Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We reserve time daily for toothaches, broken teeth, and infections. Call or text and we’ll work to see you the same day.

Yes. We focus on healthy growth, better sleep, and positive visits. We offer coaching on oral posture and may use simple appliances to guide development when appropriate.

We’ll show you images, explain options in plain language, and create a step-by-step plan that fits your budget and timeline. For gum infections, we follow a comprehensive periodontal pathway that targets bacteria and supports long-term health.

Often, yes. With careful planning—and sedation if you choose—we can group treatments to reduce total visits.

Plan for about 60 minutes. If we take additional scans or you choose same-day treatment, your visit may run longer—we’ll let you know up front.

Our digital imaging uses minimal radiation and is taken only when it benefits your diagnosis or treatment plan. We follow strict guidelines to keep exposure low.

We work with many major PPO plans, including Cigna, Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, MetLife, Delta Dental PPO/Premier, Regence PPO, and Sun Life PPO. We verify benefits for free and file claims for you.

Most adults and teens do well with visits every six months. If you have gum concerns, wear from clenching, or past periodontal disease, we may recommend more frequent cleanings.

You’ll receive a gentle cleaning, digital X-rays or 3D CBCT if needed, a full exam of teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, and airway, plus an oral cancer screening. We review findings together on screen and outline next steps.

Photo ID, insurance card (if you have one), a list of medications, and any recent X-rays or records. Bring your questions and goals—we’ll tailor the visit to you.

Yes. Inhaled minimal sedation, oral sedation, and IV sedation are available when appropriate. Many patients appreciate lighter options for anxiety and reserve IV for longer treatment.

Because we eliminate the infection rather than just managing it, many patients need maintenance less frequently than with traditional gum treatment. We'll create a personalized schedule based on your bacterial test results and healing response.

Yes—the custom trays deliver medication under your gumline where brushing and flossing can't reach. Patients typically notice fresher breath and less bleeding within the first few weeks of home treatment.

The bacterial elimination protocol typically requires multiple phases: testing, targeted treatment, and confirmation testing. However, with Dr. Rickers' sedation expertise, we can complete multiple treatment phases in single visits to minimize your time commitment.

We can begin bacterial testing immediately, often the same day as your consultation. Once we have your MyPerioPath results, we can start targeted treatment within days rather than weeks.

Untreated bacterial infection leads to bone loss, tooth loss, and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other serious health conditions. Dr. Rickers' approach stops the infection before it causes irreversible damage.

Most dentists manage gum disease with cleanings and hope for improvement. Dr. Rickers eliminates the infection using bacterial testing, targeted antibiotics, laser therapy, and home medication delivery. Our 95% success rate speaks to the effectiveness of treating the actual cause.

Unlike traditional gum treatment that relies on symptoms, we use MyPerioPath bacterial testing before and after treatment to confirm the specific bacteria are eliminated. This scientific approach ensures we're not just managing symptoms but actually curing the infection.

We work with many major insurance providers and offer flexible payment options. MyPerioPath testing and targeted antibiotic therapy are often covered when medically necessary. Our team will help maximize your benefits and explain all costs upfront.

Treatment length depends on your bacterial test results and infection severity. With sedation, we can often complete the bacterial elimination protocol in fewer visits. The Perio Protect home treatment continues between visits to maintain progress.

We offer multiple sedation options to ensure your comfort, including laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Most patients are surprised how comfortable laser-assisted treatment feels, and many choose to sleep through more extensive bacterial elimination procedures.

After your treatment is complete, we provide retainers to ensure your teeth stay in their new position. We’ll also schedule periodic check-ups to ensure long-lasting results.

Typically, you’ll visit us every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress, receive new aligners, and address any questions you may have.

No food restrictions! Simply remove your aligners before eating and drinking, and clean your teeth before putting them back in.

Most patients experience only slight changes in their speech at first. This usually resolves within a few days as you get used to wearing the aligners.

No. Aligners should be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid staining or damaging the aligners. Clean your teeth before reinserting them.

Clean your aligners daily with lukewarm water and a gentle soap, or use the Invisalign cleaning system to keep them fresh and clear.

For optimal results, aligners should be worn 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on your needs. We offer flexible financing options and accept most major insurance plans to help make it affordable.

Invisalign treatment is generally comfortable, with only minimal discomfort when switching to a new aligner. You may feel slight pressure, but this is a sign that the aligners are working.

