Frequently Asked Questions

Most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at 100%. Some plans may cover additional cleanings, such as 3-month periodontal maintenance visits, at 80%.

Even if insurance doesn’t fully cover extra cleanings, investing in them is far less expensive than waiting and needing crowns, root canals, or implants later. These cleanings typically cost $120–$200 and are worth every penny in prevention.

No! I’ve seen many patients pause their cleanings while between jobs, only to return with serious problems that cost thousands to fix. If you're uninsured temporarily, it’s still better to pay out of pocket for your cleaning than to skip it altogether.

Staying on schedule with cleanings is the best way to protect your investment in your dental health.

Yes. Bleeding gums are often a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). The earlier we catch it, the easier and more affordable it is to treat.

At Atlantis Dental, we strongly believe in early detection — we even created a flyer recently to help our patients understand the signs of gum disease and when to seek treatment.

If you see blood on your toothbrush or floss, schedule a visit right away. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, but it's preventable with timely care.

Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

A regular cleaning is for patients with healthy gums and no significant bone loss. It involves:

• Removing plaque and tartar above the gumline
• Polishing the teeth
• Flossing between the teeth
• Checking for early signs of decay or gum issues

🔹 Typically done every 6 months

🔹 Covered 100% by most insurance plans

🔹 Helps prevent future dental problems

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

A deep cleaning is not preventive — it’s therapeutic. It’s for patients with active gum disease (periodontitis), which causes bone loss around the teeth. Deep cleaning involves:

• Removing plaque and bacteria below the gumline
• Cleaning around tooth roots to reduce infection
• Numbing the area for comfort
• Sometimes done over multiple visits

🔹 Necessary when pockets between teeth and gums measure 4mm or deeper

🔹 Helps stop gum disease from progressing

🔹 Usually followed by cleanings every 3 months to maintain health

Why it matters:

“If you only get a regular cleaning when you really need a deep cleaning, it’s like vacuuming the surface while ignoring what’s under the carpet. Gum disease won’t go away on its own — and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.”

– Dr. Sumbul Naqvi

How to know which one you need:

At Atlantis Dental, we use periodontal charting and digital X-rays to check the health of your gums. We’ll always explain what we see, what’s best for you, and why — so you can make an informed decision.

Diabetic patients are more prone to dental problems — especially gum disease (periodontitis). Diabetes affects blood flow and the body’s ability to fight infection, making it harder to heal from gum infections and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

Every 3 months. This strict protocol helps prevent gum disease from advancing. Most dental insurances cover additional cleanings for diabetic patients once risk is documented. Our office helps submit all necessary paperwork and narratives to support insurance approval.

Gum disease can spread rapidly, leading to:

- Bleeding gums

- Bad breath

- Loose or shifting teeth

- Excessive decay

- Risk of total tooth loss

Untreated gum disease in diabetics also doubles the risk of heart disease, since both diabetes and gum disease are inflammatory conditions that impact heart health.

Yes — always take your regular medications unless your physician has told you otherwise. Never stop medication or change your eating routine before a dental visit.

If you're feeling lightheaded or shaky during your appointment, let us know. We keep sugar pills and drinks on hand to help raise blood sugar quickly in case of hypoglycemia.

Yes — controlled diabetics can safely receive dental implants. Healing may take slightly longer, but with proper planning and care, diabetic patients often experience excellent long-term results.

- **Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):** Diabetes can reduce saliva production, increasing cavity risk. Stay hydrated and use xylitol-based products.

- **Fungal Infections (Oral Thrush):** More common in diabetics, especially denture wearers. Look for white patches or burning.

- **Delayed Wound Healing:** Diabetics may heal more slowly after surgery or deep cleanings.

- **Monitoring HbA1c:** Lower HbA1c (under 7%) is linked with better oral healing.

- **Daily Home Care:** Brush twice daily, floss or use interdental brushes, use a water flosser, and consider antimicrobial mouthwash.

- **We Work with Your Doctor:** We’re happy to coordinate care with your primary care physician or endocrinologist as needed.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is more than just a social inconvenience — it’s often a sign of an underlying dental or health issue. Here’s what you need to know and how Atlantis Dental can help.

