Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing a confident, joyful smile. At Ricardo Suarez, DDS, we believe everyone deserves to love their smile. Whether you want to brighten, straighten, or completely transform your teeth, our cosmetic dentistry services are designed to give you the radiant, natural-looking smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Our Cosmetic Services

Here are some of the cosmetic services we offer at our West Covina dental office:

• Veneers — Porcelain veneers can effectively conceal chipped, gapped, or discolored teeth. We bond thin porcelain shells to the front sides of your teeth, giving you a whiter, more uniform smile.
• Bonding — If you’re interested in a less permanent, more affordable option, we use tooth-colored composite resin to camouflage dental imperfections. Our dental bonding can often be done in one trip to our office.
• Whitening — We offer both in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening; either option will effectively brighten and whiten your teeth. Our in-office treatment takes a couple of hours, and our custom take-home kit can give you results in about two weeks.

Looking for Cosmetic Dentistry in West Covina, CA?

If you need a cosmetic dentist, consider the experienced team at Ricardo Suarez, DDS. We can customize a treatment plan to help you achieve your smile goals.

Please call our office at (626) 919-4337 to schedule a consultation or appointment.

Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options. Here's what you should know. 

Benefits of Dental Implants in West Covina 

In addition to their fantastic form and function, dental implants closely resemble the appearance and texture of natural teeth. Patients who get dental implants also report the following benefits:

• Easy home care — You don’t have to do anything special to take care of dental implants. You won't need any special tools other than your toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Your implants don't develop tooth decay like a natural tooth, but you can still get gum disease, which means that flossing and brushing are still essential for your overall oral health.
• Enjoy all the foods you love — You have no food restrictions with dental implants. Chewing with dental implants is just like chewing with your natural teeth.
• Excellent longevity — You won’t have to get dental implants adjusted or replaced. As long as you take good care of them, they can last a lifetime.

Another benefit that most patients don’t immediately consider is that dental implants can help protect the health of the jawbone. When teeth are missing, the bone begins to shrink and deteriorate, which is why denture wearers often develop an aged, sunken-in appearance.

Contact us at (626) 919-4337 to learn more about tooth replacement in West Covina. 

While dental implants are effective for most patients, they have specific requirements for success. 

First, the patient must have enough healthy bone structure to support the implant. If you lack bone due to trauma, denture wear, or tooth loss, Dr. Suarez may recommend a bone grafting procedure prior to your implant placement to rebuild your bone structure. 

Next, the patient should be in good overall health, with no concerns about conditions such as tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. If you have any teeth in need of treatment or repair, Dr. Suarez will recommend that you complete those procedures before starting your dental implant journey. 

Taking the Next Steps Towards Your Healthy Smile

The first step in determining if dental implants in West Covina are right for you is to book an evaluation with Dr. Suarez. He uses state-of-the-art technology to assess your dental health and treatment needs, gathering the necessary information to provide the best recommendations for your smile. 

You'll leave your consultation with a clear understanding of your needs, which treatment procedures will be suitable to help you reach your goals, and an outline of the timeframes for treatment and associated costs. 

Contact our team at (626) 919-4337 to schedule your evaluation and discover how we can assist with tooth replacement.  

When a dental emergency strikes, whether it’s a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or sudden swelling, it can be scary and overwhelming. But before you rush to the emergency room, call Ricardo Suarez, DDS.

Our team is here to provide expert care, relieve your pain, and save your smile, so don’t wait when an emergency strikes; let us give you the urgent, compassionate care you need when it matters most.

Common Dental Emergencies

Some of the most common dental emergencies we see in our West Covina dental office include the following:

• Toothache — If you have persistent tooth pain that doesn’t subside when you take over-the-counter pain relievers, call us right away!
• Chipped or broken tooth — A chipped or broken tooth can be unsightly and painful. It can also allow harmful bacteria to get inside your tooth, so it’s best to contact our dental office.
• Knocked-out tooth — Time is critical if your tooth gets completely knocked out. Without touching the roots, try to reinsert it into the socket. If that doesn’t work, store it inside your cheek until you reach our dental office.
• Lost filling or restoration — When you lose a filling, crown, or other restoration, contacting our dental office for an appointment is best to avoid further damage or reinfection.

