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FAQs In San Antonio, TX

Frequently Asked Questions | Leon Springs Family Dental

Welcome to Leon Springs Family Dentistry! We are a true family practice and are honored to offer general, cosmetic, and advanced restorative dentistry to the people of Leon Springs, Dominion, Fair Oaks, Boerne, Helotes, and Shavano Park. Here, we have compiled our most frequently asked questions to help you find the answer you’re looking for quickly and without friction. Don’t see your question here? No problem! Our team is happy to help answer any question you have about your dental care. The more you know, the more confident you feel. 

When you’re ready to schedule your appointment with our advanced dentistry experts at Leon Springs Family Dental, you can call us directly at 210-698-0610 or you can ​​schedule your appointment online.

Main Practice FAQs

Where is Leon Springs Family Dental located?

Leon Springs Family Dental is located on the edge of the Texas Hill Country in the Leon Springs area of northwest San Antonio, and we accept patients from Leon Springs, Dominion, Fair Oaks, Boerne, Helotes, and Shavano Park. 

Our address is: 

24165 IH 10W #210, 

San Antonio, TX 78257 

Our office is open Monday – Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Yes, we’re currently welcoming new patients of all ages, including children as young as 5. Whether you’re new to the area, switching dentists, or returning after time away, our team is happy to help.

We are a true family dental practice and treat patients as young as 5 years old, alongside teens and adults, so your whole family can be treated at one convenient location.

Yes. We are in-network with Aetna, Humana, and other major insurance providers. If we are not in-network with your carrier, we can still file claims on your behalf and provide a cost estimate up front, so you know what to expect.

We offer an in-house Membership Club for a low annual fee that covers your exams, regular cleanings, and one emergency exam, plus discounted rates on other treatments, so you can still get consistent, affordable care without traditional insurance.

We know that dental care isn’t always negotiable, and sometimes the care you need is expensive, Third-party financing options through Care Credit make the cost of larger treatment plans, such as implants, crowns, or a full smile makeover more manageable for everyone.

We want your dental care to be as convenient as possible. When you’re ready to schedule your appointment, you can call us directly at 210-698-0610 or you can ​​schedule your appointment online.

Your first dental visit typically includes a comprehensive exam, necessary X-rays, a review of your dental and medical history, and a conversation with your dentist about your goals and any concerns you have. Patient education is a cornerstone of our approach to care, so we will take the time needed to explain what we see, what you can expect from your care, and what we recommend to promote long-term wellness and dental health. 

Anxiety should not be a barrier to care. We understand that dental anxiety is common, and our team creates a calm, judgment-free environment. Patients can relax with neck pillows and blankets, and our treatment area overlooks a wooded Hill Country view to help ease nerves during appointments.

To learn more about our approach to dental anxiety, please visit our dental anxiety page. 

At Leon Springs Family Dental, we provide general and advanced dentistry, including: 

Yes, we see dental emergencies such as severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, and lost restorations. Call our office as soon as possible at 210-698-0610 so we can get you in as soon as possible.

What Dr. Cherie and Dr. Tim offer at Leon Springs Family Dental is far more than you’ll find at your average San Antonio general dentist’s office. They work together to deliver advanced dental care that is thoughtful, comprehensive, and deeply personal. 

What sets Leon Springs Family Dental apart is not just what they do; it’s how they do it. Here, you will find transparency, kindness, and a genuine commitment to helping you understand your treatment and feel confident about your care. They do not sell dentistry. They partner with you in prioritizing your long-term oral health, current goals, and genuine health needs. 

To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 210-698-0610 or you can ​​schedule your appointment online. Please call our office for all billing, records, or rescheduling questions.

You can pay your bill online anytime, safely and securely. If you would prefer, you can also pay your bill over the phone by calling 210-698-0610.

Dental Implants FAQs

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once it heals and fuses with the bone, your Leon Springs dentist will attach a custom crown, bridge, or denture on top to replace one or more missing teeth.

Most healthy adults with adequate jawbone density are good candidates for dental implants in Leon Springs and Fair Oaks, TX. Factors like gum health, bone volume, and certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or active smoking, can affect candidacy, which is why a consultation with our advanced dentistry experts is the only way to know whether implants are right for you.

The full dental implant process, from placement to final restoration, generally takes a few months, since the implant needs time to fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Timelines vary based on the number of implants, bone health, and whether extractions or bone grafting are needed prior to your implant placement.

