Feeling Self Conscious about Your Smile?

Moving through life with a smile that makes you feel embarrassed can be almost crippling. Feeling the need to cover your smile with your hand or holding back when you laugh has long-lasting social repercussions. After all, your non-verbal cues such as facial expression, smiling, and laughter play an important role in your communication with others. Feelings of self-consciousness can prevent you from fully experiencing some of the most important moments of your life.

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Plano cosmetic denitst, is pleased to offer the services that can unlock the smile that you’ve kept hidden. Cosmetic dental procedures are safe and effective for virtually every patient. The range of treatments vary from minimal (teeth whitening) to reconstructive (dental implants, smile makeover). Your most important task is to determine which aspects of your smile you’d like to address.

Stained or discolored teeth can be rejuvenated with advanced technology such as Zoom! Teeth Whitening. As a same-day procedure, you can enjoy an instantly brighter and whiter smile in minutes. Power whitening procedures such as Zoom! can eliminate stubborn discolorations from foods, beverages, and even medications.

When the main concerns include the shade as well as the shape or position of the teeth, porcelain veneers are the preferred solution. Veneers are a conservative way to improve the appearance of the front teeth. Your cosmetic dentist can design your veneers to look beautiful and natural, while enhancing your smile and increasing your self-confidence.

Sometimes, simply replacing a missing tooth can transform both your smile and your self-esteem. A gap or hole in your smile can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Dental implants are the closest substitute for your natural teeth. Without compromising the neighboring teeth, dental implants can endure normal eating and biting with ease. Once in place, your dental implant blends with your own teeth, filling the void and completing your smile.

With all of the available services offered by your cosmetic dentist, there is no need to suffer through life without smiling. Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 and arrange your professional consultation today to learn more

Overly Crowded Teeth: Am I a candidate for Invisalign?

Many celebrities have increased their fame by flashing less than perfect smiles. They say that a slight gap between the front teeth or mild crowding in the lower teeth gives their smiles “character”. In the “real world” however, most adults aren’t necessarily interested in smiling with character. Most of us want teeth that are in their proper places, with no gaps or crowding in sight.

If you are unsatisfied with crooked or crowded teeth, you may be interested in learning more about Invisalign in Dallas. Even overly crowded teeth can be corrected with the use of advanced technology that helps to gently unveil your best smile yet!

Your dentist may recommend Invisalign for a wide variety of orthodontic issues. Examples include crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, open bite, and retreating patients who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment.

The best Invisalign candidates include those teens and adults who are interested in achieving a naturally beautiful smile that is free from traditional metal hardware. Since the Invisalign technology uses a proven three dimensional technique to evaluate the position of your teeth, the final result is properly aligned teeth and a balanced bite.

Your willingness to comply with your dentist’s instructions regarding the Invisalign process can also help to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Each series of thin, clear aligners must be worn around the clock (although they can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing!). The more frequently the aligners are worn, the more predictable the results. Fortunately, the aligners are smooth and comfortable to your lips, cheeks, and tongue. What’s more, they are virtually invisible to those around you. No one will realize that you are receiving orthodontic treatment.

A thorough evaluation is necessary in order to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Impressions of your teeth and x-rays will assist your dentist and the specialists at the Invisalign headquarters develop the appropriate treatment plan for you. Call the office of Dr. John M. Hucklebridge today to book your appointment.

Whiten Discolored Teeth With Veneers

Severely stained teeth can be a drag on a smile. Regular consumption of red wine or coffee and certain medications can leave tell-tale signs that make your pearly whites not so pearly at all.

Porcelain veneers can be a solution for Plano patients in this predicament. The thin tooth-shaped shells can whiten and brighten teeth that have become dingy with age or stained by food or drink. Veneers are particularly useful in improving the aesthetics of a tooth that is so discolored that it does not respond to common whitening treatments.

The porcelain used in veneers shares the optical quality of tooth enamel, so the two substances are quite similar in appearance. This characteristic of porcelain gives veneers their lifelike quality.

Porcelain veneers are available in a range of shades to accommodate patient preference. The dentist can make further adjustments to the shade before the veneers are fixed to the teeth.

