FAQs

COSMETIC DENTISTRY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Many patients who visit with Dr. Christine Koval have questions about cosmetic dentistry and what various procedures entail.

We’ll be more than happy to answer all of your questions about cosmetic dentistry during your initial complimentary consultation. In the meantime, below are a few answers to some of the most common questions that patients have about cosmetic dentistry.

WHAT IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to a broad range of treatments and procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile.

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY?

The best candidates for cosmetic dentistry are people who suffer from dental problems that are predominantly aesthetic in nature. During your consultation at our Sarasota cosmetic dentistry center, Dr. Koval and her team will determine what treatment or combination of treatments will work best for you.

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are placed on the front portions of the teeth. When in place, the porcelain veneers seamlessly cover dental imperfections and make a person’s smile look flawless.

WHAT DENTAL PROBLEMS CAN PORCELAIN VENEERS TREAT?

Porcelain veneers are commonly used to treat the following aesthetic dental imperfections:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Tooth gaps

IS PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING BETTER THAN OVER-THE-COUNTER WHITENING PRODUCTS?

Yes. While some over-the-counter tray systems can yield decent results, professional teeth whitening treatment cannot be matched in terms of effectiveness. In just a single cosmetic dentistry visit, Sarasota patients can have their smiles brightened by up to eight whole shades.

WHAT IS INVISALIGN®?

Invisalign® is a state-of-the-art alternative to traditional metal braces. Rather than using brackets and wires to straighten the teeth, Invisalign® uses sets of clear plastic aligner trays. When in place, the trays are virtually undetectable, allowing for a discreet orthodontic experience.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN COMPARE WITH TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES?

Invisalign® treatment provides results that are comparable to traditional orthodontics. The Invisalign® trays are removable, letting patients eat their favorite foods as they normally would while undergoing advanced dental care.

WHAT ARE CEREC DENTAL CROWNS?

CEREC dental crowns are tooth-colored restorations that are used to cap teeth that have been severely damaged or decayed. When in place, the dental crowns restore appearance to a smile as well as bite strength. Traditional dental crowns typically require two visits with weeks in between. CEREC dental crowns can be created and placed in just one visit!

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into a patient’s jawbone and gum tissue. These artificial tooth roots provide comparable hold to natural tooth roots and prevent bone loss and gum recession from occurring.

WHAT DENTAL APPLIANCES CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS SUPPORT?

Dental implants are often used to support the following dental restorations:

• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Partial dentures
• Full dentures

WHAT IS A SMILE MAKEOVER?

A smile makeover refers to a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments that allows a patient’s smile to look its very best. Each smile makeover is tailored to the needs of the patient.

IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY EXPENSIVE?

The cost of cosmetic dentistry treatment can vary from patient to patient based on severity of case and number of appointments needed. During your consultation, Dr. Koval will provide you with a personalized price quote based on your needs. Payments options and financing plans can be discussed at this point as well.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT COSMETIC DENTISTRY?

We will review all of your cosmetic dentistry concerns in greater detail during your visit. To schedule a consultation and to have more of your questions answered, please contact our Sarasota cosmetic dentistry practice today. We look forward to meeting with you!

DENTAL IMPLANTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When patients are missing one or more teeth, it is important to consider all of the potential options for replacement. Dental implants provide a much more stable solution than dental bridges or dentures and have many benefits for overall dental wellness. Learn more about what dental implants can do for you by visiting Dr. Christine Koval at her Sarasota dental practice. We’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions regarding dental implants below. 

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone and gum tissue. When in place, the dental implants are able to support various kinds of dental appliances to restore the appearance and functionality of a smile. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants provide a very secure hold of replacement teeth, one that is much stronger than even the best denture cream. People can bite, chew, and speak without fear of having an appliance or restoration slip out of place. In addition to stability, dental implants prevent gum recession and bone loss from occurring in the area of the tooth gap, which are common problems for people who are missing teeth. 

