Common questions

Yes, new patients are always welcome. Book an appointment online—your slot is confirmed in real time. Call (469) 908 2020 with any questions.

Cherish Dental is open Monday 10 AM–6 PM, Tuesday 10 AM–2 PM, Thursday and Friday 8 AM–4 PM, and Saturday 9 AM–3 PM. The office is closed Wednesday and Sunday. We may be able to accommodate urgent dental needs and special appointment requests depending on availability. If the office is closed when you call, Link AI will take a message and can reach one of our doctors if needed.

We are at 175 S Ridge Rd, Suite 100, McKinney, TX 75072—near the intersection of Virginia Pkwy and S Ridge Rd. There is ample free parking directly at our building. We are a short drive from Prosper, Allen, Frisco, and Plano. Get directions →

Yes—and we welcome patients from anywhere. Our office just off Virginia Pkwy in McKinney is a short drive from Prosper, Frisco, Allen, and Plano. Most PPO plans are accepted, and we offer Saturday hours (9 AM–3 PM) for patients with weekday scheduling conflicts. Book an appointment to get on the schedule.

Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, and a list of current medications including supplements and vitamins. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete paperwork, or contact us ahead of time to receive forms by email so you can fill them out at home before your visit.

Yes. Booking through our online scheduler confirms your appointment in real time and holds your slot on our calendar immediately—no waiting for a callback. For urgent pain or swelling, seek appropriate urgent or emergency care; call 911 if life-threatening.

Dr. Kovvuri provides care in English, Telugu, and Hindi. Our team also includes a Spanish-speaking front desk team member. Link AI, our AI-powered phone system, can handle calls in many languages—so reaching us is never a language barrier.

Yes. Dr. Kovvuri speaks Telugu and Hindi fluently, so you are welcome to communicate in either language throughout your visit. Our AI-assisted phone system (Link AI) also handles inquiries in multiple languages, so scheduling a call in your preferred language is always an option.

Tell us on your form or when you call. We can set aside extra time, walk through each instrument before use, and pace the appointment so you stay in control. Many anxious patients find our calm environment and no-pressure approach makes a significant difference. Ask about comfort options for longer procedures.

Most PPO plans are accepted, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. We verify your benefits and provide a written cost estimate before any treatment. If your plan is out of network, we can still file claims and walk you through your costs.

We understand—dental coverage gaps are common. We offer an in-house membership plan as a practical, affordable alternative to traditional insurance. We also accept HSA/FSA cards, major credit cards, and can discuss phased treatment or financing for larger cases. Ask our front team for current details when you call.

Most PPO dental plans cover a portion of crown costs, typically after your deductible and subject to your annual maximum benefit. Coverage percentages vary by plan—many cover 50% of the fee after deductible. We verify your specific benefits before treatment and provide a written cost estimate so you know your out-of-pocket amount before committing.

Many Delta Dental plans include some coverage for implant-related procedures, though the amount varies significantly by plan type. Some plans cover the crown portion, some cover part of the implant placement, and others exclude implants entirely. We verify your specific Delta Dental benefits before treatment begins and walk you through your estimated costs.

We are currently a private-pay and PPO dental insurance practice and do not participate in Medicaid or Medicare dental programs. If you do not have dental insurance, we offer an in-house membership plan, HSA/FSA payment options, and can discuss phased treatment to make care more manageable.

We reserve same-day time for true dental emergencies—severe tooth pain, abscess or facial swelling, broken or knocked-out teeth, and lost fillings or crowns. Call (469) 908 2020 as early as possible. If our schedule is full, urgent cases may sometimes need to use the emergency room or an available dentist. Life-threatening emergencies: call 911 immediately.

Dental emergencies include: severe or sudden tooth pain, a dental abscess or facial swelling, a knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth, a broken tooth with a sharp edge or exposed nerve, significant bleeding from the mouth, or a lost crown or filling causing pain. Call (469) 908 2020 as early as possible. For difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any life-threatening symptom, call 911 immediately.

Many patients do well with two preventive visits per year. If you have active gum disease or a higher-risk profile, we may recommend three or four visits per year until your condition is stable. We personalize that recommendation based on your exam findings—not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

A first-visit cleaning combined with a comprehensive exam and X-rays (when needed) typically takes 60–90 minutes. Subsequent routine preventive cleanings for patients with healthy gums usually run 45–60 minutes. Patients with active gum disease or heavy buildup may require more time or a separate deep-cleaning appointment. We schedule enough time to be thorough—not rushed.

Yes. We welcome families and adapt our approach to each child’s age and temperament. Visits are calm and gentle—we explain everything before we do it and never rush a child who needs more time. For very young children or complex developmental needs, we may refer to a pediatric specialist while staying involved in coordination.

