental pediatric orthodontist near you sooner rather than later.

Braces for kids help support the healthy development of their teeth and jaw. The braces can guide the teeth into the correct positions as they come in, and while the jaw is still growing. Wearing braces now could lower the risk of more severe dental issues in adulthood.

Braces are often part of the solution in treating bite problems. A bite problem, also known as malocclusion, is when the two rows of teeth don't align properly, making biting and chewing more difficult. Taking your child to the orthodontist early will help them catch the warning signs of malocclusion as soon as possible and begin a treatment plan.

The best orthodontic options for adults depend on dental concerns and goals. If you prioritize discreet treatment, Invisalign for adults is the best option. The clear Invisalign aligners gradually straighten your teeth without being obvious (even when you smile).

So, how does Invisalign work? With Invisalign, your orthodontist will create a digital model of your teeth. Then, the orthodontist makes a series of custom aligners based on the model. You wear these aligners all day, except when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, and switch to the next aligner every couple of weeks.

You can also try clear braces near you if aligners aren't the right choice for your needs.

Yes, it is. Your local orthodontist will work with you to determine the issue with your teeth and the best way to treat it. Discuss your concerns and treatment preferences, so you're both on the same page about how to proceed. As your treatment progresses, your orthodontist will check in and make adjustments as needed to help you achieve your treatment goals.

The timeframe for adult orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity and severity of the issue. A slight tooth misalignment, for instance, might take six to 12 months to address. A more complex issue could take longer. Generally, you'll have to visit your orthodontist every six to eight weeks during treatment so they can check your progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Talk to your orthodontist about options, as they can recommend different approaches based on how much time you're willing to devote to treatment.

The best orthodontic treatment for teens depends on the dental issues they want to treat, lifestyle factors, and other preferences. For example, a teen with minor tooth misalignment who wants a discreet treatment might prefer invisible aligners. The aligners are very hard to see, so the teen doesn't have to worry about broadcasting their treatment.

For a teen with more complex dental problems, traditional metal braces might be the better choice. Though more noticeable than clear braces or invisible aligners, metal braces are durable and practical. Each case is different, so discuss thoughts and concerns about treatment with your teen's orthodontist.

If an orthodontist deems it an appropriate option, Invisalign Teen is available. Many teens prefer clear aligners like Invisalign because the trays are less visible than traditional and ceramic braces. If this treatment option sounds like a good fit for your child, there’s a Beam Dental orthodontist who offers Invisalign Teen near you.

What's important to remember is that patients generally need to wear Invisalign trays for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. If a teenager can't commit to wearing the Invisalign trays consistently, they may be better off with a different treatment option, like teen braces.

Regardless of whether your teen requires restorative, preventative, or cosmetic dentistry, it's important to understand how treatment will fit into their life. Braces generally do not affect teenagers' ability to play sports. Applying orthodontic wax to the brackets can help reduce irritation.

Proper care is essential to help your veneers last and look good as long as possible. First, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day (for two minutes each time) with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss once a day. While flossing, be careful to slide the floss gently between your teeth to avoid loosening the veneers.

Try to avoid biting into hard foods like candy and nuts because they can chip your veneers. Also, don't open things with your teeth or chew on things like pens. Avoid foods and beverages that increase the risk of staining your veneers.

You can expect your dental veneers to last around 10 years, depending on how well you care for them and additional factors. Eventually, veneer replacement will be necessary to maintain the visual appeal of your new smile.

Although more expensive, porcelain veneers are generally stronger and more resistant to chips, cracks, and staining.

Veneers and crowns are both options for improving your smile. Regarding the veneers vs. crowns debate, consider whether you want to address minor flaws or more significant tooth damage.

Generally, dental veneers are best for stains, chips, gaps, or misalignments in otherwise healthy teeth. Dental crowns are best for addressing issues like cracked teeth, significant decay, root canals, and large fillings. Crowns, in short, are more durable and comprehensive. Since crowns cover the entire top of the tooth, dentists must remove more enamel to install crowns than with veneers.