A cosmetic dentist can use porcelain veneers to achieve a number of goals. In addition to improving on the tooth’s shade, veneers can conceal flaws in teeth, such as chips or cracks. Veneers can also help to bring a stretch of crooked teeth into the proper alignment.

Porcelain veneers can be used as a sole intervention or as part of a complete smile makeover. The entire process of getting veneers takes just two appointments. At the first session, your cosmetic dentist will gather information used to create the veneers. That information is shared with a dental lab, which produces the veneers. When the devices are ready, generally a few weeks later, the dentist bonds them to the teeth.

If you’re using the veneers to enhance the shade of your teeth, it’s important to keep in mind that the porcelain cannot be bleached at a later date. So, your natural teeth should be as white as you want them to be before the veneers are placed. For this reason, some patients choose to combine a teeth whitening treatment with veneers used on severely stained teeth.

If you are considering veneers and would like additional information, contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to schedule your consultation.

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Fear of the dentist is not uncommon. In fact, some research estimates that as many as three-quarters of us have a certain degree of anxiety about going to the dentist.

Unfortunately, though, when that fear is severe enough to keep someone from seeking dental treatment, it can compromise that person’s oral health.

Postponing a trip to the dentist can lead to the need for a more invasive intervention, which can, in turn, provoke even more anxiety. This counterproductive cycle will just continue to fuel the fear.

Fortunately, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Plano sedation dentist, can help you overcome this fear and get back to a schedule of regular dental appointments for upkeep of your teeth and gums.

Sedation dentistry involves anti-anxiety medications that help the patient to achieve a deep state of relaxation. Patients are completely at ease throughout the appointment, giving them the opportunity to receive much-needed dental care.

Dental anxiety can arise from any number of sources. People may have stored negative memories from past experiences in the dental office. Some may fall victim to media messages characterizing dental situations as anxiety-inducing. Still others have fears rooted in the sense of helplessness that they feel while in the dentist’s chair.

Regardless of the root cause of the anxiety, sedation dentistry is beneficial to fearful patients. Although patients are deeply relaxed, they remain conscious, allowing them to respond to the dentist’s commands. The patient’s airway also remains open during sedation dentistry.

In addition to improving patient comfort during the visit, sedation also erases any memories afterward. Patients have no recollection of any procedures performed.

Patients have a number of choices in the way the sedatives are delivered. The medications can be taken orally or intravenously. Gaseous nitrous oxide may also be an option.

If you choose sedation dentistry, it’s important to prepare for the appointment. You may need to fast for several hours prior to receiving the medication, or you may need to take a pill a few hours before the scheduled visit. You should also plan to bring a responsible adult with you to escort you home.

Sedation dentistry has a number of benefits. Consider taking advantage of it to help manage your dental anxiety.

Sedation Dentistry: Will I remember anything?

For patients with severe dental anxiety, an appointment with our Plano sedation dentist can offer peace of mind.

With sedation dentistry, patients are in a deeply relaxed state, which helps them to overcome the worry associated with various dental procedures. Sedation dentistry offers maximum patient comfort.

In addition to being at ease during the appointment, most patients will have no recollection of the visit afterward. Patients are often attracted to this amnestic quality of sedation because they don’t have to worry about bad memories that may keep them out of the dental chair in the future.
A sedation dentist has many options for administering the anti-anxiety drugs used in the process. Patients who are skittish of needles can choose oral medications, while others who prefer a speedier effect from the drugs can go with IV sedatives. Oral medications will need to be taken a few hours in advance of the appointment to achieve the desired effect, and patients will need to have someone transport them to the office.

The sedation process differs from general anesthesia because patients remain conscious during the sedation. They are able to respond to the dentist’s commands throughout the appointment. Additionally, the airway is not compromised with sedation as it is with general anesthesia.

Patients are carefully monitored for signs of distress while under sedation, for an additional level of safety.

Sedation is not just for fearful patients, either. While under sedation, patients can endure longer sessions, so those facing a complex, time-consuming procedure, such as a smile makeover, can benefit from this technique, too.

Similarly, patients with strong gag reflexes can also benefit from sedation as a method for controlling that reaction.

It takes less time to recover from sedation than general anesthesia, but you still will not be able to drive yourself home after your dental appointment with sedation. Be sure to make arrangements for a responsible adult to escort you home.

