How will I know if I need sedation during my dental procedure?

Sedation dentistry is becoming increasingly popular among dentists and their patients alike. Many patients need the comfort of the deeply relaxing medications to overcome dental anxiety.

When providing sedation, the dentist is administering an anti-anxiety drug to help put the patient at ease. Patients may feel as though they’re asleep while under sedation—and they won’t remember anything afterward—but they’re actually conscious the entire time. This is why many patients prefer sedation to general anesthesia.

Sedation, which is almost always accompanied by a local anesthetic, can be useful in varying circumstances, and the need for sedation dentistry may be unique to that particular patient. Especially fearful patients may need sedation in order to be able to undergo a procedure as simple as a routine cleaning.

Patients facing lengthy procedures or multiple interventions can also benefit from sedation, which will allow them to tolerate longer appointments.

Once you’ve decided on sedation, you will need to choose your preferred method. The medications can be delivered intravenously or in pill form. Patients can also inhale gaseous nitrous oxide for a sedative effect. Each method has different characteristics. Some take effect more quickly, for example. Discuss the different methods with your dentist in advance so that you can select the one that meets your most important requirements.

It’s also important to know what you will need to do to prepare for sedation and what to expect afterward. Patients who opt for IV sedation will need to fast for several hours before the appointment. Those who prefer oral sedatives will need to give the pill enough time to take effect before the scheduled procedure.

Furthermore, all patients who use sedation will need to have someone accompany them home from the appointment. The effects of the medication won’t wear off in enough time for you to drive.

Patients who have avoided the dentist out of fear or anxiety are encouraged to consider sedation dentistry to help them get the dental care they need. Patients facing complex procedures may also benefit from this approach to dental care.

To learn more about your sedation options, contact our dental team at Plano Smile Studio today. Call 972-398-2550 to schedule your visit.

Nail Biting May Lead to Dental Issues

Your mother or your nail technician may have encouraged you to avoid nail-biting because it can make your hands look so unattractive. However, your dentist may also suggest that you quit for a more important reason. It has often been said that it takes 21 days to break a bad habit, but most patients who become aware of the dental issues caused by nail-biting are motivated to quit the habit much sooner.

Nail-biting is commonly associated with a nervous habit, anxiety, or stress. It’s a subconscious habit that can range from mild or infrequent to severe and chronic. Most patients are unaware of how often they are chewing the fingernails, pens, pencils, or other potentially dangerous objects.

They are your own nails. Just how dangerous can they be? Take a moment to consider the potential consequences:

A physical injury or even an infection of the gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue is commonly seen when a sharp fingernail accidentally scrapes the soft tissues inside the mouth.

Chronic nail-biting can impact the position of your jaw, the alignment of the teeth, and the appearance of your smile. To grasp the nail between the teeth, you must force your teeth and jaws into an unnatural or exaggerated position. This can certainly lead to a developmental issue as the teeth and jaws begin to adapt to their new positions.

Similar to patients who clench or grind the teeth, nail-biters may begin to experience facial pain, joint pain, headaches, and sensitive teeth. These symptoms are mainly due to the long-term stress on the muscles, joints, and ligaments that control the face and mouth. In fact many nail-biters begin to experience clenching and grinding at night, even during sleep, when the fingernails are not in the mouth at all.

The constant grinding of the teeth against the nail contributes to chipped and worn enamel. This weakens the teeth and can create cosmetic problems and sensitivity issues.

Your dentist understands the risks of nail-biting, but also recognizes its relationship to a stress and anxiety. It is possible to end the habit as well as repair any damage that may have resulted. Schedule an appointment with Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, serving Plano and surrounding areas, today for help.

How Stain Resistant are Porcelain Veneers?

Thanks to the versatile nature of porcelain veneers, almost any aspect of your smile can be enhanced. With help from your cosmetic dentist, the alignment, shape, color, or length of your teeth can be modified to achieve a more esthetic and natural result.

However, once your new smile is finalized, how well will it stand the test of time? When challenged by various foods, moisture, medications, beverages, or chemicals, you may wonder how well your veneers are able to resist staining and discoloration. Fortunately, porcelain veneers are exceptionally durable and highly resistant to staining.

To appreciate the stain-resistant quality of veneers, it helps to understand how your veneers will be prepared. In the dental lab, high-quality dental-grade porcelain and ceramics are milled and fired at extremely high temperatures. During this process, the surface of the porcelain will take on a less porous, glass-like quality that will be able to withstand the impact of various elements.

With the veneers permanently bonded to your teeth, you will be able to follow a normal oral hygiene routine. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can keep your veneers in good shape, and you will be free to eat and drink the foods and beverages of your choice. Your veneers are designed to stand up to a normal diet, toothpastes, mouthwashes and medications.

It is important to note that porcelain is stain resistant, but not stain proof. To extend the life and the appearance of your new smile, you may be advised to limit your consumption of those foods and habits that could be expected to stain and discolor your natural teeth. This includes smoking, red wine, teas, and coffee.

Adhering to the same precautions that you would apply to your natural teeth, it’s best to rinse with water or brush (if possible) after you have enjoyed snacks and drinks.

Porcelain veneers are designed to give you a new reason to smile. They are also designed to be low-maintenance and enjoyable. With reasonable care, there is no reason to worry about stains and discoloration. Talk to our team at Plano Smile Studio to learn more about the attractive qualities of veneers. Call 972-398-2550 to schedule your professional consultation today.

