Patient guides
Plain answers to the questions patients ask us every week — gum health, toothaches, root canals, crowns, dentures and costs. Every guide is reviewed by one of our dentists.

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What can you eat with braces? Foods to enjoy and avoid
Read the guide →: What can you eat with braces? Foods to enjoy and avoidA simple list of braces-friendly foods, what to skip and how to keep teeth clean while you are in braces.
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When to stop using gauze after wisdom tooth extraction
Read the guide →: When to stop using gauze after wisdom tooth extractionMost people can stop using gauze within a few hours, once bleeding slows to a light ooze. Here’s how to use it,…
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How long do fillings last? Lifespan by material and signs to replace
Read the guide →: How long do fillings last? Lifespan by material and signs to replaceMost fillings last somewhere between 5 and 15 years or longer. Here’s what shortens or extends their life and the signs one…
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How soon can you eat after fluoride treatment?
Read the guide →: How soon can you eat after fluoride treatment?Wait about 30 minutes, then eat soft, lukewarm food for the rest of the day. Here is what to avoid, when to…
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Root canal recovery tips: what’s normal and what to do
Read the guide →: Root canal recovery tips: what’s normal and what to doMild soreness for a few days is normal after a root canal. Here’s how to eat, manage pain and protect the tooth…
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Teeth bonding vs veneers: which is right for your smile?
Read the guide →: Teeth bonding vs veneers: which is right for your smile?Bonding is quick and conservative; veneers last longer and handle bigger changes. Compare cost drivers, lifespan and care.
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How long after a dental cleaning can I eat?
Read the guide →: How long after a dental cleaning can I eat?After a regular cleaning you can usually eat right away. If you had fluoride, wait about 30 minutes. Here’s what to eat…
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How long does braces removal take? What to expect
Read the guide →: How long does braces removal take? What to expectGetting braces off usually takes under an hour. Here is how the visit works, how long treatment lasts overall, and what to…
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Why do my gums hurt after flossing?
Read the guide →: Why do my gums hurt after flossing?Sore gums after flossing are common when you’re just starting or pressing too hard. Here’s how to fix it and when soreness…
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Is flossing twice a day too much? How often to floss
Read the guide →: Is flossing twice a day too much? How often to flossTwice a day is fine if you are gentle, but once a day is enough for most people. Technique matters more than…
Family dentistry · New patients welcome
Open Saturdays. Same-day emergencies.
Care for the whole family, kids from age 1 to seniors. Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday, 9am–3pm (phones answered Fridays). No insurance? $49 new-patient exam with X-rays. Hablamos español.
