Frequently Asked Questions
We know that choosing the right dentist and understanding your dental care options can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this handy Q&A to address some of the most common questions about our services, insurance, and how we can help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Whether you’re wondering about routine cleanings, cosmetic treatments, or financing options, we’re here to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to give us a call—we’re always happy to help!
- What dental services does Dr. Irina Yesina provide? Dr. Irina Yesina provides comprehensive general, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care for patients of all ages. Services at Family Dental Care include routine dental examinations and cleanings, fillings, crowns and bridges, root canal treatment, dental implant restoration, dentures, teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and other cosmetic dental treatments.
Whether you are visiting for preventive care, experiencing a dental problem, or looking to improve your smile, treatment recommendations are individualized based on your oral health, needs, and goals. - How experienced is Dr. Irina Yesina, and does she treat both adults and children? Dr. Dr. Irina Yesina has been practicing dentistry since 2003 and brings more than 20 years of experience in general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.
Family Dental Care welcomes patients of all ages, allowing both adults and children to receive ongoing preventive and restorative dental care in the same practice. - Does Family Dental Care accept dental insurance and offer financing? Yes. Family Dental Care accepts many major dental insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and others.
For patients who need additional payment flexibility, 0% financing is also available through CareCredit for qualifying dental treatment.
Because benefits and coverage vary between insurance plans, patients are encouraged to contact the office to verify their specific insurance coverage before treatment. - How often should I visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning? For most patients, a dental examination and professional cleaning are recommended approximately every six months. Routine visits allow your dentist to remove plaque and tartar that cannot always be eliminated through brushing and flossing alone and to look for early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
Some patients may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their gum health, history of cavities, or other individual dental needs. Dr. Yesina can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your oral health. - When might I need a dental crown, bridge, or implant restoration? Restorative dentistry is used to repair damaged teeth or replace missing teeth so that you can maintain a healthy, functional smile.
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth has become significantly weakened, cracked, damaged, or decayed. Bridges can be used to replace certain missing teeth, while dental implants provide another option for replacing missing teeth. Once an implant has been placed and is ready for restoration, a custom crown or other restoration can be created to provide a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth.
Dr. Yesina can evaluate your teeth and discuss which restorative option is most appropriate for your individual needs.6853 +++++ - Where is Family Dental Care located, and what are the office hours? Family Dental Care is located at 602 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225.
Appointments are available:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10:00 AM–6:30 PM Every other Saturday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Patients may contact the office to schedule an appointment or ask about current availability. - When should I bring my child to the Dentist? We recommend bringing your child to the dentist as soon as their first teeth appear and continuing with regular checkups every six months.
Early visits help your child view dental visits as a normal, positive experience and prevent negative associations with pain. Starting dental care early helps avoid future dental issues. - What insurances do you accept? Dr Yesina is In-network with most major insuranes, such as, Aetna, Bluecross Blueshield, Cigna, Delta Dental, CSEA, Guardian, Humana, Metlife, 1199, Medicaid, Fidelis, Healthfirst and more!
If you do not see your plan here, please give the office a call at 718-778-7600 and a member of our staff will be happy to verify. - Why is it important to have my teeth professionally cleaned every six months? Routine dental cleanings every six months play a key role in maintaining oral health, even for those who brush and floss regularly. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup in areas that are difficult to reach at home, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
For individuals prone to faster tartar buildup or with less consistent oral hygiene, more frequent cleanings may be recommended.
Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year, and beyond the health benefits, cleanings also leave your teeth feeling refreshed and looking their best. - How Can I Keep My Child’s Teeth Healthy as They Grow? Establishing strong oral hygiene habits early in life is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and preventing cavities. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are the foundation—but additional preventive measures, such as dental sealants, can offer extra protection, especially during the cavity-prone years.
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), where most cavities in children tend to form. These surfaces are naturally grooved and textured, making them difficult to clean thoroughly—even with good brushing habits. Sealants create a smooth barrier that helps prevent food particles and bacteria from settling into those deep crevices.
While both children and adults can benefit from sealants, they are particularly effective for children. Young teeth are more vulnerable to decay and often have deeper grooves than adult teeth, making them harder to clean and more prone to cavities. Applying sealants early—before decay has a chance to start—can significantly reduce this risk.
In fact, according to the American Dental Association, sealants can lower the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%. The CDC also notes that children without sealants have nearly three times more cavities than those with them.
To ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy as they grow, continue with daily brushing and flossing, schedule regular dental checkups, and speak with your dentist about whether sealants are appropriate for your child. Taking preventive steps early can make a lasting difference in your child’s lifelong oral health. - How do you know if your dental problem is an emergency or can wait for a regular visit? Recognizing a true dental emergency can help you avoid unnecessary stress and get the right care when it matters most. While some dental issues may feel urgent, not all require immediate attention. Knowing the difference can save you time, discomfort, and money.
Common signs of a dental emergency include severe pain or swelling in your mouth, signs of infection, a knocked-out or dislodged tooth, a broken or chipped tooth causing discomfort, or even damage to dentures that affect your ability to eat or speak. These situations often require prompt care to prevent further complications.
If you're unsure, it's always best to contact your dentist. They can help determine whether you need immediate treatment or if it’s safe to wait for a scheduled appointment. Acting quickly in true emergencies can make all the difference in preserving your dental health. - How do I know if I might have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)? Gum disease is far more common than most people realize, studies show that as many as four out of five adults may have some form of periodontal disease without even knowing it. This is because, in its early stages, gum disease often develops quietly and without pain. Unlike tooth decay, which can quickly cause discomfort, gum problems can progress slowly and subtly.
