Frequently Asked Questions

Possibly! Keep it moist, get here fast, and Dr. Bacon will do everything possible to save your natural tooth. Time is critical, so call immediately.

You can drive immediately after nitrous oxide since it wears off so quickly. For oral and IV sedation, you'll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for several hours while the medication fully leaves your system.

Most plans cover emergency care, and we'll help you figure out exactly what's covered. Our team handles all the insurance paperwork for you.

Regular checkups catch problems before they become emergencies, and wearing a mouthguard during sports helps protect your teeth. Dr. Bacon will give you personalized prevention tips.

Call our office number anyway—we'll give you instructions for immediate care and get you scheduled first thing the next day.

Dr. Bacon is great with kids and has lots of experience with pediatric emergencies. He'll keep your little one calm and comfortable throughout treatment.

Yes, Dr. Bacon performs emergency root canals when needed to save your tooth and stop the pain. Often it's the best way to fix the problem permanently.

Dr. Bacon has advanced training in sedation dentistry for exactly this reason. From mild relaxation to deeper sedation, we'll find what works to keep you comfortable.

Our emergency exam is just $69 with X-rays included. Treatment costs depend on what you need, but we accept most insurance and have payment plans that work.

Absolutely. We keep emergency time slots open every day because we know pain can't wait. We'll fit you in as soon as humanly possible.

If you're in serious pain, bleeding won't stop, or you've damaged a tooth, that's an emergency. Don't tough it out—call us right away.

Dr. Bacon's military training, academic excellence, and genuine care for patients create a unique combination of precision and compassion. Plus, our advanced technology and comprehensive services mean you get everything you need in one place, with a dentist who really knows what he's doing.

Dr. Bacon will give you personalized tips that actually work for your lifestyle, but the basics are brush twice daily, floss regularly, eat tooth-friendly foods, and call us if anything feels off. Simple habits that make a big difference.

We keep it simple—cash, checks, credit cards, or flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry, Proceed, and Sunbit. We'll work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget.

Dr. Bacon loves working with children and has special training in pediatric dentistry. We see patients from age 1 to 101, and his gentle approach makes even nervous kids feel comfortable and safe.

Absolutely—they use up to 90% less radiation than old-style film X-rays while giving us much clearer, more detailed images. It's better technology that's also safer for you.

Dr. Bacon will show you exactly what he found (often using our intraoral cameras so you can see it too) and explain all your treatment options. No pressure, no surprises—just honest information so you can make the best decision for your health and budget.

Dr. Bacon is specially trained in sedation dentistry and offers everything from mild relaxation with laughing gas to deeper sedation options. He'll work with you to find exactly the right comfort level so you can actually relax.

Most routine checkups take about an hour, which gives us time to be thorough without feeling rushed. First-time patients should plan a bit longer for paperwork and getting to know your dental history.

We work with pretty much everyone—Delta, BCBS, MetLife, UHC, Guardian, Cigna, and most other major plans. Our team handles all the insurance paperwork and makes sure you get every benefit you're entitled to.

Your visit includes a thorough professional cleaning, digital X-rays (when needed), Dr. Bacon's comprehensive examination of your entire mouth, oral cancer screening, and personalized recommendations for keeping your smile healthy. No surprises, no rushing—just complete care.

Not a chance. Dr. Bacon has an artistic eye for matching color, shape, and translucency so your crown blends perfectly with your natural teeth.

We work with most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit. We'll find a payment plan that works for your budget.

We offer same-day emergency appointments and can often repair or replace crowns immediately. Dr. Bacon's in-house technology means quick fixes when you need them.

Most teeth are perfect candidates, but Dr. Bacon will evaluate your specific situation to make sure a same-day crown is the best option. His experience means he knows what works and what doesn't.

With normal care, expect your crown to last 10 years or more. Cerec crowns have a history of lasting over 20 years with proper maintenance.

Dr. Bacon makes sure you're completely numb before starting, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. If you're anxious, we have sedation options to help you relax completely.

Absolutely. Dr. Bacon uses the same high-quality ceramic materials as traditional crowns, just with better technology. They're just as durable and often fit better than lab-made crowns.

