Question 1

How often should I get a dental cleaning?

Accepted Answer

For most patients, every six months is right. If you have gum disease, a history of heavy tartar buildup, or certain health conditions, we may recommend every three to four months. At Signature Smiles we use Guided Biofilm Therapy for cleanings, so visits are gentler than what you may be used to.

Question 2

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

Accepted Answer

It shouldn't — and with our approach, it usually doesn't. We clean with the EMS AIRFLOW® system (Guided Biofilm Therapy), which uses warm water, air, and a fine powder instead of heavy scraping. Patients regularly tell us it's the most comfortable cleaning they've ever had, even with sensitive teeth or gums.

Question 3

How much does Invisalign cost, and does insurance cover it?

Accepted Answer

Invisalign cost depends on how much movement your teeth need, so it varies from patient to patient. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of clear aligner treatment, just as they would braces. The best first step is a quick, free scan on our iTero scanner — you'll see a digital preview of your new smile, and our treatment coordinator will walk you through pricing, insurance, and payment options with no obligation.

Question 4

What should I do if I knock out or chip a tooth?

Accepted Answer

Call us right away at (415) 388-1726 — we set time aside for dental emergencies. For a knocked-out adult tooth: handle it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it, and if possible place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Time matters — the best outcomes happen within the first hour. For chips and breaks, save any pieces and come in as soon as you can.

Question 5

Are dental X-rays safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Modern digital X-rays use a very small fraction of the radiation of older film X-rays — a full set is comparable to the background radiation of a short flight. We take them only when they're diagnostically needed, and our AI-assisted digital imaging helps us catch problems earlier and smaller, which means simpler, more conservative treatment.

Question 6

Are you accepting new patients, and what happens at a first visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we're welcoming new patients in Mill Valley. Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays and a 3D iTero scan (no gooey impressions), a gum health check, and time to talk with Dr. Safapour about your goals. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your oral health and a plan that fits you — no pressure, no surprises.

Question 7

Can cavities be treated without a drill or a shot?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. We offer several minimally invasive options: Curodont, which repairs early enamel-only lesions without drilling; silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which stops small cavities in enamel, dentin, and cementum; and our Fotona laser, which can treat many cavities with gentle light — frequently with no drill and no anesthetic shot. For children especially, laser treatment makes visits calm and fear-free.

Question 8

Can a dentist really help with snoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and without surgery or a device to wear at night. NightLase is a gentle Fotona laser therapy that tightens the tissue at the back of the throat that vibrates and causes snoring. Sessions take about 20 minutes with no anesthesia or downtime, and many patients (and their partners) notice quieter sleep after the first session.

Question 9

What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a modern, comfortable replacement for the traditional scrape-and-polish cleaning. We first apply a harmless dye that reveals the bacterial biofilm on your teeth, then gently wash it away with the EMS AIRFLOW® system — warm water, air, and a fine powder — even under the gumline and around implants. No scraping, less sensitivity, and a noticeably fresher result.

Question 10

Can I really get a crown in one visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With our CEREC system, we design, mill, and place your custom ceramic crown in a single appointment — about two hours from start to finish. No temporary crown, no second visit, no messy impressions. You walk out with your permanent crown the same day.

Question 11

Does Botox help TMJ pain?

Accepted Answer

For many patients, yes. When jaw pain, tension headaches, or grinding are driven by overworked jaw muscles, carefully placed Botox relaxes those muscles and relieves the strain on the TMJ. It's a quick in-office treatment, and results typically last three to four months. Dr. Safapour will first evaluate your bite and jaw to make sure it's the right approach for your symptoms.

FAQ — Signature Smiles

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