Q: Does your practice accommodate children?
We treat children of all ages. Dr. Ge’s gentle and caring manner has won the hearts of many children and parents

Q: When should I take my child to the dentist?
Certainly parents should not wait until their children have a toothache or a “brown spot” to see the dentist. The first few appointments should be fun and foster a trusting relationship. We have found that there are far fewer difficulties with children who know that the dentist is there to help them - before they need dental work. The goal is to have your child’s first dental experience be a positive one. Generally speaking, when a child has all of their primary teeth about 18 to 24 months in place is a good time to have their first oral exam. The first cleaning and check-up appointment can follow a few months later, depending on the child’s maturity and his readiness to accept the treatment.

Q: Do you offer emergency care?
Yes, Should a dental emergency arise, please call our office at (949)551-6868, and we will make every effort to attend your need.

Q: Do you offer flexible dental appointment?
In addition to regular office hour of 8am to 6pm, we also have early evening and Saturday appointments.

Q: What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards. We also offer Carecredit, a third party finance company.

Q: What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most PPO dental insurances. We do accept “in-network” and “out-of-network” patients.

Q: Do you offer senior discount?
Yes, we value our senior patients contribution to our community. Senior citizens, age 65 and over will receive a 5% credit toward their treatment.

Q: How much will my insurance cover?
Even though our fees are consistent, it is difficult to know exactly what your dental benefits will be. Each insurance plan is a negotiated contract between the insurance company and the employer. As a result, no two insurance plans are the same. The level of coverage is ultimately determined by the policy the employer selected. Most patients feel their dental health is important to proceed with treatment regardless of the benefit they will receive from the insurance company. The same patients have found that by caring for their dental needs in a timely fashion they actually save money by avoiding more costly treatment resulting from neglect.

Q: My jaw feels tight and sore when I wake up in the morning?
This is usually due to clenching and/or grinding your teeth at night. This may be associated with headache and neck stiffness. These are symptoms of what is known as TMJ dysfunction. Treatment may include wearing a night guard or in some instances adjusting the way your teeth meet. This clenching can also cause generalized non-specific tooth sensitivity.

Q: My teeth are sensitive when I drink something cold or sweet?
The most common cause of tooth sensitivity is the existence of a cavity or recession of the gum line, which may be associated with abrasion of the tooth in this area.

Q: My tooth has been sensitive to temperature for a while and it now aches spontaneously and even woke me up last night?
When a cavity (decay) is not treated early on, the decay process extends to involve the nerve of the tooth. The tooth becomes inflamed and in most situations will require a root canal treatment. Please do not place aspirin adjacent to the tooth, as it will cause severe tissue burn. Take pain medication orally and place an ice pack over the area until you get to a dentist.

Q: My gums bleed sometimes?
When gums bleed this means that you may have gingivitis (gum inflammation). This is usually associated with the presence of plaque and calculus (tartar) which may be aggravated by existing dental work. In most instances a professional dental cleaning followed up by effective homecare and flossing will resolve it. If it were associated with defective dentistry, this would need to be replaced. In some instances this gingivitis may be a warning sign of gum disease. If you are pregnant, hormonal changes make the gums very sensitive to irritation causing swelling and bleeding. Diligent hygiene with regular professional cleanings will help reduce the inflammation.

Q: My cap is loose or has fallen off, what do I do?
Do not attempt to glue it back. When a cap (crown) becomes loose, it may indicate an underlying problem such as secondary decay (cavity) under the crown. Please call a dental professional to help you.

Q: What happens if I miss a dental appointment?
Ask your dentist about his or her appointment policy. Many dentists ask that you call to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. This will allow the dentist to provide care for others in need. Those who don't call to cancel may be charged a missed appointment fee. If you feel ill, but well enough to keep your dental appointment, keep it unless you've got a fever, strep throat, difficulty breathing or are too uncomfortable to sit in the chair. Some dentists also request patients to cancel if they have an active herpes virus (cold sore) around the mouth. If in doubt, ask your dentist if the visit should be rescheduled.

Q: What is the best way for me to prevent cavities in myself and in my children?
There are some very simple steps that you can take in the prevention of cavities that can save you much pain and money in the long run. Here are a few of the major ones.
• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily after brushing.
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking. Limit the amount of sugars you and your children eat.
• Check with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of preventive resin restorations (stronger than sealants) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.
• It is important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.

Q: Do I really need to floss my teeth?
Yes, as brushing alone reaches only 3 out of 5 tooth surfaces. The surfaces between the tooth that brushing can't reach are areas where cavities and periodontal disease (gum disease) most frequently get started. Daily flossing is essential for healthy teeth and gums.

