Frequently asked questions

Yes! We're currently welcoming new patients at our Phoenix, MD practice. We serve families and individuals from Phoenix, Harford County, and Baltimore County. If you need emergency care, call (410) 429-8898 and we'll do our best to accommodate you quickly.

Please bring

• Photo ID and current insurance card

• List of current medications

• Any previous dental records (if available from another office)

• Completed patient forms (sent via email after scheduling)

Scheduling is easy! Call us at (410) 429-8898 or use our contact form. Our team will ask about your insurance, dental history, and any specific concerns. First appointments typically last 60-90 minutes.

Our office staff will process all insurance claims to facilitate reimbursements directly to the patient.

You don’t need traditional dental insurance to receive high-quality care at our office. We offer an in-house dental membership plan designed to make preventive and restorative care affordable for every patient.

Annual memberships are $435 for adults and $320 for children, which include:

• Two comprehensive exams per year

• Preventive radiographs

• Two periodontal maintenance cleanings annually

• 10% savings on additional treatments

Our plan eliminates the restrictions, waiting periods, and claim forms that come with typical insurance. It’s simple, straightforward, and ensures you get the care you need when you need it.

Contact us today to learn more or enroll in our membership plan.

We recommend:

• Most patients: Every 6 months for cleaning and exam

• High-risk patients: Every 3-4 months (gum disease, heavy smokers, diabetes)

• Children: Every 6 months starting at age 2

Regular visits help prevent cavities, detect issues early, and maintain healthy gums. Dr. Scharf will recommend the ideal schedule for your individual needs.

Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by:

• Worn tooth enamel

• Gum recession

• Cavities or decay

• Cracked teeth

Treatment options:

• Fluoride gel or varnish to strengthen enamel

• Gum grafting (if gum recession is severe)

• Dental bonding to cover exposed root surfaces

• Root canal (if pain is severe)

At home, use a soft toothbrush, avoid acidic foods, and use sensitive-tooth toothpaste. Call us if sensitivity persists.

Follow these steps:

1. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

2. Floss daily (especially between back teeth)

3. Limit sugary foods and drinks

4. Rinse with water after meals

5. Visit dentist every 6 months for cleaning and exam

Good oral hygiene + regular professional care = cavity prevention. Dr. Scharf can also recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants if you're cavity-prone.

Gum disease starts with plaque buildup. Prevent it by:

1. Brushing twice daily

2. Flossing daily (reaches areas brushing can't)

3. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash

4. Regular professional cleanings (every 6 months)

5. Avoiding tobacco

Early warning signs: Bleeding gums, swelling, redness, or tenderness. If you notice these, call us immediately—early-stage gum disease is reversible with proper treatment.

Yes. We use digital X-rays that emit significantly less radiation that traditional methods. They are safe for both adults and children, and are essential for diagnosing problems early.

Dr. Scharf offers:

• Professional Teeth Whitening – Brighten your smile by several shades

• Porcelain Veneers – Reshape teeth, close gaps, hide discoloration

• Bonding & Contouring – Fix chips, cracks, or uneven teeth

• Smile Makeovers – Comprehensive smile transformation

• Crowns & Bridges – Restore damaged or missing teeth

During a cosmetic consultation, Dr. Scharf discusses your goals and creates a personalized plan. Many patients combine treatments for optimal results.

Quality porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer with proper care. Longevity depends on:

• Quality of craftsmanship (Dr. Scharf uses premium materials)

• Oral hygiene habits (brush, floss daily)

• Bite habits (avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or non-food items)

• Regular dental visits

To maximize lifespan, avoid staining foods/drinks (coffee, red wine, tobacco), use a soft toothbrush, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

Professional Whitening (Dr. Scharf's office):

• Results: 3-8 shades lighter in one visit

• Strength: High-concentration bleach (safe under professional supervision)

• Duration: Lasts 1-3 years

• Cost: $100

• Time: 15 minutes/day for 1 week

Over-the-Counter Kits:

• Results: 1-2 shades lighter (modest)

• Strength: Lower-concentration bleach

• Duration: 3-6 months

• Cost: $20-100

• Time: 2-4 weeks of daily use

Professional whitening is faster, stronger, and longer-lasting. Dr. Scharf also provides custom take-home trays that are more effective than store-bought strips.

Yes! Dental bonding is a quick, affordable fix for:

• Chips and cracks

• Small gaps between teeth

• Discolored spots

• Uneven tooth surfaces

Process:

1. Dr. Scharf applies tooth-colored composite resin

2. Shapes and sculpts to match your natural tooth

3. Hardens with a special light

4. Polishes for a seamless finish

Duration: Usually completed in one appointment (30-60 minutes) Lifespan: 5-10 years with proper care

Bonding is less expensive than veneers but may not last as long. Dr. Scharf can discuss which option best suits your needs.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (usually titanium) that replaces a missing tooth. It's permanently anchored in your jawbone and topped with a natural-looking crown.

You may need implants if you have:

• One or more missing teeth

• Don't want to wear dentures

• Have adequate jawbone (or can have bone grafting)

Benefits:

• Natural appearance and function

• Preserve bone and facial structure

• Long-lasting (20+ years or lifetime)

• No damage to adjacent teeth (unlike bridges)

During a consultation, Dr. Scharf evaluates your jawbone and discusses whether implants are right for you.

The typical implant process takes 4-9 months:

Month 1-2: Consultation, treatment planning, any tooth extraction or bone grafting Month 2-6: Implant placement (minor surgery, 1-2 hours). Healing/osseointegration period (3-6 months while implant fuses with bone) Month 6-8: Abutment placement and crown fitting (new appointment) Month 8-9: Final crown placement and adjustment

Total time varies based on:

• Whether bone grafting is needed

• How quickly your body heals

• Number of implants

Dr. Scharf will provide a specific timeline after your evaluation. During healing, you can function with a temporary tooth.