Questions Olathe Patients Ask
Have a question about visiting the dentist? Find answers about appointments, insurance, dental treatments, emergencies and more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, call Your Olathe Dentist at (913) 780-0011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse the topics below for answers to common questions about our Olathe office and the dental care we provide.
Booking, Hours and Costs
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, of every age, from young children to older adults. Call (913) 780-0011 or send the contact form and the front desk will find a time and check your insurance before you arrive. New patients can start with our $49 new patient exam and X-rays. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID and a list of any medicines you take.
What are your office hours?
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are closed Saturday and Sunday. If you are hoping for a Friday visit, keep in mind the office closes at 2 p.m. that day, so a morning time is usually the easier one to plan around.
Where exactly are you?
At 11132 S Lone Elm Rd in Olathe, KS 66061. The office sits on S Lone Elm Rd just south of College Boulevard, near Olathe Northwest High School, and it is a short drive from most of Olathe and the nearby Johnson County cities we serve.
What insurance do you accept?
More than twenty plans, including Aetna, Aflac, Ameritas, Best Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Careington, Cigna, Delta Dental, Dentaquest, GEHA, Guardian, HealthChoice, Humana, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, Physicians Mutual, Principal, Sun Life, United Concordia, UnitedHealthcare and Unum. United Concordia includes Tricare and active duty plans, and veteran patients are welcome by VA referral. Participation depends on your individual plan, so call with your card and we will check.
What if I do not have insurance?
Plenty of our patients do not. Ask about the Premier Care Plan, our in-office plan for patients without insurance, and call the office for the details. CareCredit healthcare financing is also available, including 0% interest-free options for those who qualify.
How much will my treatment cost?
You get the number before treatment, not after. We check your insurance first, then tell you what the plan covers and what is left for you to pay, and we file your claims electronically. We will not quote a price over the phone for a tooth nobody has examined, because that would only be a guess.
Emergencies, Comfort and Checkups
Can I be seen the same day for an emergency?
We make every effort to see dental emergencies the same day during office hours. Call (913) 780-0011 as early as you can and describe what happened. For facial swelling with fever, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing, go to an emergency room rather than waiting for a dental appointment.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Act quickly. Pick the tooth up by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk, not water, and do not scrub it. Put it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk, and call us right away. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back, because that can harm the adult tooth forming above it.
I get nervous at the dentist. Can you help?
Yes, and you are far from alone. Tell the front desk when you book so we can plan a little extra time. The team takes things slowly, explains each step before it happens, and you can ask for a break whenever you need one. Many of our reviews mention nervous patients who felt at ease here, and Dr. Tony wants every patient to feel heard and comfortable.
I have not been to a dentist in years. What happens?
The same exam as anybody else, and nobody will lecture you about the gap. What comes out of it is a list in order of urgency: what needs care now, what will need it soon, and what can wait. That list can be worked through over several visits if that suits you better.
How often should I have a checkup?
Every six months suits most people. If you have gum disease, get cavities easily, smoke, or have a condition such as diabetes that affects the gums, your dentist may suggest coming in more often. We will tell you which applies to you.
Do I need X-rays at every visit?
No. X-rays are taken based on your own needs rather than a fixed timetable. Someone with no recent decay needs them less often than someone with several new cavities. We use digital X-rays, which give a clear picture with a lower dose than older film systems.
Children, Gums and Coming From Nearby Cities
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
Around their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Very little happens clinically at that age. The point is that your child learns the dental office is a friendly, ordinary place before they ever need anything done there.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums usually mean inflammation from plaque along the gum line, not that you are brushing too hard. The instinct is to clean that area less, which makes it worse. In the early stage it often settles once you clean gently between the teeth every day. If it carries on, have it checked at your next visit.
Does teeth whitening work on crowns and fillings?
No. Whitening only lightens natural enamel. Crowns, bridges and tooth-colored fillings keep the shade they were made in. If you have visible dental work on your front teeth, your dentist may suggest whitening first and then matching any new work to the brighter shade.