Yes. Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth and are one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities in children and teens. We discuss sealants as part of your child’s preventive care plan when appropriate, and explain the process clearly so kids know what to expect.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) ranges from early gingivitis—inflamed, bleeding gums—to advanced periodontitis, which involves bone and tissue loss around teeth. Early-stage gum disease is typically managed with more frequent professional cleanings and improved home care. More advanced cases may require a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. We screen for gum disease at every exam and discuss your findings and options clearly.

Cold sensitivity can point to several things: exposed dentin from gum recession, a small cavity, a hairline crack, or early pulp irritation. It is worth having it evaluated so we can identify the cause. Sensitivity toothpaste may help temporarily, but it is not a substitute for a proper diagnosis. Call us if the sensitivity is sharp, lingers more than a few seconds, or is worsening.

Yes. If Dr. Kovvuri identifies wear patterns or other signs of bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) during your exam, she may recommend a custom night guard. Custom guards are made from impressions of your teeth and fit more precisely and comfortably than over-the-counter options, providing better protection against wear and jaw strain.

Yes. We use digital radiography for all routine X-ray imaging. Digital X-rays produce significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and images are available immediately on screen—which means we can review your X-rays with you during your appointment and explain exactly what we are seeing.

CBCT (Cone Beam CT) is a 3D imaging system that captures detailed views of teeth, bone, nerves, and surrounding anatomy that a standard flat X-ray cannot show. At Cherish Dental, we have an in-office Vatech CBCT system—the same technology used in specialty practices. It is particularly valuable for implant planning, where knowing the precise bone anatomy improves accuracy and predictability. Having it in-office means no separate imaging referrals for most cases.

We take a cautious approach with pregnant patients. Routine X-rays are typically deferred until after delivery unless there is a specific clinical need that outweighs the risk. We always ask about pregnancy status before taking any radiograph. When X-rays are necessary during pregnancy, we use a lead apron and take the lowest-exposure digital images possible.

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth to protect it and restore its function. Most crown procedures involve two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and one to place the finished crown. We discuss material options and explain costs in writing before you commit to anything.

A filling repairs a damaged portion of a tooth using tooth-colored composite resin. A crown is a full cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is cracked, severely decayed, has a large failing restoration, or has had root canal therapy. Dr. Kovvuri explains which option is appropriate for your specific situation and why.

With tooth-colored composite fillings—the type we use—the material sets completely under the curing light before you leave the chair. You can eat as soon as the anesthesia wears off, typically within one to two hours. We may suggest avoiding very hard or sticky foods on that side for the first day. We provide specific instructions at your appointment based on the size and location of the restoration.

We handle many root canal cases in-office. Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth, relieves pain, and allows the tooth to be saved with a crown. For anatomically complex cases or certain tooth types, we may refer to an endodontist (root canal specialist). Dr. Kovvuri evaluates your specific situation and discusses the best approach at your appointment.

Professional in-office whitening can brighten your smile by several shades in a single appointment. Take-home whitening trays offer a more gradual result over one to two weeks. During your consultation, we discuss which option best fits your goals, timeline, and existing restorations—since whitening does not change the color of crowns, veneers, or bonding.

Professional whitening supervised by a dentist is considered safe for most patients with healthy teeth and gums. We evaluate candidacy before recommending whitening and discuss realistic expectations—including the important fact that whitening does not change the color of existing crowns, veneers, bonding, or other restorations. Patients with active cavities or gum issues are treated first before whitening is considered.

Dr. Kovvuri evaluates candidacy during your consultation, takes digital scans or impressions, and designs a phased treatment plan with a clear timeline. You receive trays on a scheduled basis with regular progress visits to make sure everything is tracking correctly. Retention planning begins from day one. If your case requires specialist involvement beyond the scope of clear aligner therapy, we coordinate that referral with clear expectations on both sides.

Treatment length depends on the complexity of your case. Mild to moderate alignment issues typically complete in 6 to 18 months, though some cases may be shorter or longer. Dr. Kovvuri reviews your specific situation at your consultation and gives you a projected timeline and tray sequence before you commit to treatment.

A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone that acts as an artificial tooth root, topped with a crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. At Cherish Dental, we handle the restorative side (the crown) and coordinate the surgical placement with a trusted specialist. We remain your primary point of contact throughout the process and provide a clear timeline and cost estimate up front.

With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the implant fixture (the titanium post in the bone) can last decades—often a lifetime. The crown placed on top may require replacement after 10–20 years depending on wear and oral habits. Factors like tobacco use, bone density, and how well the implant is maintained all influence long-term outcomes.