Has dental fear kept you from getting the oral health care that you need? Consider sedation dentistry to help you get back into the dentist’s office for treatment. Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to schedule your visit.

Smoking and Your Dental Health

If you are a smoker, you probably are accustomed to getting lectures from your doctor about quitting. Your dentist can weigh in with some compelling reasons to kick the habit, too.

Indeed the health risks of smoking extend to the mouth, as well.

To protect their oral health, patients who are interested in smoking cessation can partner with our Plano dentist, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, to develop a plan to achieve that goal.

Smoking has a number of effects on oral health, with oral cancer being high on the list of concerns. The same substances that cause cancer in the lungs may be carcinogenic to the oral tissues, as well. According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of people who develop various cancers of the mouth and throat are tobacco users.

Gum disease is another problem often encountered by smokers. Smoking causes inflammation that compromises gum tissue. In addition to gum disease, smokers face an increased risk of bone and tooth loss associated with the condition.

Smoking is also correlated with increased buildup of plaque and tartar, as well as tooth decay.

Think you’re safe because you smoke a pipe or cigar rather than cigarettes? Think again. Any sort of smoking can increase your risk of developing oral diseases. So can smokeless tobacco use.

In addition to health problems, the negative effects of smoking extend to your smile’s appearance, too. Smoking is notorious for staining teeth and leaving tell-tale signs that you engage in the habit. Smokers are also known to have bad breath, a decidedly unattractive trait.

When you decide to quit smoking, you will need a plan. Very few people are able to go “cold turkey” without relapsing eventually. Your strategy should be tailored to your unique situation. For example, some people respond very well to a reward system. Others may find medications or nicotine gum to be helpful.

Patients who smoke should consider the oral health benefits on the long list of reasons to quit.

How to Minimize Bite Stress

Excessive stress from biting and chewing can wear down the teeth, making them less effective in those functions and creating the potential for tooth loss.

A certain amount of bite stress is expected with chewing, and the teeth are designed to withstand forces within normal limits.

When the forces are outside of the expected levels, problems will arise, and they will likely need to be addressed by your Plano dentist.

If you present with signs of excessive bite stress, your dentist will ask questions about your daily habits that may reveal the cause of the stress.

For example, chewing on non-food items, such as pencils, may cause bite stress. Participating in sports, especially contact sports, can contribute to bite stress, as hits to the face can cause the teeth to come together with unusually high impact.

Sometimes the excessive bite stress occurs while the patient is asleep and completely unaware of it. Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth during sleep, is associated with unexplained wear on the teeth along with jaw pain or headaches upon waking.

In other cases, the bite stress may result from misaligned jaws that do not meet properly during chewing.

If the bite stress is due merely to bad chewing habits, the fix is probably a simple one involving a behavioral intervention designed to break the habit.

Emotional stress can also lead to bite stress. If that’s true in your case, your dentist may recommend that you use stress management techniques, like meditation or deep breathing, or potentially refer you to a therapist or physician for treatment.

For patients with bruxism, other interventions may be recommended. For example, the dentist may prescribe a bite plate to be worn at night. Similarly athletes with excessive bite stress should wear custom-designed mouthguards, such as those from the Under Armour Performance Mouthwear line, to protect themselves while they are at play.

Bite stress due to malocclusions also requires broader treatment, either with orthodontics to realign the jaws, or surgery in severe cases.
If you have noticed unexplained wear on your teeth or you have mysterious jaw pain or headaches, contact the Plano dental office of Dr. John M. Hucklebridge today.

Tooth Fractures: Types and Treatment Option

When a tooth fractures, it is natural to feel a sense of panic or fear. After all, a broken tooth can be scary and wondering if your tooth can be saved can be absolutely nerve-wracking. No matter the cause of the fractured tooth, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your dentist serving Plano TX, is prepared to provide the appropriate care and get you back on the right track.

A fractured tooth as the result of an accident or trauma is a common occurrence. More often, though, a fractured tooth is the result of another underlying issue. Maintaining your regularly scheduled dental visits can help your dentist to identify these issues before a problem arises. Conditions such as clenching and grinding, old or worn restorations, and unbalanced bite patterns can weaken the teeth. Over time, stress and the normal forces of biting and chewing can lead to troublesome fractures.

