Dental FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Care in Los Angeles
At Solace Dentistry, we want you to feel informed and confident about your dental care. Below, Dr. Sahar Moeini and our dental team answer common questions about preventive care, Invisalign®, veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, emergency dentistry, insurance, and visiting our Los Angeles dental office.
If you don’t see your question answered below, call us at (323) 930-2386. Our team will be happy to help.
General Dental Questions
Where is Solace Dentistry located?
Solace Dentistry is located at 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90036, in SAG-AFTRA Plaza near the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in the Miracle Mile area.
What dental services does Solace Dentistry provide?
We provide preventive, cosmetic, restorative, periodontal, implant, and emergency dental care. Services include dental exams and cleanings, Invisalign, veneers, teeth whitening, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, dental implants, dentures, gum treatment, and more.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes. Solace Dentistry welcomes new patients from Miracle Mile, West Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.
Does Solace Dentistry accept dental insurance?
We accept a variety of dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental. Because coverage varies by plan, our team can verify your individual benefits before treatment.
Do you offer dental financing?
Yes. CareCredit® financing is available for eligible patients, and additional payment options may be available. Contact our team to discuss the financial options applicable to your treatment.
Dental Checkups
How often should I schedule a dental checkup?
Many patients benefit from dental checkups approximately every six months, but the appropriate schedule depends on your oral health, gum health, cavity risk, and treatment history. Dr. Sahar Moeini may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.
What does a dental checkup include?
A dental checkup typically includes an evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work. Digital X-rays may be recommended when appropriate, and preventive visits may also include a professional dental cleaning.
Are dental checkups painful?
Routine dental checkups are generally comfortable. If you have sensitivity, dental anxiety, or another concern, let our team know so we can help make your visit more comfortable.
What if I haven’t visited a dentist in several years?
There is no need to delay your appointment because it has been a long time. We will evaluate your current oral health, discuss any concerns, and develop appropriate recommendations based on what we find.
What happens if you find a dental problem?
Dr. Moeini will explain the findings and discuss appropriate treatment options. Our goal is to help you understand what was found, why treatment may be recommended, and what your options are before proceeding.
Invisalign®
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a customized series of clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition teeth.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of tooth movement and how consistently the aligners are worn. Your estimated timeline will be determined during treatment planning.
How many hours per day should I wear Invisalign?
Patients are generally instructed to wear their aligners for approximately 20–22 hours per day, removing them primarily for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
Can I eat while wearing Invisalign?
Aligners should generally be removed before eating. This allows you to continue enjoying most foods without the dietary restrictions associated with fixed orthodontic appliances.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign can address many cases involving crowded teeth, gaps, and certain bite or alignment concerns. An examination is necessary to determine whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate for your specific needs.
Veneers
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin restorations placed over the front surfaces of selected teeth to improve characteristics such as color, shape, proportions, symmetry, or the appearance of certain imperfections.
What concerns can veneers address?
Veneers may be used to improve the appearance of discoloration, chips, worn teeth, gaps, irregular tooth shapes, and certain minor alignment concerns.
Are veneers permanent?
Veneer treatment commonly requires some alteration of the natural tooth structure, making many veneer treatments irreversible. The amount of preparation depends on the tooth and type of restoration.
How long do veneers last?
Veneer longevity varies based on the material, bite, oral hygiene, habits, and other individual factors. Proper dental care and regular professional evaluations can help maintain them.
How do I care for veneers?
Brush and floss consistently, maintain regular dental visits, and avoid using your teeth to bite hard objects. Patients who grind or clench their teeth may also be advised to wear a protective nightguard.
Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a biocompatible post placed into the jawbone to provide support for a dental restoration. Depending on the situation, implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or support a full-arch restoration.
Are dental implants painful?
Implant placement is performed with appropriate anesthesia to help maintain comfort during the procedure. Some soreness or swelling may occur during the initial healing period.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed as a long-term tooth replacement option, but longevity depends on oral hygiene, gum and bone health, bite forces, lifestyle factors, and ongoing professional care.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Candidacy depends on factors including your oral and general health, jawbone support, gum health, and treatment needs. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary before implant treatment.
Can dental implants replace multiple missing teeth?
Yes. Depending on your needs, dental implants can support individual crowns, implant-supported bridges, or full-arch restorations such as All-on-X treatment.
Professional Teeth Whitening
How does professional teeth whitening work?
Professional whitening uses peroxide-based whitening agents to break down stains and lighten the color of natural tooth structure.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
When appropriately selected and professionally supervised, teeth whitening is generally considered a safe cosmetic dental treatment. Dr. Moeini evaluates your teeth, gums, sensitivity, and existing restorations before recommending treatment.
Will whitening change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening products lighten natural tooth structure but do not change the existing color of porcelain crowns, veneers, or composite fillings.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Results vary depending on oral hygiene, diet, tobacco use, coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining habits. Periodic touch-ups may help maintain your results.
What professional whitening options are available?
Solace Dentistry offers professional whitening options including KöR Whitening and Opalescence Boost Whitening. Dr. Moeini can recommend an approach based on your discoloration, sensitivity, existing restorations, and desired results.
Emergency Dentistry
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
Severe tooth pain, facial or gum swelling, dental trauma, knocked-out teeth, broken or cracked teeth, and certain damaged restorations may require prompt dental attention.
Does Solace Dentistry offer same-day emergency appointments?
Same-day emergency appointments may be available. Call (323) 930-2386 as soon as possible so our team can provide guidance and determine appointment availability.
What should I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires urgent dental attention. Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root, avoid scrubbing it, and contact a dentist immediately for instructions. Prompt treatment can be important to the possibility of saving the tooth.
Can a broken crown or filling be treated during an emergency visit?
Yes, damaged or lost restorations can be evaluated during an emergency appointment. The treatment provided will depend on the condition of the tooth and restoration.
What happens if I delay treatment for a dental emergency?
Some untreated dental problems can worsen and may lead to increasing pain, infection, additional tooth damage, or more extensive treatment. Contact a dentist promptly if you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent attention.
TMJ Treatment
What are common symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
Symptoms may include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping, difficulty opening the mouth, discomfort while chewing, facial pain, or certain headaches.
Can teeth grinding contribute to jaw pain?
Clenching and grinding can place additional stress on the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints and may contribute to symptoms in some patients.
How are TMJ problems treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Options may include a customized oral appliance, conservative therapies, behavioral or lifestyle modifications, or other appropriate care.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Can a dentist help treat sleep apnea?
For appropriate patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a dentist with relevant training may provide a customized oral appliance designed to help maintain an open airway during sleep.
Is an oral appliance the same as CPAP?
No. CPAP uses pressurized air to maintain an open airway, while an oral appliance typically works by repositioning the lower jaw. The appropriate treatment depends on your diagnosis and medical recommendations.
Do I need a sleep apnea diagnosis before receiving an oral appliance?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires appropriate diagnosis. Dr. Moeini may coordinate with your physician or sleep specialist when oral appliance therapy is being considered.
Insurance & Payment Questions
Can you verify my dental insurance before my appointment?
Yes. Provide our team with your current insurance information, and we can help verify available benefits before your visit.
What if Solace Dentistry is out of network with my insurance?
Depending on your plan, you may still have out-of-network benefits that can be applied toward treatment. Our team can help you understand available benefits and assist with applicable claim submissions.
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
Patients without dental insurance can still receive care at Solace Dentistry. We accept several forms of payment, and financing options such as CareCredit may be available to eligible patients.