●FAQ

Preventive dental care involves practices that help maintain good oral health. It includes regular dental checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and educating patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques. The goal is to prevent dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear before they start.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that individuals visit their dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. However, some people may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health status.

At Padre Island Dentistry, a dental checkup includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any potential issues. We also perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build-up, evaluate your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, discuss your oral hygiene habits, and may take dental x-rays if necessary.

Yes, regular dental checkups are crucial for preventing oral health problems. By catching issues early, we can provide treatment that is less invasive and more effective. Professional cleanings also play a significant role in preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease by removing plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss.

Padre Island Dentistry is committed to providing affordable, accessible, and compassionate care tailored to each patient's needs and budget. Our experienced team uses the latest technology for precise diagnosis and effective treatment. We believe in educating our patients and empowering them to take control of their oral health, making us a trusted choice for families seeking comprehensive preventive dental care.

Absolutely. Many dental issues, including early stages of gum disease and cavities, can develop without any noticeable symptoms. Regular checkups allow us to detect these problems early on, often before you experience any discomfort or see visible signs, ensuring your continued oral health.

Invisalign® is an innovative orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are virtually invisible and can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing, offering a seamless fit into your daily life.

After an initial consultation with Dr. Sophi Nabavi, a 3D model of your teeth is created to map out a precise treatment plan. This plan visualizes the step-by-step transformation of your smile. You'll receive a series of custom-made aligners to wear, changing to a new set every two to four weeks. Each aligner gently shifts your teeth slightly, leading to a straighter smile.

Invisalign® is effective for a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. It offers a versatile solution to improve your oral health and aesthetics.

Invisalign® aligners offer several advantages over metal braces:

• Aesthetics: The clear aligners are virtually invisible.
• Comfort: No metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation.
• Convenience: Aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
• Improved Oral Hygiene: Easy to maintain good oral hygiene, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease.

The duration of Invisalign® treatment varies based on individual needs but typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. Dr. Nabavi will provide a more accurate timeline during your consultation.

Invisalign® patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure when a new aligner is first worn, but this usually subsides within a few days. It is generally considered less painful than traditional braces.

At Padre Island Dentistry, we believe in making beautiful smiles accessible. We're excited to offer a special promotion of $1000 off Invisalign® treatment, along with flexible financing options through CareCredit and Sunbit. These opportunities make it easier for you to achieve the smile you've always wanted.

Your first step is a consultation with Dr. Sophi Nabavi at Padre Island Dentistry in Corpus Christi, TX. We'll assess your dental needs, discuss your goals, and determine if Invisalign® is right for you. Contact us today to schedule your visit and embark on the journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Made from high-quality porcelain, veneers offer a natural-looking solution for enhancing the appearance of your smile by correcting a wide range of dental imperfections, such as stains, chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth.

Veneers can transform your smile by making your teeth appear straighter, whiter, and more uniform. They are custom-designed to fit your unique facial features and aesthetic preferences, ensuring a natural and attractive result.

Yes, porcelain veneers are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Porcelain is a strong material that resists stains and chips, making it an excellent choice for long-term smile enhancement.

Absolutely. One of the greatest benefits of porcelain veneers is their ability to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. Each veneer is custom-crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking improvement.

At Padre Island Dentistry, patient comfort is our priority. The process of applying veneers is minimally invasive and most patients experience little to no discomfort. Local anesthesia can be used during the preparation of your teeth to ensure a pain-free experience.

Typically, the entire veneer process can be completed in two to three visits over a few weeks. The first visit involves a consultation and planning, the second visit is for preparing your teeth and fitting temporary veneers, and the final visit is to apply your custom-made porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent treatment because a small amount of enamel is removed to fit them properly. However, if a veneer gets damaged or worn out, it can be replaced with a new one. Regular dental check-ups ensure the longevity and condition of your veneers.

The cost of porcelain veneers varies depending on the number of veneers and specific dental needs. At Padre Island Dentistry, we offer free veneer consultations and flexible financing options to make achieving your dream smile affordable.

Choosing Padre Island Dentistry means you'll receive personalized care from a team dedicated to creating beautiful, natural-looking smiles. Dr. Sophi Nabavi and our staff use the latest technology and materials, ensuring the best outcome for your veneer treatment. Plus, with free consultations and flexible financing, we make it easy and affordable to achieve the smile you've always wanted.

Dental implants are a durable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Comprising a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root, an abutment, and a custom-made crown, dental implants function and appear just like natural teeth. They are designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, restoring both function and aesthetics.

The implant process begins with the surgical insertion of a titanium post into the jawbone, which then fuses with the bone over a few months in a process known as osseointegration. Once the implant is securely integrated, an abutment is attached to the post to hold the custom-made crown, completing the look and function of a natural tooth.

Dental implants offer numerous benefits, including:

• Restoring your smile and confidence
• Improving oral health and preventing bone loss
• Enhancing speech, comfort, and function
• Offering a durable, long-term solution to tooth loss

At Padre Island Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and use the latest techniques to ensure a stress-free treatment experience. Most patients report that the discomfort associated with dental implants is minimal, and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. We are committed to making your journey to a restored smile as comfortable as possible.

Ideal candidates for dental implants have:

• Adequate bone support to anchor the implant
• Healthy gum tissue
• Good overall health
• During your free implant consultation, Dr. Sophi Nabavi will assess these factors and discuss whether dental implants are the best option for you.

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. They are a long-term investment in your oral health and quality of life, making them an excellent solution for tooth replacement.

We understand that the cost of dental implants is a significant consideration. At Padre Island Dentistry, we offer flexible financing options to make dental implants accessible. During your free consultation, we'll provide detailed information about costs and discuss our financing solutions, ensuring you can proceed with confidence.

Beginning your dental implant journey is easy. Contact Padre Island Dentistry in Corpus Christi, TX, to schedule your free implant consultation with Dr. Sophi Nabavi. We'll discuss your needs, concerns, and the steps toward achieving a beautifully restored smile.

Several factors contribute to teeth staining or discoloration, including genetics, certain medications (like antibiotics), the use of tobacco products, and the consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, wine, and certain fruits and vegetables. Aging also naturally darkens teeth over time.

Yes, when performed under the guidance of a dental professional, teeth whitening is a safe procedure. At Padre Island Dentistry, we ensure that your teeth and gums are protected throughout the whitening process, minimizing any potential risks and ensuring your comfort.

Professional teeth whitening treatments, whether in-office or take-home kits from our dental office, use higher concentrations of whitening agents, providing more significant and faster results. Additionally, treatments are personalized and supervised by dental professionals, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Over-the-counter products may not offer the same level of customization and can sometimes lead to uneven results or irritation.

In-office teeth whitening typically requires one visit, lasting about an hour. Results can vary depending on individual habits, but with proper care, including avoiding staining foods and beverages and practicing good oral hygiene, the effects can last for several years. Touch-up treatments can help maintain your bright smile.

No, whitening treatments do not affect the color of dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, or fillings. If you have visible dental restorations, our dental team can discuss alternative strategies for achieving a uniformly brighter smile.

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures following a teeth whitening treatment. This sensation typically subsides within a few days. Padre Island Dentistry takes steps to minimize sensitivity, including recommending specific aftercare products.

Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for teeth whitening. However, we recommend a consultation with our dental professionals to evaluate your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine the most appropriate whitening treatment for you.

To maintain your brighter smile, we advise avoiding staining foods and beverages, using a straw when possible, quitting smoking, and maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Padre Island Dentistry can also help preserve your results.

We offer both in-office and customized take-home teeth whitening treatments, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your lifestyle and preferences. During your free consultation, we'll discuss these options in detail and help you make an informed decision.

Getting started is easy! Contact us to schedule your free teeth whitening consultation. We'll assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and recommend the best whitening treatment for you. With flexible financing options available, a brighter smile is within reach for everyone.

A dental emergency includes any situation that requires immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Common emergencies include severe toothache, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and injuries causing cuts or lacerations in the mouth.

Time is of the essence with a knocked-out tooth. Gently rinse the tooth without scrubbing the roots and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saliva and contact us immediately. The sooner you get to our office, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

Yes, a chipped tooth can qualify as an emergency, especially if there's significant pain, the damage is extensive, or there's a risk of the tooth becoming further damaged. Even a minor chip should be examined to prevent potential complications.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort, but be sure not to place aspirin directly on your gums as this can cause tissue damage. Applying a cold compress to the face near the affected area can also reduce swelling and pain.

At Padre Island Dentistry, we prioritize dental emergencies and strive to see you as soon as possible. Our $59 emergency exam ensures you receive prompt attention and a comprehensive evaluation to address your urgent needs.

Dental abscesses require immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. We offer abscess treatment that includes draining the infection, antibiotics, and potentially a root canal or extraction if necessary. Contact us right away if you suspect an abscess.

We understand that emergencies don’t always happen during regular hours. If you're experiencing a dental emergency outside of our business hours, please call our office for instructions on how to proceed. We'll provide guidance on managing your situation and arrange for you to be seen as quickly as possible.

We aim to make emergency dental care affordable with our $59 emergency exam and flexible financing options. The cost of additional treatment varies depending on the nature of the emergency and the required procedures. We'll discuss all costs and financing options with you to ensure you receive the care you need without financial stress.

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding hard foods that can crack teeth can significantly reduce your risk. Regular dental check-ups also help identify and address potential issues before they become emergencies.

If you're experiencing a dental emergency, contact Padre Island Dentistry in Corpus Christi, TX, immediately. Our team is here to provide the urgent care you need and will guide you through the process of scheduling your emergency appointment.