Most insurance plans cover same-day crowns the same as traditional crowns—they can't tell the difference on the claim. We'll check your benefits and handle all the paperwork for you.

Plan on about 2 hours from start to finish—most of that time is just waiting while your crown is being made. You can relax, catch up on work, or grab a coffee during the milling process.

Treat it exactly like your natural teeth—brush, floss, and come in for regular checkups. Your crown can't get cavities, but the tooth underneath still needs protection.

Dr. Bacon handles your entire treatment from start to finish—no referrals to other specialists. His military training, advanced sedation certification, and comprehensive approach mean you get expert surgical care with genuine personal attention throughout your entire journey.

Age isn't the issue—overall health and bone density are what matter. Dr. Bacon has successfully placed implants in patients well into their 80s and 90s who were in good health.

Just like your natural teeth—brush, floss, and come in for regular checkups. That's it. No special cleaning solutions or complicated maintenance routines required.

Not a chance. Dr. Bacon custom-crafts each crown to match your natural teeth perfectly in color, shape, and size. Even your dentist friends won't be able to spot which tooth is the implant.

Most people return to work the next day, though you'll want to stick to softer foods for a few days. Complete healing and bone integration takes 3-6 months, but you'll have temporary teeth so you're never without a smile.

Every case is different, so Dr. Bacon will give you exact pricing after your consultation. We work with most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and other options to make implants affordable.

Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Bacon's surgical training and precision make your procedure even safer and more predictable.

Often, yes! Dr. Bacon can frequently place your implant immediately after extraction, which actually speeds up your overall treatment time and reduces the number of appointments you need.

Dr. Bacon's sedation expertise means you can be as comfortable as you want during the procedure—from light relaxation to sleeping through the whole thing. Most patients are surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after treatment.

With proper care, your implants can literally last the rest of your life—the titanium post fuses permanently with your bone. The crown on top might need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear, but the implant itself is built to last decades.

With nitrous oxide, you can resume all normal activities immediately after your appointment. For oral or IV sedation, plan to take it easy for the rest of the day and return to your regular activities the following morning.

Dr. Bacon served as the lead sedation provider at Vandenberg Air Force Base and holds advanced certifications in IV sedation, nitrous oxide, and dental sleep medicine. His military training and specialized expertise mean you're getting some of the most qualified sedation care available.

Not at all. Dr. Bacon combines sedation with local anesthesia to ensure you remain completely comfortable and pain-free throughout your entire procedure. The sedation keeps you relaxed while the numbing prevents any discomfort.

We'll give you detailed pre-appointment instructions that cover things like when to stop eating and drinking, which medications to avoid, and what to wear. Following these instructions carefully ensures your sedation works effectively and safely.

Dr. Bacon can perform virtually any dental procedure under sedation—from routine cleanings for anxious patients to complex surgeries and everything in between. The type of sedation we recommend depends on the procedure and your personal comfort needs.

Coverage varies depending on your specific provider and plan, but many insurance companies do cover sedation when it's medically necessary. We work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible financing options to make sedation accessible regardless of your coverage.

With nitrous oxide, you'll stay aware but feel completely relaxed throughout. Oral and IV sedation typically create partial or complete memory gaps of the procedure, which most anxious patients actually prefer—you'll wake up with the work done and barely remember it happening.

It depends on which type you choose: nitrous oxide wears off within minutes after we turn it off, oral sedation effects can last 2-8 hours, and IV sedation typically wears off within a few hours after your procedure ends.

Sedation dentistry is extremely safe when administered by a qualified professional like Dr. Bacon, who has extensive military training and years of experience in sedation techniques. We use hospital-grade monitoring equipment and follow strict safety protocols throughout your entire procedure to ensure your wellbeing.

Many dental insurance plans do provide some coverage for orthodontics, even for adults. Our team will check your benefits and help you maximize whatever coverage you have.

Not at all! Dr. Bacon treats plenty of adults who want straighter teeth. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, age isn't a barrier to getting the smile you want.

You'll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions. Dr. Bacon will explain exactly what type of retainer works best for your case and how often to wear it.