Q: Are routine dental x-rays safe & necessary?
Radiation in the amounts used to expose dental X-rays, is very small. In fact, the average American actually receives more radiation from sitting in front of the family television for a period of one year than from routine X-rays taken at the dental office. With the advance of digital x-rays, the radiation exposure will be reduced by 90%. Dental x-rays are taken to diagnose problems that may be occurring in your teeth and supporting bone that are not visible to the naked eye. If the condition is allowed to develop until it is detectable by a visual exam the problem will have progressed significantly and require more extensive treatment than if it was caught in the early stages with the help of x-rays. Nevertheless, the radiation we receive from all sources is cumulative over our lifetime, so we need to be aware of exposures. Discuss with your dental professional the need and frequency for x-rays and have your original x-rays forwarded if you change dental care providers.

Q: What about teeth bleaching /whitening?
Today there are many options for teeth whitening. There are over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and whitening products as well as professional whitening systems. These dentist-administered systems can be done in-office by the dentist (power bleaching) or at home using professional products. Whitening toothpastes DO NOT work. The drugstore whitening products have bulky uncomfortable moulds and do not retain the bleach properly causing some bleach to be swallowed. The professional bleach trays made by a dentist are customized from a mould of your teeth, so it fits only your mouth. It comfortably holds the bleaching agent closely against your teeth for maximum results. The most effective results are obtained by having the power bleaching followed by the home system. Results differ depending on the type of staining and genetic color of your teeth. Stains that are the result of smoking, colored foods/drinks such as coffee, tea and or age may respond well to bleaching. Staining from antibiotic (tetracycline) use or excess fluoride intake during childhood is less likely to respond to these treatments. Before trying any whitening procedure, discuss your condition with your dentist and together you can decide which treatment will achieve the best results.

Q: Do I need a "cleaning" appointment every six months?
All patients are individuals, and have varied needs. The interval of six months for "cleaning & check-up" is a commonly recommended time frame, which may or may not be appropriate for you. If you have concerns about the frequency of your "recall" appointments you should discuss them with your dental professional. Together you can reach a "recall" schedule that is appropriate for your oral condition and fits your busy schedule.

Q: What exactly is Gingivitis, and what causes it?
Gingivitis is a form of Periodontal Disease (gum disease). Periodontal disease involves inflammation and/or infection that results in destruction of the tissues that support the teeth. This supporting unit comprises the gingiva (gums), the periodontal ligaments (hold the tooth in place), and the tooth sockets (bone).
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is caused by the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is the sticky material that develops on the exposed portions of the teeth, consisting of material such as bacteria, mucus, and food debris. It is a major cause of dental decay. Unremoved plaque mineralizes into a hard deposit called calculus (tartar) that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and calculus cause mechanical and chemical irritation and inflammation of the gingiva. Bacteria and the toxins produced by the bacteria, cause the gums to become infected, swollen and tender.

Q: How is Gingivitis treated?
The goal of treatment is reduction of gingival inflammation. The teeth are cleaned thoroughly by the dentist or dental hygienist. This may involve the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. Meticulous oral hygiene is necessary after professional tooth cleaning. The dentist or hygienist will demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques.
Professional teeth cleaning in addition to brushing and flossing may be recommended twice per year or more frequently for severe cases. Antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids may be recommended in addition to frequent brushing and flossing

Q: How are Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis related?
Periodontal Disease is a dental disorder that results from progression of gingivitis, involving inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. This gradually causes the destruction of tooth support and if left untreated will lead to tooth loss. People diagnosed with periodontal disease may require scaling and root planning treatment and more frequent follow up visit.

Q: Can children get too much fluoride?
Yes. If excess fluoride is ingested it can result in a condition known as fluorosis. Fluorosis can cause varying degrees of staining and irregular enamel formation in your children’s permanent teeth. Most municipal water supplies are fluoridated at safe levels (1.0 ppm). If your water source is an independent well, or if you drink only bottled water, you will have to investigate the level of fluoride that the water contains. Another potential source of excess fluoride is fluoridated toothpaste. Children should use a "pea" size dab of fluoridated toothpaste and expectorate as much as possible. Parents should always supervise young brushers.

Q: Does a root canal hurt?
Once anesthetized (numbed) or if the nerve is non-vital (dead) the procedure is usually painless and comfortable. But sometimes, if the tooth is a "hot one" (acute abscess) it can be painful when the dentist "drops in" to the tooth chamber. At this stage the anesthetic [like novocaine] can be placed directly in the chamber and the rest of the procedure will be comfortable.

Q: What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are made of titanium which is biocompatible. These are surgically placed into the jawbone to anchor permanent replacement teeth. Replacement teeth are then attached to that part of the implant that projects from the gums. Approved and tested dental implant systems are very successful. In fact, some have lasted more that 20 years with a better than 90 percent success rate. Patients who have good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups can enjoy implants that last a lifetime.