A minor crack in the enamel can typically be bonded together with a strong, tooth colored filling. Chipped edges of the front teeth also fit into this category. Minor cracks can be caused by extreme biting or clenching forces or failing restorations. These types of fractures are not generally painful or sensitive at first. They are significant, however, since bacteria and tooth decay can fester in these tiny crevices.

A cracked tooth is typically more severe and extensive. Most patients will experience a certain degree of discomfort, a warning sign that the tooth is unhealthy. If the crack involves only the enamel above the gumline, a dental crown may be recommended to protect the tooth. A crack that reaches below the gumline may warrant an additional procedure called crown lengthening. A crack which extends into the nerve of the tooth may require a root canal procedure.

In the unfortunate instance that a fracture involves the root of the tooth, such as a split tooth, the prognosis is significantly reduced. Your dentist will use x-rays and clinical tests to determine if the tooth can be saved.

The best treatment for a fractured tooth is swift dental care. Prolonging dental treatment can only compound the problem and reduce your chances for saving your tooth. If you have noticed a chipped or fractured tooth, contact Plano Smile Studio call at 972-398-2550 and schedule your dental appointment today.

Eliminate Tough Dental Stains with Teeth Whitening

Today’s consumers have access to thousands of teeth whitening products. These products range from toothpastes to whitening pens to laser power whitening. Some are available in the drug store, some online, and some are only available through a dental professional. How do you choose the product and method that is best for you?

For tough dental stains, our cosmetic dentist recommends Zoom! Teeth Whitening. For predictable and impressive results, a professional teeth whitening session in our Plano office is typically in your best interest. Rather than waste precious dollars by experimenting with one-size-fits-all whiteners, Zoom! Whitening is customized to the contours of your teeth and gums.

Your cosmetic dentist can identify the source of your discoloration as well as any factors that may influence the outcome of the procedure. For example, existing dental restorations will remain unchanged after the whitening procedure. Your dentist is available to discuss your options for these areas to ensure that your fillings, bonding, and crowns match the shade of your new, white teeth. Tough stains from medications, foods, and beverages can require a focused and concentrated approach only deliverable through power whitening.

Using a specially formulated whitening solution that is activated by the patented Zoom! blue light, impurities in the enamel are safely bleached away. This technique is safe for both the teeth and the gums. There is no etching or damage to the enamel. Most patients report little to no tooth sensitivity following the procedure. In fact, the procedure can be repeated as frequently as necessary in order to maintain your fresh, white smile. This frequency may be different for each patient, depending upon your individual expectations and lifestyle habits.

There are times when tough dental stains and discolorations require professional attention. Trust our experienced dental team at Plano Smile Studio to eradicate and eliminate these stains with the power of Zoom! Teeth Whitening. Call 972-398-2550 for your appointment to discuss how teeth whitening can help you to love your smile again.

Guided Plano Dental Implant Placements

Guided dental implant surgery, with the help of computers and CT scans, has totally revolutionized the art and science of implant dentistry.

Earlier implant surgery procedures were conducted after taking standard x-rays. The challenge was always that, once the implant dentist began the procedure, he often encountered unexpected issues. A standard x-ray does not allow the dentist to visualize the bone height and width in all three dimensions. Therefore the placement of the implants are decided on the basis of guesswork. Certain bone deformities can be seen only after an incision is made. In the end, he will have to make several compromises and the overall result may not be satisfactory.

With computer-guided dental implant surgery, the dentist views multiple radiographs of the same area. This is done with the help of cone-beam radiography or 3-D CT scans. This can greatly improve the dentist’s visualization. He can view the entire jaw from multiple angles on the computer screen, and, with the help of planning software, the CT images help generate a comprehensive virtual treatment plan.

Who is a good candidate for guided dental implant surgery?Guided implant surgery is particularly useful in patients needing multiple implant surgeries, such as patients who have lost all their teeth. Patients with severe bone loss due to trauma, genetic disorders or diseases are also prime candidates for guided implant surgery. Patients who need quick rehabilitation with implants also prefer guided implant surgery. Although it can also be used when placing single implants.

