Frequently Asked Questions

Most people should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. This preventive schedule helps us identify problems early when they are smaller and easier to treat. Some patients with specific risk factors like a history of gum disease, diabetes, or significant plaque buildup may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every three or four months. During your consultation, Dr. Sepi will recommend a preventive care schedule tailored to your individual risk factors and oral health status.

Dental x-rays are essential because they allow us to see areas of your teeth and jaw that are invisible to the naked eye. X-rays help us identify cavities between teeth, bone loss from gum disease, impacted teeth, root problems, and other issues that could become serious if left untreated. We use digital x-rays which expose you to 80 percent less radiation than traditional film x-rays. X-rays are a critical diagnostic tool for early detection and prevention of dental problems.

Bad breath (halitosis) can result from several causes including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, certain foods, or underlying medical conditions. Start by improving your oral hygiene habits including brushing twice daily, flossing, and cleaning your tongue. If bad breath persists, schedule an appointment with us. We can identify the underlying cause, whether it is gum disease, tooth decay, or another issue, and recommend appropriate treatment. Sometimes a professional cleaning and improved home care habits are all that is needed.

Maintaining good oral health involves both professional care and excellent home care habits. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily to clean between teeth where your brush cannot reach. Limit sugary foods and drinks. Avoid tobacco products. Visit the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain saliva production. Our hygienists are happy to provide personalized recommendations for your specific needs during your visits.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line and use short, gentle, back-and-forth strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. Do not forget the backs of your front teeth by tilting the brush vertically and making up-and-down strokes. Brush gently. Hard scrubbing does not clean better and can damage your gums and enamel. Spend at least two minutes brushing, twice a day. Finish by brushing your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Replace your toothbrush when the bristles start to fray.

Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around your middle fingers and holding a short section taut between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss between two teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Once at the gum line, curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth. Move the floss up and down to clean the side of the tooth. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth. Floss at least once a day, ideally before bedtime. If traditional floss is difficult to use, water flossers and interdental picks are effective alternatives.

Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed, bent, or discolored. Worn bristles do not clean effectively and can irritate your gums. You should also replace your toothbrush after being sick with a cold, flu, or other infection to prevent reintroducing germs. Children may need new toothbrushes more often because they tend to chew on the bristles. If you are unsure whether yours needs replacing, bring it with you to your next visit and we can take a look.

At your first appointment, plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for check-in and paperwork. You will meet our friendly front office team and may meet Mocha, our therapy dog. A hygienist will review your dental history and current concerns. We will take digital x-rays if you are a new patient. Dr. Sepi will perform a comprehensive examination and discuss any findings with you. You may receive a professional cleaning. Overall, first appointments typically last 60 to 90 minutes. For a detailed overview, visit our appointment page.

Scheduling is easy and convenient. You can call us at (916) 543-8800 and our friendly team will find a time that works for you. We also offer online scheduling through our website. We work to accommodate your schedule preferences and typically can schedule new patient visits within one to two weeks of your initial contact. For more information about scheduling and our hours, visit our appointment page.

Dental anxiety is common and understandable. We have designed our entire practice to help anxious patients feel more comfortable. Our warm, caring team takes time to listen and explain what we are doing. We use a calm communication style. Our office environment is designed to be calming. For patients with significant anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry options including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and other sedation choices that allow you to relax during treatment. Please tell us about your anxiety during your initial contact so we can make appropriate arrangements.

We accept most major dental insurance plans. Please bring your insurance card to your appointment, or call us before your visit and we can verify your coverage. We participate with Delta Dental, United Healthcare Dental, Guardian, MetLife Dental, and many other plans. If you do not see your plan listed, contact us and we can check for you. For more information about our accepted insurance plans, visit our financing page.

We accept cash, check, all major credit cards, and electronic bank transfers. We also offer a secure online payment portal available 24/7. For larger treatment cases, we provide in-office payment plans with no interest for qualified patients who pay on time. We also accept CareCredit which offers zero percent financing for 6 to 24 months on approved purchases. Contact our front office team to discuss payment options that work for your situation.

Do not let the lack of insurance prevent you from getting dental care. We offer discounted fees for uninsured patients and can discuss payment plans and financing options. Many patients benefit from CareCredit or our in-office payment plans. We are committed to making quality dental care accessible regardless of insurance status. Please discuss your situation with us during your consultation.

