Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have you ever left the dentist’s office feeling underwhelmed with the service you received? Did you feel like a number on their computer instead of a human being with fears, insecurities, and questions about your oral health?

If so, you may be looking for a new dental home, and our Riverside dental office could be the perfect fit.

But can you get an appointment at one of our dental offices?

Are You Accepting New Patients?

When you call to ask us whether we accept new patients, we will happily say yes! Dr. Vasquez has been serving patients in the area for more than 30 years, and she and her team enjoy seeing new faces and helping each patient achieve the healthiest smile possible.

We believe that every smile deserves special care, and we’ll do whatever we can to prove it to you.

Need a New Dentist in Riverside, CA?

If you live in Riverside, CA, or one of the surrounding communities, including Corona, Colton, Jurupa Valley, we’d love to meet you!

We have two dental offices to serve you better, so whether you prefer our Riverview Drive location or our Madison Street location, you’ll receive the same quality care.

Please call us to schedule a consultation or appointment.

At Norma Vasquez, DDS, we never want finances to stand in the way of your oral health; that’s why we offer numerous ways to pay for your treatment. Your unique smile deserves to be taken care of, so our experienced dental team will work with your insurance company or help you understand your other options.

What Payment Options Do You Offer?

You have numerous ways to pay for your dental care, including the following:

• Cash or check — We accept either cash or a personal check at the time of service.
• Credit cards — If you prefer, you can pay with your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card.
• Insurance — We will file your insurance claims for you and help you get the most from your coverage.
• CareCredit — With CareCredit, you can enjoy flexible payment options over several months, and you may even qualify for an interest-free loan.
• Sunbit — Applying for Sunbit is fast and easy, and you can finance your dental work for up to 72 months with approved credit.

Looking for a Dentist in Riverside, CA?

For quality dental care in Riverside, Jurupa Valley, Colton, Corona, and beyond, we hope you’ll consider one of our two convenient locations.

Please get in touch with our Riverview Drive office at (951) 683-0333 or our Madison Street office at (951) 352-0500 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Our goal is to accommodate all our valued patients, which is why we require 24-hour advance notice of cancellations. By enforcing this notice, we’re better able to fill the vacant slot and serve another patient.

If you’re late cancelling your appointment (for example, cancelling on the day of your appointment), you may be charged a $50.00 cancellation fee.

Our rescheduling policy is simple. We will work to reschedule your appointment to the next available time slot.

If you have questions about these policies, please get in touch with a member of the dental team for more information.

About Norma Vazquez, DDS, Inc.

We are a modern dental practice offering general and advanced dentistry, including:

• Checkups and Teeth Cleanings
• Emergency Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Full Mouth Reconstruction
• Sinus Lifts and Bone Grafting
• Tooth Replacement

We also offer English and bilingual communication services to better serve our patients in Riverside, CA. Additionally, we accept most PPO insurance plans and work with third-party financing options, including CareCredit and Sunbit.

We invite you to schedule an appointment at either of our two Riverside practice locations.

Are You Looking for a Top Dentist in Riverside, CA

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the dentist, call us today to get started.

All-on-x and traditional dental implants both replace missing teeth using titanium posts supported by jawbone, but they serve different purposes and work in distinct ways.

Traditional Dental Implants

• Designed for individual tooth replacement 
• Requires adequate bone density
• Longer treatment timeline (3–6 months) 
• More implants needed for full arch replacement (potentially 8+ implants)
• Multiple surgeries are sometimes required if extensive bone grafting is needed

All-on-X Full-Arch Restoration

• Replaces an entire arch of teeth using just 4–6 strategically placed implants
• Maximizes existing bone by placing implants at specific angles, often avoiding the need for extensive bone grafting
• Same-day teeth, as you receive a temporary set of fixed dentures the same day as implant surgery
• Full-arch stability with fewer implants thanks to specialized placement techniques

Which Dental Implant Type Is Right for You?

