Frequently Asked Questions

Our team can help you understand the next steps. Call us before your appointment or visit Insurance & Payment.

Visit us at 2875 Middlefield Road, Suite 1 in Palo Alto. Call (650) 321-9693 if you need help finding us.

Yes. Dr. Sharma can review your concerns, examine your oral health and explain his findings. Please arrange to send relevant records before your visit.

Dental bonding is a procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied and shaped to repair chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. It is a quick, affordable, and minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of your smile in a single visit.

We offer professional teeth whitening treatments that are significantly more effective than over-the-counter products. Our in-office and take-home whitening options are customized to your needs and can brighten your smile by several shades safely and comfortably.

Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout the body. Studies have linked untreated gum disease to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions. Treating gum disease is an investment in your whole-body health.

Research shows a strong link between oral health and overall body health. Poor oral health has been associated with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and complications during pregnancy. Regular dental care is an important part of your overall wellness.

Bruxism is the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. It can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. We can provide a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and relieve symptoms.

TMJ refers to disorders of the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Treatment may include a custom nightguard, physical therapy, or other conservative approaches.

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. At Palo Alto Oral Health, we offer oral appliance therapy — a custom-fitted device worn during sleep that keeps the airway open, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines.

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used when a tooth has too much damage for a filling but not enough to require a full crown. An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps.

Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of a tooth's surface. It is performed when a tooth needs a crown but does not have enough structure visible above the gum line.

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. We offer complete dentures for patients missing all teeth, and partial dentures for those missing some teeth. Implant-supported dentures are also available for greater stability and comfort.

A dental bridge uses adjacent teeth as anchors to support a false tooth, while an implant is a standalone replacement anchored directly into the jawbone. Implants are generally the preferred long-term solution as they preserve bone and do not affect neighboring teeth.

Most adults with good general health and sufficient jawbone density are candidates for dental implants. A thorough evaluation including X-rays and a review of your medical history will determine if implants are right for you.

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. They support crowns, bridges, or dentures and look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implants are a long-lasting solution for tooth loss.

A root canal is a procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, relieving pain and saving the tooth. With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients find the procedure no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. You may need a crown after a root canal, to protect a cracked tooth, or to restore a severely decayed tooth.

A composite filling is a tooth-colored resin used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings blend naturally with your tooth and require less removal of healthy tooth structure.

An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual and physical examination of your mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues. We perform this as part of your regular exam to detect any abnormal changes early, when treatment is most effective.

Periodontal care refers to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. This includes deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), ongoing monitoring, and home care guidance. Healthy gums are essential to your overall oral and systemic health.

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. They are especially recommended for children and teenagers, but adults without decay or fillings in their molars can benefit too.

Yes. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays — up to 90% less — and provide clearer, more detailed images. They are a safe and essential diagnostic tool for detecting issues not visible to the naked eye.

A comprehensive dental exam includes a review of your medical and dental history, oral cancer screening, examination of your gums and teeth, digital X-rays if needed, and a personalized treatment plan discussion. We take time to explain every finding clearly.

Most patients benefit from a professional teeth cleaning every six months. However, patients with gum disease or other risk factors may need more frequent visits. Dr. Sharma will recommend the ideal schedule for your specific needs.

Yes, we offer kids dentistry services. Our team is experienced in making young patients feel comfortable and at ease, helping them build healthy dental habits from an early age.

You can pay your bill online conveniently at pay.balancecollect.com/m/paloaltooralhealth, or pay in person at our office. We strive to make the billing process as straightforward as possible.

We work with a wide range of dental insurance plans. Please contact our office directly at (650) 321-9693 or visit our Financial & Insurance page for the most up-to-date information on accepted plans and payment options.

Yes, we are currently welcoming new patients! You can request an appointment online or call our office at (650) 321-9693 to schedule your first visit. New patient forms are available to download on our website.

Our practice is led by Dr. Shawn Sharma DDS, a UC Berkeley and University of the Pacific graduate. Dr. Sharma is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

You can request an appointment online through our website at any time, or call us directly at (650) 321-9693. We also offer new patient forms online so you can complete paperwork before your visit.

We are located at 2875 Middlefield Rd, Suite #1, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the heart of the Midtown neighborhood. You can reach us by phone at (650) 321-9693.

Palo Alto Oral Health has been located in the Midtown area of Palo Alto since 1958 — over 60 years of serving local families. We are privileged to care for three generations of families in our diverse community.