Top Causes of Bad Breath

• Infrequent Dental Visits

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, plaque, tartar, and bacteria can build up — especially below the gums — and cause odor. A professional cleaning is the first step toward fresher breath.

• Poor Oral Hygiene

Even if you brush, skipping flossing or tongue cleaning allows bacteria to accumulate. The tongue, in particular, can harbor odor-causing debris if not scraped regularly.

• Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

One of the most common causes of chronic bad breath. Infected gums harbor bacteria deep in pockets that cannot be removed with brushing alone.

• Food Triggers

Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, or spices can linger. Brushing and flossing immediately afterward helps. Fun fact: chewing coffee beans may reduce garlic breath.

• Wisdom Teeth & Infections

Partially erupted or infected wisdom teeth trap bacteria and can smell bad.

• Tonsillitis, Throat Infections, or GI Issues

Non-dental causes like sinus infections, postnasal drip, tonsil stones, acid reflux, or digestive conditions can also contribute.

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Saliva naturally rinses your mouth and controls bacteria. When your mouth is dry — whether due to dehydration, medications, or medical conditions — bad breath becomes more likely.

• Brush at least twice a day — preferably with an electric toothbrush.

• Floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria.

• Use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue surface.

• Switch your toothbrush every 4 weeks.

• Use a Waterpik, especially if you have crowns, bridges, or implants.

• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash (we recommend the Amazon Basics Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse — under $5 and very effective).

• Brush with baking soda for 7 days. It neutralizes bacteria and rebalances your mouth’s pH. Use straight from the baking aisle — no additives needed.

• Stay hydrated — aim for 8+ glasses of water daily.

• Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol which can worsen dry mouth.

If you’ve done all the right things and still experience bad breath, it’s time to get evaluated by a dentist. At Atlantis Dental, we offer full halitosis screening — including gum health, wisdom teeth, and dry mouth assessment.

We’re here to help you breathe easy and smile confidently again.

Yes – it depends on the situation. If you're experiencing pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma to your mouth, please call us immediately.

Here are a few examples of when you should call right away:

• Painful tooth: May indicate infection – urgent care needed.
• Swelling or bleeding: Call immediately to prevent complications.
• Broken tooth still attached to the gum: This often worsens and must be treated quickly.
• Tooth knocked out: If the whole tooth is out (root and all), do NOT clean it. Place it in a cup of milk and get to us within the hour — we may be able to re-implant it.

• Toothaches or infections
• Knocked-out or broken teeth
• Lost fillings or crowns
• Denture or bridge damage
• Wisdom tooth pain or swelling
• Bleeding gums
• TMJ pain
• Loose implants or implant crowns
• Severe gum disease symptoms

Yes! At Atlantis Dental, we strive to treat all emergencies the same day, especially if you’re in pain.

• We take an X-ray of the affected area.
• Dr. Naqvi evaluates and discusses the diagnosis with you.
• We present a treatment plan and review payment options.
• We offer several financing options and accommodate all credit levels.

Our emergency consultation fee is only $49, which includes the exam and one X-ray. There are no hidden fees — we go over all treatment and payment plans before anything is done.

Yes! We have an after-hours emergency line with a voicemail system. Our AI assistant monitors messages in the evenings and on weekends, and the doctor will call you back or schedule you first thing the next day.

No. If you're in pain, Dr. Naqvi will numb the area first before any X-rays or exams are done. Our goal is to make you comfortable as soon as you walk in.

Yes. After evaluating your X-ray, Dr. Naqvi will determine if the tooth can be saved or needs to be extracted. In many cases:

• Extractions and bone grafts/implants are done the same day.
• Wisdom teeth can be removed in-house after evaluation.
• Antibiotics and pain meds may be prescribed if you're too swollen to open your mouth.

Delaying care can lead to:

• Emergency room visits
• Abscesses needing surgical drainage
• Permanent tooth loss
• Higher costs and missed work time

• A list of prescription medications (especially blood thinners, heart or BP meds)
• Info on any painkillers you've taken
• Your insurance info (if applicable)

Yes. Sudden or severe TMJ pain during stress can cause:

• Migraines
• Jaw locking
• Loss of sleep

We offer options to relieve the pain and prevent future flare-ups.

