Looking for a dentist near me in CDA who can answer your most pressing dental questions? At Kootenai Family Dentistry, we believe informed patients make the best decisions about their oral health. Whether you’re new to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho or simply exploring your dental care options, we’ve compiled comprehensive answers to the questions we hear most often from our patients. From routine general dentistry concerns to cosmetic treatments, understanding your options helps you take control of your dental health journey.
DENTAL FAQS
What can help my sensitive teeth?
There are many treatments to tooth sensitivity; one that we suggest is a desensitizing toothpaste, which can help block sensation to the nerve of the tooth. Cavities, fractured teeth, or receding gums can make your teeth more sensitive, and in more severe cases, a root canal can eliminate the pain. Come in for a consultation and we will find the best solution for any sensitivity you may be experiencing.
What do I do if my tooth falls out?
If you act quickly, our dentist can replace the tooth in your mouth. When your tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown. To NOT touch the root. If the tooth is dirty gently rinse it with water. Do not use soap or any chemicals, and so not scrub and dry it or wrap the tooth in a tissue.
If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. Hold it in place with your fingers or with very gentle biting pressure. If the tooth cannot be placed back into your mouth, keep it moist by holding in your cheek or covering it with milk or your own saliva.
Contact our office immediately to make an appointment with our dentist. The sooner that we can meet with you the more likely it is that we can save your tooth.
I have tooth pain, what do I do?
If you are experiencing tooth pain, the first thing to do is call our office and make an emergency appointment with our dentist. Toothaches can sometimes by symptoms of more serious problems, and we want to make sure that you receive the care you need as quickly as possible.
Simple toothaches can often be relieved by flossing and rinsing the mouth to dislodge food debris or other particles trapped in your teeth. Do NOT place aspirin or other pain relievers directly onto your gums, as this can cause additional pain and even damage your gums.
Toothaches may also be caused by cavities, cracked or broken teeth, exposed tooth roots, and periodontal disease. Please make an appointment with our dentist so that we can determine the exact cause of your pain and provide an appropriate treatment.
I snore, what treatments are available to help with this?
There are a variety of snoring treatments available. One treatment option for snoring is oral appliance therapy. Our dentist will provide you with a custom oral appliance, similar to a night guard, that will help keep your airways open at night while you sleep. This will prevent the tongue or soft tissues from collapsing so that you do not snore.
Snoring may also be a sign of sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder. Our dentist may recommend that you participate in a sleep study or meet with your physician to diagnose whether or not you have this condition and determine an appropriate treatment.
How do I know if my child has tooth decay?
Starting your child’s oral health routines early can make a difference that will last for decades. Controlling the acidic or sugary foods they eat will also prevent early decay. Cavity-causing bacteria can also be spread to the baby when a pacifier or feeding spoon has been in a parent’s mouth. Our pediatric dentistry is careful and experienced with treating children and adolescents. Call us if you have any questions or concerns about this important detail in your child’s life!
Why do I have bad breath?
A prevalent, discomforting symptom of oral health issues can be bad breath. There are solutions such as mouthwash and daily flossing, but these can be only temporary. Sometimes, there is a more in-depth explanation for recurring bad breath, one of which can be chronic halitosis, and we can address this thoroughly in an appointment.
How do I know if I have periodontitis or gingivitis?
These two conditions are often spoken interchangeably, but it is important to be aware that they are two very different things. Age can be a factor in determining why you’re having pain – periodontitis is rarer the younger you are; however, teenagers can develop gingivitis. Symptoms are often unnoticed with gingivitis, but periodontitis can comprise of swollen, red, or bleeding gums. For further information, call us at 208-664-8283 for a consultation today.
Why do you use X-rays at the dentist?
This is a good question — you may have wondered why dentists need to take X-rays when they look in your mouth all the time. The answer is that it can reveal more than what the human eye can recognize, even things like an infected root or other abnormalities, like cysts or some types of tumors. Overall, we use X-rays to give you the best, most thorough treatment possible!