Treatment typically lasts between 6-18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Dr. Rickers will provide a more accurate timeline during your consultation.

Yes! Once healed, dental implants allow you to eat and drink just like with natural teeth. They restore full function, so you can enjoy your favorite foods without worry.

Most patients return for follow-up visits every 3-6 months to ensure the implants are healing properly and to monitor progress.

You may be a good candidate if you are in overall good health, have one or more missing teeth, and have adequate bone to support the implants. Dr. Rickers will conduct a thorough evaluation during your consultation to determine your suitability for implants.

Yes! Dr. Rickers customizes your implants to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Your new teeth will blend seamlessly with your smile for a natural, beautiful result.

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and visit Dr. Rickers for routine checkups to keep your implants healthy.

The cost of dental implants varies depending on factors like the number of implants needed and any additional treatments. We offer flexible financing options and accept most major insurance plans to make your treatment affordable.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Dr. Rickers offers sedation options to ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. Afterward, any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The dental implant process typically takes 3-6 months. This allows time for the implant to fuse with your jawbone before placing the final restoration. Your timeline may vary based on your individual needs.

Absolutely. We use advanced digital smile simulation technology to show you exactly what your transformation will look like after completing all phases of the protocol. This helps you visualize the final result and understand how each component contributes to your new smile before making any decisions.

With proper care and maintenance, full mouth rehabilitation using the Total Smile Fix is designed to last a lifetime. Because we address the root causes that led to your original dental problems—not just the symptoms—and use the highest quality materials and techniques, most patients never need major dental work again after completing rehabilitation.

Full mouth rehabilitation with the Total Smile Fix protocol is specifically designed so all three components work together as an integrated system. Dr. Rickers plans the Invisalign movement to create optimal positioning for your future crowns and implants, ensuring everything functions harmoniously for lifetime durability rather than treating each issue in isolation.

During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Rickers evaluates your entire oral ecosystem using CBCT imaging and comprehensive examination. Some patients may benefit from complete full mouth rehabilitation, while others might need only selective rehabilitation of certain areas. The assessment reveals which approach will best address your specific situation and goals.

Dr. Rickers offers three levels of sedation (laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation) to ensure your comfort throughout every phase of rehabilitation. "When you're relaxed and not fighting treatment, everything goes more smoothly," he explains. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable full mouth rehabilitation feels, even during longer treatment sessions.

We work with multiple insurance providers to maximize your benefits for full mouth rehabilitation treatment. While insurance typically covers portions of each treatment phase, we also offer financing options including CareCredit and Cherry. Many patients find comprehensive rehabilitation more cost-effective long-term since it eliminates the cycle of ongoing dental repairs and replacements.

Working with elite dental labs and their facial scanning technology, our crowns are designed using advanced materials and techniques specifically chosen for lifetime durability. They're also custom-matched to your unique facial characteristics—not just your adjacent teeth—for the most natural appearance possible.

Proper alignment is the foundation of lifetime dental health. Crooked teeth are harder to clean, create uneven bite stress, and often lead to premature failure of crowns and other dental work. By correcting alignment first, we create the ideal foundation for your crowns and implants to last decades, not just years.

Full mouth rehabilitation with the Total Smile Fix typically takes 12-18 months to complete all three phases. However, Dr. Rickers' Level 3 sedation certification allows multiple procedures to be completed in single visits, often reducing the overall timeline compared to traditional rehabilitation approaches that require numerous separate appointments.

Full mouth rehabilitation using the Total Smile Fix is Dr. Rickers' comprehensive three-phase approach: Invisalign clear aligners to properly align your teeth, custom crowns to restore damaged teeth with lifetime-quality materials, and strategic implants to replace missing teeth. Each component is planned to work together as a coordinated system, not separate treatments.

Preparation varies by sedation type. For laughing gas, no special preparation is needed. Oral and IV sedation require fasting for several hours before treatment. We'll provide detailed instructions, including medication guidelines and transportation requirements, well in advance of your appointment.

During your consultation, Dr. Rickers will review your medical history, anxiety level, and treatment needs to recommend the most appropriate sedation option. We consider factors like procedure length, complexity, and your comfort preferences to create a personalized sedation plan.

