fbpx
858-798-9595 | info@radiantsmilesofsd.com | 16918 Dove Canyon Road, Suite 209 San Diego, CA 92127
RADIANT SMILES
  • MEET THE DENTIST
  • MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
  • OUR OFFICE
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Our Technology
  • COVID-19
  • MORE…
    • Patient Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Community Service
    • FAQ’s
    • Blog
  • Menu
  • Facebook

KOR Whitening • Veneers • Restorations • Porcelain Crowns • Endodontics • Dental Hygiene • Bridges • Implants

FAQ’s

Dental Health

How often do I need to brush/floss?

Generally it is recommended to brush and floss after each meal or twice a day.

How often do I need to visit the dentist?

This may vary for each individual, but you should visit once or twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.

What can I expect on my first visit?

On the first visit, you can expect a new patient interview, exam and oral cancer screening, any necessary x-rays and discussion of a treatment plan. You may also expect a cleaning.

What information do I need about my medical history?

It is very important that you list any medical conditions, medications and allergy to any medicine when filling out the medical history form for your dental visit.

When is a good time to remove my wisdom teeth? Is it always necessary to remove all my wisdom teeth?

It is generally recommended that wisdom teeth be removed between the ages of 18 and 25, but this is not always the case. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Dr. Lee can determine the best course of action after an examination.

What is the proper way to brush?

STEP 1: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean the outer surfaces of each tooth. Angle the brush along the other gumline. Gently brush back and forth.

STEP 2: Brush in the inside surfaces of each tooth, where plaque may accumulate most. Brush gently back and forth. Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom. Then, brush the chewing surface of each tooth, gently brushing back and forth.

What is the proper way to floss?

STEP 1: Use about 18” of floss, leaving an inch or two to work with.

STEP 2: Gently follow the curves of your teeth.

STEP 3: Be sure to clean beneath the gumline, but avoid snapping the floss on the gums.

What should I do about tooth decay and older fillings?

Because decay can lead to serious problems, it’s important to see a dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist or hygienist is trained to spot early signs of decay. Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Receding gums, and an increased rate of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Softer than enamel, tooth roots are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. It’s not uncommon for people over the age of 50 to experience tooth root decay.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

If you’ve ever felt pain in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold food and drinks, you’ve had tooth sensitivity. One out of every four adults has had tooth sensitivity, often coming and going over time. Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain that comes from a wearing away of the tooth’s surface or gums. When gums recede, or pull away from the teeth, they leave the root of the tooth bare. Because these roots are not covered by enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth), thousands of tiny channels leading to the tooth’s nerve are exposed. When heat, cold or pressure touches these channels, you may feel pain. Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other more serious oral health problems. This is especially true if the pain causes you to brush poorly, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

What causes tooth grinding?

Does your jaw feel stiff or do you have difficulty opening your mouth wide? Are your teeth sensitive to cold drinks? Do your jaw muscles feel tired in the morning? You may be grinding your teeth at night (a medical condition called bruxism) or you may be clenching your teeth, which can be just as harmful. People with nighttime grinding habits may wear away their tooth enamel ten times faster than those without abusive chewing habits. Eventually, your teeth may be worn down and damaged. In addition to relieving head, neck, jaw joint and shoulder pains, treating bruxism and clenching is cost effective compared to ignoring the condition and exposing teeth to continued grinding. Without treatment, crowns (caps), bridges, implants and dentures are often needed to repair or replace worn and damaged teeth. Ask your dentist if a nightguard can help to provide temporary relief from grinding, bruxing or clenching.

What is dry mouth?

Some adults develop a condition called dry mouth, which results when there is insufficient saliva. Dry mouth is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamine, antihypertensives, antidepressants, decongestant, painkillers and diuretics. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses. In some cases, a dentist may prescribe a medication that helps produce saliva and may suggest fluoride products to help prevent rapidly advancing tooth decay.

What causes bad breath?

You may occasionally experience bad breath. It can be caused by certain foods, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, tobacco products or a medical disorder. Sometimes a sinus infection, postnasal drip or other respiratory tract infections can cause bad breath. If bad breath persists, your dentist may determine whether it’s caused by a dental condition.

Dental Emergencies

What should I do if I have a toothache?

If you have a toothache we need to see you. Toothaches can come from a variety of causes, but usually there is decay, and possibly infection that has entered the nerve area of the tooth and is now causing pain and swelling.
You can use an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve) to help with your symptoms. Orajel can also be used on the surface of the tooth or gums to numb the area. Please call us right away! We can help.

During office hours, please call our office at 858-798-9595.

If you have a dental emergency after hours, please use the number below to contact our team.
619-521-3754

My temporary crown broke. What should I do now?

If you have a temporary crown that has broken or gotten lost we need to see you. If you cannot get into the office right away, you can get orthodontic wax at your local drugstore. Mold the wax over the area where the crown is missing.You can also purchase dental adhesive and reapply the crown if it has just fallen off and not broken.  If you have had a root canal, you should not experience any pain from losing the temporary crown.

Please call us right away at (858) 798-9595.

If you have a dental emergency after hours, please use the number below to contact our team.
619-521-3754

I have swelling in my mouth. What should I do?

If you have swelling in your mouth, gums or jaw, it is usually due to an infection. If you have any trouble breathing or the swelling is traveling up your face to your eye, please proceed immediately to a hospital for medical care. Please do not put heat on a swollen area. Call us and we can help. We may need to prescribe an antibiotic, so please have your pharmacy information available when you call us.

During office hours, please call our office at 858-798-9595.

If you have a dental emergency after hours, please use the number below to contact our team.
619-521-3754

I’ve broken a tooth or knocked out a tooth. What should I do?

If you have knocked out your tooth and it is possible to put it back in your mouth, please attempt to do so. Handle the tooth by the crown and not the root, rinse it in cold water and put it back in your mouth, if possible. Call us immediately for help.

If you break a tooth and feel pain after the chip, please call us right away for assistance.

Patient Testimonials

I’ve been extremely pleased with the quality of care and service provided by the staff at Radiant Smiles over the past several years!  The dentists are very personable, knowledgeable, and always receptive to my questions. My regular cleanings are performed by their Dental Hygienist, Ms Kat Lopez, who does an outstanding job!!! She is very skilled at what she does, and does it in a manner that is quite comfortable for the patient (ie. no pain involved)! 🙂 In summary, I feel very fortunate to have my smile maintained by Dr. Lee and his team of professionals at Radiant!

As a dentist by trade, who sees a lot of patients throughout the day, that have seen multiple other dentists, I can honestly say, Dr. Lee does amazing work and his patients love him. He is honest, caring, compassionate and skilled. This is a hard trait to find!

I am so impressed with this dentist and his office staff!  I received an EOB from Oct 2017 on April 4th.  I was worried something was wrong with insurance, etc. so I called this morning.  Nicole called me back promptly in the afternoon and informed me that they had over billed me and gave me two options – put the balance back on my credit card or keep it as a credit for future use.  Whhaaaaatttttt??!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Getting news like that on TAX DAY from your DENTIST?!  What luck! I’m just so impressed and wanted to say THANK YOU for your TRANSPARENCY in your billing practices and for rectifying balances!

Our daughter had a horrible experience at a previous dentist. This office changed everything for us from the moment we called in to make the appointment. It is obvious that the office focuses on making patients a priority, that they care about going above and beyond for their patients and families. We learned about chocolate flavored toothpaste to boot! We now have a child who is looking forward to her next appointment and loved her experience today. This office helped her overcome her fears and become empowered. We are more than thrilled. Thank you.

Outstanding service from start to finish. Front desk staff courteous and attentive. Dr. Adams took extra time to discuss my case. The hygienist (I’m sorry I can’t remember her name) was very thorough and took extra care to make my experience as comfortable as possible. I recommend Radiant Smiles without hesitation.

Nice and easy!  Making appointments ahead of time for my next check in, waiting for a minute or two after I arrive, and see improvement after treatment.  What more can I ask for.

Dr. Adams and his staff are fun to be around and are very professional. They make you feel like you’re hanging out with a bunch of friends.

Thanks guys great work.

Contact Us

16918 Dove Canyon Road, Suite 209
San Diego, CA 92127

PHONE: 858-798-9595
FAX: 858-312-5304
EMAIL: info@radiantsmilesofsd.com

Make an Appointment or Contact Us Today.

We’d love to serve you and your family’s dental health. Call us at 858-798-9595 or fill out contact form below. We look forward to speaking with you!

Book Appointment Now

If you have a dental emergency and it’s after hours, please call (619) 512-3754.

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site.

Copyright © Radiant Smiles of San Diego 2019. All rights reserved.
  • 858-798-9595
  • 16918 Dove Canyon Road, Suite 209 San Diego, CA 92127
Scroll to top