WHO SHOULD GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?

The best candidates for dental implants at our Sarasota dental practice are people who are missing at least one tooth. They should have sufficient jawbone and gum density in the area of the tooth gap in order to support the implant. Patients should also be in generally good health because inserting the implants requires oral surgery. 

WHAT KINDS OF DENTAL RESTORATIONS CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS SUPPORT?

Dental implants can be used to support the following dental restorations:

• Individual dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Partial dentures
• Full dentures

The best restoration for you and your needs will depend on the extent of your tooth loss. 

WHAT IS THE DENTAL IMPLANTS PROCESS LIKE?

The first step of the dental implants process is the oral surgery, when the dental implant is embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue. The second step is the healing period, which typically takes between five and seven months. During this time, osseointegration, where the implants fuse with mouth’s living tissues, must take place in order to guarantee that the dental implants will hold. The final step of the dental implants process involves the crafting and placement of the dental restoration. State-of-the-art techniques will be used so that the restoration fits properly with your other teeth when it is in place. 

WHAT IS OSSEOINTEGRATION?

Osseointegration means that the dental implant fuses with the living tissues of the mouth. Treatment can only continue when the fusion of the implant and the structures of the mouth has occurred. This is crucial for ensuring proper hold and fit of the final dental restoration. 

HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST?

The price of dental implants is determined by a number of different factors. During your consultation for implant dentistry at our Sarasota office, we can go over cost and payment options in full detail. 

HOW LONG DOES THE DENTAL IMPLANTS TREATMENT PROCESS TAKE?

In general, the process from beginning to end can take roughly seven to nine months. This will vary from patient to patient, so please keep in mind that this time frame is not set in stone.

ARE THERE OPTIONS TO CONSIDER FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

When a person is poor candidate for dental implants due to a lack of gum tissue or bone density, he or she may be able to undergo an additional oral surgery to increase the amount of tissue in the tooth gap. These procedures are known as bone grafting and gum grafting. While these tissue grafts will take several months to heal, they will allow for the dental implants procedure to take place. Candidacy for these treatments can be discussed in greater detail during your consultation. 

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS?

It’s likely that you have more questions about dental implants and what they can accomplish. To learn more about dental implants, it’s important that you meet with Dr. Christine Koval for a consultation. During this consultation, you will be able to receive all the answers you need to make an informed decision about your dental care needs. Contact our Sarasota restorative dentistry center today to schedule a visit.

LASER DENTISTRY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

While lasers have been present in dental care for a number of years, many patients are unfamiliar with the basics of laser dentistry and have misconceptions about what dental lasers can achieve. The team at Koval & Koval’s cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice would like to help you understand more about this modern practice by answering some of the most common laser dentistry questions. 

WHAT IS LASER DENTISTRY?

Laser dentistry refers to the use of lasers to perform various dental care treatments. In particular, these dental lasers can be used to treat the soft tissues of the mouth, like the gums, and the hard tissues of the mouth, such as the teeth. 

HOW IS LASER DENTISTRY USED FOR SOFT TISSUE TREATMENTS?

Dental lasers can be used to help reshape and re-contour the gums as well as the other fleshy parts of the mouth. The lasers cut the gum tissue, allowing dentists to alter the shape of the gumline and improve dental health and aesthetics. Lasers can also be used to assist with root planing and scaling to address the effects of gum disease. Soft tissue lasers replace the need for scalpels and sutures, making for a much more comfortable experience. 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SOFT TISSUE LASER DENTISTRY?

Soft tissue laser dentistry reduces the chances of heavy bleeding, infection, and the need for anesthetic. You will also experience a faster and much more comfortable healing period. 

HOW IS LASER DENTISTRY USED FOR HARD TISSUE TREATMENTS?

Dental lasers can also be used to prepare a tooth to receive a dental filling, an inlay, an onlay (metal covering), or a dental crown. These kinds of lasers use a controlled laser pulse along with streams of water, replacing the need for dental drills. 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HARD TISSUE LASER DENTISTRY?