No, you'll remain completely comfortable throughout your procedure. Sedation is combined with local anesthetic to ensure you don't experience pain. Many patients report having little to no memory of their treatment and are amazed at how much work can be completed while they rest comfortably.

The duration varies by type. Laughing gas effects disappear within minutes of removing the mask. Oral sedation can last 2-6 hours, while IV sedation effects may last several hours. We'll provide specific timing information based on your selected sedation method and ensure you have safe transportation home when needed.

Yes, sedation dentistry is extremely safe when administered by a qualified professional like Dr. Rickers. We use advanced monitoring equipment to track your vital signs throughout your procedure. Our team is thoroughly trained in sedation protocols and emergency response. Each patient receives a customized sedation plan based on their medical history, anxiety level, and treatment needs.

Yes! Dr. Rickers' extensive sedation training allows him to complete multiple smile makeover procedures in a single appointment while you remain completely comfortable. This approach often reduces total treatment time and the number of visits required.

With proper care, your smile makeover results can last 15-20 years or longer. Dr. Rickers uses the highest quality materials and techniques, working with elite dental labs to ensure your investment provides decades of beautiful, functional results.

Dr. Rickers takes a personalized approach to each smile design. "I ask a lot of questions to ensure I understand what they want their smile to be. It may mean asking them to bring in pictures of themselves when they were young or modeling them after a certain personality." Your input guides every design decision.

As a Level 3 sedation-certified dentist, Dr. Rickers offers laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation to ensure your complete comfort. Many patients choose to sleep through their procedures and are surprised by how comfortable the entire process feels.

Investment varies based on your specific needs and treatment plan. During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Rickers will provide detailed cost information with no surprises. We work with insurance providers and offer financing options, including CareCredit and Cherry, to make your dream smile accessible.

Dr. Rickers designs every smile to complement your unique facial features. "We use the whites of the eyes and try to match that tone for the most natural look," he explains. Working with elite dental labs and facial scanning technology, your results will enhance your natural beauty—not look like obvious dental work.

Dr. Rickers uses advanced digital smile simulation technology to show you exactly what your transformed smile will look like before any treatment begins. "Our smile software does the heavy lifting by showing them what they can expect. It helps them to see their vision come to life, but also to manage expectations." No guesswork—you'll see your results first.

Timeline depends on your specific treatment plan, but most smile makeovers take 2-6 months to complete. With Dr. Rickers' sedation options, multiple procedures can often be completed in single visits, reducing your total time commitment while keeping you comfortable throughout.

The complete veneer process typically takes 2-4 weeks from start to finish. This includes your consultation with digital smile design, tooth preparation, temporary veneers while your permanent ones are crafted, and final placement. You'll have a beautiful temporary smile throughout the process so you never go without great-looking teeth.

Feldspathic porcelain offers exceptional stain resistance and natural translucency that mimics real tooth enamel perfectly. Lithium disilicate ceramic (eMax) is stronger than natural teeth while maintaining lifelike appearance, and allows for more conservative tooth preparation due to its strength. Dr. Rickers will recommend the best material based on your specific needs and goals.

Investment varies based on the number of veneers and specific materials chosen. During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Rickers provides detailed pricing with no surprises. We work with insurance when applicable and offer financing options, including CareCredit and Cherr,y to make your dream smile accessible.

Yes! Veneers can simultaneously address staining, chips, gaps, minor crookedness, and size or shape issues. Rather than needing multiple separate treatments over months or years, veneers provide a comprehensive solution that transforms your entire smile in just a few visits.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during veneer treatment. As a Level 3 sedation-certified dentist, Dr. Rickers offers laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation options to ensure your complete comfort throughout the process. Many patients are surprised by how relaxed and comfortable they feel during treatment.

With proper care, premium porcelain and lithium disilicate ceramic veneers typically last 15-20 years or longer. The high-quality materials Dr. Rickers uses are designed for durability and long-term beauty. Regular dental hygiene and avoiding habits like teeth grinding help maximize their lifespan.

Not when designed properly. Dr. Rickers creates veneers that complement your unique facial features using facial scanning technology. "I place a big focus on details like custom shading and the shape of the patient's face. We use the whites of the eyes and try to match that tone for the most natural look." Your veneers will enhance your natural beauty, not look like obvious dental work.