The implant surgery itself is performed with local anesthesia and sedation, if needed, so patients typically feel little to no pain during the implant placement surgery itself. Mild soreness or swelling for a few days afterward is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed pain medication.

Leon Springs dental implant costs depends on the number of implants, the type of final restoration, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are needed. We provide a personalized cost estimate after your consultation and offer third-party financing options through CareCredit.

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown or restoration on top typically lasts 15–25 years or longer before it may need replacement due to normal wear, and regular dental cleanings and exams can help ensure you get the most life out of your restoration.

Dental implants can replace any number of missing teeth. Whether you need a single implant to replace one tooth, you need a couple implants to support a bridge, or you are looking to replace an entire arch, implants are an effective, long-term, reliable tooth replacement option. 

Yes. The crown attached to your implant is custom-shaded and shaped to blend seamlessly with your surrounding natural teeth, so it looks and functions like a real tooth.

Bone grafting is only needed if you don’t have enough jawbone density to support an implant, often due to bone loss associated with having been missing a tooth for a prolonged period of time. Your advanced dentistry expert will evaluate your bone structure with imaging to determine if grafting is necessary.

An implant replaces the tooth root as well as the visible tooth, anchoring directly into the jawbone. A traditional bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support, and a removable denture rests on the gums. Implants offer better stability, chewing function, and long-term jawbone health.

Dental implants don’t require any special care. To maintain the look and function of your implants, you need to stay committed to daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups and cleanings, just as you do with your natural teeth.

Implant failure is uncommon but can happen. When implant failure does happen, it is often due to infection, insufficient bone integration, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. Choosing a dental team who are experts in advanced dentistry and following aftercare instructions significantly reduces this risk.

There’s no upper age limit for dental implants. As long as you are in reasonably good health and have adequate bone density for the implant placement, age alone doesn’t disqualify you from getting dental implants.

Insurance coverage for dental implants varies widely by plan. We are in-network with many major insurance carriers, and our team will help verify your benefits, file claims, and give you a clear cost estimate so you know what’s covered.

The first step toward restoring the appearance and function of your smile is to schedule a consultation with our advanced dentistry experts. Please prepare to have any previous dental records sent over so that we can understand the complete picture of your oral health history. 

To schedule your dental implant consultation in Texas, please call our office at 210-698-0610 or you can ​​schedule your appointment online.

Dental Bridges FAQs

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that “bridges” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of a replacement tooth, or teeth, anchored by crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth or supported by dental implants.

We offer a few different types of dental bridges, including: 

  • Traditional bridges anchored by crowns on neighboring teeth
  • Cantilever bridges supported by only one adjacent tooth
  • Implant-supported bridges anchored by dental implants instead of natural teeth

Getting a traditional bridge usually takes two visits: one to prepare the abutment teeth and take impressions, and a second to place the final custom-made bridge. Generally, you can expect a few weeks between the two appointments, as your bridge is being custom made for you.

During the preparation for and placement of your dental bridge, your advanced dentistry expert will numb the teeth with local anesthesia. You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure, but mild sensitivity or discomfort following the procedure is normal.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a well-made dental bridge can last 10–15 years or longer before it needs to be replaced or relined.

How much your dental bridges costs depends on the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, and whether the bridge is tooth-supported or implant-supported. We will provide a detailed cost breakdown after your consultation.

Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bridges, as they’re considered a standard restorative treatment. Our billing and insurance coordinator will work with you to help you understand what is covered and maximize your benefits.

You should brush and floss around a bridge just as you would natural teeth, though you may need a floss threader or water flosser to clean underneath the connected pontic, or replacement tooth. Regular dental checkups help ensure the bridge and surrounding teeth and gum tissue stay healthy.

A bridge is a fixed restoration that is permanently cemented in place, while a partial denture is removable. Bridges tend to feel more like natural teeth, while partial dentures are typically a more affordable, non-surgical option.

A bridge relies on the surrounding natural teeth or implants for support, while a single implant stands on its own, anchored into the jawbone. Bridges don’t require surgery, but, because of the surgical implantation of the post, implants generally offer better long-term bone preservation.

For a traditional bridge, yes, the adjacent teeth are shaped to hold the supporting crowns. If you prefer not to alter healthy neighboring teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be a better option. You and your advanced dentistry expert will discuss your concerns and goals during your consultation and treatment planning.

Bridges can replace one or several consecutive missing teeth, as long as there are healthy anchor teeth or implants on either side to provide support.