Will I Need Recovery Time if I Use Sedation During My Dental Procedure?

As you plan for your upcoming dental procedure, you’ll likely be interested in how you will feel once the visit is over. If you are planning to opt for sedation dentistry, you may need to reserve a little extra time for the recovery period. That’s because, in addition to some lingering numbness or a tired jaw, you may also feel a little drowsy or sleepy.

Your sedation dentist will help you to select the sedative method that will be safest and most effective for you. Your options may include oral medications, inhaled sedation, or IV sedation. Depending upon the type of sedation, the dosage that is recommended for you and also your personal metabolism rate, your recovery time could range from a few moments to several hours. During that time, most patients tend to feel relatively sleepy or groggy following the dental visit.

In light of these side effects, driving and operating machinery should be avoided until you feel completely alert. In fact, patients who expect to be sedated are generally asked to be accompanied by an adult who is willing to monitor their safety after the dental visit. Your companion will need to remain at the dental office throughout your treatment and should be prepared to drive you home as well.

Although the side effects of most sedative options can be expected to linger, there is an exception to the rule. Laughing gas (technically known as nitrous oxide) is quickly eliminated from your system when you begin breathing oxygenated air. Patients who are under the influence of laughing gas will generally feel normal again before they leave the dental office.

Sometimes, sedation is recommended when the dental procedure is expected to be lengthy or particularly extensive. The sedatives will help you to relax for an extended period of time. Under these circumstances, the length of the recovery period may be influenced by the extent of the procedure more so than the effects of the sedatives.

Learn more about planning your post-operative recovery by contacting the office of Dr. John M. Hucklebridge.

When Can I Return to Work After Implant Surgery?

Thirty years ago, dental implant surgery was reserved for a small and select group of candidates. The surgical procedure was far less sophisticated and the recovery time was somewhat lengthy. Today, with the help of modern technology, the procedure is a restorative option that is available to a broader group of candidates. Terms such as precision, safety, efficiency, predictability, and minimally invasive are now used to describe the procedure for the placement of the implants.

With that, the surgery is smoother and faster, and patients can expect a speedier recovery period. In fact, many patients find that they are able to return to work relatively quickly. The day after surgery, you may feel comfortable enough to resume your normal activities, though you may be advised to postpone very rigorous or strenuous work for a few days.

The extent of your recovery may also be influenced by the medications that have been prescribed for you. Certain prescription pain relievers are known to cause drowsiness or sleepiness. According to the advice of your implant dentist or pharmacist, you may need to avoid driving and any other responsibilities that could compromise your safety while you are under the influence of these medications.

The state of your general health prior to your implant surgery can also influence the speed of your recovery. When underlying health conditions are under control, your body will be able to recover more rapidly following your surgery.

Rest, relaxation, and nutrition are also important contributing factors to the speed at which you can expect life to return to normal. Though you’ll probably feel fine, try to reserve the remainder of the day for plenty of rest in a stress-free environment. This will promote healing and help to ensure that you have the energy to return to work.

During the surgical procedure, local anesthetics and sedatives will be used to keep you comfortable. Once you arrive at home, you will be responsible for adhering to the post-operative instructions which have been designed to speed the healing process and get you back to a normal routine as soon as possible.

Learn more about what to expect by calling Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to schedule a consultation with our implant dentist today.

Aesthetic Dental Transformations

Aesthetic concerns with the smile can have wide-ranging effects on a patient’s quality of life. If you are interested in upgrading your smile, a cosmetic dentist can provide a variety of interventions to address many problems that detract from your appearance.

Some patients can get their desired outcomes from minor treatments, while others may need more complex work, involving the combination of a number of interventions. The cosmetic dentist can give you guidance on which devices or techniques will be most beneficial in your case.

Here’s an overview of some of the treatments that your cosmetic dentist may recommend.

Porcelain veneers – These thin, tooth-shaped shells can cover up any number of blemishes, from stains to chips to cracks. Veneers can even be used to bring slightly crooked teeth into the proper alignment. Patients can see the results of porcelain veneers in as few as two appointments. Veneers are also remarkably durable and can last for a decade with adequate maintenance.

Dental implants – Dental implants are titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. They provide the base of a replacement tooth that offers a remarkably lifelike appliance for filling in an empty space left behind by a lost tooth. The implant is topped with an abutment that serves as a base that anchors the prosthetic crown. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw, and the titanium fuses with the bone as the patient heals, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss.

Teeth whitening – For patients who are merely dissatisfied with the shade of their smile, teeth whitening can have a major impact. Teeth whitening treatments use bleaching gels to erase stains from the teeth and brighten the smile. Patients can complete these treatments in the comfort of their own homes or see results in as little as an hour, courtesy of the ZOOM! Teeth Whitening system available in our office.

In addition to using these treatments, your cosmetic dentist may also need to collaborate with other specialists, such as orthodontists, periodontists or oral surgeons, to complete a comprehensive smile makeover.

If you’ve resigned yourself to being ashamed of your smile, consider how cosmetic dentistry by the best dentist in plano might be able to give you the smile of your dreams. Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 and schedule a consultation to learn more about what options you may have.