• Crowns can come off even when eating soft foods — get it re-cemented within 24–48 hours to prevent shifting.
• Loose implant crown? It may just need tightening.
• Loose implant itself? This could indicate infection and must be treated quickly.

No. Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if ignored. Early-stage gum disease is very treatable — don’t delay care.

We recommend a comprehensive exam and full-mouth X-rays to prevent future emergencies. A dental emergency is often a sign of deeper oral health issues that need to be addressed.

In most cases, yes — dental insurance plans typically cover the cost of emergency visits. If you don’t have insurance, our fee is $49 (includes exam and X-ray).

We offer multiple financing options and payment plans for all budgets and credit levels. We’ll help you get the permanent care you need to prevent your emergency from getting worse.

While walk-ins are accepted, we recommend calling ahead so we can prioritize your care and minimize your wait time.

You're not alone. Dr. Naqvi and our team provide gentle, compassionate care and explain everything before starting. We offer comfort options to reduce anxiety.

If you are a current patient of record (seen in the past 12 months), we may prescribe over the phone if appropriate. New patients must be seen in person.

Yes, we treat both children and adults. We’re fully equipped to handle pediatric dental emergencies with gentle care.

Most visits take 30–60 minutes depending on the severity of the issue. We aim to relieve your pain quickly and plan any follow-up care.

If you have a healthy mouth and you're low risk for cavities or gum disease, then you typically need a routine cleaning twice a year. This is known as a prophylaxis and is usually covered 100% by most dental insurance plans.

However, if you're at higher risk — for example, if you’ve had gum disease, a deep cleaning, multiple implants, or a full-mouth reconstruction — then it's best to come in for a cleaning every 3 months. This allows us to maintain your results and prevent harmful bacterial overgrowth.

Your dentist will always recommend the right cleaning schedule based on your individual needs.

Research shows that harmful bacteria begin to repopulate beneath the gums within 90 days. These bacteria can break down bone and tissues, leading to further tooth loss. A 3-month periodontal maintenance cleaning helps keep your gums stable and healthy after a deep cleaning.

Gum disease isn’t always “cured” — it's a chronic condition that requires ongoing maintenance and excellent home care.

Most people think every 6 months — but I recommend changing your toothbrush every month.

Why? The bristles lose their strength quickly, and if your toothbrush is worn out, you're not cleaning your teeth properly, even with perfect technique. Plus, bacteria build up on the bristles — and the last thing you want is to reintroduce bad bacteria into your mouth!

Bad breath can be caused by several things, but here’s what helps:

• Stay hydrated — dry mouth is a major cause of bad breath
• Brush and floss daily — bacteria between teeth causes odor
• Use a tongue scraper — many bacteria live on the tongue
• Use mouthwash — alcohol-free rinses can help

If you still struggle with bad breath despite good habits, talk to your dentist and your physician. Sometimes, it can be linked to an infection in your gums or even gut health.

At Atlantis Dental, we only recommend a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) when your gum and bone health truly require it. This treatment helps stop gum disease before it causes irreversible damage like tooth loss.

1. Bleeding on Probing – Gums that bleed during measurement are inflamed or infected.

2. Bone Loss on X-rays – Lower bone levels on bitewing X-rays indicate active gum disease.

3. Gum Color & Texture – Red, purple, or swollen gums signal bacterial overload.

4. Halitosis – Chronic bad breath often means bacteria are trapped under the gums.

- Irregular dental visits

- Smoking, vaping, or marijuana use

- Genetics and family history

- Bacterial transmission through utensils or kissing

1. 3-Month Maintenance Cleanings – Bacteria regrow at the 3-month mark, so these visits keep bacteria low and help prevent relapse.

2. Personalized Home Care – We provide daily instructions tailored to your needs.

3. Vitamin Support – Vitamin D (with K2) and Vitamin C support gum health and healing.

Most insurance plans cover 3-month maintenance cleanings (at 100% or 80%). However, many plans only cover one deep cleaning every 3 years, so prevention is key to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

At Atlantis Dental, we try our best to save every tooth — but sometimes, a tooth is just too far gone. The most common reason for extraction is when a tooth is so decayed, damaged, or infected that it can’t be saved with a root canal or crown.