Composite (tooth-colored) fillings typically last 5 to 10 years, though many last longer with proper care. The lifespan depends on the size of the filling, where it is located, your bite, and your oral hygiene habits. We use high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. During regular checkups, we monitor your fillings and can replace them if needed. For detailed information about our filling services, visit our general dentistry page.

A root canal is performed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the space, and filling it with a biocompatible material to seal it permanently. The goal is to save your natural tooth and eliminate pain. Root canals have a high success rate. Though they have a reputation for being painful, modern techniques and anesthesia make them no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Dr. Sepi can explain the process in detail during your consultation.

Professional teeth whitening performed under the supervision of a dentist is very safe. We use professional-grade whitening agents that are much stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products. We take precautions to protect your gums and tooth enamel during the process. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity to temperature after whitening, which typically subsides quickly. Professional whitening can lighten teeth by several shades and delivers results much faster than at-home products. Visit our teeth whitening page for more details.

Dental implant costs vary depending on how many implants you need, whether bone grafting is necessary, and the complexity of your case. A single implant typically ranges from 1500 to 3000 dollars. This price usually includes the implant itself, the abutment (connector), and the crown. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant costs. During your consultation, Dr. Sepi will provide a specific treatment plan and cost estimate. We offer financing options to make implants more affordable. For more information, visit our dental implants page.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can dramatically improve the look of teeth that are stained, chipped, worn, slightly misaligned, unevenly spaced, or otherwise cosmetically flawed. Veneers are highly durable, resistant to staining, and closely mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. Good candidates have healthy teeth and gums, do not grind their teeth severely, and have enough enamel for bonding. The process usually takes two or three visits. Dr. Sepi will assess whether veneers are the best option for your goals or whether another treatment like bonding, whitening, or Invisalign might better serve you. Learn more on our cosmetic dentistry page.

Lincoln Smiles Dental offers a full range of cosmetic dentistry services to help you achieve the smile you want. Our most requested cosmetic treatments include professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored composite bonding, cosmetic contouring, Invisalign clear aligners, all-ceramic crowns, and complete smile makeovers that combine multiple treatments. Dr. Sepi approaches cosmetic dentistry with both an artistic eye and a focus on long-term function, so your new smile looks natural and holds up over time. Every cosmetic case begins with a consultation where we listen to your goals, photograph and assess your current smile, and walk you through the options that fit your budget and timeline. For a full overview, visit our cosmetic dentistry page.

If you have a dental emergency outside our regular office hours, call our main number (916) 543-8800 and follow the instructions in our voicemail to reach our emergency line. We provide guidance and can often arrange same-day treatment when possible. For immediate life-threatening situations involving head, neck, or jaw trauma, go to the nearest emergency room. For dental pain or a broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, and contact us immediately for guidance. Visit our emergency dentistry page for more information.

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a true dental emergency and time matters. The best chance of saving the tooth is to see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. First, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the part you chew with), never by the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or clean water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub, do not remove any attached tissue. If possible, try to gently place the tooth back into its socket and bite down on clean gauze or a soft cloth to hold it in place. If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a container of cold milk, a tooth preservation product, or in your cheek pouch to keep it moist. Do not store it in water. Call our office at (916) 543-8800 immediately so we can prepare for your arrival. For baby teeth, do not try to reinsert, call us for guidance. Control any bleeding with pressure and apply a cold compress for swelling.

Yes, we love working with children and provide pediatric dental services for patients of all ages. Our doctors use a gentle, patient approach and explain what they are doing in language children understand. We believe in building positive dental experiences that set children up for a lifetime of good oral health. Our therapy dog Mocha is especially helpful with anxious young patients. We recommend children have their first dental visit by age one or when their first tooth appears. Visit our pediatric dentistry page to learn more.

Absolutely. It is never too late to get back on track with your dental health. We understand that life gets busy and that people sometimes put off dental care for various reasons. There is no judgment here, only compassion and a desire to help you achieve better oral health. During your first appointment, we will provide a thorough evaluation, address any immediate concerns, and develop a treatment plan to restore your oral health. Many of our patients have not seen a dentist in years, and we are proud to help them get back on track.