Plano veneers

Porcelain veneers are a remarkably versatile tool in cosmetic dentistry. They can be used to conceal unsightly damage to a tooth, to re-contour an undersized or misshapen tooth or even as “instant orthodontics,” straightening out a slightly crooked group of teeth.

Patients with new veneers are eager to show off their enhanced smiles, but at the same time, they want to be sure to extend the devices’ longevity by caring for them properly. The last thing a patient wants is to have to make a return trip to the cosmetic dentist to get veneers repaired or be fitted for new ones.

Veneers are made of thin porcelain layers, so patients may think that they are fragile. Typically, that is not true. In fact, veneers can last for up to a decade when you maintain them properly.

Veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth using a strong dental adhesive. The adhesive is often cured with light to strengthen the attachment. This characteristic gives veneers their strength. In many ways, taking care of the veneers is the same as taking care of your natural teeth.

To protect your new veneers, a little bit of common sense will go a long way. Don’t bite directly into any hard foods, like apples, or non-food objects. Take steps to prevent trauma to the mouth, such as wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports. Kick bad habits that can potentially harm your teeth, like nail biting or smoking.

Your daily oral hygiene routine will remain the same, too, and it’s just as important for veneers as for your biological teeth. Brush twice a day, using proper technique, and floss daily. See your dentist at six-month intervals for exams and cleanings. When you visit the dentist, let the hygienist know that you have veneers. Some instruments and cleaning materials could harm your veneers, and the hygienist might need to adjust the routine cleaning techniques.

If you are considering veneers and would like more information about the treatment process, contact the office of Dr. John M. Hucklebridge to schedule your professional consultation today.

Sedation Dentistry: Injection-free Anesthetic Options

Anxiety and apprehension are common emotions experienced by millions of dental patients each year. The sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office can be overwhelming and unfamiliar, and the anticipation of pain keeps many patients from receiving routine dental care.

Fortunately, there have been a number of advancements in all aspects of the dental field, including sedation dentistry, enabling many patients to put their dental phobias to rest. With your sedation dentist, even your fear of needles can be alleviated with a wide range of injection-free anesthetic options.

For non-invasive dental procedures, topical anesthetics such as gels and mouth rinses may be used to numb the surface of the soft tissues without the use of an injection.

For patients who are nervous or apprehensive prior to the dental visit, Valium may be prescribed to eliminate the pre-treatment jitters. In the dental office, valium or other anti-anxiety medications may be administered in order to keep you comfortable in the dental chair. These medications may be combined with commonly prescribed pain relievers if necessary.

Orally administered medications or inhalation sedation (such as laughing gas) can be used to lull you into a deep state of relaxation while still enabling you to respond to verbal commands. You will also retain your ability to breathe and swallow on your own while under the influence of these sedatives.

Without requiring needles or injections, these alternatives are known as conscious sedation and are widely accepted for patients of all ages. The medications are safe and have very few side effects.

Should you select these conscious sedation options, you can expect to experience drowsiness or sleepiness and you will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult driver. This safety measure is required in order to ensure that you arrive to your appointment and back home safely.

For more extensive dental procedures, a deeper form of sedation may be required. The medications used for general sedation are typically administered intravenously, and may also be combined with other anti-anxiety medications for your comfort.

Learn more about your injection-free options by contacting Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 for an appointment today.

Top Dallas Veneers Dentist

John: Hi, I’m Dr. John Hucklebridge; I’ve been practicing cosmetic, implant, and general dentistry for over 20 years. I feel like our practice is very unique here. We see one patient at a time. That’s real important to our patients, they really appreciate that. We see our patients on time. We actually call our patients if we’re running behind, and let them know that you might be 10 minutes, 15 minutes late, and they really appreciate that as well. Many of our patients are not only local patients, but they come from all over Texas and around the world. We guarantee our work for ten years, so if anything happens out of the ordinary, if you break a crown, or things like that we’re happy to replace it for you.

We have a state-of-the-art facility. We offer all different types of cosmetic dentistry including Invisalign, a clear alternative to braces. We have offer teeth whitening, Zoom, it’s America’s number one Zoom whitening. Our practice is also unique in that we have our own in office laboratory where we actually have, when we’re doing complex cosmetic cases, we can actually go in and have our own ceramists custom stain these crowns to make them look very life like. We’ve found this to be the best alternative due to the fact that it just enhances the overall experience for the patient.

We truly love what we do here, being in practice for 20 years, we’ve had a lot of opportunity to build significant relationships with our patients. We try to create a nice caring friendly atmosphere for our patients. We feel like it’s more of a family atmosphere. So those are just some of the things that really separate our practice apart from other practices you might choose to go to. If you’ve ever had any questions or concerns, we offer complementary consultations and second opinions.

Preserve Natural Teeth with Dental Implants

Dental implants are intended to replace natural teeth that have been lost or extracted. So, it may seem counterintuitive that the devices can actually protect natural teeth at the same time.

In reality, they can. Dental implants do a much better job of preserving neighboring biological teeth than other tooth replacement alternatives, which are primarily designed to address cosmetic rather than structural concerns.

Dallas patients quickly discover that dental implants have minimal impact on the teeth adjacent to the implant site. A fixed permanent bridge requires healthy enamel of adjoining teeth to be shaved down to accommodate crowns that hold the replacement tooth in place. Dental implants, on the other hand, anchor a prosthetic tooth with no involvement of the remaining teeth.

