Support
Frequently Asked Questions
General questions about our clinic, plus treatment-specific answers organized by specialty.
General
What makes The Smile Studio different from other dental clinics near me?
The Smile Studio is led by Dr. Sushma D'Souza, a BDS-qualified dental surgeon, and is rated 4.9 from 141 Google reviews. We follow strict hygiene and sterilization standards: instruments are sterilized for every patient, and the clinic is kept spotlessly clean. Every treatment starts with a consultation where we explain your options, cost, and timeline before we begin.
How do I know if you're the best dental clinic for my needs?
We recommend starting with a consultation. Dr. D'Souza will assess your goals and recommend the most direct, least invasive path to the result you want — with full transparency on cost and timeline.
Do you offer emergency dental appointments?
Yes. We hold same-day emergency slots every day we're open for acute pain, swelling, or dental trauma. Call our priority line and our team will get you seen the same day whenever possible.
Where is The Smile Studio located?
The Smile Studio is at 1711, 19th Main Road, Garden Layout, Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru 560102. We're open Monday–Saturday 9:30 AM–8:00 PM, Sunday by prior appointment only.
How often should I visit the dentist?
We recommend a checkup and professional cleaning every six months for most patients, though your dentist may suggest a different cadence based on your oral health history.
Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last 25+ years or a lifetime. The titanium post rarely needs replacement; the porcelain crown may be refreshed after 15-20 years of wear.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most patients report less discomfort than a tooth extraction. We use local anesthesia, IV sedation options, and precision guided surgery to minimize trauma and recovery time.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with adequate jawbone density are candidates. During your 3D diagnostic consultation we'll confirm candidacy and discuss bone grafting if additional support is needed.
Invisalign
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most cases complete in 6-18 months depending on complexity. Minor alignment corrections may finish in as little as 4-6 months.
Does Invisalign hurt?
You may feel mild pressure for 1-2 days after switching to a new aligner set — this is a sign the aligners are working. It's far gentler than traditional braces.
Can Invisalign fix all orthodontic issues?
Invisalign treats most mild-to-severe cases including crowding, spacing, and bite issues. Complex skeletal cases will be discussed candidly during your consultation.
Smile Makeover
What's included in a smile makeover?
Every makeover is bespoke — commonly combining porcelain veneers, professional whitening, gum contouring, and sometimes Invisalign, based on your goals.
How long do smile makeover results last?
Porcelain veneers typically last 15-20 years with proper care. Whitening results can be maintained indefinitely with periodic touch-ups.
Will my smile makeover look natural?
Yes — our digital smile design process and hand-layered ceramics are built specifically to look natural to your facial features, not generic 'veneer white.'
Root Canal Treatment
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. With effective anesthesia most patients report the procedure feels similar to a routine filling.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers, swelling, or a darkening tooth. A same-day exam can confirm quickly.
What happens after a root canal?
The treated tooth is typically capped with a custom crown for full protection. Most patients return to normal activity the same day.
Teeth Whitening
How much whiter will my teeth get?
Most patients see 6-8 shades of improvement in a single in-office session, depending on starting shade and staining causes.
Is professional whitening safe for enamel?
Yes. Our protocols use enamel-safe concentrations and desensitizing agents, applied under professional supervision — far gentler than repeated over-the-counter use.
How long do results last?
Results typically last 12-24 months with good oral hygiene. We provide custom take-home trays for easy touch-ups.
Pediatric Dentistry
When should my child's first dental visit be?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
Do you offer sedation for anxious children?
Yes, we offer gentle sedation options for children with dental anxiety or extensive treatment needs, always with parents informed and involved.
How often should kids have dental checkups?
We recommend a checkup and cleaning every six months, matching general guidance for children and adults alike.