Traditional implants may be better if you're missing just a few teeth and have good bone density. All-on-x is ideal for those missing most or all teeth in an arch or who wear dentures and want a fixed solution.

During a consultation at our Riverside, CA, dental office, Dr. Vazquez can determine which option best suits your needs. She'll evaluate your bone structure, oral health, and goals to recommend the most appropriate solution.

To schedule an appointment to learn more about implants, call our Riverview Drive dental office at (951) 683-0333 or our Madison Street location at (951) 352-0300. We proudly serve all surrounding communities, including Jurupa Valley, Corona, and Colton.

Patience is key to ensuring successful dental implants after a bone graft. The healing timeline varies depending on your unique situation and the type of bone graft performed.

Dental Bone Graft Timeline

• Typical Waiting Periods — For minor bone grafts, we typically wait 3–4 months before placing dental implants. This allows the grafted material to integrate with natural bone and create a solid foundation. More extensive procedures like sinus lifts may require 6–9 months of healing before implant placement.
• Factors Affecting Healing — Several factors influence your unique healing schedule, including your overall health, whether you smoke, the location of the graft, and the type of grafting material used. Dr. Vazquez will evaluate these factors during your consultation to create a customized treatment plan.
• Monitoring Your Progress — We'll carefully track your healing through follow-up appointments and, when necessary, 3-D imaging with our advanced CBCT technology to ensure optimal bone density before proceeding.

While waiting for bone graft healing may feel like a long process, this critical healing period establishes the solid foundation your implant needs for long-term success. Rushing this process risks implant failure and further complications.

For more information about bone grafting and dental implants in Riverside, CA, contact our office at (951) 683-0333 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vazquez. Our friendly team serves patients from Riverside, Jurupa Valley, Corona, and Colton.

Getting a tooth crown with Dr. Vazquez is a straightforward, stress-free experience thanks to skill and decades of experience. However, we understand your concerns, so here’s some information to put your mind at rest.

The Dental Crown Process

First Visit: Tooth Preparation

• We will completely numb the tooth before beginning any work.
• You'll feel pressure but not pain during preparation.
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for anxious patients.

After this appointment, you may experience mild sensitivity to temperature changes or slight gum tenderness for a few days. These sensations are normal and typically resolve quickly with over-the-counter pain relievers. 

Second Visit: Crown Placement

• Placing the final crown usually requires minimal or no anesthesia.
• Most patients describe this visit as quick and comfortable.

After final placement, there might be a brief adjustment period as you get used to the feel of your new crown, but most patients are surprised by how comfortable the process is.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

Dr. Vazquez prioritizes your comfort through thorough numbing, gentle techniques, and digital imaging, which reduces the need for uncomfortable traditional impressions.

Do you have concerns about getting a crown? Call our Riverside office at (951) 683-0333 to discuss your situation and learn more about our painless crown procedure.

While most adults with missing teeth can benefit from dental implants, several factors influence candidacy.

Favorable Factors for Implant Success

• Good overall health that allows you to undergo minor oral surgery
• Adequate jawbone density to support the implant (though bone grafting can help if you lack sufficient bone)
• Healthy gums free from periodontal disease
• Good oral hygiene habits and commitment to maintaining them
• Non-smoker status or willingness to quit during the implant process

Factors That May Affect Implant Success

• Uncontrolled diabetes or other conditions that affect healing
• Heavy smoking or tobacco use, which significantly impairs healing
• Severe gum disease that hasn't been successfully treated
• Certain medications, like those prescribed for osteoporosis
• Radiation therapy to the head or neck area

Even if you have some challenging factors, options often exist. Dr. Vazquez may recommend treatments to improve your candidacy, such as bone grafting, gum disease therapy, or collaboration with your physician to optimize health conditions.

Age alone rarely disqualifies someone—we have successful implant patients in their 80s and 90s. The most important factor is overall health rather than age.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

If you need more information or want to see if you're a candidate, call our dental implant dentist in Riverside at (951) 683-0333 to schedule a personalized evaluation. We serve patients from all surrounding communities, including Jurupa Valley, Corona, and Colton.

Adjusting to new dentures varies from person to person, but most patients adapt within two to four weeks. Understanding the typical adjustment timeline can help set realistic expectations.

Adjusting to Dentures: A Timeline

First Few Days:

• Your mouth may feel full or crowded
• You might notice increased saliva production
• Speaking certain words may be challenging
• Mild soreness or irritation is common

One to Two Weeks:

• Speaking becomes increasingly natural
• You'll begin managing softer foods more comfortably
• Saliva production normally returns to usual levels
• Initial soreness typically subsides

Three to Four Weeks:

• Most people feel significantly more comfortable
• Eating a wider variety of foods becomes easier
• Speech patterns usually return to normal
• Dentures begin to feel like part of your mouth

Tips for a Smoother Adjustment

• Start with soft foods cut into small pieces.
• Practice reading aloud to improve speech.
• Use denture adhesive if recommended by Dr. Vazquez.
• Follow all care instructions carefully.
• Be patient with yourself during this learning process.

When to Contact Dr. Vazquez

While some discomfort is normal, persistent pain or severe irritation is not. Contact our office if you experience:

• Sore spots that don't improve after a few days
• Difficulty chewing after several weeks
• Dentures that feel extremely loose
• Any sharp pain when wearing your dentures

Dr. Vazquez offers adjustment appointments to ensure your dentures fit comfortably. Many patients benefit from one or two minor adjustments during the initial weeks.

For more information about denture adjustment in Riverside, CA, call our office at (951) 683-0333. We also serve surrounding communities, including Jurupa Valley, Corona, and Colton.

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency dental care, but specifics vary by policy. Understanding your coverage before an emergency can help reduce stress during a stressful situation.

Insurance Coverage for Dental Emergencies

When you experience a dental emergency requiring immediate attention, most PPO dental insurance plans will cover:

• Emergency exams and x-rays
• Procedures to relieve severe pain
• Treatment for traumatic injuries
• Tooth extractions when necessary
• Temporary solutions to restore function

However, coverage percentages can vary widely. While emergency examinations are often covered at 80–100%, more complex procedures might be covered at lower percentages (50–80%).

Payment Options When Insurance Isn't Enough

At Dr. Vazquez's practice, we offer several payment options to ensure you can receive the care you need without stress or worry:

• CareCredit — This healthcare credit card can be applied for and approved on the same day as your emergency, providing immediate financial assistance. You can use it immediately for your treatment, often with promotional no-interest periods for qualifying patients.
• Sunbit — Another financing option that offers quick approval and flexible payment terms.
• Payment Plans — Our team will work with you to create a manageable payment schedule for any remaining balance.

Affordable Emergency Dentistry

If you're experiencing dental pain or trauma, don't let uncertainty about insurance coverage prevent you from seeking immediate care. Call our emergency dentist at (951) 683-0333 for prompt dental care in Riverside. We serve patients in surrounding communities, including Jurupa Valley, Corona, and Colton.

It's impossible to provide an accurate estimate for Full Mouth Reconstruction without a thorough evaluation of your unique situation. The total investment depends on several key factors:

• Doctor's Experience and Expertise — Dr. Vazquez draws on over 30 years of training and hands-on experience to complex reconstructions. You can be confident of personalized recommendations that make sense for you and predictable, long-lasting results. 
• Quality of Materials Used — From premium dental ceramics to advanced implant systems like all-on-x implants, high-quality materials may cost more initially but can last longer, function better, and look more realistic. 
• Insurance Coverage — Dental insurance coverage varies widely. Most plans cover the cost of treatments like crowns and bridges but may not offer implant benefits or coverage for procedures considered to be aesthetic.

