Dental FAQ

Our standard hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Saturday appointments are available by request. Same-day emergency visits are accommodated whenever possible — please call (650) 591-1984.

We are located at 2100 Carlmont Drive, Suite 8, Belmont, CA 94002. We serve patients throughout Belmont, San Carlos, San Mateo, Redwood City, Redwood Shores, Menlo Park, Atherton, and Half Moon Bay. Free parking is available on-site.

Yes — multiple members of our team speak Mandarin Chinese in addition to English. Please ask when scheduling and we will pair you with a clinician comfortable in your preferred language.

Your first visit typically takes 60-75 minutes. We perform digital x-rays, intraoral photos, a periodontal evaluation, and a thorough exam. Your dentist reviews findings with you and presents a written treatment plan with timing and pricing — no surprise bills, no high-pressure sales.

Comfort options may include nitrous oxide, oral anxiolysis, or referral / coordinated care for deeper sedation when appropriate. Availability depends on medical history, procedure type, provider qualifications, and California sedation regulations. Tell us about your dental anxiety when you schedule and we will customize your visit for comfort.

Yes — we keep daily slots reserved for dental emergencies including severe tooth pain, broken or knocked-out teeth, lost crowns, and acute swelling. Call (650) 591-1984 first thing in the morning and we will work to see you the same day.

We work with all PPO networks and accept most major plans, including Delta Dental PPO, Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, Guardian, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Principal, Sun Life, Humana, United Concordia, and GEHA. Our team files claims on your behalf and helps you maximize your benefits. We do not accept HMO or DMO plans.

We offer in-house membership plans starting at $30/month for pediatric, $75/month gold, and $150/month platinum. Each plan includes preventive exams, x-rays, and cleanings, plus 15-50% off other treatments. We also partner with CareCredit and Proceed Finance for 0% APR payment plans up to 24 months.

Every treatment plan is built around the specific complexity of your case — number of teeth involved, materials chosen, lab work, and any preparatory procedures all factor in. After a consultation we provide a written, itemized estimate with no surprise charges. Financing through CareCredit and Proceed Finance can spread payments over 24 months at 0% APR or up to 7 years at reduced interest.

Most PPO plans cover a portion of routine and restorative care. Coverage levels vary by plan, employer, and treatment type, so we verify your benefits before any work begins and apply them directly to your estimate. For elective cosmetic work that insurance does not cover, our in-house membership plans and financing partners help make care accessible.

Modern root canal therapy is no more painful than getting a routine filling. The procedure relieves pain rather than causing it — it removes the inflamed nerve tissue inside the tooth that is generating discomfort. We use rotary endodontic instruments and digital x-rays to make treatment fast and predictable.

High-quality porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years, and well-maintained sets often last 20+ years. Longevity depends on bite alignment, oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like nail-biting or chewing ice. We use lab-fabricated ceramic veneers with a precise bonding protocol to maximize lifespan.

We offer in-office Zoom! whitening for fast, dramatic results in a single visit, plus custom take-home trays for gradual whitening at your own pace. Both methods use professional-grade peroxide gels safer than over-the-counter strips.

Most patients report dental implant placement is less painful than they expected — comparable to a routine extraction. We use local anesthesia and offer sedation. Mild soreness for 2-3 days afterwards is typical and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

All-on-4 (also called full-arch implants) replaces an entire upper or lower arch of teeth with a fixed bridge supported by four strategically placed implants. Most adults with significant tooth loss are candidates, even those with reduced bone volume. A 3D CT scan and consultation determines suitability.

LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser treatment for moderate-to-severe gum disease. Unlike traditional periodontal surgery, LANAP requires no scalpels or sutures, has minimal bleeding, less post-op pain, and faster healing. Most patients return to work the same day.

We start with a comprehensive bite analysis and joint exam, then build a treatment plan that may include a custom night guard, bite adjustment, physical therapy referral, or BOTOX for muscle relaxation in severe cases. Most TMJ pain responds to conservative care within 4-8 weeks.