Teeth are usually the last thing Sierra Madre patients consider when they think of their health. Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist is the last thing you want to do because your teeth can get worse without routine cleanings and necessary treatment.
As a general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Q focuses on helping her patients maintain healthy teeth so that they don’t need additional procedures. By taking a preventative and proactive approach to dental care, Dr. Q provides you with the information and knowledge you need to take better care of your teeth even after you leave our office.
What Will Happen During My First Appointment?
With all new Sierra Madre patients, we perform imaging with state-of-the-art tools such as digital X-rays and CariVu, an infrared camera that detects decay that are missed by conventional dental exams. This is followed by an oral exam, checking that the teeth and gums are normal.
After the oral exam and imaging are complete, Dr. Q will review your results and recommend treatment options to preserve the long-term health of your teeth as well as your smile.
Directions to Dr. Q Dental from Sierra Madre
What Procedures Are Available at Our Dental Office?
We are equipped to provide patients with a wide variety of procedures at our office. The general and cosmetic procedures include:
Fillings
If a cavity is found during your exam, you will return to our office to have a filling placed over the cavity. Dr. Q will use a tooth-colored composite to fill in the missing tooth structure, so no one will be able to tell you had dental work done.
Learn More About Dental Fillings
Crowns
Patients who have experienced significant tooth decay may require a dental crown to restore oral function. A dental crown protects the sensitive part of the tooth by removing decay and replacing the natural tooth with a cap that resembles the appearance of your natural tooth.
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Bridges
If you have experienced the loss of one tooth, you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge. This tooth replacement option will restore oral function by replacing your missing tooth and will also strengthen the teeth on either side by covering them with dental crowns.
Learn More About Dental Bridges
Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings are vital to your overall oral health. To ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and strong, be sure to visit Dr. Q once every 6 months for a thorough dental cleaning, dental X-rays, and an oral cancer screening.
Emergency Dental Care
Many patients believe they can put off dental care, even if they are experiencing pain. However, some oral health conditions should be addressed immediately. Emergency dental care is required when your tooth is fractured, chipped, cracked, lost, or loose, or you are in severe oral pain.
In addition to Dr. Q, our office has an oral surgeon and endodontist on staff to perform more complex surgical procedures.
Learn More About Emergency Dental Care
Cosmetic Dentist
Sometimes cosmetic dental problems can cause as much trouble as more painful ones. For Sierra Madre patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile, Dr. Q offers a variety of cosmetic dental procedures, including:
Teeth Whitening
The appearance of one’s smile is a very important aspect of life. Dr. Q wants to ensure that you are always confident in your smile, which is why she offers teeth whitening at her office. In one quick session, she can restore your smile to its former brilliance.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Veneers
If you have broken, uneven, or discolored teeth, dental veneers may be what you need to correct the appearance of your smile. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored enamel shells that fit on the visible surface of teeth to restore both oral function and aesthetics.
All procedures are performed in the office with advanced techniques that ensure you’ll look your best.
Learn More About Dental Veneers
Pediatric Dentist for Families
In addition to caring for adults, Dr. Q is happy to treat children with her gentle touch and cheerful approach. Her second job as a mom has taught her how to make children comfortable before the procedure so that they remain calm during it. By talking to them in a language kids can understand, many Sierra Madre patients have been with Dr. Q since her private practice opened over a decade ago.
Learn More About Pediatric Dentistry
What Options Are Available for Anesthesia?
Part of making patients feel comfortable about their procedure is offering a variety of safe and relaxing options for anesthesia. If you have dental anxiety or trouble sitting through most dental procedures, we offer:
Sedation
A pill given before your procedure puts you into a state of deep relaxation. You will be awake and alert but will feel very happy throughout the procedure.
Nitrous oxide
A gas is administered by placing a mask on the patient’s nose and keeping it on throughout the procedure, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) helps nervous patients stay calm during their treatment.
While both of these options are available for adult patients, children will only receive nitrous oxide to avoid any possible complications.
Advice That Extends Beyond Most Dentists
Dr. Q is a dedicated and committed member of the Sierra Madre community who promotes positive change for her patients. While most dentists will give you general advice about healthy habits such as brushing and flossing, Dr. Q takes a more personal approach.
She helps you identify changes that affect the health of your teeth to help you form better habits. By explaining what causes your cavities and other dental problems, Dr. Q steers patients towards excellent long-term dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why Should I Go to My Dentist Regularly?
Some things can be easily replaced when they wear out – old shoes, an old vehicle, or an old toothbrush for instance. But this idea does not apply to your dental health. Patients living in the Sierra Madre area who see their dentist routinely save themselves from having to undergo costly, more extensive, and invasive treatment in the future. Early detection of any problems now, along with preventing dental health issues in the first place is critical for maintaining a beautiful smile for years to come.
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I Do Not Have Any Tooth Pain or Symptoms. Do I Still Need to See a Dentist?
A common misconception about dental health is that if you don’t feel any discomfort or notice any abnormalities, then there is no need for concern, but nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that by the time our Sierra Madre patients become aware that they have a serious dental problem, significant damage to the tooth has most likely been done. Cavities don’t cause any pain until they become large and begin to affect the tooths’ nerve causing tremendous pain that requires invasive treatment. Unfortunately, there is no initial pain associated with periodontal disease (gum disease) either, but the consequences of not seeing your dentist regularly are quite severe. By the time gum disease has advanced your teeth probably will have lost the bone support needed to hold them in place – all of this can be prevented with regular checkups to your dentist who’s trained to diagnose potential dental issues.
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What Will Happen During a Typical Dental Checkup?