Do you see the whole family in one visit?
Yes, and for families driving in from Gardner, Spring Hill or De Soto it is usually the sensible way to do it. Tell the front desk how many people need appointments and roughly when suits, and they will group the visits together.
Which areas do you serve?
Olathe, Gardner, Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, Merriam, Spring Hill, De Soto and Edgerton, all from our one office on S Lone Elm Rd. Gardner and Edgerton are southwest along I-35, Spring Hill is south on US-169, and Lenexa and Shawnee are just to the north.
How long does a first appointment take?
Plan for a longer visit than a routine cleaning. It covers a conversation about what brought you in, digital X-rays, a thorough exam of the teeth, gums, mouth and jaw, and time to go through the findings and costs with you. Arrive 15 minutes early if you still need to fill out your forms. If nothing needs care first, the cleaning often happens the same day.
Are you open on Fridays?
Yes, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday we are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the office is closed on weekends. It is worth knowing when you book, particularly if you are coming from Edgerton, Spring Hill or De Soto and want to plan the trip around work or school. Call (913) 780-0011 and the front desk will find a time that fits.
Do you treat patients who grind their teeth?
Yes, and it is more common than most people realize. Grinding wears teeth down, can crack them, and puts extra strain on fillings and crowns. Your dentist checks for signs of wear at every exam and can talk through ways to protect your teeth. Mention it at your next checkup if you wake with a sore jaw or headaches.
Can I bring my child to my own appointment?
Yes. It is also one of the better ways to introduce a small child to the office, because they get to see the room and the chair with nothing happening to them. If you would like them seen too, say so when you book and we will put the appointments together.
Do you take walk-ins?
Call first rather than arriving unannounced, even in an emergency. A quick call means the front desk knows you are coming, can tell you what to do on the way, and can have a room ready for you.
New Patients and What We Offer
New Patient Questions
New Patients: What to ExpectHow long will my first visit take?
Plan for a longer visit than a routine checkup. It covers the conversation, digital X-rays, a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, and going through the findings and the costs with you.
What should I bring?
Your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of any medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements. If you have had X-rays elsewhere recently, ask that office to send them over.
Will I get a cleaning on the first visit?
Often, yes. If the exam does not turn up anything that needs care first, the cleaning usually happens the same day. If there are signs of gum disease, a standard cleaning may not be the right step, and your dentist will explain what is needed instead.
It has been years since I saw a dentist. Is that a problem?
It is common and nobody will lecture you. The exam is the same either way, and what comes out of it is a list in order of urgency that can be worked through over time if that suits you.
Can I fill out the forms before I arrive?
Yes, and it saves time at check-in. The new patient forms are a PDF you can fill out at home before your visit, or you can arrive 15 minutes early and complete them in the office.
Questions About Our Services
Dental Services in OlatheDo I need a referral for any of these?
No. You can book any treatment listed here directly with the front desk. If something needs a specialist, your dentist will tell you and help point you in the right direction.
Can several treatments be done in one visit?
Often, yes, and for patients coming from Gardner, Spring Hill or Edgerton it usually makes sense. Ask the front desk and they will see what can be grouped.
How do I know which treatment I need?
You do not have to. Describe what is bothering you when you call (913) 780-0011 and the front desk will book the right kind of appointment. The exam decides the rest.
Are these covered by insurance?
Most restorative and preventive care is covered to some degree; purely cosmetic work usually is not. We check your plan before treatment starts and tell you what it pays and what is left for you. See the payment options page.
What if I need something outside this list?
Ask. The list covers what we do most often. If something is outside what this office does, we will tell you plainly and point you to someone who does it.
