FAQs

Most patients should visit the dentist every six months (twice per year) for routine check-ups and professional cleanings. However, your recommended visit frequency may vary based on your individual oral health needs. Patients with gum disease, a history of cavities, diabetes, or compromised immune systems may benefit from more frequent visits – typically every 3-4 months. Children, pregnant women, and smokers may also require more frequent dental appointments. During your examination at StarBrite Dental, Dr. Lokhandwala or our associate dentists will assess your oral health and recommend a personalized schedule that best supports your dental wellness.

Yes, dental implants are a safe, proven, and highly successful solution for replacing missing teeth, with success rates exceeding 95%. A titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root is surgically inserted into your jawbone to form a dental implant. Over 3-6 months, the implant fuses with your bone through a natural process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation. Once healed, we attach an abutment and a custom crown that feels, functions, and looks like natural teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants preserve your jawbone health by preventing bone loss, don’t require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. At StarBrite Dental, Dr. Lokhandwala uses advanced 3D Cone Beam CT imaging to plan implant placement with precision, ensuring optimal positioning and comfort. We offer comprehensive implant services from placement through final restoration at both our Fremont and Dublin locations.

The complete dental implant process typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish, though the timeline varies based on individual healing and whether additional procedures are needed. The process involves several stages: Initial consultation and 3D imaging (1 visit), implant placement surgery (1 appointment, about 1-2 hours per implant), healing and osseointegration period (3-6 months, where the implant fuses with bone), abutment placement (1 visit after healing), and final crown placement (1-2 visits). If you need a bone graft or sinus lift before implant placement, this adds 3-6 months to the timeline for bone regeneration. Some patients qualify for immediate load implants, where a temporary crown is placed the same day as the implant. During your consultation at StarBrite Dental, we’ll assess your specific situation using our Cone Beam CT scanner and provide a personalized treatment timeline. Most patients find the result – a permanent, natural-looking tooth – well worth the investment in time.

Dental implants offer significant advantages over traditional dentures and bridges. Unlike removable dentures, implants are permanently fixed in your jaw, eliminating slipping, clicking, or the need for adhesives. They preserve your natural facial structure by preventing the bone loss that occurs with missing teeth and dentures. Implants allow you to eat all foods comfortably without dietary restrictions, and they don’t affect your speech. Compared to dental bridges, implants don’t require grinding down healthy neighboring teeth for support, preserving your natural tooth structure. Implants also make oral hygiene easier since you can brush and floss normally. With proper care, dental implants can last 25+ years or even a lifetime, making them more cost-effective in the long term than bridges (which typically last 10-15 years) or dentures (which need replacement every 5-8 years). Patients consistently report that implants feel and function most like their natural teeth, restoring confidence in their smile and bite. At StarBrite Dental, we help patients compare all tooth replacement options to determine the best solution for their needs, lifestyle, and budget.

A same-day crown is a custom dental crown created and placed in a single appointment using advanced CAD/CAM technology. At StarBrite Dental, we use an iTero digital scanner to capture precise 3D images of your prepared tooth, eliminating the discomfort of traditional impressions. Our in-house Glidewell milling unit then fabricates your custom porcelain crown in about 1-2 hours while you wait. The crown is color-matched to your natural teeth, tried in for fit and appearance, and permanently bonded the same day. This technology means no temporary crowns, no second appointment, and no waiting weeks for a dental lab. Same-day crowns are ideal for patients with busy schedules, those who want immediate results, or anyone anxious about multiple dental visits. The crowns are made from high-quality, durable ceramic that functions just like natural tooth structure. Most patients leave our office with their permanent crown in place and can resume normal eating the same day.

You may need a root canal if the pulp (nerve and blood vessels) inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to cracks, chips, deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma. Common signs include severe toothache (especially when chewing), prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, swollen or tender gums, or a persistent pimple-like bump on your gums. A root canal treatment saves your natural tooth by removing the infected pulp, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the space to prevent reinfection. The procedure is typically completed in one or two appointments under local anesthesia. Despite its reputation, modern root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, thanks to advanced techniques and anesthesia. After your root canal at StarBrite Dental, we typically place a crown to protect the treated tooth and restore its function. With proper care, a tooth treated with root canal therapy can last a lifetime. Saving your natural tooth is always preferable to extraction, as it maintains your natural bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for more costly tooth replacement options.

StarBrite Dental offers comprehensive cosmetic dentistry solutions to transform your smile. Our cosmetic services include porcelain veneers (thin shells custom-crafted to cover teeth and correct discoloration, chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth), composite bonding (tooth-colored resin to repair chips, close small gaps, or improve tooth shape), and Invisalign clear aligners (to straighten teeth discreetly without metal braces). We also offer gum recontouring to create a more balanced smile and comprehensive smile makeovers combining multiple treatments. Dr. Lokhandwala brings over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry and works with each patient to design a personalized treatment plan that achieves their aesthetic goals while maintaining natural-looking results. During your cosmetic consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns, show you before-and-after examples, and explain which treatments will best achieve your desired outcome. Many cosmetic procedures can dramatically improve your smile in just 1-2 visits.