There are two guided implant systems commonly used today: Nobel guide from Nobel-Biocare and Simplant from Materialise.
What are the advantages of guided dental implant surgery?·  There is less guess-work required on the part of the dentist.

·  Accurate visualization of the bone height and width is possible.
·  Reduced healing time
·  There is considerably less swelling.
·  More accurate final result.
·  It also allows the dentist to create the permanent crowns before doing the surgery.
·  The crowns can be placed soon after the implant surgery is over. Therefore temporary crowns can be avoided
·  Lower cost, due to fewer number of visits.
·  With guided implant surgery, patients can receive their implants in hours, instead of weeks or months.

Contact Plano dental implant dentist Dr. Hucklebridge for additional information a no-obligation assessment of your dental implant options.

Healthy dental habits to follow

You can partner with Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Plano TX dentist, to work toward maintaining optimal oral health. Develop a list of healthy dental habits that you can follow on a daily basis.
Many of the habits that keep your teeth healthy don’t even require a visit to the dentist. Your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in maintaining the teeth.
Your dentist recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice every day. This helps to prevent plaque from collecting on the teeth and along the gumlines. However, it’s not enough merely to brush. You must be sure to use the proper technique and brush for a sufficient amount of time. Angle the brush toward the gumline and be sure to brush all of the tooth’s surfaces, in addition to the tongue. A thorough brushing typically takes 2-3 minutes. You may find it helpful to set up an egg-timer in your bathroom to get a sense for how long you should brush.
If you have the opportunity, you can brush at lunchtime, too. If not, you may choose to rinse your mouth to remove any lingering particles of food or you can chew sugarless gum to prompt your mouth’s natural cleaning process.
Flossing is another important piece of the dental puzzle. Flossing dislodges plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces that can’t be reached with a brush alone, such as the spaces between the teeth. When flossing, take care to get in between all of the teeth and don’t skimp on the rearmost teeth. They need the flossing the most!
Even if you have dental appliances, such as fixed permanent bridges or braces, you must floss. In such cases, you may need to use a floss threader to get under the appliances.
Be sure to schedule check-ups and prophylaxis, or dental cleanings, with your dentist on a semi-annual basis. Your dentist can detect problems at these appointments, and a professional cleaning helps to eliminate any plaque or tartar buildup that occurs despite brushing and flossing.
If you have children in your household, get them started down the path to good oral health at an early age. Have them follow the same healthy habits that you do, and set a good example by following through on your dentist’s recommendations for your at-home regimen.

Improve the Appearance of Misshapen Teeth

Symmetry is essential to a smile’s attractiveness. Even a single tooth that results in asymmetry can have a negative effect on the appearance.

Do you have one oddly shaped or undersized tooth that detracts from the rest of your smile? Regardless of whether you have a tooth that was damaged by trauma or one with an unusual shape due to genetics, veneers can help improve the appearance of the tooth and, by extension, your entire smile.

Veneers are thin tooth-shaped shells made of porcelain or resin that are bonded to the top of the natural teeth. Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your cosmetic Plano dentist, can place a veneer to extend or reshape a tooth so that it blends better with the rest of the teeth.

In many cases, a single misshapen or undersized tooth is the main problem, but in other cases, several teeth may have unusual shapes. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can use veneers on as many teeth as necessary.

Veneers are placed in a two-step process. At the first appointment, the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the tooth to accommodate the veneer. The cosmetic dentist will also take impressions of the tooth that will be sent to the dental laboratory tasked with constructing the veneer.

Approximately 1-2 weeks after the initial appointment, the veneers will be ready for placement. The cosmetic dentist makes any additional necessary adjustments to the veneer’s shade and shape and then bonds the veneer to the tooth.

Adult patients whose teeth have been recently altered in shape should have a dentist look into the cause. Patients who grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism, will need additional interventions to protect their veneers as well as their natural teeth. These patients will need to wear a custom-crafted mouthguard at night to reduce the damage brought on by bruxism.

Cosmetic dentists may also use other techniques, such as crowns, bonding or onlays to correct a misshapen tooth. If a misshapen tooth has been a drag on your smile and your self-confidence, contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to see what solutions may be available and appropriate in your case.

Root canal therapy: Is sedation an option?

For many people, root canals are synonymous with pain, so a number of Plano patients choose sedation dentistry as a way to manage their anxiety around the procedure.

Although root canals do have a bad reputation, much of the hype is unfounded. In fact, many patients report that root canals bring on no more discomfort than a typical cavity filling. Nonetheless, the nervous anticipation associated with the procedure can be intimidating. In such cases, patients are wise to consider sedation dentistry to help them get the care that they need.

When a patient opts for sedation dentistry, the dentist administers a sedative prior to the beginning of the procedure. This sedative, which can be delivered intravenously or in pill form, helps the patient to achieve a state of deep relaxation while remaining conscious and able to respond to the dentist’s commands.

In addition to the sedative, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic in the vicinity of the tooth targeted for the root canal. After the sedation and anesthetic have taken effect, the dentist will begin the root canal procedure, which involves removing the infected pulp and nerve core from the inner tooth and replacing it with an inert rubber compound. In most cases, a crown is also placed on the tooth to stabilize it further. Patients can choose sedation dentistry for that treatment as well.

Patients who take advantage of sedation dentistry also have no recollection of the procedure, which is another benefit of this technique.
Additionally, if you have a particularly complex case, sedation dentistry may help your dentist perform the root canal in just one appointment. With sedation dentistry, the patient can tolerate longer procedures.

If your dentist has indicated that a root canal is necessary to treat advanced decay or nerve damage in your case, it’s important to have that procedure in order to save the tooth. Don’t let your fear keep you out of the dentist’s chair. Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to see if sedation dentistry is the right choice for you.

Oral Cancer Screening: The lifesaving decision

You may understand the value of scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings, which will leave you with more attractive teeth and a healthier mouth. But did you realize that a routine visit with your Plano dentist can also save your life?

As part of a standard examination, your dentist is looking for signs of oral cancer, even in its earliest stages. The onset of oral cancer may involve a tiny red or white spot or bump that you may not even notice. A dentist is trained to identify such symptoms of concern.

Upon noticing a suspicious growth, the dentist will collect a sample of cells using a small brush and send them to a lab for microscopic examination. If signs of cancer or precancer are present, a full biopsy will be completed to confirm the diagnosis.

Patients should also self-monitor for signs of cancer and bring up those issues during the screening. The American Dental Association notes that other symptoms include oral sores that will not heal, lumps or thickenings of the soft tissues of the mouth, difficulty swallowing or pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t panic. They often turn out to be benign. Nonetheless, you should still bring them to your dentist’s attention to rule out oral cancer.

Your dentist may also ask questions about lifestyle choices that increase your risk for cancer, such as smoking or chewing tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, and offer counseling about changing those behaviors.

Oral cancer detection is another compelling reason to visit the dentist at least every six months. Allowing larger gaps between dental appointments may give the cancer an opportunity to progress, in which case it may require more invasive treatment.

Oral cancer can have devastating consequences, from causing facial deformities to death. Early detection is a patient’s best bet for positive outcomes. Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to schedule your next exam and screening.

Dental Implants: What can I expect after treatment?

The decision to choose dental implants in Plano to replace missing teeth is certainly the best decision to improve your personal comfort and health. Dental implants are designed to be a long-term or permanent solution for missing teeth. They are strong enough to withstand normal eating and biting. Where esthetics is a concern, implants are beautiful and natural-looking, almost impossible to distinguish from your own teeth.

An important part of your decision to pursue dental implants is a comprehensive evaluation by your implant dentist and a thorough understanding of the procedure from the patient’s perspective. This includes understanding what to expect in the days, months, and years following treatment.

Since the dental implant procedure is typically performed in stages, you should expect at least two healing phases as well. Initially, when the implant is placed, it will be covered and protected by your gum tissue to promote healing. This healing period may last between four and six months, depending on your implant dentist’s recommendation. During this time, you may experience mild tenderness at the implant site, generally relieved by soothing mouth rinses and mild pain relievers, if necessary. For your comfort, you may also be instructed to consume a softer diet immediately following treatment.