Hard tissue lasers eliminate the annoying sounds of the dental drill, excessive heat, and trauma to the teeth. Procedures done with hard tooth lasers are performed with greater accuracy, and patients are able to retain more of their healthy tooth structure. 

IS LASER DENTISTRY SAFE?

Increased safety and accuracy of care are two of the most notable advantages of laser dentistry. By reducing bleeding, improving healing times, and allowing for greater retention of natural tooth structure, laser dentistry offers less invasive and thus more effective care than traditional ways of performing the same soft tissue and hard tissue treatments. 

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF LASER DENTISTRY LIKE?

The results of laser dentistry are nothing short of remarkable. By undergoing a laser dentistry treatment, you can achieve the smile of your dreams. Since seeing is believing, we encourage you to browse through our gallery of laser dentistry before and after photos. 

HOW MUCH DOES LASER DENTISTRY TREATMENT COST?

Because there are a variety of treatments that can be performed with laser dentistry, the cost can vary based on your specific needs. During your consultation, you will receive a personalized price quote as well as a breakdown of the expenses involved. Financing options can also be discussed during the consultation process.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT LASER DENTISTRY?

To learn more about laser dentistry, contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Our team will be happy to answer all of your questions and address any concerns.

PORCELAIN VENEERS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Porcelain veneers are one of the most natural and versatile treatment options for achieving a beautiful smile. As popular as they are, there are still some misunderstandings about porcelain veneers and what they can achieve. We’d like to answer some of the most common questions that porcelain veneers patients have asked at our Sarasota cosmetic dentistry practice. We hope to give you a better understanding of what porcelain veneers are and how Dr. Christine Koval can help you with all of your dental health goals. 

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS?

Also known as dental veneers, porcelain veneers are thin shells of specially crafted dental ceramic that are affixed to the fronts of the teeth to hide visible flaws.

WHAT DENTAL PROBLEMS CAN PORCELAIN VENEERS ADDRESS?

We often use porcelain veneers at our Sarasota dental care center to address the following cosmetic problems:

• Teeth that are chipped
• Teeth that are cracked
• Teeth that are stained
• Gaps between teeth
• Slight tooth misalignment

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PORCELAIN VENEERS?

In addition to their versatility, porcelain veneers are extremely natural in appearance. Porcelain veneers blend in seamlessly with your natural tooth structure. Whether you’re under natural light or artificial light, no one will be able to tell that you have porcelain veneers in place. 

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR PORCELAIN VENEERS?

The best candidates for porcelain veneers are people who suffer from any of the above listed dental problems. Patients should have realistic expectations about the treatment process and what it entails. It’s important that the dental problems experienced by the patient be predominantly aesthetic in nature. Serious dental health problems would be better addressed through restorative dentistry treatments or orthodontic care. 

WHAT CAN PATIENTS EXPECT DURING THE PORCELAIN VENEERS PROCEDURE?

During the porcelain veneers treatment process at our Sarasota cosmetic dentistry center, patients will first have their teeth cleaned. A very small portion of the tooth structure (a fraction of a millimeter) is then carefully removed so that an impression can be taken. The porcelain veneer is crafted from this impression and checked for color and fit before being adhered in place. 

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF PORCELAIN VENEERS LIKE?

The results of porcelain veneers treatment can be quite remarkable, giving people the smile of their dreams. To see some results for yourself, we encourage you to browse our gallery of porcelain veneers before and after photos. We will be happy to share more amazing photos with you during your visit. 

HOW MUCH DO PORCELAIN VENEERS COST?

The cost of porcelain veneers can vary a fair amount from patient to patient based on a host of factors. When you come by for a consultation, we will be able to discuss the cost of porcelain veneers and payment/financing options in greater detail. 

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT PORCELAIN VENEERS?