Yes, StarBrite Dental is a certified Invisalign provider at both our Fremont and Dublin locations. Using a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are specially designed for your smile, Invisalign is a cutting-edge orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, comfortable because they don’t have any metal brackets or wires, and can be taken off for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. The treatment typically takes 12-18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. We use advanced digital planning to show you your expected results before starting treatment. Invisalign can correct crowding, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Most adults and teens are candidates for Invisalign. The aligners are changed every 1-2 weeks, and you’ll visit our office every 6-8 weeks for progress checks. Invisalign is particularly popular among professionals and adults who want to improve their smile discreetly without the appearance of traditional braces. Schedule a complimentary Invisalign consultation to see if this treatment is right for you and to view your personalized treatment simulation.

Conscious sedation (also called oral sedation or “the blue pill”) is a safe sedation method that helps patients relax during dental procedures while remaining awake and responsive. At StarBrite Dental, we use oral sedative medication taken about an hour before your appointment that induces a calm, drowsy state, significantly reducing anxiety and discomfort awareness. Unlike general anesthesia, you remain conscious and can respond to instructions, but most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. Conscious sedation is ideal for patients with phobia or dental anxiety, those undergoing complex or lengthy procedures (like multiple tooth extractions, implant placement, or extensive restorative work), patients with a strong gag reflex, those who have problems getting numb with local anesthesia alone, or anyone who prefers to minimize stress during dental treatment. It’s also helpful for patients with special needs or those who have had traumatic dental experiences. The sedation is safe, predictable, and wears off gradually. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you for several hours afterward. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history and explain exactly what to expect to ensure your comfort and safety.

Yes, StarBrite Dental provides comprehensive children’s dentistry and welcomes children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. We create a warm, friendly, and non-threatening environment that helps children feel comfortable and even excited about dental visits. Our services for children include preventive care (cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), early orthodontic evaluation, cavity treatment with tooth-colored fillings, emergency dental care for injuries or toothaches, and education on proper brushing, flossing, and nutrition. Dr. Lokhandwala and our team use gentle techniques and age-appropriate communication to build trust with young patients and establish positive associations with dental care. Early dental visits (recommended by age 1 or when the first tooth erupts) are crucial for preventing problems and for teaching lifelong oral hygiene habits. For anxious children or those requiring extensive treatment, we offer conscious sedation options to ensure their comfort and safety. Making dental care a positive experience during childhood sets the foundation for excellent oral health throughout life. We encourage parents to schedule their child’s first visit or bring the whole family for appointments together.

Fotona Laser therapy and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) treatment are advanced, minimally invasive procedures we use at StarBrite Dental to improve gum health, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing for patients with periodontal (gum) disease. The Fotona laser delivers precise energy to diseased gum tissue, effectively removing bacteria, reducing pocket depth, and stimulating tissue regeneration – all without cutting or stitches. It’s significantly more comfortable than traditional gum surgery, with less bleeding and swelling and a faster recovery. PRF therapy enhances healing by using your own concentrated growth factors and healing proteins from a small blood sample, which are then applied to the treatment area to accelerate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. When combined, the Fotona laser and PRF create optimal conditions for your gums to heal naturally and reattach to teeth. This treatment is ideal for patients with moderate to advanced gum disease who want to avoid traditional surgical procedures. Benefits include minimal discomfort, no scalpels or sutures, reduced healing time (days instead of weeks), and preservation of healthy gum tissue. During your periodontal evaluation, we’ll assess whether you’re a candidate for this innovative gum regeneration approach.

StarBrite Dental offers flexible payment options to make quality dental care accessible and affordable for all patients. We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). For larger treatments, we partner with Sunbit/HFD/CareCredit. These healthcare credit providers offer special financing options, including interest-free payment plans for qualifying patients (typically 6, 12, or 18 months interest-free, depending on the treatment amount). Approval is quick, and the soft credit checks can often be completed during your visit. This allows you to begin necessary treatment immediately and spread payments over time without interest. We also offer in-house payment plans for certain procedures. Our team will provide a detailed treatment plan with all costs outlined before beginning any work, and we’re happy to discuss payment options that fit your budget. Cost should never be a barrier to necessary dental care, and our staff will work with you to find a solution. Many patients combine insurance benefits with financing options to make comprehensive treatment affordable. Ask our front desk team about current financing promotions and explore which payment option works best for your situation.

Yes, StarBrite Dental works with most dental insurance plans to maximize your benefits. We are a Premier In-Network provider for Delta Dental PPO insurance plans, which means Delta Dental patients receive the highest level of coverage with the lowest out-of-pocket costs. For patients with other PPO insurance plans (such as MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, and many others), we accept assignment as an out-of-network provider and file your claims on your behalf to help you receive reimbursement in accordance with your plan’s benefits. Our knowledgeable staff will verify your insurance coverage before your appointment, provide estimates of your expected costs, and handle all insurance paperwork and claims submission for you. We’ll work to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Please note that we do NOT accept Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal plans. To verify whether your specific insurance plan is accepted and to understand your coverage details (such as annual maximums, copays, and covered procedures), please get in touch with our office at (510) 795-7786 (Fremont) or (925) 828-0252 (Dublin). Send us your insurance information, such as Name, DOB, and Subscriber ID number, for us to verify coverage before your appointment. We can answer any questions you may have about coverage and maximums, etc.