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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

How can we help you?

Your team at TLC Dentistry has designed this page to provide answers to some of your most common dental questions. Dr. Radzikowski believes strongly in transparency and open communication, knowing that informed patients can make the best decisions about their oral health.


These FAQs represent just a part of that commitment. So, whether you're curious about specific dental procedures or general oral health, we're here to provide the answers you need. If you don't see what you need here, please don't hesitate to call us so we can help you. 

General

  • Can I get same-day emergency dental treatment?

    Dental emergencies occur unexpectedly and can be painful and upsetting. Dr. Natalia Radzikowski and her compassionate team at TLC Dentistry are committed to prioritizing your emergency and offer same-day appointments to provide much-needed relief.


    Types of Dental Emergencies We Treat

    We can handle a full range of dental emergencies at our Dunedin, FL, dental office, including but not limited to:



    • Toothaches and severe tooth pain
    • Cracked or broken teeth
    • Knocked-out teeth
    • Loose or lost fillings or crowns
    • Dental abscesses and infections
    • Bleeding or swollen gums
    • Mouth or jaw trauma

    No matter the issue, please contact us right away if you're experiencing a dental emergency. One of our trained team members will assess your situation, provide reassurance, and help schedule an appointment according to your needs.


    What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Appointment

    Our goal is to provide immediate relief and address your concerns promptly; however, there may not always be time to complete full treatment during your emergency appointment. In this case, Dr. Radzikowski will ensure you're out of pain and stabilize your situation until our next opening.


    Your Emergency Dentist in Dunedin, FL

    Our caring team at TLC Dentistry doesn't want you to suffer needlessly. If you have a toothache, broken tooth, or other dental emergency, don't hesitate to call us right away. We're here to provide prompt relief to protect your oral health so you can get on with your life.

Preventive Dentistry

  • Why should I visit the dentist if nothing hurts?

    Dr. Natalia Radzikowski and her team at TLC Dentistry believe in a proactive approach to oral health care. Even if you're not experiencing pain, regular dental checkups help you maintain a healthy smile and save time, money, and discomfort in the long run.


    Catching Problems Before They Escalate

    Think of routine dental exams at our Dunedin dental office as a wellness check for your mouth. These visits allow Dr. Radzikowski to identify potential problems such as cavities, worn enamel, or cracked teeth before they become painful or costly to treat. And we can often provide simpler and less invasive treatments by detecting these issues early on.


    Spotting Stealthy Gum Disease

    Did you know gum disease can exist without your knowledge? It's a sneaky condition that advances silently, often without pain or noticeable symptoms.


    Regular teeth cleanings are crucial because our skilled hygienist can promptly identify and treat gum disease to help you maintain excellent oral health.


    Invest in Your Smile with a Dental Checkup and Cleaning

    Investing in preventive dental care can help you avoid the discomfort and expense of more complex treatments in the future. Partner with us at TLC Dentistry for regular checkups and enjoy peace of mind knowing you're taking care of your smile.


    Contact our Dunedin, FL, dental office today, and a friendly team member will be happy to help you schedule your next appointment.

Crowns and Bridges

  • Why do I need a dental crown?

    A dental crown is a tooth restoration that completely covers or "caps" a damaged tooth. Its purpose is to restore function and provide strength, stability, and an improved appearance.


    When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

    You might need a dental crown for several reasons.


    • Protect a severely decayed tooth
    • Support a broken tooth
    • Hold together a cracked tooth
    • Strengthen a tooth after a root canal
    • Restore a dental implant
    • Support dental bridgework

    In cosmetic dentistry, we use crowns to cover discolored or misshapen teeth, improving your smile's overall appearance.


    Dental Crowns in Dunedin, FL

    TLC Dentistry offers various materials for dental crowns based on your needs and preferences. Porcelain and zirconia are known for their strength and natural appearance, while gold crowns are also a popular choice.


    Dr. Natalia Radzikowski prioritizes patient comfort and satisfaction and will work with you to determine the most suitable solution. She will ensure your dental crown is meticulously crafted and custom-fitted to support your dental bite and enhance your smile's appearance.


    Remember, investing in a crown isn't just about addressing an immediate dental issue; it's also a step toward preserving your long-term oral health, preventing further complications, and enhancing your smile.


