Frequently Asked Questions

For most patients, we recommend professional examinations and cleanings every six months. However, patients with active periodontal disease, higher cavity risk, or certain systemic health conditions may benefit from more frequent visits — typically every three to four months. Your Platinum Dental Group provider will recommend a schedule tailored to your individual needs and clinical findings.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first dental visit occur by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Early visits help establish a dental home, identify developmental concerns early, and build positive associations with dental care that benefit a child throughout their lifetime.

Sensitivity is most commonly caused by exposed dentin, which can result from enamel erosion, receding gum tissue, a cracked tooth, or worn fillings. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride application, bonding to seal exposed surfaces, a gum graft, or a crown. We diagnose the source before recommending any intervention so that we are treating the cause — not just masking the symptom.

Routine preventive care, including cleanings and examinations, is safe and actually recommended during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can accelerate gum inflammation and increase cavity risk, so maintaining care is important. Elective procedures are typically deferred until after delivery, and we coordinate closely with obstetric providers when needed. Please inform your provider of your pregnancy at check-in.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because the titanium fixture integrates directly with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. The implant itself is designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The crown that attaches to it typically lasts 15 to 25 years depending on wear patterns and oral hygiene. Implants preserve jawbone density in a way that dentures and bridges cannot, making them the most functionally complete solution available.

In-office professional whitening typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes and can lighten teeth several shades in a single appointment. Custom take-home trays loaded with professional-grade gel are used over one to two weeks, usually for 30 to 60 minutes per day, and deliver gradual but significant results. Results vary based on the degree of staining, enamel characteristics, and aftercare habits. Your provider will help you determine which method is best suited to your goals.

Most routine dental procedures — cleanings, fillings, simple extractions — allow patients to return to normal activities the same day. More involved procedures such as implant surgery, multiple extractions, or full-mouth reconstruction may require one to three days of limited activity. We provide detailed post-treatment instructions and will give you a realistic picture of recovery time before your appointment so you can plan accordingly.

We take dental anxiety seriously. Our practices offer oral sedation, nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas), and for qualifying patients, IV sedation through a trained anesthesiologist or oral surgeon. Beyond sedation, we use explain-then-perform communication, take breaks when requested, and create treatment environments designed to minimize sensory stress. Please discuss your anxiety openly with your provider — we will work with you to make your visit manageable and, ideally, positive.

We accept a wide range of PPO dental insurance plans and work with patients to maximize their benefits. Our administrative team will verify your coverage prior to your appointment and provide a clear breakdown of estimated out-of-pocket costs. We encourage you to bring your insurance card and know your annual maximum and deductible before your visit to facilitate a thorough financial conversation.

Patients without insurance can still access our full range of services. We offer third-party financing options that allow treatment costs to be spread across monthly payments, and we work with patients on a case-by-case basis to develop a plan that fits their budget without deferring necessary care. Contact our office to discuss your situation confidentially with our patient services team.

Always. We provide a detailed treatment plan with itemized costs, insurance estimates, and projected patient portions before any elective procedure is scheduled. We believe that financial transparency is a fundamental part of the patient relationship, and we never proceed with treatment without ensuring you understand and consent to the associated costs.

We send two types of text messages: account-related notifications, which include appointment reminders, confirmation messages, and follow-up instructions; and optional marketing messages about new services, special offers, and oral health information. Each type requires a separate opt-in, and you choose which — if either — you wish to receive. Providing a mobile number is entirely optional.

Reply STOP to any text message from Platinum Dental Group at any time to immediately opt out of all future messages. You may also reply HELP to receive our support contact information. Message and data rates may apply. Opting out of SMS messages does not affect your patient records, appointments, or any other aspect of your care.

No. Your mobile number will never be sold, rented, or shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. It is used solely to send the specific types of communications you have opted into when submitting your contact or SMS preferences form. For complete details, please review our Privacy Policy.