Experiencing a Dental Emergency in West Covina, CA?

If you or a loved one needs an emergency dentist in West Covina or the surrounding area, look no further than Ricardo Suarez, DDS! Our caring dental team can ease your discomfort and work to restore your smile.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (626) 919-4337.

We are in-network for Delta Premier and Cigna, and we process all claims through any PPOs. We also accept all major credit cards as well as third-party financing through CareCredit.

How Preventive Care Can Save Money

We know the cost of dental care can be tough on family budgets, and this is why we place such an emphasis on preventive care dental appointments at our West Covina, CA dental office. It might seem counterintuitive to visit the dentist when you aren’t experiencing any dental problems, but these routine preventive visits mean we can keep problems from developing.

For example, when a small cavity is discovered at a routine dental appointment, you may not even need a dental filling if it’s caught early enough. Contrast that with letting that tiny bit of decay grow into a larger area that lets bacteria get down into the tooth root. Suddenly, you have a painful tooth infection, and you might need a root canal to save your tooth. If you hadn’t skipped a preventive appointment, the need for a root canal could likely have been avoided.

Contact Our West Covina Dental Clinic

Keep in mind that most dental insurance plans will cover most or all of the cost of your preventive exams twice a year. Call our West Covina dental clinic if you have any questions on payment options?

The length of your appointment time will vary, depending on the treatment needed. For most people, a routine cleaning and examination will take about an hour. We will ask that you allow an extra half-hour for your first appointment with us to fill out paperwork and to go over your medical history.

Because treatment times can vary so widely from patient to patient, the best thing to do is to ask ahead of time. Dr. Suarez and his team are always happy to go into detail about your upcoming treatment, and they can answer any questions you might have about the specifics.

Keep in mind that sometimes it can be tough to accurately predict the amount of time needed, particularly for more complex care.

We never want you to feel rushed while you are here, so we allow plenty of time for all dental appointments in case you have questions.

Book Your Next Dental Appointment in West Covina

For more information about your upcoming appointment, you are welcome to give us a call at (626) 919-4337. One of our friendly team members will be able to provide more details. You can also call us at that number to make an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you at our West Covina, CA dental office!

We realize that for many patients, cost is a significant factor when it comes to getting the dental care they need. We will be as upfront about costs as we can, once we make recommendations. But because there is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all cost we can tell you about.

Treatment fees vary, depending on a number of factors:

• The amount and type of treatment needed
• The state of your current oral health
• The type of dental insurance you have

Payment Options in West Covina

We don’t want cost concerns to keep you from getting the dental treatment you need. To that end, we accept a number of different payment options, including all major credit cards. We are in-network for Delta Premier and Cigna, and we process all claims through any PPOs.

When treatment is more complex, you might want to consider third-party payment plans. We accept CareCredit, which is like a credit card for medical treatment. With no- and low-interest financing options, payments can be tailored to fit into your family budget.

CareCredit Accepted

It’s easy to apply online, and you will get an answer within minutes. If you have any questions about applying for CareCredit, one of our friendly team members would be happy to help.

The American Dental Association recommends scheduling a dental exam and professional cleaning every six months for optimal oral health. However, Dr. Suarez may recommend more frequent visits based on your needs, dental condition, and any risk factors for dental disease.

What to Expect during Your Dental Checkup

Regular visits to your dentist in West Covina are crucial for maintaining excellent oral health. These appointments allow Dr. Suarez to identify early signs of decay, gum disease, or other conditions before they become more serious and require extensive treatment.