Another very common situation is wisdom teeth. These are hard to clean and often come in partially. That means there’s a flap of gum covering part of the tooth — and food gets stuck under there. That can lead to an infection, swelling, and even pus. If you’ve felt that area getting sore on and off, it’s better to get it checked before it flares up — because when it does, it can happen fast and be extremely painful.

This is a small surgical procedure, so give yourself some time to rest and recover. Pain is normal, but it should be manageable with the right care.

You’ll be given a prescription for antibiotics and pain meds. Ibuprofen 800mg (prescription) combined with over-the-counter Tylenol works really well. We recommend lots of rest, lots of fluids, and maybe a little Netflix! Most people feel much better after 24–48 hours. Some patients go back to work the next day — and that’s okay if it’s a desk job. If your job is more physical (construction, lifting, etc.), we recommend waiting a bit so you don’t trigger bleeding.

You can take a light walk the next day, but no vigorous running or heavy lifting for a few days. Your body needs this time to heal properly.

Stick to soft, cool foods like ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, rice, and overcooked pasta. Avoid chewing on the side where the tooth was pulled. Brush gently after 24 hours — not too hard, especially around stitches, so you don’t trigger bleeding or loosen the sutures.

Some bleeding is normal. Bite on the gauze we gave you for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a wet black tea bag for 30 minutes. If bleeding still doesn’t stop, call our office right away. Waking up to blood on your pillow isn’t unusual — it’s usually just overnight oozing mixed with saliva. Just bite on fresh gauze again and monitor it. If it’s soaked through repeatedly, give us a call.

A dry socket happens when the blood clot doesn’t form properly or gets dislodged. You’ll know it’s a dry socket if pain gets worse a few days after the extraction, pain meds don’t help, or you feel throbbing in the jaw or ear. To avoid a dry socket, don’t smoke or vape for at least 48 hours, don’t drink from a straw, spit excessively, or rinse too hard. If you get one, we can place a medicated dressing. You can also try clove oil from Amazon or health food stores.

You can brush lightly after 24 hours — just avoid the extraction site. Workouts should be light at first. No intense cardio, running, or lifting for 48 hours. This is the time to slow down, rest, and let your body heal.

Cavities don’t always hurt at first. In fact, early cavities can go completely unnoticed — which is why regular dental visits are so important. Some early signs to look for include:

- Sensitivity to cold, sweets, or biting

- Discoloration (white, brown, or dark spots)

- Food getting stuck between teeth

- Rough edges or a visible hole

At Atlantis Dental, we use both digital X-rays and a radiation-free iTero scan to check for cavities.

- X-rays show cavities between the teeth and deeper decay

- The iTero scan helps us detect early surface cavities that may not yet appear on X-rays

- If an X-ray is unclear, we use the scan to avoid unnecessary radiation and still make an accurate diagnosis

The most common reason? Frequency of eating or sipping.

It’s not just what you eat — it’s how often.

Drinking 1 can of soda all at once = less damage

Sipping that same can over 2 hours = cavity risk skyrockets due to constant acid exposure

Tip: Eat all your sweets in one sitting, then brush and floss — don't snack all day.

Cavities never get smaller — they grow and can spread to nearby teeth.

- Early fillings are small and preserve most of your tooth

- Waiting = bigger fillings → possible root canal → crown

- Each replacement shortens a tooth’s lifespan

It depends on the size and your cavity risk.

Small, well-done white fillings can last for many years — even decades. But if you keep getting cavities, they may need to be replaced sooner.

- Brush 2x/day — try brushing with baking soda for a week to raise your mouth’s pH

- Floss daily — especially if cavities form between your teeth

- Use a water flosser to lower bacteria levels

- Chew xylitol gum after meals when brushing isn’t possible

- Stay hydrated and avoid sipping sugary drinks all day

If you’ve had cavities in the past 6 months, you're considered high-risk. Your goal: follow your dentist’s prevention plan to lower your risk over time.

Yes — teeth whitening is safe and effective when done under a dentist’s supervision. But it’s important to understand that not everyone is a candidate for whitening right away.

Whitening should only be done on healthy teeth and gums.

If you have gum disease, cavities, or dental infections, whitening can:

- Cause severe sensitivity or pain

- Lead to poor or uneven results

- Worsen existing dental problems

Before we whiten your teeth, we always do a full exam and screening to make sure it’s safe and worth your investment.