Dr. Rickers uses advanced digital smile simulation to show you exactly what your veneers will look like before any treatment begins. "Our smile software does the heavy lifting by showing them what they can expect. It helps them to see their vision come to life, but also to manage expectations." You'll see your transformation and can make adjustments before committing.ve

For the first 24-48 hours after whitening, it's best to avoid staining beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas to allow your teeth to stabilize and maximize your results. Dr. Rickers will provide specific aftercare instructions.

In-office whitening typically takes about 60-90 minutes. You can relax with Netflix, music, or simply rest while the professional whitening gel works to remove years of stains from your teeth.

Professional whitening uses much stronger, more effective formulations that deliver dramatic results in one treatment. Custom-fitted application ensures even coverage and reduces sensitivity, while professional supervision ensures safety and optimal results.

Yes, professional teeth whitening has been safely used for decades when performed under dental supervision. The custom application and professional monitoring ensure your teeth and gums are protected throughout treatment.

Whitening treatments only affect natural tooth enamel, so existing crowns, veneers, or fillings won't change color. Dr. Rickers will evaluate your smile and discuss whether whitening is the best option or if other treatments might better achieve your goals.

Professional whitening results typically last 1-2 years, depending on your habits and lifestyle. Avoiding staining beverages and tobacco, plus occasional touch-ups with custom take-home trays, helps maintain your bright smile longer.

Professional whitening under Dr. Rickers' supervision actually causes less sensitivity than many drugstore products. Custom-fitted trays prevent gel from contacting your gums, and professional-grade formulations include desensitizing agents. Most patients experience little to no discomfort.

Most patients see 6-8 shades of whitening improvement in a single professional treatment. The exact results depend on your starting shade and type of staining, but professional whitening consistently delivers much more dramatic results than over-the-counter products.

Yes, we provide gentle emergency care for patients of all ages. Dr. Rickers' patient approach and sedation options help children receive necessary emergency treatment comfortably, often preventing more extensive problems later.

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency services. We work with major insurance providers to maximize your benefits and will verify coverage when you call. Don't let insurance concerns prevent you from getting needed emergency care.

Time is critical for knocked-out teeth—the sooner you're seen, the better the chance of successful treatment. Keep the tooth moist (in milk or back in the socket) and contact us immediately for the best chance of saving your natural tooth.

Our emergency exam is only $98, and we'll provide upfront cost estimates for any additional treatment needed. We work with most insurance plans and offer financing options through CareCredit and Cherry to ensure you get immediate care regardless of your financial situation.

Contact our office for guidance on after-hours care. We offer extended evening hours and work to accommodate urgent situations whenever possible. Severe emergencies may require hospital emergency room care for stabilization before definitive dental treatment.

Dr. Rickers specializes in treating anxious patients and has helped hundreds of patients overcome dental fear. Sedation options and a gentle, understanding approach help even the most anxious patients get the emergency care they need comfortably.

Dr. Rickers offers multiple sedation options including laughing gas and IV sedation to ensure your comfort during emergency procedures. Many patients are surprised how comfortable emergency treatment can be with proper sedation and pain management.

We prioritize emergency cases and make every effort to see urgent patients the same day you call. With extended evening hours and flexible scheduling, most patients get relief within hours of contacting us, not days or weeks.

Invisalign can correct many alignment issues, but severe cases may require traditional orthodontics. During your consultation, we'll determine if Invisalign is the right solution for your specific needs.

Professional whitening is usually more effective and safer. We use top-quality products, customize treatments to your needs, and often achieve better results faster than at-home kits.

Longevity differs: Teeth whitening lasts 6 months to 2 years, and veneers and crowns last 10-15+ years with proper care. Invisalign results can be permanent with regular retainer use.

Full dentures are used when all teeth in one or both arches (upper or lower) need to be replaced. Partial dentures are used when only some teeth are missing and can be attached to remaining natural teeth for support. How do I care for my dentures?

Yes, we meticulously craft dentures for a comfortable fit and natural look. We closely collaborate with you using high-quality materials to ensure they blend seamlessly with your smile.

The timeline for dentures varies based on individual needs. It usually includes multiple appointments over a few weeks for impressions, adjustments, and the creation of final dentures.

The length of treatment will depend on the specific procedures needed and the extent of your dental issues. During your consultation, our team will provide a personalized timeline.

If you have damaged or missing teeth that are affecting your ability to eat, speak, or smile confidently, restorative dentistry may be necessary.rest

Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth. Treatments can include fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants.