Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At North Seattle Smiles, we aim to make your dental care easily accessible and stress-free. We are in-network with Delta PPO, Regence PPO, and Premera PPO, and our team is experienced in filing claims and maximizing your benefits.

How Dental Insurance Works

Dental insurance typically operates on a benefit basis, with coverage for various services up to a certain amount per year. Here’s how we assist you:

• Maximize your benefits — We'll help you understand your coverage and plan your appointments to make the most of your benefits.
• File your claims — Our staff handles the paperwork and communicates with your insurance provider to streamline the claims process.

Support for Uninsured Patients

If you're uninsured, we would be happy to work with you to find solutions so you can receive the necessary dental care:

• Affordable payment plans — We offer payment plans to help manage your treatment costs without delay.
• Personalized care solutions — Our team works closely with uninsured patients to explore treatment options and ensure you have access to quality dental care.

Your Partner in Dental Health

Don’t let insurance concerns deter you from getting the dental care you need. At our Seattle, WA, dental office, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us to discuss how we can accommodate your insurance plan, provide payment solutions, and keep your smile bright and healthy.

Most patients benefit from visiting the dentist every six months, but at North Seattle Smiles, we tailor our recommendations to fit your unique oral health needs. 

The Power of Preventive Care

Preventive dental care does more than help you avoid cavities. Biannual visits to your dentist in Seattle, WA, allow for early detection of dental issues, which can help you avoid pain and the need for more complex treatment in the future.  

What Happens during a Dental Exam?

Here are the steps you can expect during your dental checkup at North Seattle Smiles: 

• Evaluating your overall oral health and hygiene
• Checking for cavities and signs of tooth decay
• Assessing gum health and checking for signs of gum disease
• Examining your bite and jaw for any issues
• Taking diagnostic x-rays if necessary
• Screening for oral cancer

The Value of Routine Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings go hand-in-hand with exams and involve the following: 

• Removing plaque and tartar buildup to avoid cavities or gum disease
• Polishing your teeth to remove surface stains
• Offering guidance on how to improve oral hygiene practices

Book Your Next Routine Checkup with Us

Ready to take charge of your oral health? Contact our Seattle, WA, dental office to schedule your family’s next routine checkup and teeth cleaning to keep your smile healthy and bright. 

Dental implants have an average lifespan of approximately 25 years to a lifetime for many people. This makes them a durable and reliable tooth replacement option.

The two main components that make up an implant factor into their longevity:

• Implant Posts — The implant posts are made from materials like titanium, which is known for its durability. Placed surgically in your gums, the posts fuse with bone and gum tissue to become a permanent part of your dental anatomy.
• Replacement Teeth — The lifespan of replacement teeth, like crowns, bridges, and dentures that the implants support, can vary. With proper care, crowns and bridges can last about 10 to 15 years on average or longer.

Factors Affecting Implant Longevity

Potential issues that could compromise longevity include:

• Poor oral hygiene leading to gum disease and infections like peri-implantitis
• Excessive biting forces from bruxism or chewing hard foods
• Smoking, which impairs your body’s ability and increases your risk for implant failure

Caring for Your Implants

Tips to ensure you get the most out of your implants include:

• Brush twice daily and floss regularly, using products designed for implants.
• Schedule regular checkups for teeth cleanings to monitor your implants.

While dental implants can last a long time, it's essential to remember that their lifespan will vary from one person to the next.

Have Questions about Dental Implants?

There’s a lot to consider when getting dental implants. If you have questions, please call our Seattle, WA, dental office to schedule an appointment so we can help you.

At North Seattle Smiles, we offer a range of options for tooth replacement because each smile has unique needs. Whether it's dental implants, bridges, or dentures, we're dedicated to restoring your smile's comfortable function and aesthetics.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Tooth replacement is crucial for aesthetic reasons and for optimal oral health. Without a replacement, the remaining teeth can shift, leading to misalignment and bite issues. Missing teeth can also lead to jawbone loss and changes in your facial contours.

Dental Implants: A Long-Term Solution

Dental implants offer a secure and permanent foundation for artificial teeth. This innovative replacement closely mimics natural teeth in appearance and function, while promoting jawbone health.

Bridges: Seamlessly Span the Gap

Bridges efficiently fill the gaps left by missing teeth. They are anchored to neighboring teeth for stability and are custom-crafted to blend seamlessly with your smile.

Dentures: A Time-Tested Solution

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace a full arch or just a few missing teeth. We will customize your dentures to complement your facial features, skin tone, and even your eye and hair color for a natural appearance.

Let's Discuss Your Options!

At North Seattle Smiles, we take time to collaborate with you to discover your unique needs and preferences. Our dentist will evaluate all factors, including oral health, lifestyle, and aesthetics, to recommend the ideal tooth replacement for you.

If you're ready to take the next step to replace a missing tooth or teeth, please call our Seattle, WA, dental office to schedule a consultation.

Dental emergencies can be scary and upsetting and require prompt attention. At North Seattle Smiles, we make it a priority to see emergency patients the same day to provide pain relief and begin treatment whenever possible.

Why Prompt Treatment Is Crucial

Prompt care for dental emergencies is convenient, but that's not the only benefit. Addressing dental pain or trauma as soon as possible can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. It can also prevent complications like infection or the need for more extensive dental work in the future.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

As your emergency dentist in Seattle, we see patients with a wide range of issues, including:

• Toothache
• Broken tooth
• Lost crown or filling
• Jaw pain or swelling
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Tooth knocked out or knocked loose

Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Seattle, WA

If you're experiencing a dental emergency, North Seattle Smiles is committed to providing the relief you need when you need it most. Our dental team is ready to offer reassurance and the fast and efficient care you need to protect your smile.

Remember, acting quickly is essential in an emergency, and we are here to provide pain relief and stabilize your situation until we can complete treatment. Please call us at (206) 362-6116 so we can get you on our schedule right away.

North Seattle Smiles loves treating children and giving them the positive start in dentistry that they need for lifelong healthy smiles. 

The Importance of Early Childhood Exams

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child's first dental visit should occur when their first baby tooth appears but no later than their first birthday. These tiny teeth will eventually come out, but they play an essential role until they do.

Baby teeth hold space for incoming permanent teeth, so it's crucial to keep them healthy until they come out on their own. Otherwise, there may not be enough room when the permanent tooth arrives, which sets the stage for potential alignment problems and the need for orthodontics in the future. 

Your Child’s Age-One Dental Visit

We will warmly welcome your child so they can get to know us and become comfortable with the new environment. Dr. Chan is very gentle and will perform a quick examination to evaluate their mouth, teeth, and gums for proper development. 

Feel free to use this time to ask questions. We can guide you on proper oral hygiene practices and share tips on dealing with teething, thumb-sucking, and proper nutrition to support oral health.

Schedule Your Child's Visit Today

Ready to give your child a head start on dental health? Schedule an appointment with North Seattle Smiles, your trusted Seattle, WA, dental office for children's dentistry.