Question 1

Do you accept new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we welcome new patients of all ages. You can book an appointment online via Zocdoc or call our office directly at (949) 360-9700.

Question 2

What are your office hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Question 3

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we reserve same-day slots every weekday for emergency visits, toothaches, or urgent care needs.

Question 4

Where is Aliso Viejo Family Dental Group located?

Accepted Answer

Our clinic is located at 15 Mareblu Suite #360, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. We have ample parking and easy freeway access for patients coming from Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo.

Question 5

Who is the primary dentist at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Reza A. Tafreshi, DDS, is the founder. He is a Loma Linda University School of Dentistry graduate who has served Orange County families for over 15 years.

Question 6

Do you treat children?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we welcome family patients of all ages and focus on creating a calm, positive experience for young patients.

Question 7

Do you offer sedation dentistry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation are available to help anxious patients feel relaxed and comfortable.

Question 8

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card if applicable, a list of current medications, and any dental records or X-rays from a previous office that you would like us to review.

Question 9

How do I request, change, or cancel an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can request a new appointment through our online booking partner or call (949) 360-9700. Existing Zocdoc appointments can be managed through Zocdoc; our team can also help by phone.

Question 10

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

Call us as soon as possible for guidance and same-day availability when offered. Severe swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious facial injury may require emergency medical care.

Question 11

What insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife, and Denti-Cal (Medi-Cal Dental). Contact us to verify your specific benefits.

Question 12

Do you accept HMO insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are primarily a PPO and Denti-Cal based practice. Contact our billing staff to verify whether your specific HMO plan includes out-of-network benefits we can process.

Question 13

What if I do not have dental insurance?

Accepted Answer

We offer flexible in-house financing and third-party options such as CareCredit, Cherry, and Onederful Finance. We also offer an in-office wellness plan for uninsured patients.

Question 14

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Many insurance plans cover a portion of implant placement or the final crown. We will compile and submit pre-authorizations to maximize your insurance benefits.

Question 15

Can I get an estimate before treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After an examination and any needed diagnostic imaging, we explain the recommended options, estimated fees, insurance considerations, and available payment options before treatment begins.

Question 16

How do you make same-day crowns?

Accepted Answer

With our in-office Glidewell CAD/CAM digital milling lab, we scan, design, and mill your custom crown in a single visit—no temporary crowns or multi-week waits required.

Question 17

Will my cosmetic restorations look natural?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each crown, veneer, and bridge is custom-designed around your unique facial symmetry, tooth dimensions, and natural shade match.

Question 18

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Accepted Answer

With proper hygiene, home care, and regular dental cleanings, high-quality porcelain veneers typically last 10–15 years or longer.

Question 19

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Most adults with good general health and sufficient jawbone density are excellent candidates. We use low-dose 3D scans during consultation to confirm bone volume.

Question 20

What is a Snap-On Overdenture?

Accepted Answer

A Snap-On Overdenture (Locator Fixed Denture) is a cost-effective option that locks securely onto 2 to 4 implants, eliminating slipping and bulky acrylic palates without messy adhesives.

Question 21

How often should I get a dental cleaning?

Accepted Answer

A professional exam and cleaning are recommended every six months. Patients with active gum disease may need maintenance visits every three to four months.

Question 22

Is AVF Dental Group a mercury-free practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We do not use silver amalgam fillings. We use modern, tooth-colored composite resins that bind directly to your tooth structure.

Question 23

Can you help patients who feel anxious about dental visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tell our team about your concerns when scheduling so we can plan a calmer visit. We explain each step, answer questions, and can discuss comfort and sedation options when clinically appropriate.

Question 24

Can I transfer my dental records and X-rays to AVF?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ask your previous dental office to send your records and X-rays to AVF Dental Group, or call our team for instructions before your visit. We will review available records as part of treatment planning.

Question 25

Why do you use 3D CBCT scans instead of regular X-rays?