Each dental cleaning and examination appointment includes:

• Comprehensive exam of teeth, gums, and oral tissues
• Digital x-rays as needed to detect hidden problems
• Oral cancer screening
• Checking the condition of existing dental work
• Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup
• Thorough polishing of all teeth surfaces

During your checkup, we will also take time to answer your questions or address any concerns. Patient education is important to us, and we want you to feel informed about your oral health needs.

Are You Due for a Dental Checkup in West Covina?

Think of regular exams and teeth cleanings as investments in long-term oral health. When you maintain a consistent schedule of preventive care, you can avoid more costly and time-consuming dental procedures in the future.

Please call our West Covina, CA, office today to schedule your next dental appointment with Dr. Suarez.

When pressed, most people will cite fear of pain as their biggest issue with going to the dentist. This fear can also cause a lot of dental anxiety!

Gentle & Experienced Dentistry in West Covina

While we cannot promise a pain-free experience, rest assured that we do everything we can to make sure you are comfortable as possible when you are here. Dr. Ricardo Suarez and his hygienists are experienced and have a gentle touch that our patients appreciate. If you are ever feeling uncomfortable during treatment, just let us know—and we can take a break.

If you are getting treatment beyond teeth cleaning, we can offer a local anesthetic to numb the area so you won’t feel a thing while we work.

For those who might have bad memories of painful dental experiences from childhood, you should know that dental care has come a long way since then. Modern dental technology provides Dr. Suarez and his team with treatment methods that are faster and less invasive, ensuring a more comfortable experience for our patients.

Sometimes just knowing what to expect can go a long way toward alleviating anxiety, so be sure to reach out to our West Covina office to ask about your upcoming treatment. We are happy to answer your questions!

Many people believe that the only reason to undergo orthodontic treatment is to get a better-looking smile. Having straight teeth can mean having a healthier smile. Teeth that are straight and align properly with the opposite jaw are less likely to develop chips, cracks, or uneven wear. In addition, straight teeth are easier to keep clean because you can brush and floss your teeth more effectively, lessening the chances of developing gum disease and tooth decay.

Orthodontic Options in West Covina

At our West Covina, CA dental clinic, we offer both traditional orthodontics as well as invisible braces. The best option for you will depend on the current issues with your smile, your age, and your smile goals.

With traditional orthodontics, we utilize the usual metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. With invisible braces, clear plastic aligners will gently nudge the teeth into the proper position.

Invisible Braces

Invisible braces are usually more appropriate for older teens and adults. They do require compliance if you are to reach your smile goals, so they must be worn for at least 22 hours each day. Patients remove the aligners for eating and cleaning their teeth, so there are no food restrictions, and oral care is easy.

Every child deserves a bright, healthy smile, but did you know that missing just one dental visit could set them back more than you think? Dr. Ricardo Suarez, DDS, knows that early, consistent dental care isn’t just about clean teeth; it’s about building confidence, preventing pain, and setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy habits.

So, please don’t wait until there’s an issue; visit us twice a year to avoid potential problems.

How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?

We recommend bringing your child in for their first checkup when their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday.

After that, we like to see them every six months for a routine exam and cleaning.

What Happens at a Child’s Dental Exam?

During your child’s first visit, we’ll get acquainted with them and focus on making their visit enjoyable. We’ll show them around and answer their questions.

If it’s ok with them, we’ll count their teeth and take pictures.

Once your child is older, we’ll focus on preventive care, giving them pointers on brushing and flossing. We may also recommend fluoride and sealants.

Looking for Pediatric Dentistry in West Covina, CA?

If you need children’s dentistry, the experienced dental team at Ricardo Suarez, DDS, will happily assist you!

Please get in touch with us at (626) 919-4337 to get started today.

Dental sealants are a simple and effective preventive treatment designed to protect the dental surfaces most vulnerable to decay—typically the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Made from a thin, tooth-colored resin, sealants are essentially “painted onto” the deep grooves and pits of the back teeth, where food particles and harmful bacteria often get trapped. Once dental sealants harden, they form a protective shield that keeps cavities at bay.

Why Are Dental Sealants Great for Kids?

