Patient Education

8/7/2026

Have you been told your cavity is too big for a regular filling? If so, Dr. Ernest De Paoli may recommend a dental crown to restore the overall function and appearance of your smile. This is because a large cavity may leave too little healthy tooth structure for a filling to bond securely.

7/14/2026

Do you hide your smile in photos because of stained teeth, chips, or gaps? Porcelain veneers in Frisco, TX, can cover all of these concerns at once, and the process is simpler than most patients expect. It typically takes just two visits: one to prepare your teeth and take impressions, and one to bond your custom veneers into place.

5/20/2026

While replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a great decision for your long-term oral health, many people have questions about the surgery and recovery process. The good news? Knowing what to expect after dental implant surgery can make the experience feel less intimidating. While the initial discomfort usually fades within a week or two, the implant needs several months to fuse with your jawbone before a restoration is placed.

4/15/2026

Dental crowns are among the most durable, longest-lasting dental restorations used today, but there are certainly cases when a crown may be compromised. In fact, dental crowns could potentially fall off a tooth or dental implant, though it is not common. Still, it’s important to understand what causes a dental crown to come loose, what to do if you lose a dental crown, and how to keep your crowns stable and beautiful for as long as possible.

3/6/2026

Do you have a chipped veneer, or did one fall off? You may be experiencing complications, such as tooth sensitivity or tooth pain when biting down. While porcelain veneers are designed to last, damage can occur from accidents or other trauma. Knowing what to do can save your restoration and protect your oral health. We recommend contacting our office right away to schedule an appointment.

2/21/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that dental implants actually refer to the metal screw that's surgically implanted into the jawbone, ultimately being used to support a restoration, like a dental crown, bridge, or even implant-supported dentures. While the superficial recovery after dental implant surgery may only take a few weeks, it can take up to six months — or longer, in some cases — for the implant to be considered fully integrated with the bone and able to support the planned restoration.

1/25/2026

If you've been told that you need a dental crown, you may have a number of questions about what to expect during your appointment — from how long it takes to get a crown on your tooth to what it feels like to get a crown, and more. Here, Frisco, TX, family dentist Dr. Ernest De Paoli and our knowledgeable team at Advanced Smiles share helpful information on the process of placing dental crowns to help you go into your appointment with comfort, confidence, and peace of mind.

12/31/2025

Porcelain veneers are known for their ability to dramatically improve a smile while still looking natural, refined, and balanced. For many people considering veneers, one of the most important questions is how long those results will actually last. While porcelain veneers are not considered indefinite, they are a long-lasting cosmetic dental solution that can provide up to 10 – 15 years of confidence with the right care.

11/27/2025

Determining whether you need a crown or a filling often depends on how much of the tooth has weakened, the extent of decay or damage, and how the tooth functions within your bite. At Advanced Smiles in Frisco, TX, Dr. Ernest De Paoli evaluates these factors carefully so patients understand the right level of protection for their long-term oral health. A small area of decay or a minor chip may only require a filling, while a tooth with deeper damage or a large failing restoration may need the added strength of a crown.

10/30/2025

Everyone deserves a smile that looks bright and feels strong. At Advanced Smiles, Frisco, TX, cosmetic dentist Dr. Ernest De Paoli designs personalized smile makeovers that enhance appearance, rebuild damaged teeth, or replace missing teeth for a beautiful and functional result. Because every smile is different, we help patients understand which treatment options will help give them the outcome they want most.

9/18/2025

A bright, balanced smile is one of the first things people notice, and it often plays a big role in how confident you feel. When teeth are chipped, uneven, stained, or spaced apart, it can make you hesitate to show your smile. Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry solutions available today, offering a way to address multiple dental concerns simultaneously. At Advanced Smiles in Frisco, TX, Dr. Ernest De Paoli offers custom porcelain veneers designed to match your features, enhance symmetry, and help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.

8/29/2025

After investing in dental implants, proper aftercare is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your restorative dental work heals well and lasts for years. In the first days after surgery, swelling, tenderness, or slight discoloration near the implant site is normal, but following the right care routine helps reduce discomfort and speeds healing.

7/28/2025

When you're told you have a cavity or damage to a tooth, you're likely to ask what the next steps will be to restore your dental and oral health. Sometimes, a simple cavity filling is enough. Other times, your dentist may recommend a crown. The choice between a filling vs. crown will depend on several factors, like the tooth's treatment history, the extent of the damage, and others. At Advanced Smiles in Frisco, TX, Dr. Ernest De Paoli takes the time to walk each patient through their options, helping them understand why one approach may be better than another. If you're caught between a crown or a filling, here's how to think through the decision.

6/14/2025

If you're worried about your teeth looking fake with porcelain veneers, you may be surprised to learn that porcelain dental veneers can restore a dramatically more beautiful — yet still natural-looking — smile that you can feel confident about. Not only can porcelain veneers be custom-created in almost any shade, size, shape, and other attribute that you desire, but they also have an inherent translucence that mimics the quality of real teeth for an even more natural appearance. Whether you are looking to give your smile a brighter shade of white or correct other cosmetic dental concerns with veneers, you may be wondering how to care for your restorations to keep them looking as good as they do on day one.

5/26/2025

With the wide range of advanced dental restoration options available today, it can be difficult to know which dental procedure is appropriate for you. Without a doubt, one of the best places to start in choosing between popular dental restorations like dentures vs. implants is scheduling a consultation and exam with an experienced restorative dentist. At Advanced Smiles, Frisco, TX, dental restoration specialist Dr. Ernest De Paoli offers an extensive suite of state-of-the-art dental restorations and procedures to meet the unique needs of each patient.

5/3/2025

Dental crowns are made to be strong and long-lasting, but like any dental restoration, they can become damaged over time. Whether your crown is chipped, cracked, loose, or simply worn down, putting off a replacement could put your tooth and oral health at risk. Keeping a broken crown too long can lead to pain, infection, abscess, difficulty eating, and other complications.

3/22/2025

Feeling self-conscious about discolored teeth can affect your confidence and how you interact with others. Many people struggle with stains that brushing and over-the-counter products just can't remove. If you're searching for a lasting solution, porcelain veneers may be the right choice. At Advanced Smiles in Frisco, TX, Dr. Ernest De Paoli offers custom porcelain veneers designed to improve teeth discoloration and help you achieve a brighter, more attractive smile.

3/4/2025

If you are considering dental implants in Frisco, TX, you may be wondering how long they will last. Dental implants are a long-lasting dental restoration, providing a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. With proper care, the implant can last a lifetime, while the attached dental crown may need replacement after several years due to normal wear. Factors like oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and regular dental visits play a role in ensuring the durability of dental implants over time. At Advanced Smiles, Dr. Ernest De Paoli and his team are committed to helping patients maintain their implants for long-term success and a confident smile.