Furthermore, dental implants offer a layer of protection against the jawbone atrophy that plagues patients when the roots of the natural teeth are absent. In placing dental implants, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your implant dentist serving Dallas TX, is essentially replicating the roots of missing teeth.

In this way, dental implants help to stabilize the jaw. When missing teeth’s roots are not replaced and the jawbone is allowed to erode, that process can jeopardize the other teeth, putting the patient at risk for losing more teeth.

The structure of dental implants maintains the tooth’s chewing function, meaning that it absorbs the same forces as a natural tooth would. Those forces continue to be distributed proportionately among all of the teeth, rather than putting extra pressure on a few of them, further safeguarding a patient’s natural teeth.

Because dental implants fit into the smile like natural teeth, they can be maintained in the same fashion. There’s no need to mess with extra equipment to floss, and it’s easier to keep those replacement teeth clean and clear of bacteria that can cause periodontal disease and tooth decay.

If you’ve already lost one tooth and hope to avoid further damage to the others, ask Dr. Hucklebridge about dental implants. They may be the right solution in your case.

Receding gums: Are dental implants still an option?

Many patients have turned to dental implants to replace missing teeth, and with good reason. Implants outperform other methods aesthetically and structurally, and they require no more maintenance than any other tooth in the mouth.

Before placing dental implants, however, the implant dentist must be sure that the patient is an appropriate candidate and that all conditions necessary for the implant’s success are met.

When certain conditions are present in the mouth, additional treatment may be needed prior to implant placement. In particular, receding gums, which occur when the tissue moves toward the tooth’s root, may be cause for concern to your Plano implant dentist.

At a certain point, the gums will recede so much that the underlying bone begins to show through. In these cases, the titanium screw that is the dental implant may be visible, too, undermining the goal of a tooth replacement method that results in a re-creation of the natural tooth.

Additionally, gum recession can eventually lead to bone loss when left untreated. This could cause implant failure.

Fortunately, receding gums can be treated. A surgical procedure commonly known as a gum graft can correct this condition. In performing a gum graft, the oral surgeon removes a piece of soft tissue from the roof of the mouth and transplants it into the site of recession. Abnormally thin gums may also need to be grafted to ensure that the implant is not visible through the gum, even if the gum line is in the proper position.

If you’ve had an intervention to reverse gum recession, it’s important to take steps to prevent the condition from recurring after the implants have been placed. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine, keep your semiannual dentist appointments and quit smoking to increase your chances of implant success.

Patients who have noticed that their gums are receding should inform the implant dentist in advance of implant placement to determine the best course of action.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, please contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550.

The benefits of implant-retained dentures

Over the last four decades, dental technology has seen tremendous growth. The dental community’s passion for restoring your teeth, health, and self-confidence has given way to new solutions for many common conditions.

Tooth loss and the introduction of dental implants may be the best example of these advancements. In most cases, dental implants have surpassed traditional dentures, bridges, and partials as the recommended method of tooth replacement. Your dentist may recommend dental implants in Plano if you are missing one or more natural teeth and are healthy enough to undergo minimally invasive surgery.

For patients who missing all of the upper or lower teeth, or those patients who are unhappy with their existing denture, adding dental implants can be life-changing.

Your implant dentist may recommend using dental implants to stabilize your denture and preserve your bone structure. By anchoring your denture to the jaw bone, a stable foundation for biting, chewing, and speaking can be achieved. This new foundation is strong enough to endure the forces of chewing without the risk of irritation to the soft tissues of the gums. Patients who choose the implant-retained denture also enjoy the relief of knowing that there is never a need for denture glues and adhesives. The denture will never slip out of place or shift uncomfortably.

Bone loss, the unfortunate side effect of tooth loss, can also be addressed with the addition of dental implants. Since traditional dentures are designed to rest on top of the gum tissue, the underlying bone does not receive the appropriate stimulation and the bone begins to deteriorate. This deterioration affects the fit of the denture as well as the shape of the face and mouth. Dental implants are designed to actually bond, or integrate, with the bone. This relationship provides the stimulation necessary to prevent future bone loss.

Using dental implants to retain dentures has increased the level of comfort and satisfaction for millions of patients with missing teeth. If you are no longer satisfied with the limitations of traditional dentures, schedule your consultation with Dr. John M. Hucklebridge to discuss the beauty of implant-retained dentures today.

Most common causes of intrinsic tooth discoloration

Understanding the source of your stained or discolored teeth can be the key to achieving the brighter, whiter smile that you deserve. Some types of staining can occur on the surface of the enamel (referred to as extrinsic stain) and can be polished away during your routine dental visit. Stain that has penetrated the enamel or stain that occurs from the inside of the tooth (known as intrinsic) can be more difficult to remove without the assistance of your cosmetic dentist in Plano TX.

The most common cause of intrinsic tooth discoloration is exposure to the antibiotic tetracycline during tooth development. Children who were exposed to the antibiotic tetracycline while the permanent teeth were developing can typically be identified by the appearance of bluish-gray tinted enamel.

Another common cause of intrinsic tooth discoloration is trauma or injury. When the nerve of the tooth is damaged as a result of an injury, the shade of the tooth can often become dark gray or brown. This type of injury may not result in tooth loss, but the resulting shade of the tooth is generally a source of concern for most patients.

