Frequently Asked Questions
• General
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Invisalign
• Sedation Dentistry
• Dental Implants
General FAQ's
Do you accept dental insurance?
We offer a unique service of claims processing that enables us to submit claims electronically for you. What does this mean to you? This process enables a rapid refund process to allow you to receive reimbursement in most cases as quickly as three business days. We will help you maximize your dental benefits and minimize your out of pocket expenses.
What if I have a dental emergency while the office is closed?
You may call our regular office phone number at anytime. If the office is closed and Dr. Botbol is not available, call the Toronto Dental Emergency Service phone number at 416-485-7121. Otherwise, go to your nearest hospital and call us first thing in the morning.
Do I need x-rays?
Our office uses low radiation digital x-ray technology ( up to 90% less radiation compared to traditional x-rays). X-rays are critical in diagnosing and creating a safe treatment plan for your long-term dental health. We will take the fewest necessary to diagnose the current health of your teeth and smile.
How much is a cleaning?
This depends on the health of your teeth and gums, and how long it has been since you last had them cleaned. One of our team members will be glad to discuss this with you.
Do you accept New Patients?
Yes. Our practice is constantly growing and we love seeing new patients such as yourself. We look forward to providing an exceptional dental experience for all of our clients. We take pride in offering the latest in dental technology in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
What different payment options are available?
For your convenience we offer a wide range of financial options to suit your individual needs. We accept Debit, Visa and MasterCard at each appointment or for more comprehensive treatment we offer a 5% bookkeeping reduction of fees for pre-payment or alternately we offer Low-Interest financing with low payments that can make any dentistry very affordable.
I am really nervous, is there anything available to help me with that?
You will notice that we make every effort to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We go to great lengths to ensure your dental experience is a positive one. We also offer many variations of sedation or “sleep” dentistry. We offer simple pill sedation to IV sedation or General Anesthesia for very anxious patients. We ensure you are at ease at each and every visit. If you have been avoiding dentistry due to fear, let us review the various comfort options we have available to make your dental treatment a reality.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ's
How do I know what my smile will look like when I am done?
Fortunately we have advanced digital software available to our patients that would enable them to try on their smile before making a commitment. Patients love this service because they are able to have a tangible idea what the end result may look like.
What are porcelain veneers ?
Porcelain veneers are a thin layer of porcelain which covers the front surface of the tooth. They can be used on any teeth that show when you smile. Veneers have been used to "instantly" close gaps between teeth, straighten crooked teeth, permanently whiten stained teeth or create better shaped teeth. The main advantage of using veneers instead of full crowns is the minimal natural tooth removal in the preparation process. Porcelain Veneers rarely stain, chip or break. In fact, they are extremely strong and can last many years. They feel like your natural teeth and in most cases only a few visits are needed to create a spectacular new smile with porcelain veneers.
Will this process ruin my natural teeth?
Your teeth will be shaped as conservatively as possible. This is accomplished by proper planning before treatment and by using high powered magnification. In fact, teeth that have been filled or are particularly worn over time will actually be strengthened and protected by this process.
How can I avoid the "Chicklet look"?
A high level of design and artistry is the key to successful esthetic work. We are committed to ensure that each tooth looks complimentary to your appearance and naturally blends into your smile.
How long do they last?
Our goal is that with good oral health, the simple care, and regular checkups, they should last over 15 years. Grinding, clenching, finger nail biting or biting on hard brittle foods, may damage the veneers and subsequently affect their longevity. In these cases, a simple bite guard makes all the difference.
What is involved in getting porcelain veneers?
This procedure is generally performed to correct chipped, stained, or crooked teeth. A thin layer of your natural tooth structure is reshaped and is replaced by a porcelain facing. This porcelain piece will have the ideal anatomy and color that will match perfectly to your facial structure and skin tone. A treatment plan will be designed to meet each unique smile. Veneers will consist of three (3) dental visits:
Visit 1 - Very short visit. Impression of your present teeth is taken and sent to the laboratory where a wax up or blueprint is fabricated. The wax up will allow you and Dr. Botbol a preview of your ideal smile.
Visit 2 - Your teeth are prepared and a final impression is taken and sent to our porcelain ceramic specialist. Custom-made temporary veneers are fabricated and placed at this appointment. They will look like the final veneers and will allow you to test-drive your new smile.
Visit 3 - Within 7 to 14 days your customized porcelain veneers are ready for cementation. You will have a dramatically improved smile with beautiful and natural looking porcelain veneers.
How much do porcelain veneers cost ?
A complete smile makeover with porcelain veneers can often require an investment of $8,000 to more than $16,000, again depending on how many teeth need to be treated and how difficult the procedures will be. With our low interest financing, it’s possible to have the smile of your dreams for as little as $167 per month. The major thing that you have to look out for is how low porcelain veneers cost. There are some places that will quote you for $500 apiece. Although this may seem like a good deal, it may not be the best thing in the world to get a bargain on. This is something that you are going to want to make sure is done right, and done right the first time. If the porcelain veneers are not put on the right way the first time, then you have to keep going back for them to move them until they get it right. Not many people have time to keep going back to get them adjusted. If they are not adjusted just right, then you can tell that you have on porcelain veneers. Anything that has to do with your teeth is not something that you are going to want to take lightly, thus, this is not the kind of thing that you are going to want to look for a bargain on.
Now is the best time for you to have the smile of your dreams. Look for the best “cosmetic dentist” you can find. You will not be sorry. Remember this – there is no such thing as a bargain in brain surgery, parachutes, fire extinguishers and cosmetic dentistry!
I keep hearing about Lumineers..Are they right for me ?
Lumineers are a cosmetic solution for permanently stained, chipped, discolored, misaligned teeth, or even to revitalize old crown and bridge-work. Lumineers by Cerinate is a porcelain veneer that can be made as thin as a contact lens and is placed over existing teeth without requiring painful removal of sensitive tooth structure. LUMINEERS can only be made from patented Cerinate porcelain unavailable anywhere other than the Cerinate Smile Design Studio! In just two or three visits to the dentist, Lumineers provides a custom-made smile clinically proven to last over 20 years. Please book your Free consultation to see if Lumineers are the right choice for you.
Can I straighten my teeth without wearing braces?
Absolutely. There are many ways to improve the appearance of your teeth without braces. Dr. Botbol is an Invisalign provider and treats many patients with invisible braces. However, if you would like another method of straightening your teeth, Dr. Botbol may recommend one of our cosmetic services, such as porcelain veneers to straighten your smile. Call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr Botbol. After listening to your goals and concerns, he can help you choose the best way to help you straighten your smile.
Invisalign FAQ’s
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without the use of braces. Dr. Botbol is an Invisalign provider.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign works by using a series of custom clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal, wires, or brackets. They are virtually invisible.
Is Invisalign effective?
Yes! It has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide, with millions of aligners placed so far !
How does Invisalign straighten my teeth?
You wear each set of aligners for approximately 2 weeks, removing them only to brush, floss, eat and drink. As you replace each invisible aligner with the next one in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week. This will happen until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Botbol has prescribed.
How often do I need to visit my dentist during the Invisalign treatment?
You’ll visit Dr. Botbol about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
How long with the total Invisalign treatment take?
Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Invisalign at our office ranges from $3,900- 6,900 for complete treatment and comes with FREE professional tooth whitening (a $350 value).
Sedation Dentistry FAQ’s
What types of sedation do you use?
We have 4 types of sedation dentistry options ranging from simple nitrous oxide to general anesthesia. Please visit the sedation dentistry area of our website for more info or schedule a free consultation.
Will I remember anything after sedation dentistry?
At the end of the treatment, you'll have little or no memory of what was accomplished.
Is sedation dentistry safe for me?
Sedation dentistry protocols have been used safely for many years. Our dentists will review your medical history and monitor you closely while under sedation.
Will I feel any pain during the procedure?
Most patients report no discomfort or memory of the experience at all and feel surprisingly good afterwards!
What dental treatments can I have while under sedation?
All types of dental treatment can be performed, ranging from simple cleanings to implants, dentures, cosmetic treatments, crowns, even gum surgery.
Can I wake up in the middle of a procedure?
This idea makes for a Hollywood movie script, but patients can not just wake up without it being intended.
Will I be monitored?
Definitely ! One of our team members is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.
How long can I be asleep?
On average, our treatments last two to six hours. This varies on the type of treatment that you require.
Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medications we use, you will need someone to drive you to and from our office.
Dental Implant FAQ's
Who actually performs the implant placement?
“Dental Implants from Start to Finish…..right here in our office!”.
