Frequently Asked Questions

We proudly serve the communities of Pasadena, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Annapolis Junction and Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and surrounding areas. Our practice is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to residents in these regions.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth, gums and smile through various procedures such as dental bonding, veneers, Invisalign® clear aligners, smile makeovers and teeth whitening treatments.

Dental bonding is a procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, bonding the material to the tooth to improve its appearance.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance.

Individuals with stained, chipped or slightly misaligned teeth can benefit from veneers. Dr. Yau will evaluate your suitability during a consultation.

Invisalign clear aligners are a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth without the need for traditional braces.

They work by applying gentle pressure to shift your teeth into the desired position over time. Aligners are replaced every few weeks as your teeth move.

A smile makeover is a customized treatment plan that combines multiple cosmetic procedures to improve your overall smile appearance.

The duration depends on the specific procedures involved. It can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on your needs.

We offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments. In-office treatments provide immediate results, while take-home kits offer convenience.

Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when performed under the supervision of Dr. Yau, using high-quality, approved products.

Advanced technology enhances diagnostic accuracy, treatment precision and patient comfort, leading to more efficient and effective dental care.

Digital X-rays use digital sensors instead of traditional film to capture detailed images of your teeth and gums, reducing radiation exposure and providing immediate results.

iTero digital impressions capture precise 3D images of your teeth and gums, eliminating the need for traditional molds and enhancing the accuracy of restorations and aligners.

A soft tissue laser is used for various dental procedures, including gum reshaping and treating periodontal disease. It offers precise, minimally invasive treatment with quicker healing times.

General and family dentistry includes routine care such as cleanings, exams, fillings and preventive treatments to maintain overall oral health for patients of all ages.

Children’s dentistry focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years, providing specialized care to ensure healthy development.

A dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, followed by a thorough examination to check for cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities by sealing out food and bacteria.

Dental emergencies include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth and infections. If you experience any of these, contact us immediately.

Call our office at 410-647-3595 for immediate assistance. If it is outside office hours, we provide instructions for handling common emergencies on our voicemail.

Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. They are especially beneficial for children and individuals at higher risk of decay.

Night guards are custom-made devices worn while sleeping to protect teeth from grinding and clenching, helping to prevent tooth damage and relieve jaw pain.

An oral cancer screening involves examining your mouth for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Sleep apnea treatments include oral appliances that help keep the airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and improving breathing for better rest.

Sports mouth guards are custom-fitted devices worn during sports activities to protect teeth and gums from injury.

TMJ treatments address issues with the temporomandibular joint, relieving pain and improving function through various therapies and appliances.

Tooth extraction is necessary for severely decayed or damaged teeth, impacted wisdom teeth or to make space for orthodontic treatment.

Recovery involves following post-operative instructions such as rest, avoiding certain foods and keeping the area clean to ensure proper healing.

Wisdom teeth extraction involves removing the third molars at the back of the mouth, which often cause overcrowding or other dental issues.

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring damaged or missing teeth to improve function and appearance. It includes fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures.

Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations used to repair cavities and minor tooth damage. They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

With proper care, composite fillings can last many years. Regular dental check-ups help monitor their condition.

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the adjacent natural teeth or implants.

The process typically involves two visits. The first visit includes preparing the abutment teeth and taking impressions, while the second visit involves fitting the bridge.

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance.

Crowns are necessary for severely decayed or damaged teeth, after root canal therapy or to cover dental implants.

Dental implant restorations involve placing a crown, bridge or denture on a dental implant to replace missing teeth.

Dental implants provide a permanent, stable solution for missing teeth, improving function and appearance while preserving jawbone health.

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage, providing a more conservative option than crowns.

We offer full dentures for complete tooth loss and partial dentures for patients missing some teeth. Custom options ensure a comfortable fit.

Clean your dentures daily, soak them overnight and follow our care instructions to maintain their condition and ensure proper oral hygiene.

Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants, providing increased stability and improved function compared to traditional dentures.

Root canal therapy treats infected or damaged tooth pulp by removing the infected tissue, cleaning the root canals and sealing them to prevent further infection.

Modern techniques and anesthesia make root canal therapy relatively painless. Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure.

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is beneficial for those with dental anxiety or undergoing extensive treatments.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask to help patients relax during dental treatments.

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before the appointment to help you relax while remaining awake and responsive during the procedure.