Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Their lifespan depends on several factors, including oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth, the crown's location in your mouth, and your bite.

Proper Care for Dental Crowns

To get the most out of your crown:

• Brush twice daily and floss daily — Good oral hygiene prevents decay around the crown's margins, where it meets your natural tooth.
• Attend regular dental checkups — Professional cleanings and exams catch potential problems early, before they compromise your crown.
• Avoid chewing hard objects — Don't chew ice, hard candy, or use your teeth to open packages, as excessive force can crack or dislodge your crown.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth — Grinding puts tremendous pressure on crowns and can cause premature wear or damage.
• Don't use your front teeth as tools — Avoid biting fingernails or tearing open bags, especially if you have crowns on front teeth.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you notice sensitivity, a loose crown, or changes in your bite, contact Thompson Dental to prevent further damage.

If you have questions about caring for your crown or need to schedule a checkup, contact Thompson Dental today. We serve patients throughout Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and the surrounding South Orange County communities.

The American Dental Association recommends that most patients visit the dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. However, the frequency we recommend depends on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and medical history.

When You Might Need More Frequent Checkups

Some patients benefit from more frequent appointments, typically every three to four months:

• Active gum disease: Patients undergoing periodontal treatment need more frequent cleanings to control infection and prevent the disease from progressing.
• History of cavities: If you're prone to decay, more frequent exams catch problems earlier when they're easier and less costly to treat.
• Diabetes or immune disorders: These conditions increase infection risk and slow healing, requiring closer monitoring.
• Pregnancy:  Hormonal changes can affect gum health, making additional checkups beneficial.
• Smoking or tobacco use: These habits significantly increase the risk for gum disease and oral cancer.

When Six-Month Checkups Work Well

Patients with excellent oral hygiene, no history of gum disease, and low cavity risk often do well with standard six-month visits. Some patients with exceptional oral health may even extend to annual visits, though this is less common.

Your Personalized Schedule

After a thorough evaluation of your oral health, medical history, and risk factors, Dr. Sean or Dr. Zachary will recommend a checkup schedule tailored specifically to your needs.

Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to schedule your next checkup. We serve patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and South Orange County.

The longevity of cosmetic dental treatments varies significantly depending on the procedure, the materials used, and how well you maintain your results. While we can provide general estimates, it's essential to understand that these are approximations; individual results depend on multiple factors unique to each patient.

Typical Lifespan for Cosmetic Dentistry

• Teeth Whitening: Six months to two years, depending on dietary habits and touch-up treatments
• Composite Bonding: Five years or longer with proper care
• Porcelain Veneers: Expect 10–15 years of use when maintained properly
• Clear Aligners: Results can last a lifetime if you wear your retainer as directed
• Dental Crowns: Approximately 10–20 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits

Factors that influence how long cosmetic results last include: 

• Your oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings, plays a crucial role in protecting your investment.
• Lifestyle habits like teeth grinding, chewing ice, or using your teeth to open packages can cause premature wear or damage.
• Dietary choices matter too. Frequent consumption of staining beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine will shorten whitening results, while acidic foods can affect bonding and veneers.
• The quality of materials and precision of placement also impact durability, which is why choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist matters.
• Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your restorations and address minor issues before they become costly problems.

Ready to invest in a smile that lasts? Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to discuss cosmetic dentistry in Laguna Niguel, CA. We serve patients from Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and throughout South Orange County.

Most patients are surprised to learn that dental implant surgery is far less painful than they anticipated. During the procedure itself, you won't feel pain because we thoroughly numb the area with local anesthesia. Many patients report feeling pressure or vibration during placement, but no actual discomfort.

What to Expect After Implant Surgery

Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and peaks within the first 24–48 hours. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen are usually sufficient to manage any soreness. You may experience some swelling and bruising around the implant site, which is normal and subsides within a few days.

Sedation Options Available

While local anesthesia alone is sufficient for most patients, we understand that dental anxiety can make even minor procedures feel overwhelming. If you're nervous about implant surgery, we offer sedation options to help you stay relaxed:

• Nitrous oxide for mild relaxation while remaining fully awake
• Oral sedation for deeper relaxation with little memory of the procedure
• IV sedation with an anesthesiologist for patients who prefer to be completely relaxed or asleep during surgery

Concerned about pain during your implant procedure? Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to discuss your concerns and sedation options. We serve patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and South Orange County.

While not all dental emergencies are preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk by taking a few practical precautions and maintaining consistent oral care habits.

• Maintain Regular Dental Visits — The most effective way to prevent dental emergencies is catching problems early. Regular checkups and cleanings every six months allow us to identify weakened teeth, developing cavities, or gum disease before they cause pain or fractures.
• Protect Your Teeth During Activities — If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, custom-fitted mouthguards provide essential protection against fractures, knocked-out teeth, and jaw injuries. Over-the-counter guards offer some protection, but custom versions from your dentist fit better and provide superior cushioning.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene — Brushing twice daily and flossing once removes the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease, two common sources of dental emergencies. Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to crack or break under normal chewing forces.
• Avoid Using Teeth as Tools — Never use your teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or hold objects. These habits put excessive force on teeth and can cause chips, cracks, or complete fractures that require immediate treatment.
• Address Problems Promptly — If you notice sensitivity, a loose filling, or a small chip, schedule an appointment rather than waiting. Minor issues are quick and inexpensive to fix; ignored, they often become painful emergencies.

Need an Emergency Dentist in Laguna Niguel, CA?

Experiencing a dental problem? Don't wait for it to become an emergency. Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and throughout South Orange County.

Insurance coverage for smile makeovers is complex because these treatments typically combine both restorative and cosmetic procedures, and insurance companies treat these very differently.

What Dental Insurance Typically Covers

Most dental insurance plans cover at least some portion of restorative treatments that address functional problems or disease:

• Crowns
• Root Canal Therapy
• Dental Implants
• Bridges

Insurance may also cover a portion of Invisalign® treatment if your policy has an orthodontic benefit.

What Insurance Doesn't Cover

Purely cosmetic treatments are rarely covered by insurance:

• Porcelain veneers
• Teeth whitening
• Composite bonding for aesthetic purposes

Get the Most from Your Benefits

During your consultation, our team will review your specific insurance plan to determine which procedures are covered. We can often structure treatment plans to maximize insurance benefits; for example, splitting procedures across two benefit years or prioritizing covered restorative work first.

For procedures not covered by insurance, we offer an in-house savings plan with a 10% discount on services, accept HSA accounts, and welcome all major credit cards. We can also discuss third-party financing options like CareCredit that allow you to spread payments over time.

Ready to explore your smile makeover options? Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to schedule your consultation. 

We welcome patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and throughout South Orange County.

At Thompson Dental, we understand that dental anxiety is real, and we've built our practice around helping nervous patients feel safe and comfortable. Many of our patients come to us specifically because they've had negative experiences elsewhere or haven't been to a dentist in years due to fear. You're not alone, and we will never judge you. 

A Calm, Unhurried Environment

We don't overbook our schedule, which means you'll never feel rushed. Dr. Sean and Dr. Zachary take the time to listen to your concerns, explain what they're doing, and move at your pace. We believe building trust is just as important as clinical skill.

Sedation Options for Your Comfort

We also offer multiple sedation options to match your comfort level:

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) — A mild sedative that helps you relax while remaining fully conscious and able to respond
• Oral Conscious Sedation — A prescription medication taken before your appointment for deeper relaxation
• Deep Sedation with an Anesthesiologist — If you require full sedation, we partner with a licensed anesthesiologist who monitors you throughout the procedure

Beyond sedation, we provide comfort amenities like noise-cancelling headphones, TVs in every treatment room, and pillows to help you feel more at ease. 

Ready to experience anxiety-free dentistry? Call Thompson Dental today at (949) 558-0111 to discuss your concerns and explore your sedation options. We proudly serve patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and throughout South Orange County.

Invisalign clear aligners can correct most orthodontic issues that traditionally required metal braces. Here's how specific alignment problems affect your oral health and appearance—and how Invisalign addresses them:

• Crowded Teeth —When teeth overlap due to insufficient jaw space, brushing and flossing become difficult, creating areas where plaque accumulates. This increases your risk for cavities and gum disease. Invisalign gradually creates space, moving teeth into proper alignment where they're easier to clean and maintain.
• Gapped Teeth — Spaces between teeth can trap food particles and leave gum tissue exposed and prone to inflammation. Large gaps also affect appearance and may impact speech. Invisalign closes these spaces systematically, protecting gum tissue and creating a more uniform smile.
• Overbite — When upper teeth overlap lower teeth excessively, the condition can cause premature wear on lower teeth, jaw pain, and difficulty biting certain foods. Invisalign repositions teeth to create proper vertical overlap, reducing strain on your jaw joints and protecting enamel from excessive wear.
• Underbite — Lower teeth that protrude past upper teeth create an unbalanced bite that stresses jaw joints and makes chewing inefficient. This misalignment can also affect facial appearance. Invisalign moves lower teeth back or upper teeth forward to establish proper bite alignment.
• Crossbite — When upper teeth sit inside lower teeth on one or both sides, uneven wear patterns develop, and jaw growth can be affected. Invisalign corrects tooth position to establish a proper upper-to-lower tooth relationship, preventing long-term damage.

Ready to see if Invisalign can help you? Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to schedule your consultation. We serve Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and South Orange County.

While both veneers and crowns can improve your smile's appearance, they serve different purposes and cover teeth differently. 

Coverage and Structure

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that bond to the front surface of your teeth, covering only what's visible when you smile. They require minimal tooth preparation—usually removing about 0.5mm of enamel. Crowns cap the entire tooth, covering all surfaces from front to back and top to bottom, and require more extensive tooth reduction.

When We Recommend Veneers vs. Crowns

Veneers work best for structurally sound teeth with cosmetic concerns, such as staining that whitening can't fix, minor chips, slight misalignment, or gaps.

Crowns are necessary when teeth have significant structural damage, large fillings, cracks, or have undergone root canal treatment. They provide strength and protection that veneers cannot, essentially rebuilding the tooth.

Durability and Cost

Crowns are stronger due to their complete coverage and thicker material, making them better suited for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.

Veneers, while durable, are typically used on front teeth. Crowns generally cost more than veneers due to additional material and preparation required.

Is a Veneer or Crown Right for You?

During your consultation, Dr. Sean or Dr. Zachary will evaluate your tooth's condition and discuss which option best suits your situation. Sometimes the choice is easy, such as a severely damaged tooth that needs a crown. In other cases, particularly for front teeth with moderate damage, both might work, and we'll help you weigh the pros and cons.

Ready to discuss your options? Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111. We serve patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and South Orange County.

When Dr. Sean or Dr. Zachary recommends root canal treatment, it means the nerve inside your tooth is infected or severely inflamed. Ignoring this problem won't make it go away. It will only get worse, and the consequences can be quite serious.

Immediate Consequences

Without treatment, the infection will continue spreading through the tooth's root canals and into the surrounding bone. Pain typically worsens, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate. The tooth may become increasingly sensitive to hot and cold. 

Severe and Systemic Complications

As infection progresses, an abscess can form, which is a pocket of pus at the tooth's root, causing severe swelling, fever, and intense pain. Abscesses can spread to your jaw, neck, or face, creating life-threatening conditions that require emergency hospitalization.

More Complex and Costly Treatment

Delaying root canal treatment often means losing the tooth entirely, requiring extraction followed by implant placement, a bridge, or partial denture to replace it. All these procedures are significantly more expensive than the original root canal and crown. 

The sooner you address the problem, the simpler and more affordable the treatment will be. Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and South Orange County.