Sensitive Teeth? Best Treatment Options
September 10, 2021
Have you ever had a toothache that was so bad, it felt like your teeth were being drilled from the inside? It’s not just an inconvenience. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods can actually cause severe damage!
But no worries! Here are some of the best and most popular treatments for sensitive teeth.
(more…)Do I Need an Emergency Dentist for Tooth Sensitivity?
August 18, 2021
Does sipping your morning cup of coffee cause a sudden tinge of discomfort? Maybe enjoying an ice cream cone makes you pucker your lips in pain? You’re likely suffering from tooth sensitivity. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, at least 1 in 8 adults experiences tooth sensitivity in Lancaster. Since the sensation isn’t constant, it may not seem concerning, but does it warrant a trip to your emergency dentist? Here’s what you need to know to safeguard your smile and stop your pain.
Why You Should Floss
August 17, 2021
Do you know that flossing is just as important in your daily routine as bathing and eating? Flossing can get rid of plaque stuck between teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach it. And with proper use, once or twice a day will suffice!
(more…)6 Ways to Prevent Grinding Your Teeth
August 4, 2021
Do you grind your teeth? Teeth grinding can be a frustrating issue for people and often leads to further dental problems. Occasional teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but it can damage your teeth and lead to other oral health concerns when the habit becomes regular.
So here are the top six ways to prevent this pesky habit.
(more…)7 Types of Tooth Pain That You Should Call Your Emergency Dentist For
May 18, 2021
Toothaches are one of the most common oral health issues because there are so many different types of dental pain. While most toothaches need prompt, but not urgent, dental care, some can warrant a trip to your emergency dentist. So how can you tell which category yours falls into? The best way to tell is to call your dentist. They’ll ask you more about your symptoms to determine if you need treatment right away. In general, if you experience any of the following seven types of tooth pain, you need to give your Lancaster emergency dentist a call right away!
(more…)What to Expect When Your Dental Checkup is Years Overdue
February 5, 2021
If it has been a few years since your last dental appointment, you’re not alone. Sometimes work or life can take over and you end up forgetting to reschedule that visit to the dentist. Another reason for your hiatus may be due to dental anxiety, which is also very common. But no matter the reason for your time away, the most important thing is that you’ve decided to return! A lot of time away from the dental chair is enough to make anyone a little nervous, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. Read on to find out what your first dental checkup might look like.
(more…)If Your Tooth Stops Hurting, Do You Still Need a Root Canal?
January 11, 2021
A severe toothache is one of the more common warning signs that you need root canal therapy. This is because bacteria have traveled to the sensitive pulp area. If the tooth stops hurting, is that a sign that you no longer need a root canal in Lancaster? Continue reading to get the answer.
(more…)Do I Need a Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure?
November 30, 2020
Many patients assume the only reason to have a wisdom teeth extraction performed is to avoid overcrowding of their teeth. While this can be one reason for the procedure, it is far from the only reason. The fact is your wisdom teeth could surprisingly be at the root of many underlying health issues. So how do you know if you need to contact your DeSoto area dentist for a wisdom teeth extraction procedure?
What Is a Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure?
To put it simply, a wisdom teeth extraction procedure is simply the removal of one, or all, of your wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge from the very back of your gums, usually during the teen years. Since many of us have already undergone corrective oral alignment processes such as braces; an extra set of incoming teeth can understandably pose a problem with overcrowding an otherwise set of straight and healthy teeth.
While this overcrowding is one of the most common reasons to have the wisdom teeth removed, there are several other issues that can add to the extraction necessity as well. Knowing what to look for when determining if you should schedule a wisdom teeth extraction, can help you make a timely decision and minimize potential health issues or discomfort.
What Are the Signs You May Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?
Other than creating a crowded gumline, your incoming wisdom teeth can be the root of many other health issues as well. If you’re debating whether to schedule that extraction, here are a few of the most common issues caused by emerging wisdom teeth:
- Sinus Pain and Pressure. Few patients realize this, but your sinuses have a strong connection to your dental health. Oftentimes, painful and congested sinuses could be an indication of oral health issues. Many patients experience sinus pressure relief after having a wisdom teeth extraction.
- Jaw and Gumline Pain. Since wisdom teeth often grow in compacted – or toward your other teeth – instead of straight in, it can cause severe pain and discomfort as they emerge. If you notice pain while chewing, brushing, or even speaking, it could be caused by incoming wisdom teeth.
- Inflammation and Sores. If your wisdom teeth are left to grow without proper professional care and preventative measures, it can lead to extreme oral pain and discomfort. If you notice swollen gums or cysts forming at the gumline, it’s highly important to speak with your Lancaster dentist about a wisdom teeth extraction.
