Solid preventive care is the foundation for your oral and overall health. Good at-home hygiene habits, in combination with professional cleanings, can keep your smile free from decay and other oral health issues like gum disease. Regular exams allow your dentist in Tyler to monitor your oral health so you can address any minor concerns before they become larger, more costly, and more invasive issues.
Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.
However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.
Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.
Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so following your visit. Fluoride helps kickstart a process called “remineralization,” which restores essential minerals like calcium and phosphates to your teeth, keeping your enamel hard and resistant to acids, like those that cause tooth decay.
Dental sealants are a great way for patients to protect their teeth from decay. Dental sealants are often recommended for children, but can still be a great option for patients of all ages. Plus, dental sealants can provide protection for your teeth for years after being applied.
Applying dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive procedure that utilizes a dental resin that is applied to the molars. The uneven surface of molars, which are located in the rear of the mouth, are filled with grooves where plaque and bacteria can flourish. After application, the resin is cured with a UV light, causing it to harden into a powerful barrier between your teeth and the foods, drinks, acid, and bacteria that lead to decay.
Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful experiences, but we're here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and keep calm. Then, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. Dental emergencies can be anything from a knocked-out tooth or dental work to a persistent toothache. If you're unsure if what you're experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, it's better to be safe than sorry, so get in touch with your dentist in Tyler right away so you can get the care you need when you need it.
Gum disease, while common, can have serious effects on your oral and overall health if left untreated. Advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss, so timely treatment is essential. Periodontal care uses a variety of treatments, like deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, to stop gum disease in its tracks and restore your oral health. If your gums are inflamed or bleed easily, if you have persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, or notice any changes in your bite, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and get your smile back on a healthy path.
Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit, and are a quick way to fortify your peace of mind. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!
Your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.
Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.
To get fitted for a night guard, you will receive impressions or digital scans of your teeth and gums that we will use to custom-craft a mold that will then be sent to the lab. Your night guard will be created to match your exact specifications and measurements for a perfect fit. Night guards ease tension in your jaw, alleviating the painful headaches and preventing dental damage caused by clenching and grinding. Night guards can keep your smile healthy and help you get the restful sleep you need.
Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.
A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us at (903) 710-1779 to speak with our team.
Preventative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that specializes in maintaining proper oral health and keeping dental complications at bay. Optimal preventative dentistry engenders a balanced combination of regular dental checkups and oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing your teeth daily.
Proper preventative dental care is a culmination of years of oral hygiene habits and consistency with dental checkups and cleanings. Not only does doing so ensure optimal oral health and beautiful white teeth, but it also saves you a bundle in cosmetic and restorative dental treatments down the line.
Preventative and restorative dentistry are inherently different forms of dentistry. The former focuses on maintaining good oral health and keeping dental complications at bay, while the latter specializes in repairing broken or damaged teeth and other oral structures. Examples of preventative dental procedures include teeth cleaning, oral examinations and routine dental x-rays. Dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures, on the other hand, are examples of restorative dental treatments.
Adopting the proper teeth brushing technique is imperative to proper oral health. Proper teeth brushing involves using the right amount of toothpaste, which is a pea-sized blob of toothpaste for adults and children above three years and a rice-grain glob for children below three years.
Next, place the toothbrush at a forty-five-degree angle to your gums and gently move your toothbrush back and forth in short movements. For the best results, brush your teeth's outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Lastly, don’t forget to brush the tongue and inner lining of your teeth and finish by rinsing your mouth with fluoride mouthwash.
To floss your teeth correctly, first cut an 18-inch string of dental floss and wind it around the index finger of your left and right hand, leaving about three inches of the dental floss. Next, gently insert the dental floss in the gap between your teeth. Try to gently see it from side to side if the gap is too tight and won’t let the dental floss snap in place.
Run the dental floss up and down the gap, ensuring the floss touches the bottom of the gumline and the top of your teeth. Next, with your fingers away from the gums, apply pressure on the tooth with the dental floss, curving the floss into a “C” shape. Afterwards, move the floss to the other contact area of the teeth and repeat the same.
Preventative dental procedures such as routine dental checkups, tooth cleanings, and oral examinations are relatively affordable compared to cosmetic and restorative procedures. As such, dental insurance providers will have no problem covering 100% of the cost. What’s more, most dentists deem these preventative treatments as medically necessary and crucial to proper dental health.
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us at (903) 710-1779 to speak with our team.
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. They are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. One of the common concerns people have about veneers is their lifespan.
The longevity of veneers can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the materials used, your oral hygiene habits, and your lifestyle choices. On average, veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, they can even last longer.
To ensure the longevity of your veneers, it is important to follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also essential to keep your veneers in excellent condition.
It is important to note that veneers are not indestructible. Avoid biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools to prevent chipping or cracking. If you participate in contact sports or grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your veneers.
If your veneers do become damaged or worn over time, they can be replaced by your dentist. With proper care and maintenance, your veneers can provide you with a beautiful smile for many years to come.
Yes! Professional teeth whitening treatments performed by a dentist are one of the most effective ways to achieve a whiter smile. Your dentist can use a bleaching agent that is stronger than over-the-counter products to remove deep stains and discoloration. In-office whitening treatments can often lighten teeth by several shades in just one visit.
If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, your dentist can provide you with custom-made whitening trays and a professional-grade whitening gel. This allows you to whiten your teeth at your convenience, following your dentist's instructions. At-home whitening may take longer to achieve desired results compared to in-office treatments, but it can still provide noticeable improvements.
It is important to note that not all types of tooth discoloration can be effectively treated with whitening alone. In some cases, teeth may have internal stains or discoloration that cannot be addressed through whitening treatments. In such cases, your dentist may recommend alternative cosmetic treatments, such as veneers or dental bonding, to achieve the desired results.
To maintain the whiteness of your teeth after whitening treatments, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid habits that can stain your teeth, such as smoking or excessive consumption of coffee, tea, or red wine.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth. These virtually invisible aligners are custom-made for each patient and gradually shift the teeth into their desired positions.
Clear aligners work by applying gentle, controlled forces to move the teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for a specific period, typically around two weeks, before being replaced with the next set in the series. Over time, the teeth gradually shift into alignment, resulting in a straighter smile.
Clear aligners are an effective orthodontic treatment for a wide range of dental issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, it is important to note that not all cases can be treated with clear aligners. Severe orthodontic problems may require traditional braces or other orthodontic interventions.
The success of clear aligners depends on the patient's commitment to wearing them as instructed. Aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Failure to wear the aligners consistently can prolong the treatment duration or compromise the final results.
Regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist are necessary throughout the treatment process to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. Compliance with the treatment plan and proper oral hygiene practices are essential for achieving the desired outcome.