Q: Why do I need dental implants?
Fifty million teeth will be removed this year as a result of infection, gum disease or trauma (accident and injury). When teeth have been removed, several problems occur. The remaining teeth shift, rotate and become crooked, causing a bad bite and making it difficult to chew food properly. Unsightly spaces or large gaps between your teeth may cause embarrassment.
You need to ask yourself these questions:
• Do I feel comfortable when I smile, speak or eat?
• Do my dentures slip or cause sore spots when I chew?
• Do I hide my smile because of unsightly spaces between my teeth or missing teeth?
• Are my teeth loose and need to be stabilized following treatment for advanced gum disease?
• Do I regularly need my dentures relined because of bone resorption?
Relaxation Tips
Ten Tips to help ease your dental anxiety (compliments of the ADA)
Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health. Yet, an estimated 35 million adults experience sufficient anxiety at the thought of an upcoming dental visit that they needlessly worry about, postpone, or avoid seeing their dentist.
If, like most people, you experience some degree of anxiety when it comes time to see your dentist, the following suggestions can help you to relax before and during dental treatment. What's important is to recognize your anxiety, accept it as a common reaction to an uncertain situation, and learn to master it. These recommendations will help you to accept dental visits comfortably and, in turn, boost both your confidence and oral health.

One
Start by sharing your feelings with us.. Let us know that you are fearful, tense, or anxious so that we can tailor our treatment and pace to your needs. Often, a pain reliever can be given if it's pain you fear. By bringing your fears out into the open, you will gain control of them, relax, and receive more effective, pain-free treatment.
Two
Set aside a stress-free time for your visit with us - a time when you won't be rushed, physically strained, or troubled by other concerns. You may find an early morning appointment less stressful than rushing to see the dentist directly from work.
Three
Keep in mind that when you see your dentist on a regular basis, many dental visits rarely involve more than a professional cleaning, examination, and consultation. You can therefore use this opportunity to get acquainted with the dental staff. Being friendly and sociable helps establish trust and warmth, both of which can do wonders in allaying your fears and in reducing tension. You might also have a close friend or family member (one who has a positive attitude toward dental care) accompany you to your appointment if it makes you feel more at ease.
Four
Try to identify your specific fears and concerns. Some people feel anxiety because they had or heard about a negative dental experience during childhood. Others fear the sound of the drill, the possibility of pain, or feeling a lack of control during any given procedure. While these fears are very understandable, it is important to recognize that they often are not realistic given the modern, pain-free techniques now used in dentistry. Discuss your feelings with a supportive friend or family member. Pinpointing the cause of your anxiety will help you understand and control it better.
Five
Get a good night's sleep the day before and eat a light breakfast the day of your appointment. To allow unconstrained movement, wear loose, comfortable clothes. Especially avoid wearing constricting necklines, such as tight collars.
Six
Schedule short dental appointments by having different procedures performed on different days, if possible. Also arrange to break from lengthy procedures now and then. (This may not always be possible, however, depending on the procedure.) If you are feeling any discomfort during treatment, you can motion the dentist to stop through a prearranged signal--by raising your hand, blinking sharply, or nodding, for example.
Seven
Use visualization to feel more comfortable and relaxed both before and during a dental visit. For instance, before your visit you might imagine yourself sitting calmly and confidently in the dental chair while the dentist examines your mouth and soothingly talks to you. You can also focus on a relaxing scene from a favorite vacation spot or activity and hold it before your "mind's eye" during treatment.
Eight
During the dental visit, practice distraction and relaxation techniques to take your mind off of treatment and to reduce tension. You might focus, for instance, on such pleasant distractions as soft music or a colorful poster. Or you can practice deep, slow, rhythmic breathing, counting each breath as you go along. Another common relaxation technique involves systematically tightening and then relaxing the major muscle groups in your legs, hands, arms, shoulders and neck.
Nine
Ask the dentist or hygienist to explain each step of the dental examination or procedure. The more you know about the reasons for a certain procedure and what will be done during it, the more confident and relaxed you'll be. Also, knowledge helps you to gain control over an unfamiliar situation and enables you to choose comfortably between the treatment options your dentist might recommend.
Ten
Once the dental visit is over, praise yourself for a job well done! You might also treat yourself to a special reward for overcoming your dental anxiety.
And remember, the dentist-patient relationship is just that--a relationship mutually involving you and your dentist. Overcome the habit of thinking of yourself as the passive recipient of treatment. Your dentist will welcome you taking an active role in your dental care. You'll be glad you did, too, and you'll come away smiling.