With proper care, cosmetic veneers can last a long time, but not for eternity. Ask your dentist how long you can expect your veneers to last, and plan to replace them when that time comes. 

In the meantime, look out for signs that you might need to replace your veneers early, such as:

• Darkening, discoloration or staining
• Cracks and chips
• Roughness around the edges
• Space between your gums and veneers
• Gaps or misalignment
• Discomfort or looseness of your veneers
• Other visible damage to your veneers

If you notice any of these signs, a restorative or cosmetic dentist can check your veneers and help you decide what to do next.

Generally, dental bonding lasts three to 10 years. Good oral hygiene habits—like brushing twice a day, avoiding hard foods, and wearing a mouthguard during impact sports—could help the treatment last longer.

Location of the affected area also matters. If cosmetic bonding is on the front teeth, the bond may wear more when biting down, making replacement necessary sooner.

When it comes to bonding vs. veneers, there are different considerations. Typically, bonding is best for minor repairs, like small chips and gaps. Veneers are better for issues such as larger chips, misalignment, and significant discoloration. Bonding has a lower upfront cost than veneers, though it is less durable.

If you choose porcelain veneers, the process will take several visits. A dentist can complete the dental bonding procedure in one visit. All types of veneers also require some permanent enamel removal, while bonding does not.

Yes, bonding is a great cosmetic dentistry option for chipped tooth repair. A dentist starts by cleaning the tooth and, if needed, lightly roughening its surface. Then, they will apply composite resin to the area of the chip and cure it with ultraviolet light. The last step is to polish the area to make it smooth and blend with the rest of the tooth.

Caring for bonded teeth is generally very similar to typical oral hygiene routines. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss at least once daily. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride.

Also, try to avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could chip the bonding materials. Eating ice, hard candy, or crusty bread could cause a problem. If you're playing a contact sport, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Wearing one at night is a good idea if you're prone to grinding your teeth while sleeping.

Yes! Patients can schedule appointments and receive care at any BEAM Dental office, ensuring flexibility and convenience for your schedule.

Absolutely. BEAM Dental keeps your dental records centralized, so you can visit any location without repeating paperwork or exams.

Yes! Many of our doctors and staff members are multilingual (including Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Persian and more) and they make non-English speaking patients feel right at home, ensuring clear communication for treatment plans, billing, and dental care instructions.

Yes. Membership plans for uninsured patients apply at all locations, so you can enjoy consistent savings and benefits no matter which office you visit.

You can easily book appointments online or by phone at any BEAM Dental office. Your account and treatment history are accessible across locations for a seamless experience.

Our orthodontic specialists evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment to determine the best treatment for you or your child. We focus on both function and aesthetics to ensure a healthy, confident smile.

BEAM Dental offers a range of options, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners, so you can choose the solution that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients see results in 12–24 months, with regular adjustments to keep progress on track.

Many insurance plans, including pediatric dental coverage, help offset the cost of orthodontic treatment. Our team can review your plan and help maximize your benefits.

Yes! BEAM Dental offers flexible payment plans and membership options to make orthodontic care affordable for every family.

Absolutely! We provide guidance on protective gear like mouthguards for sports and tips to safely play instruments.

Yes. Retainers help maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back. The duration of retainer use depends on your treatment.

Yes! BEAM Dental provides orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Adult treatments can be discreet with options like clear aligners or ceramic braces.

A prosthodontist specializes in restoring and replacing teeth with solutions like crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants to improve function, comfort, and appearance. Prosthodontists are highly specialized dentists who complete additional years of advanced training focused on complex tooth restoration, replacement, and oral rehabilitation after dental school.

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. It provides a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture, restoring both function and appearance.

Most healthy adults with sufficient bone density and good oral health are candidates for dental implants. Your dentist will evaluate your jawbone and overall health to determine the best treatment plan.

With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last 20 years or more. High-quality oral hygiene and avoiding habits like smoking help ensure their longevity.

Recovery typically involves a few days of mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising. Your dentist will provide care instructions and follow-ups to ensure the implant integrates successfully with the jawbone.

Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for implants, and dental offices often provide flexible payment options, membership plans, or financing to make treatment more affordable. Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) can also help cover the cost of implants with pre-tax dollars.

Regular checkups and cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy, prevent cavities and gum disease, and help you avoid costly treatments—so you can smile confidently for years to come.

Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams, but your dentist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your oral health needs.

Preventive dental care typically includes professional cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, and guidance on maintaining healthy teeth and gums at home.

Regular preventive care helps catch problems early, avoiding costly treatments like root canals, extractions, or dental implants in the future. Investing in prevention protects both your oral health and your wallet.

Many dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, often at 100%. For patients without insurance, dental membership plans and flexible payment options make preventive care affordable.

Restorative dentistry helps repair or replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth, so you can enjoy a healthy, confident smile and comfortable bite.

Restorative care includes crowns, bridges, fillings, dentures, and dental implants - treatments designed to restore both function and appearance.

If you have tooth pain, cracks or chips, missing teeth, difficulty chewing, or visible decay, restorative dentistry can help protect your oral health and prevent further problems.

Many restorative treatments are partially covered by dental insurance. For added convenience, we also offer flexible financing and membership plans to make care affordable.

With proper care, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants can last many years - even decades - helping you maintain a healthy, functional smile for the long term.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile, including teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and reshaping teeth for a more confident look.

Orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry are two different types of dental care. Orthodontics mainly corrects teeth alignment and bite, while cosmetic dentistry enhances the look of your smile. Some orthodontic treatments can also be cosmetic when improving appearance is a key goal.

Treatments can whiten stained teeth, fix chips or cracks, close gaps, and correct misaligned teeth to enhance both your smile’s appearance, your confidence and your overall oral health.

Yes, cosmetic dentistry procedures are safe when performed by trained dental professionals and customized to your oral health needs.

The lifespan of cosmetic treatments varies: teeth whitening may last months, while veneers, bonding, and crowns can last many years with proper care.

Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, but BEAM Dental offer payment plans, membership programs, or financing options to make treatment more affordable.

You can call your insurance company. Or you can call us so we can help you find out in just a few minutes.

PPO dental insurance (Preferred Provider Organization) allows you to visit any licensed dentist, but you’ll pay less if you choose a dentist within the plan's network. It offers flexibility in choosing providers while still covering a portion of your dental expenses.

Yes, even without insurance, you can still access affordable dental care at BEAM Dental through options like discount programs, flexible financing, and our membership plans designed to make long-term oral health more manageable and cost-effective.

Yes. We award new patients with a bundled discount for quality care on consultation, X-ray and routine cleaning. It’s one of our most favored incentives for new members of BEAM Dental community.

This will depend on your dental insurance plan. If you and your dentist decide to proceed, we’ll run your insurance and give you our best estimate of what you’ll pay before you come in.

Yes. Many dental insurance plans help cover the cost of braces for children, especially when necessary to correct bite or alignment issues. Coverage varies by plan  - some pay a portion of orthodontic treatment up to a set lifetime maximum, while others may offer limited or no coverage. It’s always best to check your plan details so you know what’s covered before starting treatment.

At BEAM Dental, we also offer flexible payment options and membership plans to make orthodontic care more affordable and predictable, even if your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost.

A dental membership plan is an in-office savings program that gives patients access to preventive care, discounts on treatments, and predictable pricing without traditional insurance. At BEAM Dental, we offer tiered membership plans to support all levels of dental care needs.

Anyone with or without dental insurance can join. There are typically no eligibility barriers or pre-approvals.

Membership plans usually cover preventive care like cleanings, exams, and X-rays, and offer significant discounts on additional treatments such as fillings, crowns, and more.

Members often save up to 40% off standard treatment fees.

Enrollment is quick and simple. Once enrolled, your plan activates immediately, giving you access to discounted services without paperwork, claims, or waiting periods. Members can get treatments at any BEAM Dental location of their choice.