OTC products like strips or gels can sometimes work, but results vary.

Personally, I don’t recommend them, but I always tell my patients — “You can try it and see how it goes.”

However, most patients report:

- Increased tooth sensitivity

- Minimal or short-lived results

- Uneven whitening

If you want consistent, longer-lasting whitening, professional treatments are best.

We offer three kinds of whitening, depending on your needs, budget, and tooth color:

1. Zoom Whitening – Best for Deep Whitening

- In-office, powerful results

- Lightens teeth by several shades

- Takes 2 hours

- $600

- Great for dark or stained teeth

⚠️ Not recommended for patients with gum recession due to potential sensitivity

2. SMYLE Whitening – Gentle, Fast, and Affordable

- Takes 20 minutes

- $150

- Ideal for patients with mild discoloration

- Zero sensitivity – perfect for those with recession

- Great before a special event

3. Take-Home Whitening – Ideal with Aligners

- Whitening gel applied in trays or aligners

- Easy to use at home, especially during Invisalign

- Can cause mild sensitivity

We often pair this with prescription-strength desensitizing toothpaste to minimize discomfort

Dr. Naqvi will help you decide based on:

- How dark your teeth are

- How white you want them

- Whether you have recession or sensitivity

- Whether you’ve had fillings or dental work on front teeth

If your front teeth have older fillings, you may need to update them.

But if your fillings were done at Atlantis Dental by Dr. Naqvi using her preferred material, they’ll likely match beautifully even after whitening.

These superior materials adapt to your natural tooth shade and age well over time.

It depends on your diet and habits. People who drink coffee, red wine, soda, or eat colorful foods (like turmeric or curry) may need to whiten once a year or more. Others may go longer.

A whiter smile can:

- Boost your confidence

- Look great on Zoom or in public speaking

- Help you feel more polished and professional

A dental crown is a protective cap that covers a damaged, cracked, or decayed tooth to restore its shape, function, and appearance. Your dentist may recommend a crown if your tooth is severely decayed, cracked, worn down, root canal treated, broken, or has a large filling that compromises strength.

No. Small or moderate-sized fillings usually do not require crowns. However, if a filling is large or the tooth has recurrent decay, cracks, or structural weakness, a crown may be necessary to prevent further damage.

Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy no longer receive nutrients and become brittle. They also lose nerve perception, increasing the risk of cracks. Crowning helps prevent breakage, extend lifespan, reduce reinfection, and avoid extractions or implants.

Yes. Chronic grinding can wear down teeth, causing bite misalignment, TMJ issues, and headaches. Crowns restore tooth height and function.

Crowns protect weak teeth from cracking further or breaking. When a tooth lacks enough structure to hold a filling, a crown strengthens and preserves it.

No. Crowns improve appearance but primarily restore function and protect teeth from further damage.

Most PPO plans cover crowns at 50%. Coverage depends on your plan. Atlantis Dental will help verify your benefits and submit paperwork as needed.

Crown procedures require expertise, precision, and high-quality materials. Additional costs include lab fees and advanced dental tools. At Atlantis Dental, we charge a flat fee regardless of crown type.

Not at this time. We prefer to work with trusted dental labs for the highest quality results.

Crowns typically last 10–20 years, but with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Patients who maintain regular cleanings and good oral hygiene see the longest-lasting results.

Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Emax is a type of porcelain crown. The dentist selects the material based on aesthetics, strength, and how much tooth structure is left.

No. You are completely numb during the procedure and leave with a temporary crown.

Avoid hard or sticky foods. Floss by pulling the floss through rather than up. Brush well around the area. Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate proper care.

The procedure has two steps. First, the dentist numbs you, prepares the tooth, scans it, and places a temporary crown. The final crown is cemented 2 weeks later after verifying fit, bite, contacts, and aesthetics. You’ll get to approve it before it’s cemented.

Yes. Not all teeth that need crowns need root canals. Some are just cracked or broken. Treating them early with a crown can prevent the need for a root canal later.

Call us immediately and try to come in within 24 hours. Teeth shift quickly and delay can make the crown not fit. Re-cementing is a quick 15-20 minute procedure.

Yes! Once cemented, your crown should feel and function like your natural tooth.