Dental sealants are especially beneficial for children, whose oral hygiene habits may still be developing. Kids often have difficulty thoroughly brushing their back teeth, which puts them at a higher risk for cavities. Applying sealants early, often as soon as the eruption of the first permanent molars, can significantly reduce the chance of tooth decay during these critical early years.

The Dental Sealant Application Process

The dental sealant process is painless, non-invasive, and only takes a few minutes per tooth for years of protection! After cleaning and drying the tooth, your dentist applies a special gel to help the sealant bond to the surface. Then, the sealant is painted on and cured with a special light.

A Caring, Kid-Friendly Dental Care in West Covina, CA

At Ricardo Suarez, DDS, we strive to make your child’s dental development a healthy and positive experience. Our friendly team is dedicated to delivering gentle, kid-friendly care, including dental sealant application, that paves the way for a lifetime of oral health. Contact Dr. Suarez and our outstanding team today to schedule an appointment!

A confident smile can change everything, but stains and discoloration often discourage people from showing it. At the office of Dr. Ricardo Suarez, DDS, we believe everyone deserves to love their smile.

That’s why we offer a range of professional teeth whitening options tailored to your needs, from quick in-office treatments for instant results to custom take-home kits for gradual, comfortable whitening.

Your Teeth Whitening Options

At Ricardo Suarez, DDS, we offer two types of professional teeth whitening; with either of these, you can achieve dramatic results:

• In-office whitening — With our in-office whitening option, you can have whiter, brighter teeth in just over an hour. Get ready for an upcoming special event or vacation over your lunch hour!
• Take-home whitening — If you prefer, we can send you home with custom whitening trays and bleaching gel so you can whiten on your schedule. In about two weeks, you’ll have a smile you can’t wait to show off!

Questions about Professional Teeth Whitening in West Covina, CA?

To learn more about your teeth whitening options in West Covina, consider the dental office of Ricardo Suarez, DDS! We can discuss your options and help you make an informed decision.

Please call us at (626) 919-4337 to schedule a consultation.

Bruxism refers to the damaging act of clenching and grinding your teeth that typically takes place at night while you sleep. Bruxism can cause a host of uncomfortable issues, such as pain in your jaw joint (TMJ), damage or wear to your teeth, headaches or migraines, or pain and tenderness when chewing. 

The good news is that our team can help you treat bruxism by addressing the root cause of the problem. Once we understand what causes your clenching and grinding, we can offer helpful solutions. 

What Causes Bruxism?

It can be one or several of these concerns that cause you to grind your teeth:

• Bite misalignment
• Stress or anxiety
• Missing teeth
• Certain medications
• Sleep apnea

How Do We Treat Bruxism in West Covina?

Your treatment depends mainly on the root cause of your bruxism. For example, if bite misalignment is causing your problem, orthodontic treatment or invisible braces might be your solution. 

Our West Covina dentist may also recommend that you wear a custom night guard during sleep for TMJ treatment. 

Practices like yoga or massage could help you find relief if anxiety and stress are your culprits. 

If you'd like to learn more about bruxism treatment in West Covina, CA, contact our team at (626) 919-4337 for more information. 

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so why not make it unforgettable? Dental veneers are a simple, transformative solution that can correct a multitude of dental imperfections, giving you the flawless, radiant smile you’ve always wanted.

Ultra-thin and custom-made, veneers blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing your confidence with every laugh and conversation. Imagine looking in the mirror and loving what you see!

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain cemented to the front sides of your teeth. When you choose veneers as part of a cosmetic treatment plan, we’ll customize the shape and color, giving you a natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

You can achieve the smile of your dreams in as little as two dental appointments. We use veneers to conceal the following dental concerns:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Broken teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Worn teeth

Want to Learn More about Dental Veneers in West Covina?

If you live in West Covina or the surrounding area, consider calling the expert dental team at Ricardo Suarez, DDS! We can customize a cosmetic treatment plan to help you reach your smile goals.

To get started today, please call us at (626) 919-4337.