Frequently Asked Questions

Root canals have an undeserved reputation for being painful. Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, most patients report a comfortable, pain-free experience. The procedure itself relieves the pain caused by the infected tooth — most patients say they feel significantly better afterward. Dr. Liana Tremmel will explain every step before starting so you know exactly what to expect.

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. A crown, bridge, or denture is then attached to the implant, giving you a permanent, natural-looking replacement. Good candidates have healthy gums and adequate bone density. Dr. Liana Tremmel will evaluate whether implants are right for you during a consultation.

Results vary depending on the nature and severity of staining, but most patients achieve several shades brighter. Surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco respond best to whitening. Professional whitening — either in-office or with custom take-home trays — delivers far more dramatic results than over-the-counter strips or toothpaste. Dr. Liana Tremmel will set realistic expectations during your consultation.

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. They can correct chipped, stained, misshapen, or slightly misaligned teeth, and fill small gaps. Unlike natural enamel, porcelain veneers are resistant to coffee, tea, and tobacco stains. Veneers are a popular option for patients who want a dramatic smile transformation in just a few visits.

A filling repairs a small area of decay by filling the cavity with tooth-colored composite material. A crown is a cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth and is used when a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, has had a large filling replaced, or has undergone a root canal. Crowns restore the tooth's full shape, strength, and function. Dr. Liana Tremmel will recommend the most conservative treatment that protects your tooth long-term.

At Regency Dental Care we offer several options depending on how many teeth are missing and your overall oral health. A dental implant with a crown is the gold standard for replacing a single tooth — it looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Implant-supported bridges can replace several adjacent teeth. For patients missing all or most teeth, implant-supported full-arch restorations or conventional dentures may be the best option. Dr. Liana Tremmel will walk you through all your choices during a consultation.

Gum disease (periodontitis) is caused by bacterial plaque that builds up along and below the gum line due to inadequate brushing and flossing. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with a professional cleaning and better home care. Once the disease advances and bone loss occurs, the damage is permanent but can be managed with a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and more frequent maintenance visits. Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions — early treatment is important.

An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual and physical exam that checks your mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, and throat for any suspicious changes. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that all patients over the age of 17 be screened annually. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes — oral cancer caught in its early stages has a much higher cure rate. Dr. Liana Tremmel includes an oral cancer screening as part of your regular comprehensive exam.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) refers to pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms include clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Dr. Liana Tremmel typically starts with conservative, reversible treatment — most often a custom night guard or oral appliance that reduces stress on the joint. In most cases this provides significant relief without surgery.

We accept most dental insurance plans and, as a courtesy, we will file your dental insurance claim for you. Our team will provide you with a treatment plan that includes your estimated out-of-pocket costs before any treatment begins. Most plans cover preventive visits (cleanings and exams) at little or no cost. For more details, visit our financing page.

Yes. Our office uses digital radiography, which produces radiation levels significantly lower than traditional dental X-rays. The amount of exposure from a full set of digital X-rays is minimal — comparable to everyday background radiation. We only take X-rays when clinically necessary to provide you with the best care, and we follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

For most routine procedures performed with local anesthetic only, you are safe to drive yourself home. If you receive oral sedation, you will need a driver to bring you to and from your appointment. Dr. Liana Tremmel will let you know in advance what to expect and whether you should arrange a ride.

Common signs that a root canal may be needed include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen or tender gums, and darkening of the tooth. However, sometimes a tooth can need root canal treatment with no pain at all — which is why regular exams are so important. Only a clinical exam and X-rays can confirm whether the tooth's pulp is infected or damaged. If caught early, root canal treatment is straightforward and can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.