Fortunately, there are a variety of options for improving the appearance of intrinsically stained teeth. your cosmetic dentist may recommend teeth whitening as a conservative solution. Using a concentrated, professional-strength whitening solution, enamel can be lightened to a more natural shade. Professional whitening allows your cosmetic dentist to focus the whitening efforts on the affected teeth to achieve the most natural results. Teeth whitening is safe and effective, bleaching away the impurities that cause discoloration, while preserving the integrity of the enamel.

To address tooth discoloration that is difficult or impossible to remove, your cosmetic dentist may suggest porcelain veneers. Veneers are a beautiful solution for concealing stain that could not otherwise be removed. Following a minimal amount of preparation, the veneers are permanently bonded to the front surfaces of the front teeth, and shaded to blend naturally with the adjacent teeth. Since veneers are customized for each patient, they present the opportunity to change other esthetic details such as the shape, size, and position of the affected teeth.

To learn more about how cosmetic dental solutions can be used to improve the appearance of your smile, call Plano Smile Studio for your appointment today.

Causes of Xerostomia

Dry mouth may be one of the most under-diagnosed dental conditions in modern dentistry. Technically termed “Xerostomia”, many dry mouth sufferers may not realize the extent of their condition or the possible damage that may occur as a result of the condition.

By discussing your daily homecare habits with Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Plano TX dentist, it is possible to identify the condition and seek the appropriate treatment.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a decrease in the average amount of saliva present in the mouth. Saliva is the body’s natural defense against the acids that cause tooth decay. When the mouth is exceptionally dry, the increased risk for tooth decay can be significant.

Patients who notice that the mouth tends to be dry may find themselves frequently reaching for a drink during the day, waking up for a drink during the night, or sucking on mints and candies constantly. These patients may also notice that the gums tend to be inflamed, leading to bleeding during brushing and flossing.

Some common causes of dry mouth include:
·  Medications. Allergy medications, sleeping aids, pain relievers and other medications can cause a significant degree of xerostomia. Hundreds of these medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect, and millions of patients require these medications on a long-term basis.
·  Mouthbreathing. Sleeping with the mouth open or snoring can lead to severe irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth. Your dentist may detect inflammation, bleeding, or redness of the gum tissue surrounding the front teeth as an indicator to your condition.
·  Health conditions. Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease are among a number of health conditions known to contribute to dry mouth symptoms.
·  Cancer treatments. Radiation therapy to the head or neck and chemotherapy can severely affect the availability of saliva. These treatments can cause damage to the salivary glands, decreasing the quality and quantity of the saliva.

After identifying xerostomia, your dentist may advise you to drink as much water as possible, while avoiding juices, soft drinks, and candy. More frequent brushing and flossing may be helpful, as well as prescription and over the counter saliva substitutes.

For your health, don’t ignore your dry mouth symptoms. To learn more about xerostomia, call the office of Dr. Hucklebridge at 972-398-2550 and schedule your appointment today.

Stop Jawbone Atrophy with Dental Implants

Most patients want to replace a missing tooth because they’re concerned about an absent tooth’s aesthetic impact on the smile. However, it’s just as important to replace the missing tooth’s root as well. Always consult with an implant dentist when exploring tooth replacement options.
Dental implants can achieve this goal. The small screw-like structure that forms the base of the implant helps to stabilize the jaw in the same way that a biological tooth’s root does.

Because the jawbone wears away when no root is present to serve as an anchor, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, an implant dentist in Plano, can help to prevent the erosion by placing implants. Other tooth replacement alternatives, such as bridges or dentures, don’t replicate the entire structure of the missing tooth. Therefore, those other methods allow the jawbone resorption to continue unabated, eventually changing the bone’s shape.

This erosion of the jawbone can have a wide variety of effects. Other teeth in the mouth can be compromised and lost as the bone continues to disappear. If all of the teeth are extracted, jawbone resorption can cause pinching of the mouth, resulting in an aged appearance. As the jawbone shrinks, it can affect the patient’s speech and require dietary adjustments, as well.

People who have already experienced significant bone loss resulting from missing teeth may think that they are not candidates for dental implants, but that is not the case. Certain techniques can help an implant dentist to maximize available bone for implant placement, or bone graft procedures can be used to supplement the jaw bone enough to support the implants.

Additionally, if your bone loss is due to advanced gum disease, you will need to address this issue before the dental implants can be placed. Untreated periodontal disease can still lead to bone loss, even if an implant has been placed, and continued bone loss can lead to implant failure.
Patients who need to replace missing teeth should seriously consider dental implants in Plano to stop jawbone atrophy in addition to improving the smile’s appearance.

I’m Embarrassed to Smile

Beautiful, healthy teeth from your Plano, TX dentist

Bad teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. You may find yourself smiling less and less, or avoiding social interactions altogether. It’s time to end the misery. Leading Plano dentist Dr. Hucklebridge offers many solutions to teeth damaged by neglect, accident or disease. Our full-service dental clinic provides everything from teeth whitening to high-quality, beautiful restorations.

Whether you need a quick touchup or a full mouth reconstruction, we can help. Dr. Hucklebridge is known for his extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry and the quality of his work. He makes sure that you are completely happy before proceeding with treatment. Get started on the road to your dream smile today!

Teeth Whitening
Teeth discoloration is caused by age, certain medical conditions, and stain-promoting foods and drinks (coffee, tea, tobacco, etc.). Dr. Hucklebridge restores your teeth’s brightness with a professional bleaching process that is tailored to each patient. He offers in-office laser-assisted teeth whitening (including Zoom bleaching) and at-home, dentist-supervised whitening. Both methods produce dramatic results that last a long time.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin laminates that are cemented to the front of the tooth. Veneers hide teeth stains, cracks, chips, gaps, and other major imperfections. Our custom Empress porcelain veneers mimic the properties of real enamel and are twice as strong as standard veneers. The procedure also requires very minimal tooth reduction.

Smile Makeovers
Dr. Hucklebridge is one of the few cosmetic dentists in Plano, TX offering comprehensive smile makeovers. Depending on what you want to achieve, he may combine tooth-colored fillings with crowns and veneers, or dental implants and teeth whitening. The goal is not just beautiful teeth, but healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

Visit Plano Smile Studio today or call 972-398-2550 to schedule a consultation. You can also request an appointment using our contact us form.

Experience Comfortable Dentistry at Plano Smile Studio

I’m Afraid Of The Dentist 
Many Americans fear going to the dentist, and some postpone treatment until absolutely necessary. Common reasons are fear of the sounds and smells in the dental clinic, and fear of pain. We understand your anxiety about dental work, and how it can be daunting to show up for a routine checkup, let alone a complicated procedure like dental implant surgery. This is why Plano dentist Dr. Hucklebridge designed our office to be a stress-free zone where you can get treated in complete comfort. Here’s how we make every visit pleasant:

Spa Atmosphere
We are not your typical dental clinic. From the moment you step into our smile studio, you’ll notice the difference: relaxing Zen design, soothing music, soft mood lighting, state-of-the-art operatories and other amenities dedicated to your comfort. Our warm, friendly staff members make every appointment worry-free. Our “one patient at a time” policy ensures that you receive personalized, exceptional dental care.

Sedation Dentistry
Your Plano dentist offers sedation dentistry to help anxious patients reach an ultimate level of comfort. Dr. Hucklebridge will give you a mild sedative pill (oral sedation) about 30 minutes before your procedure. It will make you relax and forget about your fears. Some patients fall asleep, but they are conscious and easily awakened by the dentist.

Stringent Infection Control
Our number one goal is your safety. We use the latest infection control and sterilization techniques including daily water line sterilization, the use of disposable items, special waste containers, and frequent hand washing.

Advanced Technology
We aim to give you the most comfortable experience through sophisticated treatment methods. Cutting-edge procedures and the latest technology mean precise treatment planning and virtually painless procedures.

Say goodbye to painful procedures and dental anxiety. Schedule a consultation with your Plano dentist by calling 972-398-2550 or using our contact us  form.

Broaden Narrow Smiles with Veneers

There is just something about a wide, healthy smile that makes you feel as great as you look. That kind of full and open smile can light up your entire face, making you appear more pleasant and confident. But, what if you have all of your teeth and your smile just doesn’t “pop”? What are your options if you feel that your teeth are crowded together, making your smile appear more constricted than you would like?

Your cosmetic dentist will likely recommend veneers as an option for broadening your smile. In fact, veneers are the most commonly recommended and most frequently requested treatment solution for correcting a host of cosmetic flaws. If your smile doesn’t have the esthetic characteristics that you desire, you’ll be pleased to learn that your desires are not beyond your reach.

Without disrupting the roots of your natural teeth, veneers can be used to completely reshape the part of each tooth that shows when you speak or smile. For each front tooth, an individual porcelain veneer can be sculpted to change that tooth’s dimensions. Teeth can be made to look wider, longer, squared at the edges, rounded, or even shorter.

These dramatic and impressive changes to the front teeth can be achieved by laminating or bonding a very thin layer of porcelain to the front of each tooth. It is a permanent solution that can last for years with good oral hygiene habits and routine dental care. Porcelain is a strong restorative material that will not break down and separate from the tooth in the presence of normal foods and beverages. Plus, the texture, color, and strength of the porcelain is more similar to real enamel than any other restorative material.

A narrow smile can be easily widened and corrected with modern cosmetic solutions like veneers. In the process, you may wish to address the other factors that might be keeping your smile from looking its best. Fortunately, veneers are a dynamic solution that can resolve multiple issues at once.

Why not schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, today to discuss your options?

A Healthy Mouth is a Gateway to a Healthy Body

If a healthy body is important to you, you might devote a great deal of your time to working out, eating right, and other activities that are geared to better physical fitness. However, a healthy body starts with a healthy mouth, and neglecting your oral health can derail your efforts and sabotage your long-term health.

Just as you may turn to your physician, chiropractor, or Pilates instructor for help with your physical fitness regimen, don’t forget that your dentist has a lot to contribute as well. With just one dental visit, you will discover that you have access to the personalized oral health information that could literally save your life.

Keeping your mouth healthy is a responsibility that can be achieved by keeping it free from plaque and tarter, cavities, and even missing teeth. Almost every form of dental disease comes with consequences that can eventually impact the rest of your body, including your heart and your immune system.