Accepted Answer

Our Carestream 3D Cone Beam CT scan provides highly accurate 3D views of bones, nerves, and sinuses. This allows Dr. Tafreshi to plan dental implants and oral surgeries with extreme precision.

Question 26

Am I a candidate for All-on-4?

Accepted Answer

Candidates are evaluated individually based on bone, gum health, remaining teeth, medical history, and restorative goals.

Question 27

How long does All-on-4 treatment take?

Accepted Answer

The full process commonly spans several months because the implants need time to integrate before the final teeth are delivered.

Question 28

Can I eat normally with All-on-4 teeth?

Accepted Answer

The goal is to restore confident function, but your team will provide a staged diet and care instructions during healing.

Question 29

Why choose six implants instead of four?

Accepted Answer

Six implants may provide a broader support pattern for selected patients, but the best number depends on anatomy, bite, and restoration design.

Question 30

Is All-on-6 permanent?

Accepted Answer

The implants are intended as a long-term foundation. The prosthetic teeth require professional maintenance and may eventually need repair or replacement.

Question 31

Will I need bone grafting?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Imaging tells us whether existing bone is sufficient and whether grafting or another approach is advisable.

Question 32

Are implant dentures removable?

Accepted Answer

Many implant-supported dentures are designed to be removed for cleaning, while some full-arch options are fixed. We explain the difference during planning.

Question 33

How many implants are needed?

Accepted Answer

The number depends on the arch, bone, attachment design, and the stability required.

Question 34

Can an existing denture be converted?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. We evaluate its fit, tooth position, strength, and whether a new prosthesis would provide a better result.

Question 35

Is an implant bridge better than separate implants?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the spaces, bone, bite, hygiene access, and restorative goals. We compare both options during your consultation.

Question 36

Can multiple implants be placed at once?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes, but timing depends on infection, bone quality, extractions, and the planned restoration.

Question 37

How long is recovery?

Accepted Answer

Healing varies by case. Your written plan will include expected milestones and temporary-care instructions.

Question 38

Does every crown qualify for same-day treatment?

Accepted Answer

No. We determine this from the tooth, gum health, bite, material requirements, and complexity of the case.

Question 39

Are same-day crowns durable?

Accepted Answer

A properly selected and fitted crown can provide long-term service with good hygiene, regular exams, and protection from grinding.

Question 40

Will the crown look natural?

Accepted Answer

We match shade, anatomy, and bite to create a restoration that fits the surrounding smile.

Question 41

How long do clear aligners take?

Accepted Answer

Timing depends on the amount and type of movement. Your digital plan provides a personalized estimate.

Question 42

Can I eat with aligners?

Accepted Answer

Aligners are generally removed for meals and replaced after brushing or rinsing.

Question 43

Do aligners work for every case?

Accepted Answer

They work well for many cases, but some movements require other orthodontic or restorative approaches.

Question 44

Will whitening change crowns or veneers?

Accepted Answer

Whitening lightens natural teeth but does not change the shade of existing restorations, which is why treatment sequencing matters.

Question 45

Can whitening cause sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Temporary sensitivity can occur. We tailor the treatment and provide strategies to reduce discomfort.

Question 46

How long do results last?

Accepted Answer

Longevity depends on diet, hygiene, tobacco exposure, and periodic touch-up care.

Question 47

How often should I schedule a cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Many patients benefit from six-month visits, while active gum disease or higher cavity risk may call for a shorter interval.

Question 48

What is a deep cleaning?

Accepted Answer

It is a periodontal treatment that cleans below the gum line and smooths root surfaces when disease has created deeper pockets.

Question 49

Are digital X-rays necessary every visit?

Accepted Answer

No. Imaging is recommended according to your risk, symptoms, history, and clinical findings.

Question 50

Can gum disease be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Early inflammation can often improve with professional care and consistent home hygiene. Bone loss and advanced disease require individualized management.

Question 51

Is periodontal treatment painful?