Early signs to watch for may include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, gums that appear red, swollen, or tender, and slight changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. However, it’s possible to have gum disease with no obvious symptoms at all.
The best way to know for sure is through regular dental check-ups and professional periodontal evaluations. Your dentist can detect early changes in your gum health, often before you notice them yourself, and guide you on the right steps to prevent further damage. - What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Dentist? Many people think of visiting the dentist only when they have a toothache or need a cavity filled, but regular dental care offers so much more than that. Dentists not only treat problems when they arise, they also help prevent them before they become painful or complicated.
Seeing a dentist means getting a full picture of your oral health. Your dentist can spot early signs of cavities, gum disease, infections, or even conditions that may affect your overall health, such as diabetes or heart disease. They can also help with concerns like jaw pain, teeth grinding, or cosmetic issues that affect your smile and confidence.
Routine dental visits also give you the tools to take better care of your teeth at home. Your dentist can recommend the right brushing and flossing techniques, talk about diet choices that impact oral health, and offer solutions like whitening or orthodontic care when appropriate.
Even if you’re not experiencing pain, regular dental checkups and cleanings help protect your teeth, gums, and overall health for years to come. Dentistry is not just about fixing problems, it’s about prevention, education, and helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile. - Why Are My Teeth Sensitive to Hot, Cold, or Sweet Foods? Tooth sensitivity is a common dental concern and can occur for several reasons. You may notice a sharp, temporary discomfort when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. While occasional sensitivity is not always a sign of a serious problem, persistent sensitivity should be evaluated by a dentist.
Common causes of tooth sensitivity include worn enamel, gum recession that exposes the tooth roots, cavities, cracked teeth, teeth grinding, or recent dental procedures. Sometimes sensitivity can develop gradually as we age, while in other cases it may signal an underlying issue that requires treatment.
The good news is that many causes of sensitivity can be treated. Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatment, a filling, treatment for gum disease, or other restorative procedures to protect the affected tooth.
If sensitivity is interfering with your daily life or seems to be worsening, scheduling a dental examination can help identify the cause and prevent more significant dental problems from developing. - How often should I visit the dentist? Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and comprehensive examination. Regular visits allow your dentist to detect cavities, gum disease, oral infections, and other dental problems early, often before they cause pain or require extensive treatment.
Some patients with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or other oral health concerns may benefit from more frequent visits based on their individual needs. - What should I expect during my first visit? Your first appointment is designed to give us a complete understanding of your oral health. Dr. Yesina will review your dental history, examine your teeth and gums, evaluate your bite, discuss any concerns you may have, and recommend treatment if needed.
Depending on your needs, your visit may also include digital X-rays, a professional cleaning, oral cancer screening, and a discussion of preventive care to help maintain a healthy smile. - Does Getting a Dental Filling or Root Canal Hurt? Many patients delay dental treatment because they're worried it will be painful. Fortunately, modern dentistry is much more comfortable than most people expect.Before beginning any procedure, we thoroughly numb the area using a local anesthetic so you remain comfortable throughout your treatment. Most patients feel pressure or vibration during the procedure, but little to no pain.
In fact, procedures like fillings and root canals are designed to relieve pain, not cause it. A root canal removes an infected nerve inside the tooth, often providing immediate relief from severe toothaches.Some mild soreness after treatment is normal and usually resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain medication if needed.If dental anxiety has kept you from seeking care, let us know. We understand these concerns and will do everything possible to make your visit comfortable, relaxed, and stress-free. - Why Don't Cavities Always Hurt? Many people assume that if they don't have a toothache, their teeth must be healthy. Unfortunately, cavities often develop without causing any pain, especially in their early stages. By the time a cavity becomes painful, the decay has often progressed significantly and may require more extensive treatment.
A cavity begins when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that gradually wear away the protective outer layer of the tooth, known as enamel. Because enamel does not contain nerves, decay can develop unnoticed for months or even years. As the cavity grows deeper and reaches the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, you may begin to experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. If left untreated, the decay can eventually reach the pulp, where the tooth's nerves and blood vessels are located, causing severe pain, infection, or even the need for a root canal or tooth extraction.
This is one of the reasons routine dental examinations and X-rays are so important. Your dentist can often detect small cavities long before they become painful, allowing them to be treated with a simple filling rather than a more complex procedure.
Even if your teeth feel perfectly healthy, regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to prevent small problems from becoming larger, more expensive, and more uncomfortable to treat. - Why Are My Gums Bleeding When I Brush? Healthy gums generally should not bleed during brushing or flossing. While occasional bleeding can occur if you've recently started flossing or brushed too aggressively, bleeding gums are often an early sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Gingivitis develops when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline. The bacteria irritate the gums, causing inflammation that can make them appear red, swollen, tender, or prone to bleeding. The good news is that gingivitis is usually reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Over time, this may lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Bleeding gums can also be caused by factors such as brushing too hard, certain medications, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, or medical conditions. Because there are several possible causes, it's important to have persistent bleeding evaluated by your dentist.
Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular professional cleanings can help keep your gums healthy. If your gums continue to bleed despite good home care, or if you notice swelling, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, schedule a dental examination so the underlying cause can be identified and treated as early as possible. - more q&a Coming soon!