When the initial healing phase is complete, your implant will be uncovered and a permanent restoration such as a crown or bridge will be attached. Again, following this second phase, you may experience mild sensitivity as your gum tissue heals. During this period, your diligent brushing and flossing will be essential to a speedy recovery.

When your gum tissue is fully healed and you are comfortable chewing on your new tooth, your main focus should be keeping your teeth clean and free of plaque accumulation. Just like your natural teeth, your implant is susceptible to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, so proper homecare is your best defense against infection.

A key advantage of the dental implant is its ability to function as a natural tooth. As a result, outside of minimal tenderness during the healing phases, you can expect to care for your implant just as you would a natural tooth. For an informative consultation regarding dental implants in Plano, TX, contact the office of Dr. John M. Hucklebridge at 972-398-2550 to schedule your appointment today.

How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?

If you haven’t been paying a visit to your Plano dentist at least every six months, you should be. Semiannual professional cleanings are essential to maintaining your oral health and they’ll keep your teeth looking their best.

You may think that regular brushing and flossing are sufficient to keep your mouth clean and healthy, but that’s not the case. Over time, a sticky film called plaque builds up on your teeth, regardless of how often you brush and floss. Eventually, the plaque hardens into a substance called tartar or calculus, which can only be removed through a professional cleaning.

Plaque and tartar contain harmful bacteria that promote tooth decay and gum disease. When left untreated, those conditions can lead to the loss of teeth and gums. Regular professional cleanings with your dentist help to combat that bacteria and prevent the problems it can cause.

When your teeth are cleaned at a dentist appointment, the hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. These tools help the hygienist to clean the teeth more thoroughly than brushing alone can. The hygienist also has better access to the hard-to-reach spots in the mouth, which might not get the attention they need from routine daily brushing.

The regular checkups that take place at the same time as professional cleanings also give the dentist an opportunity to identify any concerns, such as cavities and even oral cancer. When these issues are spotted earlier, it’s easier for the dentist to treat them. In the case of oral cancer, early diagnosis may be a lifesaving outcome.

For a relatively small group of patients, even semiannual cleanings may be insufficient to keep plaque at bay. Certain genetic and environmental factors may cause plaque to build up more quickly in some patients, who may need to visit the dentist every three or four months to keep their mouths adequately clean.

Your home oral hygiene routine can complement the professional cleaning process. If you are diligent about brushing and flossing, your professional cleanings are likely to take less time because there should not be a large amount of tartar to remove from the teeth.

Please contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to schedule your next dental exam and professional cleaning.

Signs and Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

When a permanent tooth is prevented from fully erupting through the gums, it becomes impacted. Many times this occurs when the jaw is not large enough to accommodate all of the teeth.

The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the most commonly impacted teeth, but any permanent tooth can fail to erupt. Impacted teeth can be lodged in either the bone or the soft tissue.

Impacted teeth can cause issues that will prompt a visit with the dentist. Patients with impacted teeth may experience discomfort, and the other teeth can be knocked out of alignment as impacted teeth continue to attempt to push through the gums. Partially impacted teeth may also damage their neighbors.

Partially erupted teeth also can have an increased risk of infection because particles of food can get trapped in the area, providing a food source for oral bacteria that cause decay and inflammation.

Additional symptoms of impacted teeth include bad breath, redness or swelling around the impacted tooth and persistent headache or jaw pain. Patients may also notice a visible space in the mouth where the tooth should have erupted.

A dentist can confirm an impacted tooth diagnosis using a visual examination and x-rays. Concerns can be identified in young patients, presenting opportunities for treatment at an early stage. As the teeth’s roots get longer, it can be more difficult to remove them.

Although some patients may never develop problems from impacted teeth, anyone with symptoms of an impacted tooth should consult with a dentist to see if treatment is appropriate in that particular case. If the dentist feels that the tooth may create issues in the future, extraction still may be recommended.

Extracting an impacted tooth can be a more complex procedure than removing a fully erupted one, and it may require sedation in addition to a local anesthetic.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of an impacted tooth, seek treatment promptly by contacting Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550.

Treatment Options to Improve Smile Symmetry

The most appealing smiles are perfectly symmetrical, with teeth on opposite sides of the mouth being mirror images of each other in terms of shape and size.