Dental FAQ: 15 Essential Answers for a Happy Visit
Got a question before your next appointment? You’re in good company. This dental FAQ covers the questions our team at Kootenai Family Dental hears most, from insurance and scheduling to what actually happens in the chair. As a Coeur d’Alene dentist caring for neighbors in Hayden, Dalton Gardens, Post Falls, and Rathdrum since 2012, we’ve learned that patients who know what to expect feel a whole lot more relaxed. Don’t see your question here? Just ask. We love talking teeth.
Scheduling and Office Hours
What are your office hours?
Most days, we start early so you can fit in a visit before work or school.
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Friday to Sunday | Closed |
When are you closed for holidays?
We close for these holidays:
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- The day before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Day
- The week of Christmas
- New Year’s Day
The holidays are coming up, so it’s smart to book your cleaning soon. That matters most if you want to use your remaining insurance benefits before the year ends.
Are you the same office as the other Kootenai practice in town?
No, and you’re not the first to ask. Another local office has a similar name and logo, so mix-ups happen. Kootenai Family Dental is its own independent practice. When you call or search online, look for “Family” in our name to make sure you’ve found us.
Insurance and Payment
Do you accept my insurance?
If you are hesitant to come in because of insurance concerns, feel free to review our financial options page. If you do not see your insurance company listed, you can always call us and we will do our best to find a payment solution that works for you.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. For larger treatment plans, CareCredit lets you spread costs into manageable monthly payments.
Comfort and Your Visit
I get anxious about dental visits. Can you help?
Absolutely. Our comfort menu includes cozy blankets, headphones and warm paraffin wax hand treatments to help you unwind. We also offer OraVerse, which helps numbness wear off faster after treatment so you can get back to your day. Most importantly, our team takes time to listen. Patients often tell us our compassion is what keeps them coming back.
What happens at my first appointment?
We’ll get to know you, review your health history and talk about your goals. Your visit typically includes an exam, digital X-rays and an oral cancer screening. When needed, our 3D CBCT scanner gives us a detailed view of your teeth, jaw and nerves. Digital impressions mean no goopy trays.
Treatments and Technology
Can I get a crown in one visit?
In many cases, yes. With CEREC technology, we design, mill and place your crown in a single appointment. You won’t need a temporary crown or a second trip.
Do you offer dental implants?
Yes. As a full-service Coeur d’Alene dentist, we place and restore implants right here in our office. Options include single implants, implant-retained dentures and All-on-4 hybrid prostheses for a full arch of new teeth.
Do you treat gum disease?
We do. Treatments range from periodontal cleanings and scaling and root planing to laser therapy. For receding gums, we offer pinhole gum grafting. It’s a minimally invasive alternative to traditional grafting that uses no scalpel and no sutures.
Do you offer root canals?
Yes, and they’re far more comfortable than their reputation suggests. We also handle root canal retreatments, cracked teeth and dental injuries.
Quick FAQ: More Answers in a Snap
Do you see kids?
Yes. We welcome patients of all ages and offer kid-friendly preventive care like sealants and fluoride treatments.
Can you straighten my teeth without braces?
We offer Invisalign and ClearCorrect clear aligners for a discreet way to straighten your smile.
Do you offer teeth whitening?
Yes. Choose in-office Zoom whitening for fast results, or Opalescence Go for convenient at-home whitening.
What should I do in a dental emergency?
Call us right away. We’ll do our best to see you quickly and get you out of pain.
Ready to Meet Your New Coeur d’Alene Dentist?
We hope this FAQ answered your questions, but there’s no such thing as a silly one. Maybe you need a routine cleaning, or maybe you want a complete smile makeover. Either way, the team at Kootenai Family Dental is here to make you feel valued and heard. Call or email to book your visit. We’ll even verify your insurance before you come in. We can’t wait to meet you!
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Kootenai Family Dental recognizes that a patient’s first visit makes a lasting impression. Throughout your first time with us, we will review your dental exams, history, and goals. Dr. Alexis LaRose & Dr. Trevor Larson will be very open regarding your treatment plan. Please remember to bring your completed patient form and your insurance card with you as well.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Kootenai Family Dental wants you to have the best dental care possible whenever you need it. Our skilled front desk team will help coordinate insurance benefits, and will work with every budget to get the results you need and want for optimal oral health. Of course, the cost of your treatment will vary based on your individual needs and treatment plan. Dr. LaRose, Dr. Larson and our team will discuss the costs and payment options for your treatment.
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