Many people have questions about their dental treatments. At Unique Dental Care, we are committed to ensuring that you have all the information you need to understand your oral health and make decisions about your treatments. We have provided answers to some common questions below. If you have further questions, please call our office at 510-380-8343. We will be happy to provide you with more information and help you schedule an appointment with our dentist in San Leandro, California.
How often should I see the dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist at least twice each year for a dental checkup and a professional dental cleaning. Dr. Rahul Malik and our team use these regular visits to monitor your oral health and ensure that your teeth, gums, and mouth remain healthy and clean.
What can I expect during my appointment?
Your appointment with Dr. Rahul Malik will include:
- A review of your dental and medical history
- An exam of your teeth and gums
- An oral cancer screening
- Any needed X-rays
- A TMJ exam
- A dental cleaning
Follow-up care will be discussed based on your needs and any dental problems found during your exam.
What does “painless dentistry” mean?
Our dentist and team at Unique Dental Care want you to be comfortable in our office. We offer sedation dentistry as well as local anesthesia to help you remain free from pain and stress during your treatments.
What do I do if I have a dental emergency?
If you experience a dental emergency, contact Unique Dental Care at 510-380-8343 as soon as possible. If your emergency happens during our regular business hours, we will add you into our schedule that same day. If your emergency happens outside of our office hours, over a weekend, or on a holiday, please contact our office, and we will put you in touch with a doctor on call. We will also provide you with instructions on how to care for your injury and minimize your pain until we can meet with you.
If your emergency is life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Unique Dental Care accepts many types of dental insurance and will process your claims for you. For more information, please visit our Financial Options page.
Can you whiten my teeth?
Yes. Unique Dental Care offers several types of whitening treatments to work with your schedule and help you achieve your smile goals. These whitening treatments include in-office whitening and take-home whitening treatments. Our in-office whitening treatments can brighten your smile in just an hour, while take-home whitening gradually bleaches your teeth over a period of a few weeks. Our dentist may also recommend over-the-counter products for your use.
What if my tooth does not respond to normal bleaching methods due to a gap, chipped tooth, or other problem?
Dr. Rahul Malik offers a variety of procedures that can help with challenging bleaching situations or other cosmetic issues. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to produce results that closely resemble your natural teeth. Porcelain dental veneers and cosmetic dental bonding are both excellent options for closing gaps, repairing flaws, and whitening your smile.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes! Unique Dental Care utilizes digital X-rays in our office. In addition to being faster and producing higher-quality images, digital X-rays also produce significantly less radiation than traditional film radiography. X-ray machines are also examined regularly for safety and quality so that you can be sure you are receiving the best results.
When should my child begin seeing the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children begin meeting with a dentist as soon as their first teeth come in, or no later than their first birthday. These early visits help establish a positive, trusting relationship between your child and the dentist so that he or she will feel comfortable in the dental office and be able to receive future treatments without fear.