Accepted Answer

We use local anesthesia and comfort measures to keep treatment manageable, followed by clear aftercare instructions.

Question 52

How often will I need maintenance?

Accepted Answer

The interval depends on gum-pocket depth, bleeding, bone history, and how your tissues respond to treatment.

Question 53

Is a root canal painful?

Accepted Answer

The tooth is anesthetized during treatment. Most patients experience relief once the infected tissue is treated, with manageable soreness afterward.

Question 54

Does every root-canaled tooth need a crown?

Accepted Answer

Back teeth often benefit from a crown because they absorb heavy chewing forces. The restoration depends on remaining tooth structure and location.

Question 55

How quickly should I treat an infected tooth?

Accepted Answer

Prompt evaluation is important, especially with swelling, fever, or worsening pain.

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Wisdom Tooth Removal: When Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept new patients?AppointmentsInsurance

What are your office hours?Appointments

Do you offer same-day appointments?AppointmentsEmergency Care+1

Where is Aliso Viejo Family Dental Group located?AppointmentsDental Care

Who is the primary dentist at the clinic?Information

Do you treat children?Appointments

Do you offer sedation dentistry?AppointmentsFinancing+1

What should I bring to my first appointment?AppointmentsInsurance+1

How do I request, change, or cancel an appointment?AppointmentsInsurance

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?Emergency CareDental Care

What insurance plans do you accept?InsuranceDental Care

Do you accept HMO insurance?Insurance

What if I do not have dental insurance?AppointmentsInsurance+1

Does insurance cover dental implants?InsuranceImplants+1

Can I get an estimate before treatment?InsuranceFinancing

How do you make same-day crowns?Cosmetic CareTechnology

Will my cosmetic restorations look natural?Cosmetic CareDental Care

How long do porcelain veneers last?Cosmetic CareDental Care

Who is a candidate for dental implants?ImplantsTechnology+1

What is a Snap-On Overdenture?FinancingImplants

How often should I get a dental cleaning?AppointmentsDental Care

Is AVF Dental Group a mercury-free practice?Dental Care

Can you help patients who feel anxious about dental visits?AppointmentsFinancing+1

Can I transfer my dental records and X-rays to AVF?AppointmentsTechnology+1

Why do you use 3D CBCT scans instead of regular X-rays?ImplantsTechnology+1

Am I a candidate for All-on-4?Dental Care

How long does All-on-4 treatment take?ImplantsDental Care

Can I eat normally with All-on-4 teeth?Dental Care

Why choose six implants instead of four?InsuranceImplants

Is All-on-6 permanent?ImplantsDental Care

Will I need bone grafting?Information

Are implant dentures removable?InsuranceImplants+1

How many implants are needed?Implants

Can an existing denture be converted?Dental Care

Is an implant bridge better than separate implants?Implants

Can multiple implants be placed at once?Implants

How long is recovery?Information

Does every crown qualify for same-day treatment?Cosmetic CareDental Care

Are same-day crowns durable?Cosmetic Care

Will the crown look natural?Cosmetic Care

How long do clear aligners take?Technology

Can I eat with aligners?Information

Do aligners work for every case?Information

Will whitening change crowns or veneers?Cosmetic CareDental Care

Can whitening cause sensitivity?Cosmetic CareComfort

How long do results last?Information

How often should I schedule a cleaning?Dental Care

What is a deep cleaning?Dental Care

Are digital X-rays necessary every visit?Technology

Can gum disease be reversed?Dental Care

Is periodontal treatment painful?Comfort

How often will I need maintenance?Emergency CareDental Care

Is a root canal painful?Dental Care

Does every root-canaled tooth need a crown?Cosmetic CareDental Care

How quickly should I treat an infected tooth?Emergency CareDental Care

Book Your Visit Today

Keep your smile moving forward

Zirconia Crown: Advantages and Disadvantages of Zirconia Crown

Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons of Porcelain and Composite Veneers

Wisdom Tooth Removal: When Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary?