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Dentist FAQ

Answers your top dental questions—implants, Invisalign®, emergencies & more

Top Dental Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions – PS Dental Services (Tigard, OR)

Serving Tigard, Beaverton, King City, Lake Oswego, and SW Portland • Call (503) 574-4000 or request an appointment

About & General

What is PS Dental Services?

A family and cosmetic dental practice in Tigard, OR offering preventive care, dental implants, crowns & bridges, Invisalign®, whitening, root canals, gum therapy, and same-day emergency dentistry.

Where are you located and who do you serve?

11820 SW King James Pl, Tigard, OR. We serve Tigard, Beaverton, King City, Lake Oswego, and SW Portland.

Are you accepting new patients and emergencies?

Yes—same-day and next-day openings are often available. Call (503) 574-4000 or request an appointment online.

What makes PS Dental different?

Gentle, tech-forward care (digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, 3D imaging when indicated), clear treatment plans, and flexible payment options.

Appointments & Insurance

How do I schedule a visit?

Call (503) 574-4000 or use our online request form.

Do you take my insurance?

We work with most PPO plans, verify benefits in advance, and submit claims for you.

Can I be seen without insurance?

Yes—membership savings and third-party financing are available. Call for pricing.

Do you offer second opinions?

Yes—bring your plan or X-rays and we’ll review options and timelines.

Preventive Care

How often should I get a cleaning and exam?

Most patients: every 6 months. Higher-risk patients may need periodontal maintenance more often.

Are digital X-rays safe?

Yes—low radiation and taken only when clinically indicated.

Do you offer fluoride and sealants?

Yes—evidence-based cavity prevention for kids and adults.

What toothbrush and toothpaste do you recommend?

Soft-bristle brush, fluoride toothpaste, and daily flossing or a water flosser—tailored to your gum health.

Gum Health

What are signs of gum disease?

Bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, swelling, tenderness, or loose teeth.

How is gum disease treated?

Deep cleanings (scaling/root planing), localized antimicrobials, and personalized maintenance intervals.

Restorative Dentistry

When is a dental crown recommended?

For cracked, heavily restored, or root-canal-treated teeth to restore strength, function, and appearance.

What is a dental bridge?

A fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth using neighboring teeth for support.

Do you place tooth-colored fillings?

Yes—composite fillings that bond to enamel and blend naturally. Call for pricing.

Dental Implants

Do you offer dental implants?

Yes—single implants, implant bridges, and full-arch solutions after a 3D assessment.

Who is a good implant candidate?

Most healthy adults. We assess bone density, gum health, and medical history.

How long does implant healing take?

Typically a few months, depending on your treatment plan and healing.

Implant vs. bridge—how do I choose?

Implants replace roots and don’t involve adjacent teeth; bridges can be faster if implants aren’t suitable.

Root Canals

Do root canals hurt?

With modern anesthesia and techniques, most patients report mild discomfort and quick relief.

When is a root canal needed?

Deep decay, abscess, severe sensitivity, or trauma reaching the tooth nerve.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What’s the best way to whiten teeth?

Professional in-office whitening or custom trays for even, predictable results.

What are veneers and when are they used?

Thin porcelain shells that change color/shape/alignment of front teeth.

Can small chips or gaps be fixed without veneers?

Yes—cosmetic bonding is conservative and fast for select cases.

Orthodontics

Do you offer Invisalign® clear aligners?

Yes—clear aligners for many crowding/spacing cases; typical timelines ~6–18 months.

Will I need retainers after Invisalign®?

Yes—retainers help maintain your new smile long-term.

Extractions & Surgery

When is a tooth extraction necessary?

Non-restorable decay, fractures, severe infection, or problematic wisdom teeth.

What are my options after extraction?

Socket preservation, implant, bridge, or partial denture—tailored to goals and budget.

Pediatric Dentistry

When should my child first see a dentist?

By age 1 or within 6 months after the first tooth erupts.

Are fluoride and sealants safe for kids?

Yes—proven to reduce cavities when used as recommended.

TMJ & Sleep

Can you help with grinding or TMJ pain?

Yes—custom nightguards protect teeth and may reduce jaw muscle strain.

Do you offer oral appliances for sleep apnea?

Yes—for select cases in collaboration with sleep physicians.

Sedation & Comfort

Do you offer sedation dentistry?

Yes—nitrous oxide and oral sedation for eligible patients after health review.

I have dental anxiety—can you help?

Absolutely—gentle techniques, clear communication, and comfort options are part of every visit.

Emergencies

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe toothache, swelling, abscess, broken/knocked-out tooth, or uncontrolled bleeding.

What should I do for a knocked-out tooth?

Handle the tooth by the crown, keep it moist (milk/saliva), and call (503) 574-4000 immediately.

Technology & Safety

What technology do you use?

Digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and 3D imaging (CBCT) when indicated for diagnosis and treatment planning.

How do you ensure infection control?

We follow CDC/OSHA sterilization standards and manufacturer-validated protocols.

Costs & Financing

How much do treatments cost?

Treatment needs vary—please call for pricing. We provide clear estimates before care.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes—membership savings and third-party financing options are available for qualified patients.

Can I use HSA or FSA?

In most cases yes—check your plan; we provide itemized receipts for reimbursement.

After-Care & Home Care

Teeth whitening after-care tips?

Avoid staining foods/drinks for 24–48 hours and use sensitivity toothpaste if needed.

Crown or extraction after-care?

Chew gently on the other side initially and follow the printed instructions we provide.

How soon can I be seen?

Often the same or next business day for urgent needs—call (503) 574-4000.

Book Now

How do I book now?

Call PS Dental Services at (503) 574-4000 or request an appointment online.

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