Frequently Asked Questions
Family Dentistry
Do you use modern technology for family dentistry?
Yes. We use digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and other tools to improve accuracy and help families better understand their care.
Will we see the same dentist each visit?
Yes. Dr. Coffey provides care consistently, which supports familiarity, trust, and long-term planning.
How often should my child have dental checkups?
Most children benefit from dental visits every six months. These routine visits help monitor development and prevent future issues.
Do you offer emergency dental care?
Yes. Same-day emergency appointments are often available when you call before 3 pm, allowing us to address urgent concerns quickly.
What ages do you treat?
We provide family dentistry for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Care is tailored to each stage of life so treatment stays appropriate as needs change.
What if my child feels nervous about the dentist?
We take a calm, patient approach and adjust visits based on comfort and readiness. Appointments move at a pace that helps children feel safe and understood.
Is this a long-term dental home for my family?
Yes. Our goal is to provide consistent care for families over many years, not just individual visits.
Can my family schedule appointments together?
Yes. When possible, we offer coordinated family appointments to reduce extra visits and make scheduling easier.
Dental Checkups
Will I see the same dentist at each visit?
Yes. Dr. Coffey provides consistent care, which supports familiarity and better long-term planning.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in a while?
That’s okay. We meet patients where they are and focus on moving forward comfortably.
Do you offer dental checkups for children?
Yes. We provide dental checkups for children, teens, adults, and seniors.
Are dental checkups necessary if my teeth feel fine?
Yes. Many dental issues don’t cause symptoms until they become more serious. Checkups help identify concerns early.
How often should I have a dental checkup?
Most patients should visit every six months. This timing helps catch issues early and maintain oral health.
Do dental checkups include cleanings?
Yes. Most checkups include a professional cleaning and exam, along with X-rays if needed.
SureSmile
Will I see the same dentist throughout treatment?
Yes. Dr. Coffey plans and monitors your treatment from start to finish.
How often are follow-up visits?
Visits are scheduled periodically to check progress and ensure treatment stays on track.
Can I remove my aligners?
Yes. Aligners are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Are clear aligners right for teenagers and adults?
Clear aligners are commonly used by teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment concerns.
Do clear aligners feel uncomfortable?
Some pressure is normal when starting a new aligner, but most patients find treatment manageable and adjust quickly.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment length varies based on alignment needs. Many patients complete treatment in several months to a year.
Dental Implants
Will the same dentist handle my care throughout treatment?
Yes. Dr. Coffey oversees implant care from planning through final restoration.
Do you offer same-day implant placement?
Immediate implants may be possible in select situations and are evaluated during consultation.
Can implants work if teeth have been missing for years?
Yes. Many long-term cases are still candidates, though additional planning may be needed.
How long does the implant process take?
Timelines vary depending on healing and treatment type. Some cases are completed sooner, while others require additional time.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort that is manageable with routine care. Many find the process easier than expected.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last many years and often decades.
Veneers
Will I work with the same dentist throughout treatment?
Yes. Dr. Coffey oversees veneer planning and placement personally.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth?
Veneers may help with minor alignment concerns, but more significant issues may require orthodontic treatment.
Are veneers a permanent treatment?
Because some enamel is removed, veneers are generally considered permanent.
How long do veneers typically last?
With proper care, veneers can last many years. Longevity depends on material choice, bite forces, and oral hygiene.
Do veneers require special care?
Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help maintain veneers.
Will veneers look natural?
Yes. Veneers are designed to match surrounding teeth in shape, color, and proportion.
Facial Injections
Who performs the injections?
All facial injections are performed in-office by Dr. Coffey.
How many units will I need?
Unit count depends on treatment area, muscle strength, and desired outcome. This is reviewed during consultation.
How soon will I see results?
Results typically begin to appear within several days and continue to improve over the following weeks.
Is treatment painful?
Most patients describe minimal discomfort. Treatments are quick and well-tolerated.
Will facial injections make me look frozen?
When placed conservatively, wrinkle relaxers soften lines while maintaining natural expression.
How long do facial injection results last?
Results vary by formulation and individual response. Many patients see results for several months, while extended-duration options may last longer.
Dermal Fillers
Who performs the injections?
All dermal filler treatments are completed by Dr. Coffey.
Can filler treatment be adjusted over time?
Yes. Treatments can be refined gradually to maintain balance.
When will I see results?
Results are often visible right away, with final appearance settling as swelling resolves.
Is treatment uncomfortable?
Most patients report mild discomfort. Appointments are typically quick.
Will fillers make my face look different?
Fillers are designed to restore balance and volume, not change your appearance.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Results vary by area and individual response. Many fillers last several months to over a year.
Teeth Whitening
Is professional whitening better than store-bought products?
Professional whitening offers stronger materials, custom fit, and dentist oversight for more consistent results.
Will I see the same dentist throughout treatment?
Yes. Dr. Coffey oversees whitening care and recommendations.
How white will my teeth get?
Results depend on starting shade and enamel condition. Goals are discussed before treatment begins.
Does whitening work on crowns or fillings?
Whitening only affects natural tooth structure. Existing dental work will not change color.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some sensitivity is possible, but professional systems allow for better control and adjustment.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Results vary based on habits and maintenance. Many patients maintain results for months or longer with proper care.
Emergency Care
What if I need additional treatment after the emergency visit?
If follow-up care is needed, we’ll review options and schedule next steps that fit your situation.
Who will treat me during my emergency visit?
Emergency care is provided by Dr. Coffey.
Will you treat pain even if I’m not a current patient?
Yes. We welcome emergency patients and will focus on addressing the immediate issue.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Call our office right away. Acting quickly can improve the chance of saving the tooth.
Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Most dental emergencies are best treated by a dentist. If you have severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or trauma affecting the jaw or face, seek medical care immediately.
Do you offer same-day emergency dental appointments?
Yes. When you call before 3 pm, same-day emergency appointments are often available.