Aligners get cleaned with lukewarm water and gentle soap.

You might have a slight lisp for the first few days with aligners, but most people adjust quickly.

Most patients see Dr. Bacon every 6-8 weeks to check progress and get new aligners or adjustments. These visits are usually quick and fit easily into your schedule.

With aligners, you remove them to eat so there are no food restrictions at all.

Most cases take 12-18 months, but it really depends on how much your teeth need to move. Dr. Bacon will give you a realistic timeline during your consultation based on your specific situation.

You'll feel some pressure when your teeth start moving, especially with new aligners or after adjustments, but it's manageable and usually goes away within a few days. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable modern orthodontics can be.

Treatment cost varies based on how complex your case is, but Dr. Bacon will give you exact pricing upfront. We work with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make straight teeth affordable.

Most people with healthy gums and adequate tooth enamel make good candidates. Dr. Bacon will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation and let you know if veneers are the best option for achieving your smile goals.

Just like your natural teeth—brush, floss, and come in for regular checkups. Dr. Bacon will give you specific care instructions, but maintaining your veneers is straightforward and doesn't require special products or routines.

Porcelain veneers don't stain like natural teeth and can't be whitened with bleaching treatments. That's why Dr. Bacon takes extra care to help you choose the perfect shade from the beginning—one that will stay bright and beautiful for years.

Since veneers are considered cosmetic, most insurance plans don't cover them. We offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and other options to make your dream smile affordable.

Absolutely—you can enjoy almost all your favorite foods. Dr. Bacon recommends avoiding things like chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth to protect your investment, but normal eating is completely fine.

Dr. Bacon prioritizes your comfort with local anesthesia and sedation options if you need them. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the process is and report minimal discomfort during and after treatment.

Most veneer cases require 2-3 visits—one for planning and preparation, then placement once your veneers are ready. Some patients may qualify for same-day veneers using Dr. Bacon's advanced CEREC technology.

Not if Dr. Bacon designs them—he custom-crafts each veneer to match your natural teeth perfectly in color, translucency, and shape. The goal is for your smile to look beautiful but completely authentic.

Yes, veneers are considered permanent because we need to remove a small amount of enamel to place them properly. However, Dr. Bacon offers minimal-prep and sometimes no-prep options for patients who qualify, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

With good care, quality porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years or even longer. Regular checkups with Dr. Bacon and maintaining good oral hygiene will help you get the maximum lifespan from your investment.

Dr. Bacon can safely repeat professional whitening every 6-12 months if you want touch-ups, though many patients find their results last longer than they expected with good maintenance habits.

Professional treatments use much stronger whitening agents than store products, plus Dr. Bacon's expertise ensures better results with less sensitivity. You get dramatic improvement in one visit instead of weeks of marginal results with drugstore products.

Since whitening is considered cosmetic, most insurance plans don't cover it. We offer flexible payment options and financing to make professional whitening affordable for your budget.

In-office whitening typically takes about 60-90 minutes from start to finish. You can relax, catch up on emails, or just take a break while the whitening gel does its work.

Absolutely—when done under proper dental supervision like Dr. Bacon provides, professional whitening is both safe and effective. He carefully monitors the entire process to protect your teeth and gums while maximizing your results.

Most natural teeth respond well to professional whitening, but some types of stains (like those from certain medications) may need alternative treatments like veneers. Dr. Bacon will let you know what to realistically expect during your consultation.

Dr. Bacon recommends waiting 24-48 hours before having coffee, red wine, or other staining foods and beverages. Your teeth are more porous right after whitening, so they can pick up stains more easily during this time.

Most patients see their teeth brighten by several shades in just one appointment. Your exact results depend on your starting tooth color and the type of staining, but the improvement is typically quite dramatic and noticeable.

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity, but Dr. Bacon's professional approach and quality materials significantly reduce discomfort compared to over-the-counter products. Any sensitivity usually fades within a day or two.

Professional whitening results typically last 6-12 months with good maintenance habits. Dr. Bacon will give you specific care instructions to help you get the most time out of your investment and keep your smile looking bright.