For additional concerns about cosmetic dentistry issues and how porcelain veneers can benefit you, be sure to contact our Sarasota smile makeover center today. Dr. Christine Koval and the entire team here look forward to meeting you and addressing any additional concerns that you may have.

TEETH WHITENING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bright, white, and healthy teeth are key to a winning smile. Professional dental bleaching is the best way to achieve these results, and Dr. Christine Koval is proud to offer Zoom2 teeth whitening at her Sarasota cosmetic dentistry practice. Just a single teeth whitening session can make a world of difference.

We’d like to take this opportunity to answer some of the most common questions about teeth whitening to help you better understand what the treatment process entails and the results that can be achieved.

WHAT CAUSES DENTAL STAINS AND TOOTH DISCOLORATION?

Some of the most common causes of dental stains and discoloration can be caused by drinks like red wine, coffee, and soft drinks. Foods such as beets, blueberries, curries, and tomatoes also have staining properties.

Teeth can also become yellow or discolored from tobacco products and as a side effect of certain medications like tetracycline. General wear and tear and the natural aging process can similarly cause the steady discoloration of teeth over time.

WHAT IS ZOOM2 TEETH WHITENING?

Zoom2 teeth whitening treatment refers to the use of professional bleaching agents under the supervision of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Zoom2 is one of the best known and most effective teeth whitening systems in use today due to its effectiveness and safety.

HOW DOES ZOOM2 COMPARE TO STORE BOUGHT TEETH WHITENING KITS?

When a patient receives Zoom2 teeth whitening at our Sarasota dental practice, the results are much better than those that can be achieved with a dental bleaching kit bought at the store. In just a single Zoom2 teeth whitening session with Dr. Koval, your smile can be brightened by up to eight shades. It would take weeks and weeks of treatment with an at-home kit just to come close to these sorts of results.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ZOOM2 TEETH WHITENING?

Ideal candidates for Zoom2 teeth whitening are people whose teeth are discolored as a result of the above substances. They should be in generally good dental health and have realistic expectations about the treatment process.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to address discoloration that occurs at the surface of a tooth. If tooth discoloration occurs as a result of tooth decay or tooth erosion, or if the discoloration emerges from within the tooth itself, a teeth whitening alternative will need to be considered instead. During the teeth whitening consultation at our Sarasota cosmetic dentistry practice, Dr. Koval will determine what treatment option would best meet your needs.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ZOOM2 TEETH WHITENING PROCEDURE?

During the first step of Zoom2 treatment, your teeth will be cleaned. The Zoom2 bleaching gel is then carefully applied to the stains and exposed to a special laser light that enhances the bleaching properties of the gel. This process is repeated for the best results. Patients will wear eye protection as a safety precaution throughout the procedure.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT TOOTH SENSITIVITY AFTER WHITENING TREATMENT?

Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening treatment and is perfectly normal. While it only lasts for a day or two, we recommend eating foods that are room temperature as hot or cold foods will trigger further discomfort.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF ZOOM2 TEETH WHITENING?

The results of Zoom2 teeth whitening can be very dramatic, particularly for people who have dealt with gradual yellowing of their teeth. A dingy smile can suddenly look stunning in just a single visit, though multiple visits may be necessary for the best results. We encourage you to look through this gallery of before and after photos of Zoom2 teeth whitening patients so that you understand what results can be achieved.

HOW MUCH DOES ZOOM2 TEETH WHITENING COST?

The cost of professional teeth whitening treatment can vary from patient to patient for a variety of reasons, including the number of bleaching sessions required and the need for additional cosmetic dentistry procedures. The cost of your teeth whitening treatment can be discussed during the consultation process, with a custom price quote provided once your situation has been assessed.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT TEETH WHITENING?

For questions not covered here, contact our Sarasota cosmetic dentistry practice. Dr. Christine Koval has helped her patients achieve brighter smiles with Zoom2 teeth whitening, and she will be more than happy to answer any additional questions that you may have about the dental bleaching process.