Katie To, DDS
2910 Commercial Center Blvd., Suite 101, Katy, TX 77494

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can we help you?

Dr. Katie believes that when you’re informed, you’re better prepared to make important decisions regarding your oral health and well-being. Before any treatment begins, we’ll carefully review all your options and answer any questions you may have. We’re not satisfied until we know that you fully understand why a certain procedure is necessary and what it involves.

Everyone’s needs are specific, but there are many general questions that we can answer for you here. Please take a moment to look through our Frequently Asked Questions, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact our Katy dental office! 

Other

Digital x-rays are one of the most important new advances that our profession has seen in quite some time.

Dr. Katie will determine what your x-ray schedule should be based on a review of your caries risk assessment (cavity risk), your dental history, as well as your current state of oral health.

Dental x-rays emit very small amounts of radiation while images are taken, but as always, our highly trained team takes the appropriate measures to ensure you and your family are safe! Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money, and often, unnecessary discomfort.

X-rays also help Dr. Katie see decay in between your teeth. A tricky area we can't see with the naked eye. It is important to know that dental x-ray equipment is examined and inspected by the State of Texas on a yearly basis for safety. We are always here to answer any questions you might have.

We also offer a homeopathic that you can take after x-rays.  

Yes we do! Once a plan for your treatment is made we can discuss financing options with you.  We have in house financing options as well as third party options.  We will offer you the options that will best meet your treatment and financial needs. 

We do partner with Care Credit which is a big help to patients in getting their treatment done without having to pay everything at once.  They offer no interest payments for as long as 6 months.  If you would like more information on Care Credit, please visit their website www.carecredit.com.

We do accept credit cards as payment and please note their is a 3.5% service charge.  When you use a debit card, cash, or check there is no service fee.

Nobody wants to have a dental emergency and keeping up with your regular checkups can help prevent one from happening.  We see emergencies for established patients.  If we are unable to see you, we can direct you to some of our trusted associates to help you.  There are some things we might be able to do for you over the phone to help with any pain or anxiety.  By giving us a call, we can help you.

We have an emergency line that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week so if you ever find yourself in need of emergent dental help, we are here and ready to help you!  If your emergency happens outside of our regular business hours, all you have to do is call 281-392-8450 and choose the emergency option.  This will put you in touch with one of our Patient Care Specialists who is also a licensed Dental Assistant.

The ADA standard of care is to get your teeth cleaned once every six months if your risk for cavities is low and you do not have other medical conditions that can create more bacteria and infection in your gums.  Upon getting your dental exam it may be determined that you need more frequent dental visits to have the most optimum oral health. Such as if you have systemic health conditions that increase your chance of getting cavities and gum disease (a common disease that requires extra care is diabetes).

Once your risk level is determined we can explain and work with you to create a dental check-up schedule that best works for you and your health!  Our goal to make sure that we not only take care of your teeth and gums, but your overall health.  Research shows us that your oral health is heavily connected to the rest of your body.  Getting proper dental care can improve your wellbeing in ways you might not expect!

Our highly skilled and educated team can help you to identify if there are any risk factors that might impact your oral or overall health.  We look forward to taking care of you!

Not at all! We love new patients and want to make it super easy to schedule your reservation with our amazing team!  You can give us a phone call at (281) 392-8450 and press option 1 for new patients.  Another option is to email us.  One of our patient care specialists will be able to help you schedule your reservation!  We do our best to make sure you can be seen at a time that works for your schedule.

Please have any pertinent information ready as this will make your first visit run more smoothly. (Example: insurance card)  If you have any concerns that you want to bring to the attention of the doctor, please let us know when you make your reservation.  This will enable us to be fully prepared to address your concerns and answer all questions.  If you are experiencing any discomfort, please let us know so that we schedule your first visit appropriately.

If you have any questions about our office that you would like to know before scheduling, you can check out our website www.KatieToDDS.com for more information or you can give us a call and speak to one of our wonderful Patient Care Specialists.  Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable and well taken care of!

You're not alone! Whether it has been 6 months or 6 years, it's never too late to get back into a healthy routine. We would be more than happy to arrange for you to have a thorough and educational exam appointment. In cases of extreme anxiety, we do have nitrous oxide available for our patients. We often take care of people just like you! The happy testimonials of countless patients that have become our friends are proof that you can be like them too. We're here to help! Please call us when you are ready to take the next step!

During pregnancy your hormonal levels may affect your oral health. You may notice more bleeding when you brush and floss and your risk of getting cavities increases. We recommend you get a dental check-up during your second trimester as this is the safest time to get dental care. We do need a release from your physician administering your pre-natal care before seeing you while you are pregnant. 

 

Why Choose

In order to truly give you an informed exam, we must complete a comprehensive exam in order to give you a second opinion.  Without looking at the whole picture, we would only be treating the symptoms and not the root cause.  Our Wellness Dentists want to make sure you can make an informed decision with your care and that requires being thorough.

Biological Dentistry

In order to truly give you an informed exam, we must complete a comprehensive exam in order to give you a second opinion.  Without looking at the whole picture, we would only be treating the symptoms and not the root cause.  Our Wellness Dentists want to make sure you can make an informed decision with your care and that requires being thorough.

Initial Wellness Exam

Digital x-rays are one of the most important new advances that our profession has seen in quite some time.

Dr. Katie will determine what your x-ray schedule should be based on a review of your caries risk assessment (cavity risk), your dental history, as well as your current state of oral health.

Dental x-rays emit very small amounts of radiation while images are taken, but as always, our highly trained team takes the appropriate measures to ensure you and your family are safe! Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money, and often, unnecessary discomfort.

X-rays also help Dr. Katie see decay in between your teeth. A tricky area we can't see with the naked eye. It is important to know that dental x-ray equipment is examined and inspected by the State of Texas on a yearly basis for safety. We are always here to answer any questions you might have.

We also offer a homeopathic that you can take after x-rays.  

Yes! We’re always happy to welcome new patients to Katie To, DDS! We provide comprehensive family, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry to patients of all ages in Katy, Richmond, Houston, and surrounding areas.

We’d love to tell you more about us and all the ways we can help your family achieve exceptional oral health. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for a consultation or dental cleaning, please contact our Katy dental office, and a member of our team will be happy to help you get started!

After you schedule your first visit, you will receive an email that will have some intake forms for you to complete before your visit.  If you prefer, you are welcome to come in a 30 minutes early to your appointment to fill out your information here in our lovely reception area.  We have water, coffee, and hot tea available for your enjoyment!

Please bring your ID and dental benefit card if you have a dental benefit you would like us to file to for your treatment.  

We have implanted a paperless system in our office to be more environmentally friendly!  Our paperwork is in digital for on an iPad and it is very user friendly.  If you would prefer a paper copy to fill out, we are happy to print one for you!  Our Patient Care Specialists are ready to help you!

In order to truly give you an informed exam, we must complete a comprehensive exam in order to give you a second opinion.  Without looking at the whole picture, we would only be treating the symptoms and not the root cause.  Our Wellness Dentists want to make sure you can make an informed decision with your care and that requires being thorough.

We offer many options for patients who need a little help to relax during their dental care.  We offer nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as laughing gas) to help take the edge off and allow you to fully enjoy your visit. For patients who need a little more help, we also have an anesthesiologist who comes in and  sedates our patients using IV sedation.  Depending on your level of anxiety and what kind of care you are receiving, we can help find the best solution for you!

We can help you find the level of sedation for your treatment that works for you so that you will be comfortable during your dental visit.  Please make sure to tell our team about any anxiety you may be having.

We do see the children of established patients.  We see children starting from the age of 6 months or when they get their first tooth. The earlier you establish care with a dentist, the less likely your child will have dental anxiety/fear.

If you’re concerned with how your little one will react to their first visit, please feel free to schedule a time to bring them in and take a look around.  No pressure!  They can take a look around and get familiar with how things look and sound!  You can meet the hygienist so they aren’t a stranger when they come in to be seen the first time. 

If your child has special needs or if you have other concerns, please speak with one of our Patient Care Specialists.  We are happy to make your little one’s visit as happy as possible!

You're not alone! Whether it has been 6 months or 6 years, it's never too late to get back into a healthy routine. We would be more than happy to arrange for you to have a thorough and educational exam appointment. In cases of extreme anxiety, we do have nitrous oxide available for our patients. We often take care of people just like you! The happy testimonials of countless patients that have become our friends are proof that you can be like them too. We're here to help! Please call us when you are ready to take the next step!

Oral Surgery

This is a very common question! You may feel like you’re alone with your anxiety, but millions of people experience some stress when faced with dental visits.

In many cases, patients don’t like seeing the dentist because they feel like they’re not in control of the situation. One of our goals at Dr. Katie To Center for Wellness Dentistry, is to get to know our patients and take the time to build trusting relationships. When you feel at ease with us, your dental care won’t seem so intimidating.

We’ll listen to your concerns and spend some time to learn more about the source of your fear. You’d be amazed at how opening up about your feelings can help to reduce your anxiety!

Fear of pain and discomfort is another cause of dental anxiety. At our office, all our services are designed to maximize your comfort and reduce your stress. But if you still need help relaxing during your treatment, we offer safe nitrous oxide sedation that will make you feel slightly drowsy and detached from what’s going on around you.

Dr. Katie and Dr. Luu can also prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for you to take before your appointment to help you feel calm when you arrive at our office. Please remember that, if we’re using oral sedation, you’ll need a designated driver to get you to and from your appointment.

Don’t let anxiety about your dental care ruin your good oral health. Call us today to learn more about the ways we can help!

We offer many options for patients who need a little help to relax during their dental care.  We offer nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as laughing gas) to help take the edge off and allow you to fully enjoy your visit. For patients who need a little more help, we also have an anesthesiologist who comes in and  sedates our patients using IV sedation.  Depending on your level of anxiety and what kind of care you are receiving, we can help find the best solution for you!

We can help you find the level of sedation for your treatment that works for you so that you will be comfortable during your dental visit.  Please make sure to tell our team about any anxiety you may be having.

Emergency Treatment

We offer many options for patients who need a little help to relax during their dental care.  We offer nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as laughing gas) to help take the edge off and allow you to fully enjoy your visit. For patients who need a little more help, we also have an anesthesiologist who comes in and  sedates our patients using IV sedation.  Depending on your level of anxiety and what kind of care you are receiving, we can help find the best solution for you!

We can help you find the level of sedation for your treatment that works for you so that you will be comfortable during your dental visit.  Please make sure to tell our team about any anxiety you may be having.

Nobody wants to have a dental emergency and keeping up with your regular checkups can help prevent one from happening.  We see emergencies for established patients.  If we are unable to see you, we can direct you to some of our trusted associates to help you.  There are some things we might be able to do for you over the phone to help with any pain or anxiety.  By giving us a call, we can help you.

We have an emergency line that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week so if you ever find yourself in need of emergent dental help, we are here and ready to help you!  If your emergency happens outside of our regular business hours, all you have to do is call 281-392-8450 and choose the emergency option.  This will put you in touch with one of our Patient Care Specialists who is also a licensed Dental Assistant.

Just because you don’t have insurance doesn’t mean you need to go without necessary dental treatments. At the office of Katie To, DDS, we’re committed to working with you to make the cost of your care affordable and manageable.

In addition to cash, check, and major credit cards, we also accept CareCredit. CareCredit is a type of interest-free financing that allows you to break your payments down into easy monthly payments. Simply pay the balance within the agreed time period, and you won’t be charged any interest.

CareCredit is easy to apply for, and you can even use it to pay for veterinary expenses and other health, beauty, and wellness needs!

Orthodontics

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one or four days as your teeth begin to straighten. Your lips and cheeks may need one or two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

We offer many options for patients who need a little help to relax during their dental care.  We offer nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as laughing gas) to help take the edge off and allow you to fully enjoy your visit. For patients who need a little more help, we also have an anesthesiologist who comes in and  sedates our patients using IV sedation.  Depending on your level of anxiety and what kind of care you are receiving, we can help find the best solution for you!

We can help you find the level of sedation for your treatment that works for you so that you will be comfortable during your dental visit.  Please make sure to tell our team about any anxiety you may be having.

Simply call our practice at 281-392-8450! Our patient care specialists will be happy to help schedule your consult appointment at your convenience.

The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Actual treatment can be affected by rate of grwoth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Yes! In fact patients receiving orthodontic treatment may visit their dentist every 3 months depending on how well the patient take care of the braces. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

  • Crowded or overlapped teeth
  • Spaces between the teeth
  • Finger or thumb-sucking habits that narrows the upper jaw or protrude front teeth
  • Front teeth that are protrude excessively, or are bucked
  • Deep bite - when the upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting
  • Open bite - upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together
  • Edge to Edge or under bite - upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
  • Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first Orthodontic check-up no later than the age of 7. Orthodontist can spot problems with jaw growth and erupting teeth while baby teeth are still present. Some problems are easier to correct if they are found early. Orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, it can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. More orthodontic patients today are adults.

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Playing an instrument may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities.

Teeth Whitening

We offer a variety of whitening options such as Opalescence and Kor Whitening.   We also have some take home products that range from pre-made trays, to custom made trays with prescription strength whitening solution.  It is extremely important to make sure you do not have any active dental cavities or gum infection before any whitening procedure.  If you whiten while having active cavities or infection, you can make those conditions worse and possibly cause pain.  

Please make an appointment with us so that we can find the best options for you to get your teeth to the whiteness you desire!

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