Our Sierra Madre patients can expect their dental checkups to consist of a few necessary procedures. Your dentist will gently examine your head and neck, focusing on your lymph nodes, face, neck, and lower jaw joints – this is painless and non-invasive. X-rays may be taken, followed by a clinical dental examination during which your dentist will examine your gums and teeth looking for signs of tooth decay and broken teeth. If you have fillings, your dentist will check them for damage. Finally, your dentist or hygienist cleans your mouth, removing the plaque and tartar that has accumulated, your teeth are then polished using gritty toothpaste. You may be surprised at how fresh your mouth feels and how beautiful your smile looks. After your cleaning, your dentist will discuss any problems that may have been discovered and what your treatment options are.
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How Often Should I Be Going To The Dentist?
On average most patients in the Sierra Madre area are advised to visit the dentist twice a year for routine checkups unless your dentist has determined that you require additional cleanings or other dental procedures. But, if you notice any changes to your mouth – painful or not, it’s imperative that you seek dental assistance immediately. What may seem like a minor irritation may just be the tip of the iceberg. Only a dentist can determine what’s causing your symptoms.
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What Do I Need To Do to Maintain a Healthy Set of Teeth?
Ultimately your dental health is in your hands. Scheduling routine dental checkups and taking action by calling your dentist as soon as you notice any problems are both up to you. It’s also your responsibility to care for your teeth between visits to your Sierra Madre dentist. Brushing twice a day, flossing, rinsing your mouth with water if you are away from home and using mouthwash to kill bacteria is how you can maintain your set healthy teeth for years to come.
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What's The Difference Between a Dentist Being a DDS or a DMD?
It may sound as if a DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery, and a DMD, Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry are different degrees and some Sierra Madre residents may wonder if one is superior to the other. For those of you who are curious about what differentiates the two, we can easily clarify this question. The university your dentist attends determines what degree their graduates receive. Dental schools and medical schools both require their students to meet the same academic standards, and after a dentist completes his or her training, they’re required to pass a national written exam and a state, or regional clinical licensing exam. Additionally, if they are to keep their licenses, dentists need to meet continuing education requirements for the duration of their careers so that they can offer their patients the most modern, state-of-the-art technology.
Emergency Care When You Need It
Sometimes, dental problems can’t wait, and you need to see a dentist immediately. As part of Dr. Q’s commitment to patients, she provides an emergency number to help you when you need it most. Sierra Madre patients should call if they are experiencing:
- Severe pain
- Tooth loss
- Cracked or chipped teeth
After hearing the symptoms, Dr. Q will advise you on what to do and whether you need immediate treatment, and what you can do in the meantime.
Charlyn Quiec, DMD—known as “Dr. Q” to her Sierra Madre dental patients—manages her practice with a specific approach to care. It’s her goal as a dentist to provide an outstanding patient experience.
“I treat my patients using the best technology and dental techniques in an inviting setting,” she says of her work. “But I think that’s only part of what makes our practice special.”
Sierra Madre Dental Patients as Guests
Located just east of Sierra Madre, Dr. Q’s dental practice offers a unique experience beyond the skill and resources you can expect as a patient.
“We want patients to feel like they are coming over to a friend’s home instead of going to the dentist,” she notes. “My staff and I try to make every interaction personal so they know that they aren’t just a number to us.”
A personal touch matters. Dr. Q understands that many patients don’t look forward to going to a visit with a dentist; they see it as an unpleasant necessity for their oral health. That’s why she and her team do all they can to make the experience engaging, familiar, and comfortable.
Personal Attention from Your Sierra Madre Dentist
The moment you arrive at Dr. Q Dental, you’ll recognize that the office space is attractive and modern. The professional staff at Dr. Q Dental will greet you with a welcoming smile, quickly address your needs, and help you complete any information that is necessary for the visit.
A less-caring Sierra Madre dentist might put you into a dental chair, check a file, and then begin working right away. Dr. Q’s team takes a different approach. When you enter for your appointment, your dental assistant, hygienist, or dentist will talk to you about your questions and concerns, including any specific areas of discomfort.
“Communication is one of the most important parts of healthcare,” Dr. Q says. Having this information helps us relieve your symptoms and maintain better oral health.
A Team Approach
Some patients have to see multiple practices to address their needs. They visit an endodontist for a root canal, a Sierra Madre cosmetic dentist for dental veneers, and an oral surgeon for teeth extractions.
Other patients rely on a single Sierra Madre dentist for all of these procedures. However, very few professionals have the skill to perform each of these procedures at a high level of quality.
Dr. Q Dental offers a team of Sierra Madre dentists focused on specific areas of concern. As a result, you benefit from tight-knit communication between your dental providers while receiving excellent care from each.
In addition to Dr. Q’s experience in cosmetic and general dentistry, her staff includes an experienced oral surgeon, and an endodontist focused on root canals. Their work is supported by a registered dental assistant, hygienist, and insurance manager for the office.
Your First Step to a Better Dental Visit
Dental care is important, and your experience should be equally as important to your provider. Your visit should be more comfortable, more inviting, and more in line with your needs as a patient. If you are seeking a different type of dental practice in Sierra Madre, schedule an appointment with Dr. Q.
To reach our dental office from Sierra Madre, head east on Huntington Dr. and then north on Myrtle Ave. Turn right on Colorado Blvd. We are on the left side of the street. Just 2 miles from Sierra Madre, your Dentist, Dr. Q is ready to help improve your smile today!
If you are searching for a Sierra Madre dentist who goes above and beyond for her patients, call Dr. Q at (626) 599-9818 to schedule your appointment.