Leaving a gap caused by missing teeth can have serious side effects. A gap in your teeth can allow neighboring teeth to shift, opposing teeth to over-erupt, and can affect your bite alignment and chewing ability over time. Replacing the tooth helps maintain your bite and smile function.

Yes, bridges are custom-crafted and shade-matched to blend naturally with your existing teeth for a seamless smile.

The only way to know which tooth replacement option is right for you is to schedule a consultation with the advanced dentistry experts at Leon Springs Family Dental. The right option depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of neighboring teeth, your jawbone health, and your personal preferences. 

To schedule your dental bridge consultation in Texas, please call our office at 210-698-0610 or you can ​​schedule your appointment online.

Dental Crowns FAQs

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers an entire tooth, restoring its shape, strength, size, and appearance. Crowns are used to protect weakened teeth, cover large fillings, restore a tooth after a root canal, or complete a dental implant.

Crowns are typically recommended for teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, worn down, weakened after a root canal, or too damaged to be restored with a standard filling.

Crowns can be made from all-ceramic/porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia, among other materials. Your advanced dentistry expert will recommend the best option based on the tooth’s location, your bite, and your aesthetic goals.

Having a dental crown placed is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity is common for a few days afterward, especially with temperature changes, but any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

To receive a traditional crown, you can generally expect two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second, typically a couple weeks later, to place the final custom crown once it’s been fabricated.

With proper care, a dental crown can last 10–15 years or longer, though some well-maintained crowns last even longer, depending on material and daily wear. Your Leon Springs advanced dentistry expert will make sure you have all the information you need to get the most out of your restoration.

The cost of a dental crown varies based on the material chosen and the complexity of your case. We provide an itemized estimate and cost breakdown after your exam, so you know what to expect before treatment begins.

Yes, a temporary crown protects your prepared tooth while your permanent crown is custom-made for you.

It’s uncommon, but crowns can loosen over time due to decay underneath, worn cement, or injury. If your crown feels loose or falls off, contact our office right away so we can re-cement or replace it.

Crowns don’t require any special care. Brush and floss a crowned tooth just like your natural teeth, and avoid chewing very hard items like ice or hard candy, which can crack the crown. Regular checkups let Dr. Cherie and Dr. Tim monitor the crown and the tooth underneath to catch the earliest signs of anything that needs attention.

Many insurance plans will partially cover crowns when they are deemed medically necessary, such as after a root canal or to repair significant decay. Our billing and insurance coordinator will work with you and your insurance provider to maximize your benefits.

Both crowns and veneers can be used to aesthetically improve your smile. However, the way they work is very different. A crown covers the entire tooth and is used mainly to protect and strengthen a damaged tooth, while a veneer only covers the front surface and is primarily used for cosmetic improvement on healthy teeth.

Yes, crowns are often used in dental implant treatment plans. A crown is the visible restoration attached to the top of a dental implant, designed to look and function like a natural tooth.

Modern crowns, especially all-ceramic and zirconia options, are shade-matched and shaped to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth, so no one will be able to tell you have a crown.

Depending on why you need a crown, delaying treatment can allow a crack or existing decay to worsen, potentially leading to infection, a root canal, or tooth loss. Addressing oral health concerns early with a crown usually results in a simpler and more conservative treatment.

Veneers FAQs

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their color, shape, size, or alignment for a more even, brighter smile.

Veneers are highly versatile and can improve the appearance of:

  • Stained or discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening
  • Chipped or cracked teeth 
  • Minor gaps in teeth
  • Slightly crooked or uneven teeth 
  • Worn tooth edges

Getting veneers typically takes two visits: one for consultation, tooth preparation, and impressions, and a second scheduled a couple weeks later to bond the final custom veneers.

Because we use local anesthesia during the preparation and veneer placement process, getting veneers is generally painless. During the preparation process, your advanced dentistry expert numbs the area before removing a small layer of enamel, and most patients report little to no discomfort.

Porcelain veneers are very strong and typically last 10–15 years or more with proper care, including good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like nail-biting or chewing on hard objects.

The cost of veneers in Texas depends on the number of veneers you need and the material used. We provide a personalized breakdown of the cost of your veneers after evaluating your smile goals during a cosmetic consultation.

Veneers are permanent. Because a small amount of enamel needs to be removed during the preparation process, veneers are considered a long-term, permanent treatment. Because the enamel protected the underlying tooth structure, the removal of the enamel means the tooth will always need a veneer or similar restoration afterward to ensure its safety and structural integrity.

Yes. Veneers are custom-crafted to match your desired shade, shape, and the translucency of natural enamel, so they blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, though your natural teeth around them can still be affected by coffee, tea, or tobacco. Good oral hygiene helps keep your whole smile looking bright.

Teeth whitening lightens the natural shade of your existing teeth, while veneers can change color, shape, size, and alignment all at once. Veneers are a better option if whitening is not your only concern. 

No, veneers can be placed on just one tooth or several, depending on your goals. Many patients choose to veneer only the teeth visible when they smile, often the top front six to eight teeth.

Veneers don’t require any special care. Simply brush and floss daily, avoid using your teeth as tools, and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth, since veneers can chip under excess force.

No, because a small amount of enamel is removed during preparation, veneers are not reversible. This is an important factor to discuss with your advanced dentistry expert before moving forward with porcelain veneers in Leon Springs.

Veneers can visually improve the appearance of mildly misaligned teeth, but they don’t create structural change and physically move teeth like braces or clear aligners do. For more significant alignment issues, orthodontic treatment may be recommended first.

Good candidates for veneers typically have healthy teeth and gums without significant decay or gum disease. During a smile makeover consultation, Dr. Tim or Dr. Cherie will evaluate your oral health and smile goals to confirm if veneers are right for you.

All-on-4 Dental Implants FAQs

What is All-on-4?

All-on-4® is an implant technique that secures a full arch of fixed replacement teeth using just four strategically placed dental implants. Two implants are placed vertically toward the front, and two are angled toward the back for maximum stability, replacing an entire row of teeth without needing an implant for every missing tooth.

All-on-4 is often ideal for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, wear traditional dentures and are ready for a more secure option, or want a non-removable full-arch solution. Your advanced dentistry expert at Leon Springs Family Dentistry will perform a comprehensive exam with imaging, review your medical and oral health history, and discuss your goals and needs to determine whether All-on-4 is right for you.

Traditional implant-supported restorations may require six or more implants per arch, while All-on-4 uses just four implants placed at specific angles. This often eliminates the need for bone grafting and can shorten treatment time.

Because only four implants are used and placed at angles that maximize contact with existing bone, All-on-4 frequently avoids the need for a bone graft that might otherwise be required with traditional implant methods.

As with other implants, there will be a months-long period of healing between implant placement and the placement of your final restoration. Many patients receive a temporary fixed set of teeth the same day their implants are placed. Your final, custom-crafted permanent restoration is typically delivered after a few months once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone.

The All-on-4 implant procedure is performed with anesthesia, and your dentist will discuss sedation options to keep you comfortable. Some soreness and swelling during the healing period are normal and manageable with pain medication.

All-on-4 is often one of the more cost-effective ways to replace a full arch of teeth with implants since fewer implants are needed compared to individual implants for each tooth. Your exact cost for All-on-4 implants in Texas depends on your unique treatment plan.

Implant posts can last many years, often decades, with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. The fixed restoration on top is durable but may need periodic adjustment or replacement due to normal wear over time.

Yes, one of the biggest advantages of All-on-4 is restored chewing function and the security that comes with a fixed restoration. Once you’ve fully healed, you can enjoy most of your favorite foods again without the restrictions common with traditional dentures.

As with traditional implants, All-on-4 implants don’t require special care. You brush and floss your fixed arch similarly to natural teeth, though your dentist may recommend specific tools like a water flosser to clean around the implants.

Yes, your custom-crafted arch is designed to look, feel, and function like a natural, full set of teeth, and the implants prevent the jawbone loss that can cause a sunken or altered facial appearance over time.

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and are removable, often requiring adhesive and periodic relining as the jawbone changes shape. All-on-4 is permanently fixed in place with implants, offering better stability, fewer daily care steps, and preservation of your jawbone and face shape.

Implant placement and a temporary set of teeth can often be completed in a single day, which is why All-on-4 is sometimes called “teeth in a day.” However, this is a misleading name, as you do not receive permanent teeth in a single day. Your final permanent restoration is placed only after you have fully healed from the implant surgery.

Dental insurance coverage for All-on-4 varies by plan and is often limited. Our billing and insurance coordinator will work with you to help you understand what is covered and maximize your benefits. 

The only way to determine whether All-on-4 implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cherie or Dr. Tim, who will examine your jawbone health, discuss your goals, and explain whether All-on-4 is the best option that fits your needs. 

To schedule an All-on-4 consultation, please call our office at 210-698-0610 or you can ​​schedule your appointment online.