We Work with Your Financial Needs

Dr. Vazquez presents each treatment plan with honesty and transparency. She patiently explains every recommendation in simple language you can understand.

Our caring team works hard to maximize your insurance benefits and will explain financing options like CareCredit and Sunbit in detail. We can also prioritize urgent procedures and space treatments over time to make your smile transformation more budget-friendly.

Discover What's Possible For Your Smile

You won't know what's possible for your smile and budget until you take the first step. Call Dr. Vazquez at (951) 683-0333 to schedule a consultation to see how full mouth reconstruction in Riverside, CA, can transform your oral health and quality of life. 

Dr. Vazquez recommends regular dental exams in Riverside every six months (twice a year) for most patients. These semi-annual visits allow us to monitor your oral health, catch potential problems early, and provide thorough cleanings that remove plaque and tartar.

The Reason for Twice-Yearly Dental Visits

Regular dental checkups serve several important purposes:

• Early detection of problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer when they're easier and less expensive to treat.
• Professional cleaning that removes hardened tartar, which you cannot eliminate with brushing and flossing alone.
• Personalized oral hygiene tips based on your needs and oral health condition.
• Assessing previous dental work to ensure that fillings, crowns, and other restorations are intact and functioning properly.
• Regular x-rays to detect issues invisible to the naked eye, including problems below the gum line

Some May Need More Frequent Visits

Dr. Vazquez may recommend more frequent checkups (every 3–4 months) if you:

• Have active gum disease
• Are at high risk for cavities
• Have a weakened immune system
• Are pregnant
• Have diabetes or other medical conditions
• Use tobacco products
• Have a history of frequent dental problems

Schedule Your Next Checkup

To schedule your next dental checkup in Riverside, call Dr. Vazquez's office at (951) 683-0333. We welcome patients from surrounding communities, including Jurupa Valley, Corona, and Colton.

Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults, but it's largely preventable with proper care. Dr. Vazquez is committed to helping patients understand how to maintain healthy gums through education and personalized guidance.

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices

The foundation of gum disease prevention is a consistent oral hygiene routine:

• Brush thoroughly twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay special attention to the gumline, where plaque tends to accumulate.
• Clean between your teeth daily using dental floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers. This removes plaque from areas your toothbrush can't reach.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush doesn't clean effectively.
• Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum inflammation.

Regular Dental Visits

Even with excellent home care, professional dental visits are essential:

• Schedule regular dental cleanings every six months, or more frequently if recommended by Dr. Vazquez.
• Don't skip dental exams, even if your teeth feel fine. Early gum disease often has no obvious symptoms.

Gum Disease Symptoms

Contact our office if you notice any of these early warning signs:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
• Teeth that feel loose or mobile
• Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite

Dr. Vazquez provides comprehensive gum disease treatment in Riverside, CA, with a caring, judgment-free approach. Call (951) 683-0333 to schedule your gum health evaluation today. We serve patients throughout Jurupa Valley, Corona, and Colton.

Congratulations on your new smile transformation! When cared for properly, veneers can last 10 years or longer, but what does that involve? Here are some helpful tips to get the most longevity from your veneers: 

• Daily Care — Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss carefully around each veneer to prevent staining and maintain healthy gums.
• Watch What You Bite — While veneers are durable, they aren't indestructible. Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, which can chip or crack them.
• Prevent Staining — The veneers won't stain, but surrounding teeth can make them more noticeable.
• Protect Veneers from Damage — If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom mouthguard to protect your investment.
• Schedule Regular Checkups — Regular visits with Dr. Vazquez every six months allow us to make sure your veneers and surrounding teeth remain in excellent condition.

Call Our Veneers Dentist in Riverside, CA

Do you have questions or concerns about proper care for your new veneers? Our friendly team is always ready to answer your questions and provide guidance on caring for veneers or other dental work. Call us at (951) 683-0333 with questions or to schedule an appointment.