Your Dental Questions, Answered
Visiting the dentist tends to come with questions, and clear answers are easier to give before an appointment than during one. The answers here cover our services, treatments, payment options, and what actually happens at a visit. New patient or longtime one, the goal is the same: you should never feel talked past.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, call us at (916) 487-7148 and someone will walk you through it.
“Our mission is to provide gentle, high-quality care that gives every patient the confidence to smile.” — Dr. Visagé
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Call the office right away at (916) 487-7148, since time is reserved in the schedule for same-day emergencies. Toothaches, swelling, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings and crowns, knocked-out teeth, and abscesses all qualify. The first priority is getting you out of pain, then discussing what comes next.
Who do you treat?
Patients of every age are welcome here, from a child's first checkup through complex restorative work in retirement. The approach adjusts to the person rather than the other way around.
How often should I schedule cleanings and exams?
Every six months suits most adults, which is frequent enough to catch problems while they are still small and inexpensive. If you notice pain, bleeding gums, or new sensitivity between visits, call sooner rather than waiting for the next appointment.
What is included in a general dental exam?
Digital X-rays, a gum evaluation, an oral cancer screening, removal of plaque and tartar, fluoride where it helps, and specific recommendations for what to change at home. Every finding gets explained on screen as it comes up.
Do you offer dental implants and All-on-4 treatment?
Yes. Dr. Kovar places and restores implants himself, from a single tooth through a full arch supported on four posts, and bone grafting and sinus lifts are handled in this office as well. Planning starts from a CBCT scan rather than a flat image.
What is the difference between dental implants and dentures?
An implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone that functions like a natural tooth root, while a denture rests on the gum ridge and comes out. Implants are more stable and preserve bone, though dentures remain the better fit for some situations and budgets.
How long does a dental implant take?
Most cases run four to eight months from placement to final crown, because bone needs time to fuse around the post. Guided planning and 3D imaging keep that timeline as short as your biology allows.
What orthodontic options do you offer?
Invisalign clear aligners, which straighten teeth without brackets or wires and come out for meals and brushing. Retainers follow treatment to hold the result, because teeth drift back without them.
How does Invisalign work?
A series of custom trays moves your teeth gradually, with each tray worn about two weeks before you switch to the next. The aligners are clear, removable, and comfortable enough that most people around you never notice them.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most cases finish within six to eighteen months, depending on how far the teeth need to move and how consistently the trays are worn. Short check-ins along the way confirm the teeth are tracking to plan.
What if I do not have dental insurance?
The Marconi Dental Plan is an in-house membership for exactly that situation, covering two exams and cleanings a year, all required exam X-rays, two fluoride treatments, a free emergency exam, and 30% off cash fees. One annual fee, no claims, and no waiting periods.
Do you offer sedation dentistry?
Yes. Oral conscious sedation is available for patients who would rather be relaxed through an appointment, which suits both dental anxiety and longer procedures. It is offered where it genuinely helps rather than attached to every treatment plan.
Do you treat children and families?
Yes. Children's visits focus on prevention, on explaining things in words that make sense, and on keeping the appointment short enough to stay fun. Seeing parents and children in one office also spares you three separate trips.
Do you offer gum disease treatment?
Yes. Scaling and root planing, laser-assisted therapy, and ongoing maintenance are all handled here rather than referred out, which is uncommon for a general practice. Dr. Visagé brings advanced training in gum and oral health to those cases.
Can you replace missing teeth without implants?
Yes. Bridges, partials, and full dentures are all available for patients who would rather avoid surgery or whose situation suits them better. Each one is designed to look natural and restore real chewing function.
Do you offer cosmetic dentistry?
Yes. Whitening, veneers, bonding, and clear aligners are all available, and larger changes get planned digitally so you see the intended result before treatment begins.
What dental technology do you use?
In-house CBCT imaging for three-dimensional diagnostics, four iTero scanners for digital impressions without the tray, digital X-rays, and laser therapy for cleanings. The point of all of it is a diagnosis based on what is actually there.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call the office at (916) 487-7148 or request a time online. If you are unsure which service you need, describe what is going on and the front desk will help you sort it out.