Dental FAQs

Most patients benefit from visiting a dentist in Murrieta every six months for a routine cleaning and exam. These visits allow our team to catch small issues before they become bigger, more costly problems. If you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or other ongoing concerns, Dr. Curley may recommend more frequent appointments. When in doubt, ask us at your next visit and we’ll help you find a schedule that fits your needs.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can lead to a condition known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Symptoms include jaw pain, frequent headaches, a clicking or popping sound when you chew, and facial tension.

At Todd Curley DDS, we specialize in neuromuscular dentistry to treat TMD at its root. Treatment may include custom oral appliances to reposition your jaw, bite adjustments, and advanced diagnostics using digital jaw tracking and electromyography. Many patients experience significant relief after starting TMJ therapy, and some travel from across Southern California to receive this care.

A routine dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, goes further. It removes buildup from beneath the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help gum tissue reattach to the tooth. Deep cleanings are typically recommended for patients showing signs of gum disease. Your dentist in Murrieta will let you know which type of cleaning is right for your situation.

Dental crown procedures are performed with local anesthesia, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during treatment. At Todd Curley DDS, we also use CEREC technology, which allows us to design and place your crown in a single visit. No temporary crowns, no second appointments, and no waiting weeks for a lab to return your restoration. There may be some mild sensitivity after the procedure, but it typically fades within a few days.

Invisalign is a great option for teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth without traditional metal braces. It works well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing issues, and certain bite problems. The best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a dentist in Murrieta who can evaluate your specific needs. Dr. Curley will review your bite, alignment, and overall oral health and walk you through your options.

Yes. Todd Curley DDS accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Anthem Blue Cross, Humana, Guardian, Aetna, United Concordia, and many others. We also offer multiple flexible payment options including CareCredit, Venmo, PayPal, and in-house financing. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage before treatment begins.

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or another urgent dental issue, contact our office right away. Todd Curley DDS is available to answer emergency calls seven days a week, including holidays. You can reach us by text at 951-331-6809 on holidays and weekends. Quick action can often save a tooth and prevent the situation from getting worse.