Implants are a team effort between Dr. Botbol and our implant surgeon, who is a certified specialist. While our surgeon performs the actual implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, Dr. Botbol fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. We will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What this means is that there will be no need to go to another office, fill out new forms and deal with new administrative issues. We will easily arrange it so that you can have your implant surgery and crown placement done right here in our office! Implants from A to Z; all under the same roof, just for you!
We perform in-office implant surgery in a dental operatory, thus optimizing the level of sterility throughout the procedure.
What are dental implants and what can they do for me?
Implants are simple titanium replacements for missing teeth. They can replace a single or multiple teeth. They are placed surgically under the gums. After a few months, they form a very tight bond with the bone, and then a simple dental crown or a denture can be secured over the implants. For patients who have trouble chewing because of missing teeth, or who are frustrated because of their dentures slipping in the mouth, dental implants offer a convenient andsecure solution for replacing teeth.
What are the benefits? They feel great and they support teeth that look very natural, greatly enhancing your smile, confidence and your life. Functionally, they allow you to eat and speak without pain or discomfort, and increases your ability to chew comfortably..
Biologically, implants can help prevent shrinkage or atrophy of your bone and this in
turn supports your facial tissues and keeps you looking young and healthy.
What is the success rate?
Implants as a solution to missing teeth has been practiced for many decades. Generally, because of wonderful advances in implant dentistry over the years, dental implants have success rates well above 90%. Success rates depend on many factors, for example, the patient’s own health status or whether they are a smoker. Even though we cannot put a figure down as to the longevity of implants, it is known that the first implant patient who had them placed in 1965 still has them in working today. Of course, regular checkups and maintaining one’s oral hygiene is also of high importance in preventing failure.
What is the procedure like?
There are generally two stages:
Stage 1: An opening is made in the gums and the implants are placed. We then wait for the implant to bond to your jawbone. It usually takes just about 3 months for the implant to integrate with the bone or longer if bone grafting is involved.
Stage 2: The second and final stage is to secure the new tooth or teeth to the implant structure. Implants can support a single tooth, multiple teeth or dentures.
How much do they cost?
Every patient’s need is unique. Your investment can range from $ 2000-4000 per implant. When multiple implants are placed, we can make a reduction in our fees. Your treatment cost depends on your individual needs. After a consultation, your dental needs will be more specifically determined and the best treatment option proposed to you. At this point, treatment investment can then be more accurately determined.
Does it hurt?
Dental implants are placed in the jaw under local anaesthesia and so the patient feels minimal discomfort at all during the procedure. After the anaesthetic wears off, there may be slight discomfort, usually managed easily with mild pain medication. In fact, many patients have reported that they didn’t even need to take any painkillers.
Am I too old to have dental implants?
Age does not matter here! As long as you are generally healthy and have adequate bone, you can have dental implants. We have placed implants in patients ranging in age from 19-91 years old!
How do I take care of my implants?
Pretty simple. It is very important that patients who have dental implants maintain their own oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing, flossing and sometimes using other cleaning aids like an interproximal brush which goes in between the teeth. Regular dental checkups and maintenance are important to ensure longevity of the implants.
Am I a candidate for implants?
Please call our office today at 416-800-1400 for a FREE consultation, and see why so many of our patients are living happier than ever with dental implants. If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not suitable for implants, new simple ways of improving the site where the implant will be placed, such as bone grafting, may be make the area better suitable for implants.
How do I get started?
During initial consultation, x-rays are needed to evaluate the quality of bone. Impressions or molds of the upper and lower jaws are then taken to be made into models so that the thickness of the bone can be assessed and a diagnostic blueprint of the teeth is made to plan the position of the implant/s . Intra oral photos are also taken as part of the diagnostic process. Once the important information is obtained and treatment planning confirmed, we can get started….It's easier than ever to have dental implants.
Why should I consider dental implants?
If you have had the experience of having lost one or many teeth, you may know what it’s like to live with an unattractive smile, reduced chewing efficiency, embarrassment from falling dentures, and pain or difficulty while eating. Making a bridge to replace the missing teeth usually requires trimming down adjacent, sometimes perfectly healthy natural teeth. Dentures sometimes can be uncomfortable, unstable or painful during eating or speech.
Over time, the bone at the toothless area can undergo “bone atrophy”, or loss of bone height and width. This can lead to many problems. By placing an implant in the bone, it can prevent atrophy.
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