How to Find a Trusted Local Dentist for Your Tooth Extraction
If you experience any form of discomfort – whether directly related to incoming wisdom teeth or not – it’s imperative to talk to our team of dental professionals today. Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common oral procedures done today and is often able to relieve a multitude of health issues for our patients. Give us a call today to see if an extraction may be the right choice for you.
Can Sedation Dentistry Help with Anxiety Over Your Next Visit?
November 22, 2020
For millions of patients, the very thought of a visit to the dentist can cause anxiety of all levels. In fact, many people experience such high levels of anxiety over a dental appointment that it can keep them from seeking essential professional oral care altogether. Whether the thought of a trip to the dentist causes minor discomfort or major anxiety, sedation dentistry could be a viable solution for you.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is often confused with general anesthesia, but the process generally allows for patients to remain awake, yet calm, during their visit. With sedation dentistry, patients are given a carefully monitored dose of medication that simply induces a sedative – yet conscious – state.
In most cases, minimal sedation levels are more than sufficient to help put patients at ease while they’re in for their appointment, but it’s important to note there are several levels of sedation available as needed. Since not every case is the same, some may require a deeper state of sedation than others. For this reason, there are multiple options to help patients relax:
- Minimal sedation is most commonly used among patients. This type allows clients to remain in a calm, relaxed state while staying fully awake during their visit.
- Moderate sedation can be used for those who experience higher levels of anxiety surrounding their dental visit. This option allows for patients to remain conscious but will cause slurred speech and a general sense of confusion and inability to recall the process.
- Deep sedation is similar to general anesthesia in the sense that you will be in a state of deep relaxation that is close to being asleep. The main difference is that this process will allow for a quicker awakening once the procedure is complete.
Sedation and Anxiety
For those who experience various levels of anxiety surrounding dental procedures, sedation dentistry can be a viable option to help relieve the stressors that keep you from getting much needed oral care. Here at our DeSoto office, we believe in providing our patients with the most informative services in order to ensure the highest level of comfort available.
With several levels of sedation dentistry available to help ease your anxiety, our staff is here to provide the most comfortable dental experience possible. Our sedation options are used in conjunction with localized anesthesia as needed in order to manage not just your anxiety, but also, any potential pain or physical discomfort during certain procedures.
Finding Comfortable Dentistry Near You
Our office in Lancaster has utilized sedation dentistry to help keep our patients at ease for years. Whether our patients come to us with concerns such as:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Major dental work needs
- Extreme anxiety over dental work
- Painful previous experiences from other offices
- Trouble with gagging
We are here to help with the perfect solution for each and every one. We are dedicated to providing not just the most innovative and knowledgeable services, but the most comfortable and gentle dental experience as well. Give us a call today to see how sedation dentistry could be a solution for your dental stressors.
What to Know When Choosing the Right Family Dentist
October 29, 2020
When it’s time to search for a new family dentist, you may find yourself wondering how in the world you should go about narrowing the list and finding the right choice for your household. With so many options to choose from, knowing how to locate the perfect fit with a new dental professional can be a daunting task. That’s why our DeSoto dental professionals put every effort into making things easy for our patients – both new and continuing!
The Basics of Choosing the Right Dental Professional
Searching for the best family dentist can be confusing if you’re not sure what to look for. The right professional isn’t always (and shouldn’t be) as simple as choosing the first name you come across in the phone book or online search. There are many factors to consider that will help you narrow your list of options to one that’s tailored to your family’s specific oral hygiene needs. While there are a number of things to consider, here is a look at some of the most basic issues to keep in mind when shopping for a new family dentist:
- Do they offer the specific family services you need (emergency dentistry, sedative dentistry, etc.)?
- Do they accept your insurance and/or are they in your covered insurance network?
- Are they highly recommended by your friends and family and their other patients?
- Are they accepting new patients?
- Are they properly licensed and devoted to on-going certifications and education?
The Next Steps
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential new family dentists, it’s time to take a more detailed look at your options. There are a few ways you can get to know a respective oral professional before committing to patient status – all of which will help you gain a better feel for how well they fit with your family’s needs and dynamics.
In the Lancaster area, there are a wide range of dental professionals to choose from. Taking a deeper look at your options will help you land the perfect fit for your family. To do this, explore the information provided on their websites in great detail. Check to see that they are properly accredited, look for online reviews to hear what their previous patients have to say about their own experiences, and note their available services.
Schedule a Visit
After doing some diligent online research, the next step is to make some phone calls and plan a visit. Call around to those dental professionals who have made your short list, and don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions when you call. Take note of the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff members you have contact with. If you decide to visit the location in person for the initial contact, that’s an excellent way to gauge the cleanliness and professionalism of the office atmosphere.
Above all, the most important thing to consider when choosing a new family dental practitioner is to ensure they are the right fit for your specific family needs. Meet them. Talk to them. Ask lots of questions about their services and credentials. Just as you would any other professional service, doing your homework will help you land the perfect choice for your household.