Questions & answers
Straight answers — and a human on the phone when you want one. If your question isn't here, call (813) 820-0071 and we'll answer it in plain English.
Answered up front
The three questions people call about most
No digging required — here they are, in full.
Do you take new patients?
Yes. We are accepting new patients right now, and in most cases we can see you for a complete exam the same day you call. Call (813) 820-0071 to get started.
What are your fees?
We offer a wide range of services, so an honest answer depends on what your mouth actually needs. Here is our promise: after your comprehensive exam, you get a written treatment plan that explains the health of your teeth and the cost of any treatment — before any work begins. If you have dental insurance, we include an estimate of what your share would be.
What if I have an emergency after hours?
We are only a phone call away. Call the office at (813) 820-0071 — outside normal business hours, the message gives you an after-hours number where the doctor can be reached.
More questions
Everything else patients ask us
Tap or click any question to read the answer. Prefer to talk it through? Call (813) 820-0071.
Do you accept referrals?
Gladly. We accept referrals from other dental offices, and we love it when patients send their family and friends our way. Your referrals are our greatest compliment.
What is included in a comprehensive exam?
It is a full picture of your oral health, not a quick look. During the exam we:
- Review your medical history and take your blood pressure
- Talk through any concerns you have — including cosmetic ones
- Examine your head, neck and jaw joint (the TMJ) for anything unusual
- Complete an oral cancer screening; if anything looks suspicious, it can be sampled with a gentle brush technique
- Thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, using x-rays and gum measurements
Then we sit down and discuss everything we found with you, in plain language.
How does Dr. Hafsa stay current on techniques and materials?
Dr. Hafsa subscribes to the latest industry journals to follow research and new developments in dentistry, and continuing-education courses are a priority for her and the whole team. Staying familiar with the latest techniques and materials is how we make sure you receive modern, high-quality care.
My gums bleed after I brush. Should I be concerned?
Yes — it is worth getting checked. Bleeding gums are often a sign of periodontal disease (gum disease), which can lead to bone loss and eventually tooth loss if untreated. Gum disease has also been linked to health problems elsewhere in the body, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The good news: caught early, it is very treatable. Call us and we will take a look.
I want straighter-looking teeth, but I don't want braces. What are my options?
There are several ways to improve the look of your front teeth without metal braces:
- Reshaping and porcelain veneers — for slightly crooked, uneven or worn teeth, a bit of reshaping plus thin porcelain covers can give a bright, uniform look.
- Invisalign clear aligners — for more pronounced cases, a series of clear, removable, custom-made trays gradually moves your teeth. It is comfortable, and most people won't notice you're wearing them.
We would be happy to talk through which option best suits your situation.
My spouse snores. Can a dentist really help?
Often, yes. Snoring happens when structures in the mouth and throat relax during sleep and partially block the airway. In many of those cases, we can fit a custom oral appliance that gently holds the mouth and throat in an open position during sleep, which helps prevent snoring.
One important note: sometimes snoring is a sign of sleep apnea — a condition where breathing actually stops for short periods during the night. That deserves a proper medical evaluation, and we can talk with you about the right next step.
How often should I get dental checkups?
For most people with healthy gums, a checkup and cleaning every six months is standard. If you have active gum (periodontal) disease — or have been treated for it — a checkup and cleaning every three months helps keep it under control.
Looking for coverage questions?
Money and coverage questions get their own pages, with fuller answers.
Medicare questions?
They have their own page — how Medicare Advantage dental benefits work, what we check before your visit, and how to use benefits before they reset.
Insurance questions?
See which dental insurance plans we work with and how we verify your benefits before your visit — so there are no surprises at the front desk.
New patients welcome
Make today a Dental Day.
Call now — in most cases we can see you for a complete exam the same day.