Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments & New Patients

Here are list of commonly asked questions that our office staff have conveniently compiled for new and existing patients. As always, we can further explain to clarify your concerns

How can I make an appointment?

Use our online booking tool found here to conveniently book an open slot.

We always try our best to accommodate our patient preferences, as long as our schedule allows it!.

We know things come up! We are flexible with cancellations before 24 hours of your appointment; cancellation fees will apply and may depend on your insurance. General cancellation fee is $50. If you miss your appointment, no show fee is $100. It’s important to communicate any schedule issues as soon as possible!

Yes! We’re always happy to welcome new patients to West Hollywood Smile Dental. Book online or give us a call and we’ll get you scheduled.

Just bring a photo ID and your insurance card (if you have one). If you have recent X-rays or dental records from a previous dentist, feel free to bring those too, but it’s not required — we’re happy to take our own.

Cost & Insurance

Do you take my insurance?

More than likely, yes — we work with a wide range of insurance plans, including PPO, Medicare, Medicaid (Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal), HMO, EPO and more. If you don’t have insurance, ask us about our in-house Membership Plan for affordable care.

Porcelain veneers typically range depending on how many teeth you’re treating and the material used. Read our full cost breakdown for an accurate estimate.

The cost of a single dental implant depends on the case, including any bone grafting needed and the type of restoration. See our full pricing guide for typical ranges.

In-office professional whitening costs vary based on the technique used and how many shades you’re looking to lift. See our whitening cost guide for current pricing.

No problem. We offer an in-house Membership Plan that gives you a full exam, cleanings, and discounts on other treatments for one low annual fee, no insurance required.

It depends on your case and treatment length, but the two are often closer in price than people expect. Compare Invisalign and braces costs in detail here.

Pain, Comfort & Sedation

Can you put me to sleep?

Our staff and doctor have been trained for oral conscious sedation, ask us more about these type of procedure.

Most patients feel little to no pain during a root canal thanks to local anesthesia — any discomfort typically comes from the untreated infection beforehand, not the procedure itself. Learn more about what to expect.

Some patients notice mild, temporary sensitivity during or after whitening, especially with in-office treatments, but it typically fades within a day or two. See what to expect from the process.

It’s common for a filling to feel sensitive or achy weeks or months after treatment, often due to lingering nerve irritation, a bite that’s slightly off, or a new cavity forming nearby. Find out when it’s normal and when to call us.

Dental Emergencies

I have an emergency, can you help me?

We know emergencies come up. We pride ourselves on getting patients an emergency exam within 24-48 hours and treatment if our schedule allows, and we can use telemedicine to quickly address your concerns.

Sudden tooth pain often signals a cavity, cracked tooth, or gum irritation that needs attention soon. See the common causes and what to do next.

A crown that pops off without pain is usually fine to leave until your next visit, but you should protect the tooth and see us soon. Find out what to do right now and when to come in.

Cosmetic & Restorative Choices

Do you offer "white" fillings?

We only use the best, up-to-date materials and no longer offer outdated silver or amalgam fillings.

Veneers offer a longer-lasting, more dramatic transformation, while bonding is faster and more affordable for small fixes. See a full comparison to find the best fit for your smile.

Both can restore a full, functional smile, but the right choice depends on your bone health, budget, and how permanent you want the solution to be. See how implants and dentures compare before you decide.

Aligners are discreet and removable, while braces handle more complex bite issues with fixed, round-the-clock control. See which option fits your smile and lifestyle best.

Post Operative Instruction Library

After your specific procedure, we know it can be overwhelming, we have arranged all our post-operative instruction in one place for our patients continued care

After Your Tooth Extraction
After your tooth extraction, bite down gently on the gauze provided for 30–60 minutes to help stop bleeding. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws for the first 24 hours to protect the blood clot. Stick to soft foods and avoid hot or crunchy items. Apply an ice pack to your cheek in 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling. Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Keep your head elevated and rest. After 24 hours, you may gently rinse with warm salt water. If you experience excessive bleeding, swelling, fever, or severe pain, contact our office right away.
After Your Filling Visit
Following a dental filling, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days. Avoid eating until the numbness wears off to prevent biting your cheek or tongue. Stick to soft foods if your bite feels off, and contact us if discomfort lasts more than a few days or worsens. You can brush and floss as usual, but be gentle around the treated area. If you received a white (composite) filling, it’s fully hardened before you leave the office, but metal fillings may take longer to set—avoid chewing hard foods on that side for 24 hours.
After Your Root Canal
After your root canal, it's normal to feel some soreness or mild discomfort for a few days, especially when chewing. Take any prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Avoid chewing on the treated side until the final crown or filling is placed, as the tooth may be more fragile. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently. If you notice swelling, persistent pain, or signs of infection such as fever, contact our office promptly. Be sure to return for your follow-up appointment to complete the restoration and protect the tooth long-term.
After your Teeth Whitening
fter your whitening treatment, you may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation—this is normal and should subside within a day or two. Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth for at least 24–48 hours, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tobacco products. Stick to a "white diet" of light-colored foods and drink plenty of water. Use a sensitivity toothpaste if needed, and maintain good oral hygiene to prolong your results. Contact our office if sensitivity persists or if you have any concerns.

Ask Us a Question

Have additional questions, or want further explanation? Use our Contact Form