Our bodies function best when inflammation is reduced or eliminated. Unfortunately, gum disease is marked by chronic inflammation. Bleeding and swollen gums are the hallmarks of gum disease (periodontal disease), and the long-term irritation can send your immune system into a tailspin. In fact, as your immune system fights to unsuccessfully control the bacterial infection, it is unable to ward off the other factors that could threaten your health. During this time, you are more likely to get sick, suffer from complications with diabetes and pregnancy, have a stroke, or a heart attack.

Other illnesses such as oral cancer that may start in the mouth or throat can progress quickly and without your knowledge to affect other parts of your body.

Did you know that tooth loss is also considered to be a form of dental disease? Missing teeth can signal a decline in your health since it directly affects your ability to receive proper nutrition as well as chew and digest your food.

Whole health includes your oral health. To find out more about where you stand, contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550​ to set up a dental appointment today.

Dental Bonding: Purpose and Procedure

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Plano TX cosmetic dentist, can use a variety of tools and techniques to enhance your smile. One of the most basic, yet effective, of those is dental bonding.

Dental bonding is one of the simplest and most economical restorations available. The process begins with a small amount of composite resin, which is made of plastic materials. That resin is then hardened or “bonded” to the tooth using a special light.

Chips and cracks in the teeth can be concealed through bonding. A cosmetic dentist may also rely on bonding to fill in gaps or alter the shape of an unusual tooth. Bonding can even be used to repair tooth decay or protect dental roots exposed by receding gums.

To prepare the teeth for dental bonding, the cosmetic dentist will first roughen the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid that helps the resin stick to the tooth. Then, the dentist selects a shade of resin that blends in with the patient’s smile and massages it into the desired shape.

This procedure can be completed quickly. In most cases, bonding is finished within an hour or so. Bonding doesn’t require an outside laboratory to craft the restorations, so it can be done in a single office visit.

The resin is not as strong as enamel, so bonding may not be appropriate for tooth surfaces that are exposed to significant chewing forces. It’s important to talk with your cosmetic dentist to determine which options will meet your particular needs.

Nonetheless, if you properly care for your teeth, your dental bonding can last for up to a decade before it needs to be replaced. If you avoid bad habits like biting your fingernails or chewing hard objects, you’ll help to extend the life of your dental bonding.

Dental bonding is particularly appealing to patients who hope to preserve as much of their natural tooth material as possible. Other tooth restorations, such as veneers and crowns, often require the patient to sacrifice healthy enamel, but that step is unnecessary with bonding.

To learn more about dental bonding and to schedule your consultation, please contact Plano Smile Studio at 972.398.2550.

Root planing and scaling: When is it recommended?

Periodontal disease can cause serious problems, and if you have been diagnosed with this condition, it’s important to seek treatment from Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your dentist serving Plano TX 75093, as early as possible.

One method your dentist will use to treat periodontal disease is root planing and scaling. This non-invasive procedure removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from the teeth and the roots, clearing away the bacteria that cause the inflammation associated with gum disease.

Rough tooth roots, which allow bacteria to collect under the gums, also are smoothed down, providing a less hospitable environment for those bacteria. Your dentist may also refer to root planing and scaling as a deep cleaning.

Root planing and scaling is appropriate for patients with pockets in their gum tissue. Those pockets develop as plaque and bacteria collect along the gumline and attack the tissue. The root planing and scaling intervention, which may be accompanied by a topical antibiotic treatment, helps to reduce the size of those pockets.

After a root planing and scaling procedure, patients should plan to visit the dentist regularly for maintenance treatments. Those patients may be able to avoid a progression of their periodontal disease that might require surgery. Depending on the extent of your case, your dentist may recommend follow-up cleanings every three months rather than every six, which is the standard interval.

Getting treatment for periodontal disease helps to preserve your oral health. When left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause gums to recede and eventually lead to the loss of tooth and bone.

Controlling periodontal disease isn’t just about achieving optimal oral health, though. Periodontal disease has been connected to several systemic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes, so root planing and scaling is actually helping to boost a patient’s overall health.

Get your gums checked on a regular basis, and when your dentist identifies a problem, schedule an appointment for treatment like root planing and scaling so that you won’t have to face surgery later.

Achieve a More Symmetrical Smile with Tissue Resculpting

The teeth tend to be the focal point of the smile and rightfully so. Straight, white teeth are at the center of spectacular smiles, and patients often have this result in mind when they work with a cosmetic dentist.

The teeth are not the smile’s sole component, however. Other elements, such as the alignment of the jaw and the shape of the lips, factor in, as well. Soft tissues are important, too. Indeed, the gums play an essential role in the smile’s appearance, serving as the frame that emphasizes the main part of the picture.

A gumline that is uneven or too high or too low can have a negative impact on the smile, even when the teeth are in the proper alignment.
Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Dallas cosmetic dentist, can help the gums enhance the smile through a procedure known as tissue resculpting. The procedure can be performed right in the office using a local anesthetic.

In performing a tissue resculpting, Dr. Hucklebridge can alter the shape of the gumline, making it even and bringing it into the proper proportions. This goal is achieved by either removing excess gum tissue or by performing a gum graft, taking tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and placing it along the gumline as a supplement for areas with a shortage of gum tissue.