    Think You Need a Dental Crown? Talk to Our Team!

    Don't let damaged or decayed teeth keep you from smiling confidently. Schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Radzikowski at our Dunedin, FL, dental office to explore the benefits of dental crowns!

Dentures and Partials

  • Can you eat with dentures?

    Adjusting to removable full or partial is a process that takes some practice, especially during meals. You might need to start with soft foods and slowly reintroduce harder and crunchier foods as you get comfortable. With time, practice, and patience, you can soon enjoy your favorite foods again.


    Partial and Full Removable Dentures

    We design partial dentures at TLC Dentistry to fill gaps in your smile left by one or more missing teeth. Since partials are anchored to surrounding natural teeth, they provide stability when chewing a wide range of foods. 


    Full removable dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. This type of denture relies on natural suction or denture adhesives to stay in place. 


    The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

    If you want a more secure, natural-feeling solution, implant-supported dentures might be for you. These are regular dentures designed to attach to dental implants placed in your jawbone. 


    Implant dentures are an excellent solution if you want the confidence of replacement teeth that don't shift or slip unpredictably when you eat, speak, or laugh. This added stability allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, including nutritious fruits and vegetables. 


    Take Control of Your Oral Health

    Adjusting to dentures is a process, so be patient with yourself. You're taking an important step to preserve your oral health, boost your confidence, and improve your quality of life.


    Ready to Smile and Eat with Confidence?

    If you want to learn more about tooth replacement solutions in Dunedin, FL, call TLC Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Radzikowski.

Dental Implants

  • Why should I replace missing teeth?

    Dr. Radzikowski highly recommends replacing your missing teeth for several reasons, including oral health, comfort, confidence, and quality of life. 


    What Happens When You Lose a Tooth

    Several things occur when you lose a tooth.

    • Surrounding teeth shift into the space, leading to misalignment, bite problems, and TMJ pain.
    • Tooth loss leads to jawbone deterioration which can alter your facial structure and further tooth loss. 
    • Missing teeth impact your ability to chew properly, making certain foods difficult or impossible to eat.
    • Aesthetically, gaps in your smile may affect your self-confidence and social interactions, and overall quality of life.

    Tooth Replacement Options in Dunedin, FL

    At TLC Dentistry, we offer various tooth replacement options tailored to your unique needs:

    • Dental implants look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth. They're designed to replace an entire tooth, including the root, to promote a healthy jawbone.
    • Dental bridges are used when one or more teeth are missing in a row and are held in place with crows attached to healthy adjacent teeth.
    • Full and partial dentures replace several missing teeth or a full arch and restore your smile's function and appearance.
    • Implant-supported dentures combine the benefits of implants and dentures, offering enhanced stability and comfort.

    Missing Tooth Solutions Tailored for Your Needs

    Dr. Radzikowski and our dedicated team are committed to helping you regain a healthy, confident smile. We'll work with you to choose the tooth replacement that best fits your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.


    Ready to Reclaim Your Smile?

    Don't let missing teeth hold you back from living life to the fullest. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Radzikowski at our Dunedin, FL, dental office to explore your tooth replacement options. 

Orthodontic Treatment

  • How long does Invisalign treatment take?

    Treatment times for Invisalign vary greatly, mainly due to the uniqueness of each person's dental situation. Factors that affect the duration include how complex your needs are, the type of orthodontic issue, and your age.


    For a relatively simple case, Invisalign treatment in Dunedin, FL, might take as little as six months. More complex treatment needs, such as severe crowding or spacing issues, may take up to two years of aligner wear. However, most patients complete their Invisalign treatment in about 12 to 18 months.


    How to See the Fastest Invisalign Results

    The great news is that, as the patient, you have a significant role in potentially reducing your Invisalign treatment time. Strict compliance with wearing your aligners as directed is key.


    Wearing them 22 hours daily and removing them only for oral hygiene, eating, and drinking anything other than water will help you achieve the fastest results. Attending your check-in appointments with Dr. Radzikowski is crucial to ensure your treatment stays on track.


    Schedule an Invisalign Consultation Appointment

    Invisalign treatment is a journey; your destination is a beautiful, straight smile you love sharing. Take the first step today and call TLC Dentistry in Dunedin, FL, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Radzikowski.

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