Cleanings, Checkups and Family Care
Questions About Cleanings
Dental Cleanings and Exams in OlatheHow often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Every six months suits most people. If you have gum disease, get cavities easily, smoke, or have a condition such as diabetes that affects the gums, your hygienist and dentist may suggest shorter intervals. We will tell you which applies to you rather than applying one rule to everybody.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
A routine cleaning should not hurt. You will feel scraping and vibration, and some sensitivity is common if your gums are inflamed or your roots are exposed. Tell the hygienist and they can work more gently and slow down. A deeper cleaning below the gum line is usually done with the area numbed.
Do I really need X-rays every time?
No. X-rays are taken based on your own needs, not on a fixed timetable. A patient with no recent decay needs them less often than someone with several new cavities. Our digital X-rays use a lower dose than older film systems.
Are sealants only for children?
They are most useful on children's permanent molars soon after those teeth come through, because that is when the deep grooves are most at risk. Adults with deep grooves and a history of decay can sometimes benefit too.
Questions About Family Care
Family Dentistry in OlatheCan our whole family be seen on the same day?
Usually, yes. Tell the front desk how many people you want seen and roughly when suits, and they will group the appointments so one trip covers everybody.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?
Yes. They hold the space the adult teeth need to come into, and losing one early can crowd what follows. Decay in a baby tooth can also reach the nerve and cause the same pain and infection it would in an adult tooth.
Do you see older adults too?
Yes. We care for children, teens, adults and older adults. Later in life the focus often shifts to keeping existing dental work healthy, managing dry mouth from medicines, and making sure dentures or partials still fit well.
Questions Parents Ask
Dentistry for Kids and Teens in OlatheMy child is frightened. What can you do?
Tell us when you book so we can allow extra time. The team explains each step before doing it and goes at your child's pace. It also helps if adults avoid talking about pain beforehand, because hearing that it will not hurt teaches a child that hurting was a possibility.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Digital X-rays use a very low dose, and we only take them when there is a reason, such as checking for decay between teeth or seeing how adult teeth are coming in. We do not take them on a fixed schedule.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If it is a baby tooth, do not put it back, because that can harm the adult tooth forming above. If it is an adult tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse it in milk if dirty, put it back in the socket or keep it in milk, and call (913) 780-0011 right away. Time matters.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Questions About Cosmetic Work
Cosmetic Dentistry in OlatheDoes insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Usually not, because most plans only cover treatment that is medically necessary. There are exceptions: a crown on a cracked tooth is restorative even though it also looks better. The front desk will check your plan before you commit to anything, and CareCredit financing may help with the rest.
How long does whitening last?
Results last a good while for most people, but it depends far more on what you eat and drink than on the treatment itself. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco are the main causes of new staining. Your dentist can suggest ways to keep your shade bright between visits.
Where do I start if I want a nicer smile?
Start with an exam and a conversation about what bothers you when you look in the mirror. Your dentist will explain which options fit, such as whitening, tooth-colored fillings, crowns or Invisalign, and why. The smallest change that gets you the result is usually the best place to begin.
Can you fix just one tooth?
Often, yes. Matching a single tooth to the teeth either side of it takes care, particularly at the front, but it is done routinely. If you are also planning to whiten, whiten first, because porcelain and tooth-colored materials will not change color afterward.
Questions About Whitening
Teeth Whitening in OlatheWhy not just use a store-bought whitening kit?
You can, and for light staining it may be enough. The differences are strength and supervision. Professional whitening is planned around your teeth after an exam, so your dentist can check for decay or exposed roots first and keep the gel where it belongs instead of on your gums, which is where most of the sensitivity from strips comes from.
Will whitening damage my enamel?
Used as directed, no. Whitening gel works by breaking down the stain molecules inside the tooth, not by stripping the surface. What does cause trouble is overuse, so follow the plan you are given rather than doubling up.
Will it whiten my crowns and fillings?
No. Whitening only works on natural enamel. Crowns, bridges and tooth-colored fillings keep the shade they were made in. If you have visible dental work on your front teeth, whiten first and then talk with your dentist about matching it to the new shade.
My teeth are sensitive already. Can I still whiten?
Usually. Tell us first so we can check there is no untreated decay or exposed root surface behind the sensitivity. From there it is often manageable, with options such as shorter sessions or a sensitivity toothpaste for a couple of weeks beforehand.
Questions About Fixing Chips and Gaps
Smile Repairs in OlatheCan a chipped front tooth be repaired?
Usually, yes. A small chip can often be repaired with a tooth-colored filling material shaped to match the tooth. A larger break may need a crown to protect what is left. Your dentist will look at how much tooth is missing and explain the options.
What can be done about a gap between my teeth?
It depends on the size of the gap and why it is there. Small gaps can sometimes be closed with tooth-colored material, while Invisalign can move the teeth themselves. If the gap is from a missing tooth, an implant or a bridge may be the better fit.
Can old dark fillings be replaced with white ones?
Yes, when there is a reason to replace them. If an old metal filling is cracked, leaking or has decay under it, it needs replacing anyway, and that is a natural moment to switch to a tooth-colored material.
Will a repair look natural?
That is the goal. Tooth-colored materials are matched to the shade of the teeth around them, and your dentist shapes the repair so it blends in. If you plan to whiten, do it first so the repair can be matched to your new shade.
Questions About Cosmetic Crowns
Dental Crowns in OlatheCan a crown fix a badly stained tooth?
Sometimes. Whitening does not reach every kind of stain, and a tooth darkened from the inside, or one with large old fillings, may look better with a crown. Your dentist will tell you whether whitening alone is likely to help before suggesting anything more.
Will a crown match my other teeth?
A tooth-colored crown is made to match the shade and shape of the teeth beside it. Matching a single front crown takes the most care, so your dentist checks the shade in good light and may suggest whitening the other teeth first.
Is a crown only for looks?
Rarely. A crown covers the whole tooth, so it also protects a tooth that is cracked, worn or heavily filled. When a crown is needed for strength, insurance often helps with part of the cost.
Is getting a crown painful?
The tooth is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity to hot and cold for a short time afterward is normal. Tell the team if anything feels sharp during the visit and they will stop and help.
Questions About Metal-Free Work
Metal-Free Dentistry in OlatheAre ceramic crowns as strong as metal ones?
Modern high-strength ceramics are strong enough for back teeth, where chewing forces are highest. Older all-ceramic materials were not, which is where the reputation for fragility comes from. The material is chosen for each tooth rather than applied to everything.
Should I replace my existing amalgam fillings?
Not usually, if they are sound. Replacing a filling means removing more tooth, so an intact amalgam that is sealing well is generally better left alone. When one is cracked, leaking or has decay under it, it needs replacing anyway, and that is the natural moment to change material.
Why does my old crown have a dark line at the gum?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a metal layer under the porcelain. As the gum recedes slightly over the years, that metal edge can show as a gray line. All-ceramic crowns have no metal in them, so there is no line to appear.
Is this about metal allergies?
Sometimes. True allergy to dental metals is uncommon but real. For most patients the reasons are how it looks and how natural the material appears, rather than a medical one.
Fillings, Crowns, Bridges and Dentures
Questions About Fillings
Dental Fillings in OlatheHow do I know if I need a filling?
Often you do not, which is the point of regular checkups. Early decay causes no symptoms and shows on a digital X-ray long before you feel anything. By the time a tooth is sensitive to cold or sweets, or food keeps packing into one spot, the cavity is usually well established.
Does getting a filling hurt?
The tooth is numbed first, so you should feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. The numbing injection is the part most people mind, and a numbing gel beforehand takes the edge off. Tell us if you feel anything sharp and we will stop and help.
How long do fillings last?
A tooth-colored filling can last for many years. It depends on its size, where it is, whether you grind, and how well the area is kept clean. No filling is permanent, so your dentist checks them at every visit.
Why does my tooth still feel odd after a filling?
Mild sensitivity to cold for a couple of weeks is normal, particularly after a deeper filling. What is not normal is pain on biting, or a filling that feels high when your teeth meet. That usually means the bite needs a small adjustment. Call us rather than waiting it out.
Questions About Crowns
Dental Crowns in OlatheHow long does a crown last?
With good care, many crowns last for years. What shortens that is decay at the edge where the crown meets the tooth, grinding, and gum disease. The crown itself does not decay, but the tooth underneath still can, so brushing and flossing still matter.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
A root-treated tooth has had its inner tissue removed and is more brittle than a living tooth, so it can fracture under normal chewing. A crown holds the remaining structure together. Skipping it is a common reason a root canal tooth is lost later.
Can a crown be tooth-colored?
Yes. All-ceramic crowns have no metal in them and are matched to the color of your natural teeth. Your dentist will recommend the material that suits the tooth, its position and how hard you bite.
My temporary crown came off. Is that an emergency?
It is not dangerous, but it does need care, because the prepared tooth is sensitive and the teeth beside it can shift enough to stop the permanent crown fitting. Keep the temporary if you can find it and call (913) 780-0011.
Questions About Bridges
Porcelain Dental Bridges in OlatheBridge or implant, which is better?
It depends on the teeth either side of the gap. If they already need crowns, a bridge uses work you were having anyway. If they are healthy, an implant avoids reshaping them and also helps preserve the bone in the gap. An implant usually takes longer from start to finish.
How long does a bridge last?
Many bridges last for years. They fail most often because of decay or gum disease affecting a supporting tooth, not because the bridge itself breaks, so cleaning underneath it matters a great deal.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Normal floss will not pass through, because the bridge is joined across the gap. You use a floss threader to pass floss under the false tooth, or a small brush made for cleaning between teeth. The team will show you how. This is one of the biggest factors in how long the bridge lasts.
Does a bridge look natural?
A well-made porcelain bridge is hard to pick out. The trickiest part is the false tooth where it meets the gum, because there is no tooth coming out of the tissue. Shaping the underside so it sits neatly against the gum is what makes the difference.
Questions About Implants
Dental Implants in OlatheHow long does the whole process take?
Usually a few months from placing the implant to fitting the final crown, because the bone needs time to bond to the post. If extra bone is needed first, it takes longer. Dr. Tony has advanced training in dental implants and will give you a timeline for your own case.
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement is done with the area numbed, and many patients say the days afterward were easier than they expected, often similar to having a tooth out. Some soreness and swelling for a few days is normal, and your dentist will tell you how to manage it.
Am I too old for an implant?
Age by itself is not a barrier. What matters is bone, gum health and general health, particularly anything that affects healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or smoking. Those are checked at the consultation.
How long do implants last?
With good care, the post can last a very long time. The crown on top is the part that wears and may need replacing at some stage, the same as any crown. Gum disease around the implant is the main thing to avoid, and regular cleanings and checkups help prevent it.
Questions About Dentures
Full and Partial Dentures in OlatheHow long does it take to get used to dentures?
A few weeks for most people, and longer for a first full denture. Speaking and eating both feel strange at first. Practice reading aloud, and start with soft food cut small, chewing on both sides at once. A few small adjustments in the first month are normal and not a sign something is wrong.
Why has my denture become loose?
The bone underneath shrinks gradually once teeth are gone, so a denture that fit well a few years ago may no longer match the shape it sits on. Your dentist can check the fit and tell you whether it needs adjusting or replacing.
Should I use denture adhesive?
A small amount can help with confidence, particularly early on. What adhesive should not be doing is holding up a denture that no longer fits. If you are relying on more and more of it, have the fit checked.
Do I need a full or a partial denture?
A full denture replaces all the teeth on the upper or lower arch. A partial denture fills gaps when you still have healthy natural teeth, and clasps to them for support. Your dentist will look at the teeth you have and recommend the option that fits.
Root Canals and Extractions
Questions About Root Canals
Root Canal Treatment in OlatheIs a root canal painful?
The reputation comes from the pain people arrive with, not the treatment. The tooth is numbed thoroughly first, and many patients say it feels much like having a filling. Dr. Tony has advanced training in endodontics, the branch of dentistry that covers root canals.
Why not just pull the tooth out?
Pulling a tooth is quicker on the day, and then you have a gap. Replacing a tooth with an implant or a bridge often costs more than the root canal would have, and no replacement works quite like a natural tooth you have kept. We will explain both options honestly.
Do I really need a crown afterwards?
On a back tooth, usually yes. A root-treated tooth is more brittle, and it often has a large cavity already. Chewing forces can crack these teeth. Your dentist will tell you whether your tooth needs a crown and why.
My tooth stopped hurting on its own. Am I fine now?
Probably not. Pain that stops suddenly after being severe often means the nerve has died rather than healed. The infection can carry on quietly and come back later as an abscess. It still needs to be checked.
Questions About Extractions
Dental Services in OlatheDoes having a tooth out hurt?
The area is numbed, so you feel firm pressure and movement rather than pain. Tell us if you feel anything sharp and we will stop and add more numbing. Some discomfort afterward is normal for a few days, and your dentist will tell you how to manage it.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
A blood clot forms in the socket and protects the bone underneath. If it is dislodged, the exposed bone can cause a deep ache a few days later. Help prevent it by not smoking, not using a straw, and not rinsing hard or spitting for the first day. If it happens, call us so we can help.
Do all wisdom teeth need removing?
No. A wisdom tooth that has come through straight, has room and can be cleaned may be fine left alone. The ones that cause trouble are stuck or only partly through, because the gum over them traps bacteria and they are hard to clean.
How long until I can eat normally?
Soft food for the first day or two, chewing on the other side, and avoid anything very hot. Most people are back to normal within a few days after a simple extraction. Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions for your own case.
Questions About Replacing a Pulled Tooth
Dental Implants vs. Dental BridgesDo I need to replace a tooth that was pulled?
Not always, but it is worth talking about. When a tooth is missing, the teeth beside it can drift and the bone in the gap slowly shrinks. Replacing it helps keep your bite steady and makes chewing easier.
What are my options for replacing it?
The main choices are a dental implant, a porcelain bridge, or a partial denture. Each one suits a different situation, and your dentist will explain which fits the gap, the teeth around it and your budget.
How soon after an extraction can I replace the tooth?
It depends on the option. The gum and bone need time to heal before some replacements, while others can be planned sooner. Your dentist will give you a timeline that fits your own healing.
Will insurance help with a replacement?
Many plans help with part of the cost of a bridge, partial denture or implant, but coverage varies a great deal. We check your plan before treatment, and CareCredit financing may help with the rest.
Emergencies and Nervous Patients
Dental Emergency Questions
Same-Day Emergency Dentistry in OlatheWhat counts as a dental emergency?
Severe or worsening toothache, facial swelling, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, bleeding that will not stop, a lost crown or filling causing pain, or an injury to the jaw. Facial swelling with fever or difficulty swallowing needs urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a dental appointment.
What do I do with a knocked-out tooth?
Act quickly. Pick it up by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk, not water, and do not scrub it. Put it back in the socket if you can and bite gently on a cloth, or keep it in milk. Then call us right away. A baby tooth should not be put back.
Can I be seen the same day?
We make every effort to see dental emergencies the same day during office hours. Call as early in the day as you can, because same-day openings get taken.
What if it happens when you are closed?
We are open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Outside those hours, call (913) 780-0011 as soon as the office opens. For facial swelling with fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury, go to an emergency room rather than waiting.
Toothache Questions
What to Do When You Have a ToothacheWhy does my toothache get worse at night?
Lying flat increases blood flow to your head, and that raises the pressure inside an already inflamed tooth. There are also fewer distractions. Propping your head up on an extra pillow often helps, and it is the simplest thing to try first.
The pain stopped on its own. Do I still need to come in?
Yes. Severe tooth pain that disappears suddenly often means the nerve inside the tooth has died rather than healed. The infection does not leave with the pain; it can carry on quietly and return later as an abscess or swelling.
Can I put aspirin on the tooth?
No. Aspirin held against the gum can burn the tissue and cause a painful sore, and it does nothing for the tooth because pain relievers work through the bloodstream. Follow the directions on the package instead.
When is a toothache an emergency?
Facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or pain that over-the-counter medicine does not control all mean you should be seen right away. Swelling spreading toward the eye or under the jaw needs an emergency room rather than a dental appointment.
Broken Tooth Questions
What to Do if You Chip or Break a ToothIs a chipped tooth an emergency?
A small chip in the enamel with no pain is not urgent, though it should still be checked before a rough edge cuts your tongue or the chip gets worse. A break that shows yellow inner tooth or a pink or red spot in the middle is urgent, and a tooth broken at the gum line needs care right away.
Should I keep the broken piece?
Yes, bring it with you. It cannot always be reattached, but either way it helps your dentist see exactly how much of the tooth is missing.
What if it does not hurt?
A broken tooth that does not hurt still needs to be checked. Pain depends on whether the break has reached the nerve, not on how serious the damage is. A tooth can be cracked deeply and feel fine until infection sets in.
Can a broken tooth be saved?
Often, if you are seen before the break spreads. Small chips can be repaired with tooth-colored filling material, larger breaks are covered with a crown, and a break that reaches the nerve may need a root canal and then a crown. A crack running deep into the root is the hardest to save, which is why time matters.
Questions About Dental Anxiety
What to Expect at Your First Dental VisitI have not been in ten years. Will I be judged?
No, and it is far more common than people think. Nobody here is interested in lecturing you about a gap. The exam is the same either way and the plan starts from where you actually are.
Will someone explain what is happening?
Yes. The team explains each step before it happens, in plain language, and checks in with you as they go. If you would like to know less, say so, and they will keep it short. Either way, nothing is done before you know what it is and agree to it.
Can I just talk before any treatment?
Yes. Tell the front desk you would like to start slowly. Your first visit can simply be the exam and X-rays, with time to ask Dr. Tony questions and nothing else done that day. For some patients that first easy visit is what makes the next one possible.
What if I panic during the appointment?
Agree on a stop signal before you start, such as raising your left hand, and the team will stop when you use it. You can ask for a break at any time. Knowing you can pause is one of the most helpful things for anxiety, because much of the fear is about not feeling in control.
Questions About Staying Comfortable
Meet Dr. Tony and the TeamWill I feel the work being done?
For fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions, the area is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. If you feel anything sharp, tell the team and they will stop and help before going on.
Can I take breaks during a long visit?
Yes. Ask whenever you need one, to rest your jaw, have a sip of water or just catch your breath. The team would rather go slowly than rush you through it.
What do other nervous patients say?
Our Google rating is 4.8 stars from more than 280 reviews, and many of them mention dental anxiety being handled with patience and care. You can read some of them on our patient reviews page.
Does the numbing injection hurt?
Most people feel a brief pinch. A numbing gel on the gum beforehand takes the edge off, and the team goes slowly. If the injection is the part you dread most, say so, and they will talk you through it.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Questions About Invisalign
Invisalign in OlatheAm I too old for Invisalign?
No. Teeth can move at any age, as long as the gums and the bone supporting them are healthy. Many adults choose clear aligners because they are hard to notice and can be taken out to eat, brush and floss.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on how much the teeth need to move. Mild crowding can be fairly quick, while bite changes take longer. Your dentist will give you an estimate after an exam and X-rays rather than guessing at a first glance.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
Most treatment plans call for about 20 to 22 hours of wear each day. Aligners only move teeth while they are in, so if they are often left out for long stretches, the teeth may not move as planned and treatment can take longer.
Do I have to wear a retainer afterward?