Tissue resculpting can be used to address inconsistencies that arose from congenital or genetic roots, or it may be used to give a boost to gums that have receded due to periodontal disease.

In many cases, tissue resculpting alone is sufficient to improve the smile’s aesthetics. However, in certain patients, an overgrowth of bone can be a complicating factor, causing an unwanted regrowth of gum tissue following the treatment. These patients may also need to have a crown lengthening, in which some of the excess bone is removed along with the gum tissue in order to achieve permanent results.

Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972.398.2550 to see if your uneven or prominent gums can be improved through tissue resculpting.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout the retirement years

The teeth and gums of your Golden Years are far different from those of your grade school days. At each stage in your life, your dental needs are unique. The steps that are required to care for those needs can be difficult to navigate without the assistance of your Plano dentist, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge.

With a strong emphasis on preventing dental disease, and an abundance of available educational information, Dr. Hucklebridge may be your best healthcare resource. Today, it is reasonable to expect to maintain a healthy smile throughout your lifetime. There is no reason to expect tooth loss to be a part of your destiny.

For adults, brushing and flossing after meals should still be an integral part of your daily routine. Foods that may collect around the gumline and between the teeth can contribute to gum disease and cavities. Mature adults should also monitor their diets for foods and drinks that can increase the risk for tooth decay and tooth sensitivity.

As you age, protecting your enamel can be a daily challenge. Acidic beverages such as fruit juices and red wines can erode the enamel. Even digestive conditions like acid reflux and GERD have been linked to weakened enamel.

A lifetime of aggressive brushing causes damage that can be identified in the form of abrasive lesions and gum recession. When clenching and grinding of the teeth have been an issue, fractured enamel near the gumline and flattened teeth can lead to tooth sensitivity.

Often, the status of your overall health can influence your risk for gum disease. Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease and diabetes can contribute to advanced periodontal disease. Complex dental restorations such as bridges and partials can increase your risk for gum disease if food tends to become caught between the teeth.

Many of the dental conditions that arise in the retirement years are a result of the cumulative effect of the dental care that you have received throughout your lifetime. If you desire to maintain healthy teeth and gums in this phase of your life, please schedule your next visit right away.

Am I Too Old for Braces?

If you are an adult who could benefit from braces, whether for cosmetic reasons or for functional reasons, you may have already considered the advantages and disadvantages of adult orthodontics. As an adult, you may have determined that you are not interested in metal brackets and wires, even for a short period of time.

Still, you are certainly not too old to seek the orthodontic treatment that you desire. In fact, as an adult, you have access to more advanced and more appealing alternatives to traditional orthodontics. Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your dentist serving Dallas, offers Invisalign technology to enhance your smile.

The Invisalign method utilizes groundbreaking technology to provide the most discreet and most hygienic orthodontic treatment available. A customized series of clear, removable aligners are the secret to achieving your new smile.

After obtaining dental impressions of your top and bottom teeth, Dr. Hucklebridge will communicate with the specialists at the Invisalign headquarters to develop your orthodontic treatment plan. Three dimensional models of your teeth will be used to fabricate a complete series of aligners, according to the length and complexity of your treatment estimate.

Prior to receiving your first set of aligners, you will be able to view the digital progression of your treatment with your dentist. Once they are received, each set of aligners will be worn both day and night for approximately two weeks, before you are advised to proceed to the next set. As each set is slightly different, your teeth will be gently guided into the appropriate position.

During this time, your aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. Invisalign aligners are fabricated from a very strong, but amazingly thin polymer that becomes virtually invisible when placed over the teeth. For adults, this is an especially important advantage since it allows you to maintain a more mature and professional appearance for the duration of the treatment.

If you have wondered how orthodontic treatment would fit into your adult lifestyle, call the office of Dr. Hucklebridge for your appointment today to learn more about Invisalign.

Tips for Relieving Dental Anxiety

A certain level of apprehension is common for some patients prior to a dental visit.

Unfortunately, millions of patients suffer from a more severe level of apprehension known as dental phobia. When the fear of seeking the dental care that is necessary to protect your health becomes overwhelming, you might choose to delay or avoid treatment. Indeed, some dental phobias are crippling and can have a negative impact on your health. As a part of your body, preventing disease and infection in your mouth is critical to your overall health.

There are some strategies for relieving your dental anxiety in order to properly care for your health. Choosing sedation dentistry in Plano TX may be the first step towards overcoming your fears.

Sedation dentistry involves the use of various relaxation methods in a safe and comfortable environment in order to provide a higher level of dental care. Commonly prescribed medications may be recommended before, during, or after your treatment to further enhance your experience.

You may be surprised to learn that there is more to sedation dentistry than simply finding a dentist who prescribes medication. Your sedation dentist is also interested in the root cause of your anxiety. Your ability to communicate your concerns and fears will enable the dentist and the staff to provide specialized care as well as prepare you for each phase of your treatment.

Your sedation dentist will also be happy to keep you fully informed about your treatment needs. Sometimes, just knowing what to expect can effectively eliminate your fear of the unknown. You will be encouraged to ask questions, and educational materials can be provided for further enlightenment.

Finally, take a deep breath! The atmosphere of the dental office has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. The environment has become more soothing, the technology is more advanced, and many procedures can be completed quickly and painlessly.

To learn more about sedation dentistry, begin by contacting Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 and scheduling your appointment today.