Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Encinitas, CA

Answering All of Your Dental Questions

Do you have questions about dental implants, gum disease, or how to take the best care of your smile? Our team has extensive experience and knowledge so you can get the answers you need to make the best decisions for your smile. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions we receive, along with our answers. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, call our dental office directly.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

If you have a dental emergency in Encinitas, immediately call our office so we can schedule an evaluation for you so our team can diagnose and treat the issue you face. We offer same-day appointments for our patients in pain.

I have severe dental phobia. Can you help?

Yes! Dr. Greg McElroy is specially trained to offer IV dental sedation, which is an excellent option for patients undergoing extensive procedures or with severe dental phobia or anxiety.

Is there a difference in quality between same-day and traditional dental crowns?

CEREC same-day dental crowns are crafted in-house by our team, while traditional dental crowns involve us sending off a digital impression to a dental laboratory so they can craft your crown. There’s virtually no difference in the quality of the restoration and they’re similar in price. The main benefit of receiving a same-day crown is the convenience of not having to receive a temporary crown and wait two weeks or more for your permanent restoration.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems in the nation, estimated to impact on out of every two adults. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition include:

  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
  • Tender, deep red, or inflamed gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Gum recession that makes teeth appear longer
  • Loose or missing permanent teeth

If I’m a candidate for traditional braces, does that also mean I’m a candidate for Invisalign aligners?

Invisalign aligners can treat much of the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces, so you may be able to choose between aligners or metal brackets and wires. The best way to learn whether you’re a good candidate for discreet Invisalign treatment is to schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll outline a treatment plan for you so you can make the best-informed decision for your oral health.

Can you help treat jaw pain?

If your jaw pain is related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), then our team at McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas can most likely help reduce it. We offer occlusal splints to shift your jaw into its ideal position as you sleep, equilibration, and BOTOX injections to provide you with months-long relief.