Yes, in some form. Teeth tend to drift back toward where they started, and that tendency never fully goes away. Your dentist will tell you how often to wear your retainer. Skipping it is the most common reason people need straightening a second time.
Visiting Us From Nearby Cities
Questions From Olathe Patients
Dentist in Olathe, KSWhere exactly are you in Olathe?
At 11132 S Lone Elm Rd, just south of College Boulevard and near Olathe Northwest High School. It is an easy trip from most of Olathe, whether you live near downtown or on the west side of the city.
Are you taking new patients in Olathe?
Yes, of every age. Call (913) 780-0011 or send the contact form and the front desk will find a time and check your insurance before you arrive. Ask about our $49 new patient exam and X-rays.
Can I be seen the same day if a tooth breaks?
We make every effort to see dental emergencies the same day during office hours. Call as early as you can, because same-day openings fill up.
Do you see children as well as adults?
Yes. This is a family practice, so a whole household can be seen here and appointments can be grouped so one trip covers everybody.
Questions From Gardner and Edgerton Patients
Dentist Near Gardner, KSHow far is your office from Gardner and Edgerton?
Gardner and Edgerton are southwest of Olathe along I-35, so our office on S Lone Elm Rd is a short drive for most families in both towns.
Can you see our whole family on the same trip?
Yes, and for families driving in from Gardner or Edgerton that is usually the sensible way to do it. Tell the front desk how many people and roughly when suits, and they will group the appointments.
Do you accept the insurance plans common around Gardner?
We accept more than twenty plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian and Humana. Call with your card and the front desk will check yours specifically.
Questions From Spring Hill Patients
Dentist Near Spring Hill, KSHow do I get to you from Spring Hill?
Spring Hill is south of Olathe on US-169, so most patients simply head north into Olathe and across to S Lone Elm Rd. It is a short drive for a family dentist you can keep for years.
Is there a dental office closer to me in Spring Hill?
There may be, and for a routine cleaning the nearest one could suit you. Patients tend to make the trip to us when they want one office for the whole family, care from a dentist with advanced training in implants and root canals, or a practice that makes every effort to fit emergencies in.
Can you combine several treatments into one appointment?
Often, yes, and for patients traveling from Spring Hill it usually makes sense. Ask the front desk and they will see what can be grouped into one visit.
Questions From Overland Park and Merriam Patients
Dentist Near Overland Park, KSIs your office convenient from Overland Park and Merriam?
Overland Park is just east of Olathe, and Merriam is to the northeast along I-35. For most patients in both cities, our office is a short drive west.
Do you offer a new patient special?
Yes. New patients can start with our $49 new patient exam and X-rays. See the new patient special page for details, or call the front desk.
Can I come in on a Friday?
Yes, the office is open Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on weekends.
Questions From Lenexa and Shawnee Patients
Dentist Near Lenexa, KSHow far are you from Lenexa and Shawnee?
Both cities are just north of Olathe, so for most Lenexa and Shawnee patients our office on S Lone Elm Rd is a short drive south.
Can you see our whole family?
Yes. We see children, teens, adults and older adults, and appointments can be grouped so one trip covers the household.
Do you treat teenagers?
Yes. Teens get the same cleanings and exams as everyone else, and for those who want straighter teeth, Invisalign clear aligners may be an option. Your dentist will tell you whether it fits.
Questions From De Soto Patients
Dentist Near De Soto, KSHow do I get to you from De Soto?
De Soto is to the west and northwest of Olathe along K-10, so it is a short drive into Olathe and over to S Lone Elm Rd.
Can I be seen quickly for a toothache?
We make every effort to see dental emergencies the same day during office hours. Call (913) 780-0011 as early as you can and describe what is going on.
What if I do not have dental insurance?
Ask about the Premier Care Plan, our in-office plan for patients without insurance, and call the office for details. CareCredit financing is also available, subject to approval.
Still Have a Question?
We’re happy to help. If you have a question about scheduling, insurance or a dental concern, give our Olathe office a call.