Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend a soft-bristle toothbrush with a small head. Medium and hard bristles can cause gum irritation and contribute to gum recession over time. A small head allows you to maneuver around each tooth more effectively, including hard-to-reach back molars.

Electric toothbrushes are an excellent choice and research shows they can improve plaque removal compared to manual brushing. Ask Dr. Li or your hygienist for a specific recommendation at your next visit.

Flossing once per day is recommended. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline — areas your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Daily flossing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent cavities between teeth and keep your gums healthy.

If traditional floss is difficult to use, floss picks, water flossers (Waterpik), or interdental brushes are great alternatives.

Most adults benefit from a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Regular visits allow Dr. Li to catch problems early — when they're smaller and easier to treat — and keep your teeth and gums in excellent health.

Some patients need more frequent visits (every 3–4 months), particularly those with gum disease, dry mouth, a history of frequent cavities, or compromised immune systems. Dr. Li will recommend the schedule that's right for you based on your individual needs.

A crown and a cap are the same restoration. A crown is a custom-fitted covering that encases the entire visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are made from porcelain, metal, or porcelain-fused-to-metal and are cemented permanently onto the tooth.

Crowns are recommended for teeth that are severely decayed, cracked, broken, or worn down, and are typically placed after root canal therapy. At Gentle Family Dentistry, we offer CEREC same-day crowns so you can often get your crown in a single appointment.

Both replace missing teeth, but they differ in how they're attached. A dental bridge is permanently fixed — it's anchored to adjacent teeth or implants and cannot be removed. A partial denture is removable and held in place by clasps on neighboring teeth.

Studies show that patients are generally more satisfied with bridges due to their greater stability and more natural feel. However, partial dentures are a more affordable option. Dr. Li will discuss both options and help you choose the best solution for your situation.

No — these are separate treatments. A crown covers and protects a damaged tooth; a root canal treats an infected or inflamed tooth pulp (the tissue inside the tooth). Many patients need crowns for reasons that have nothing to do with root canals — such as cracks, large fillings, or excessive wear.

However, when a tooth does need a root canal, it usually needs a crown afterward to protect and restore the tooth's structure. Dr. Li will let you know exactly what your tooth needs and why.

Only a dental exam — including X-rays — can confirm whether a cavity or filling is needed. Warning signs can include: tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet; a visible dark spot or hole; pain when biting; or food getting stuck in the same spot repeatedly.

The important thing to know is that many cavities have no symptoms at all until they're quite large. This is exactly why regular checkups are so important — catching decay early means smaller, simpler, and less expensive fillings.

Yes — professional teeth whitening is safe when performed by or under the supervision of a dentist. Our office offers Zoom! whitening, which can brighten teeth by up to 8 shades in a single one-hour session.

Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity for 1–2 days after whitening, which resolves on its own. Whitening is not recommended for patients with crowns, veneers, or untreated decay, so Dr. Li will evaluate your suitability first. Over-the-counter whitening products are less effective and may cause problems if used incorrectly.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit a dentist by their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears — whichever comes first. Early visits help us establish a dental home, monitor tooth development, apply preventive fluoride, and give your child positive associations with dental care from the start.

Gentle Family Dentistry welcomes children of all ages in our Hampton, NH practice. Our team is experienced in making young patients feel comfortable, safe, and even excited about the dentist!

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is our in-office system that allows Dr. Li to design, mill, and place a permanent porcelain crown in a single appointment — typically 1–2 hours total.

The process: a digital camera scans your tooth (no messy impressions), specialized software designs the restoration to match your exact bite and adjacent teeth, and a precision milling machine carves the crown from a solid block of dental ceramic. The finished crown is then polished and cemented — all in one visit. No temporaries, no waiting, no second appointment.

Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans. Please call our Hampton, NH office at (603) 926-4575 or contact us online to verify your specific benefits prior to your appointment.

For patients without dental insurance, we offer a New Patient Special: $199 for X-rays, exam, and initial cleaning, plus 20% off general dentistry treatments. See our Special Offers page for details.

We offer several financing options so you can get the dental care you need without financial stress:

• CareCredit — low or no-interest healthcare financing plans
• Capital One Healthcare Financing
• Citi Healthcare Financing

We also accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash, and personal checks. Ask our front desk team about current financing promotions when you call or visit.