Marysville Family Dentistry
Dr. Michael Halasa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can we help you?

At Marysville Family Dentistry, we believe that informed patients are empowered patients. Dr. Halasa and our team are dedicated to addressing your questions and helping you feel confident and empowered regarding your dental care. Whether you're curious about treatment options, insurance coverage, or what to expect during your visit, we're here to provide clear, helpful answers.

Below, you'll find responses to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you don't see your question listed, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team. We're always happy to help!

General

At Marysville Family Dentistry, we're proud to offer professional take-home whitening trays that deliver beautiful, lasting results in the comfort of your own home. Our customized whitening system combines the convenience of at-home treatment with the safety and effectiveness of professional-grade products.

Professional Teeth Whitening at Marysville Family Dentistry

During your initial appointment, we'll take impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted teeth whitening trays designed specifically for your smile. These trays ensure even coverage and minimize gel contact with your gums, providing comfortable and consistent whitening results. Once your trays are ready, we'll provide you with prescription-strength bleaching gel and detailed instructions for use.

Benefits of our custom whitening system:

  • Custom-fitted trays ensure comfortable wear and optimal gel distribution for even results
  • Professional-grade whitening gel is stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products
  • Flexible treatment schedule allows you to whiten at your convenience, typically over 1-2 weeks
  • Long-lasting results that can brighten your smile by several shades
  • Reusable trays mean you can purchase additional gel for touch-ups in the future

Most patients achieve their desired results within 10-14 days of consistent use. We'll guide you through the entire process, monitoring your progress to ensure you're thrilled with your brighter, more confident smile.

If you have questions about whether teeth whitening is right for you, our Marysville dental team is here to help you explore your options!

Clear Aligners

Proper care of your clear aligners is essential for maintaining their effectiveness and keeping your smile journey on track. At Marysville Family Dentistry, we want to help you get the best results from your treatment, and that starts with good aligner hygiene.

Clear Aligner Cleaning Tips

Clean your aligners every morning and evening using a toothbrush with soft bristles and the cleaning solution recommended by our team, or antibacterial soap. Toothpaste can be abrasive and create tiny scratches that make your aligners appear cloudy, so avoid using it to clean your aligners. Rinse your aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water, rather than hot water, as hot water can cause the plastic to warp and affect the way the aligners fit.

Daily care tips:

  • Remove your aligners before meals or snacks, and don't drink anything except water to prevent damage or staining.
  • Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting aligners to maintain optimal oral health.
  • Store aligners in their protective case when not in use to keep them safe and clean.
  • Soak aligners daily in denture cleaner or aligner cleaning solution to eliminate bacteria.
  • Avoid exposing aligners to heat sources like hot cars or dishwashers.

Contact Marysville Family Dentistry

Remember to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours daily for the best results. If you notice any discoloration, odor, or damage to your aligners, please contact our Marysville dental office right away at (937) 644-1115. We're here to support you throughout your treatment and ensure your smile transformation is comfortable and successful!

Family Dentistry

At Marysville Family Dentistry, we recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit around age three, when most of their primary teeth have erupted. This timing allows us to establish a positive relationship with your little one and ensure their smile is developing properly. However, if you have any concerns about your child's teeth or oral health before age three, we encourage you to bring them in earlier; we're always here to address your questions and provide peace of mind.

We Love Caring for Small Smiles

That first visit is an important milestone! We focus on making it a fun, comfortable experience that sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits. Our gentle, caring team takes the time to help your child feel at ease during their dental examination, which includes checking their bite development and discussing proper oral care techniques.

What to expect at your child's first visit:

  • A gentle examination of your child's teeth, gums, and jaw development in a friendly, non-threatening environment
  • Assessment of cavity risk and discussion of proper brushing and flossing techniques for little teeth
  • Guidance on nutrition, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and other habits that affect oral health
  • Opportunity for your child to meet our team and become comfortable with the dental office setting
  • Answers to all your questions about teething, fluoride, and caring for your child's smile

Is It Time for Your Child's Next Dental Appointment?

Starting dental visits early helps prevent problems and teaches children that visiting the dentist is a normal, positive part of staying healthy. Our Marysville dental team loves working with young patients and their families!

Contact our team at (937) 644-1115 to schedule your child's dental appointment.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Great news! Dental crowns are designed to be durable and function just like your natural teeth. At Marysville Family Dentistry, we use high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of normal eating and chewing. However, taking a few simple precautions will help protect your crown and ensure it lasts for many years to come.

Caring for Your Dental Crown in Marysville

While you can enjoy most of your favorite foods with a dental crown, it's wise to be cautious with tough, sticky, or chewy items that could potentially damage or dislodge your restoration. Using common sense when eating will go a long way in preserving your crown's integrity and maintaining your smile's health.

Foods to enjoy with caution:

  • Hard foods like ice, hard candies, nuts, and popcorn kernels can crack or chip your crown
  • Sticky foods such as caramels, taffy, and gummy candies may pull on your crown
  • Very chewy items like bagels, tough meats, or dried fruit can put excess stress on the restoration
  • Crunchy foods like raw carrots or apples, consider cutting them into smaller pieces first
  • Hard breads and crusty rolls that require significant biting force

Other Tooth Protection Tips

Remember to avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or crack shells, and try to chew evenly on both sides of your mouth. With proper care and regular checkups at our Marysville dental office, your crown can last 10-15 years or longer.

If you ever experience sensitivity or notice any changes with your crown, please contact us at (937) 644-1115 right away! 

Root Canal Treatment

One of the most common misconceptions about dentistry is that root canal treatment is painful. The truth is quite the opposite! At Marysville Family Dentistry, we use modern techniques and effective anesthesia to ensure your root canal procedure is as comfortable as possible. Most patients are surprised to find that the treatment itself causes little to no discomfort. The root canal relieves the pain you've been experiencing from the infected tooth.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment in Marysville?

Root canals have an unfair reputation, largely because people associate them with the toothache pain that brings them to our office. The procedure actually eliminates that pain by removing the infected nerve tissue that causes your discomfort. With today's advanced technology and numbing methods, getting a root canal is comparable to having a routine filling placed.

What to expect during your root canal:

  • Local anesthesia ensures the treatment area is completely numb before we begin; you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure.
  • Modern techniques and tools make root canals faster and more efficient than ever before.
  • Sedation options are available if you feel anxious about the treatment.
  • Mild tenderness or sensitivity after the procedure is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Most patients return to normal activities the next day, feeling relief from their original toothache.

Contact Our Team 

Our Marysville team prioritizes your comfort throughout the entire process. If you're experiencing tooth pain, don't delay treatment out of fear. A root canal may save your natural tooth and get you out of pain quickly!

Call us at (937) 644-1115 for prompt emergency dental care. 

Tooth Extraction

Recovery time from a tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual healing process, but most patients feel significantly better within just a few days. At Marysville Family Dentistry, we'll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and remain available to support you throughout your healing journey. Understanding what to expect can help you plan accordingly and ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery.

What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction in Marysville

For most simple extractions, the initial healing period takes about 3-5 days, with the extraction site continuing to heal over the following weeks. More complex extractions, such as wisdom teeth removal, may require 7-10 days before you're back to your normal routine. Following our post-operative care instructions carefully will help minimize discomfort and promote faster healing.

Recovery timeline and care tips:

  • First 24 hours—rest, apply ice packs to reduce swelling, and bite on gauze as directed to control bleeding.
  • Days 1-3—expect some swelling and mild discomfort that can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Stick to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups for the first few days.
  • Avoid using straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing, which can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.
  • Gently rinse with warm salt water starting 24 hours after extraction to keep the area clean.

Most patients return to work or school within 1-2 days for simple extractions. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, contact our Marysville dental office immediately at (937) 644-1115. We're here to ensure your recovery is as comfortable as possible!

Emergency Dentistry

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, many can be prevented with proper care and smart precautions. At Marysville Family Dentistry, we believe that protecting your smile starts with good daily habits and regular professional care. By taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of unexpected dental problems that require urgent attention.

Preventive Dentistry Protects Your Smile

The foundation of emergency prevention is maintaining excellent oral hygiene and addressing small issues before they become big problems. Regular checkups allow our team to catch potential concerns early, and routine cleanings help prevent infections and decay that could lead to painful emergencies down the road.

Tips to help prevent dental emergencies:

  • Maintain consistent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily to prevent decay and gum disease.
  • Visit our Marysville office every six months for routine exams and professional cleanings.
  • Wear a custom mouthguard during sports or physical activities to protect against trauma and injury.
  • Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels that can crack or chip teeth.
  • Don't use your teeth as tools to open packages, bottles, or tear tags.
  • Address dental problems promptly—don't ignore pain, sensitivity, or loose restorations.

If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom nightguard to prevent wear and damage. Remember, even with the best prevention efforts, accidents can happen. If you do experience a dental emergency, contact our dental office right away; we're here to provide prompt, compassionate care when you need it most!

Preventive Dentistry

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems, but the good news is that it's largely preventable! At Marysville Family Dentistry, we're passionate about helping our patients maintain healthy, cavity-free smiles through education and proactive care. By understanding what causes decay and following some simple daily habits, you can protect your teeth and avoid painful, costly dental problems down the road.

Understanding Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that wear away your tooth enamel. Over time, this process can create cavities that require fillings or more extensive treatment. The key to prevention is removing these harmful bacteria regularly and minimizing the conditions that allow decay to develop.

Essential steps to prevent tooth decay:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time to remove plaque and bacteria.
  • Floss once daily to clean between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach and prevent decay in these vulnerable areas.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages that fuel cavity-causing bacteria.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially fluoridated tap water, to rinse away food particles and strengthen enamel.
  • Visit our Marysville office every six months for professional cleanings and examinations to catch problems early.

Contact Marysville Family Dentistry

We may also recommend additional preventive treatments like dental sealants or fluoride applications to give your teeth extra protection. Together, we'll create a personalized plan to keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come!

Veneers

Dental veneers are a wonderful investment in your smile, and with proper care, they can last 10-15 years or even longer! At Marysville Family Dentistry, we want to help you protect your beautiful new smile and keep your veneers looking their best. The good news is that caring for veneers is very similar to caring for your natural teeth—just a few simple habits will keep them strong, bright, and stunning for years to come.

Proper Home Care for Dental Veneers

While veneers are durable and stain-resistant, they're not indestructible. Porcelain veneers can chip or crack under excessive force; therefore, it's essential to treat them with care. By following good oral hygiene practices and avoiding certain high-risk behaviors, you can maximize the lifespan and appearance of your veneers.

Essential veneer care tips:

  • Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush to keep veneers and surrounding gums healthy.
  • Floss daily to prevent gum disease, which can compromise the foundation supporting your veneers.
  • Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pens, fingernails, or hard candies that could chip or crack the porcelain.
  • Wear a custom nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth to protect your veneers from excessive wear.
  • Limit staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, which can discolor the bonding material around veneer edges.

Contact Marysville Family Dentistry

Visit our Marysville dental office every six months for professional cleanings and checkups, allowing us to monitor your veneers and address any concerns early. With proper care and maintenance, your veneers will continue to give you a radiant, confident smile that you'll love showing off!

Contact us at (937) 644-1115 to schedule your next dental appointment. 

Dental Implants

At Marysville Family Dentistry, we understand that losing a tooth can affect your confidence and oral health. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of tooth replacement solutions designed to restore your smile's function, appearance, and strength. Our experienced team will work with you to determine which option best fits your unique needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Understanding Tooth Replacement

We're committed to providing personalized care that helps you feel comfortable and confident throughout your restoration journey. Whether you're missing one tooth, several teeth, or need a full-arch solution, we have the expertise and technology to create a natural-looking, long-lasting result you'll love.

Our tooth replacement options include:

  • Dental implants—permanent titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone that support individual crowns for the most natural look and feel
  • Bridges—custom restorations that span the gap left by one or more missing teeth, anchored by neighboring natural teeth
  • Dentures—removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth or a full arch, customized for comfort and aesthetics
  • Implant-supported dentures—dentures secured by dental implants for superior stability, comfort, and chewing power compared to traditional dentures

Contact Our Team

Each option offers distinct advantages, and during your consultation, we'll discuss factors like bone health, remaining teeth, budget, and your personal preferences. Our Marysville dental team is here to answer all your questions and help you choose the solution that will restore your beautiful, functional smile!

Have Questions? Get in Touch
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