However, nature gives many patients teeth that are far from perfect. One tooth may be undersized, while another may be oddly shaped. To create smile symmetry in such cases and enhance the shape and size of teeth, a cosmetic dentist can use porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers can reshape and resize the teeth. For example, if one tooth is distinctively smaller than all of the others, a veneer can be placed to create the appearance of a normal-sized tooth. If a tooth has an unusual shape, the veneer can be used to create more acceptable contours.
The porcelain materials used in the veneers offer a lifelike dental restoration. Porcelain shares a number of optical qualities with biological tooth enamel, making it an ideal material to replicate a natural tooth.

Another benefit of porcelain veneers is the quick turnaround time for treatment. Veneers are typically placed over the course of two dental appointments separated by just a few weeks. The dentist collects information that will be used to create the veneers, which are then crafted by a dental lab. A few weeks later, the patient returns to the office to have the veneers placed.

One important consideration in getting veneers is that porcelain will not be able to be whitened at a later date. For this reason, it is important to get your teeth whitened prior to veneer placement. Postponing teeth whitening until afterward may result in a veneer that is a different shade than the other teeth.

Veneers can also be used to conceal damage to the teeth, such as chips and cracks, which also leads to a more symmetrical smile.

A symmetrical smile can give you confidence and boost your self-esteem, and porcelain veneers can help you achieve all of those goals. Talk to Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your cosmetic dentist serving Plano TX, about a treatment plan and reasonable expectations for results in your case.

Types of Dental Implants

If you are looking for a long-term solution for missing teeth, then ask your Plano TX dentist about dental implants. Dental implants are tooth root replacements that can securely hold artificial teeth such as dentures or bridges. When taken care of properly, implants can last a lifetime!
Here are the different types of dental implants:

Single Dental Implant
You don’t need to wait until you have lost all of your teeth to think about dental implants as an option. You can have an implant to regain even just one single tooth.

A Titanium implant post is inserted in the area of the missing tooth then a small top part called the abutment is connected to it. The replacement tooth is then attached to the abutment via a “snap on” method.

Multiple Dental Implants
When you need to replace several teeth, no matter where they are positioned, implants can also work their magic. Multiple dental implants are ideal for people who would like to get rid of ill-fitting dentures and regain all of their dental functions.

Based on the results of your Plano TX dentist’s examination, you may end up using implants to support dentures or for a dental bridge. Either way, your replacement teeth will look as natural as they can be.

All-On-Four
Traditional implants need several visits to your dentist and a couple more months of healing time before you can place your permanent false teeth.

However, there’s an option called “All-On-Four” that allows a patient to undergo the implant surgery in just one day or one in-office treatment. Then, he can immediately put on his full-arch replacement teeth and just go for follow-up checkups to his dentist after the procedure.

This implant technique uses just four small-diameter posts and a fabricated dental guide/template that will help the surgeon determine the proper place of each implant post.

To know more about your dental implant options and to find out whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure, please call Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550.

Achieve a Brighter Smile with ZOOM Teeth Whitening

A brighter, whiter smile is a common goal for a cosmetic dentist’s patients. Many of those patients find that they need to counteract the tooth discoloration caused by food and drink, genetics or even by the passage of time.

In the past, patients have turned to uncomfortable trays and messy gels for their teeth whitening needs. A newer technique, ZOOM Teeth Whitening, offers a more convenient and efficient treatment option for patients in search of pearlier whites.

Using the ZOOM method, the dentist first applies a whitening gel to the teeth. The gel, which contains hydrogen peroxide as its active ingredient, is then activated with a special light. The ZOOM light is an important component of the procedure, as it helps to activate the hydrogen peroxide and makes it easier for that ingredient to enter the tooth material. As the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, oxygen penetrates the enamel and bleaches any stains that are present. The combination of the light and the gel helps to maximize the results. In fact, ZOOM Whitening can have dramatic outcomes, making teeth as many as eight shades whiter on average.

ZOOM Whitening is also fast. The results are visible after just a single 45-minute session in the dental office. The results are long-lasting as well. When patients follow a standard oral health routine of regular brushing and flossing, they typically can maintain their whiter smiles by periodically using ZOOM-brand touch-up products at home.

Consult with a ZOOM Teeth Whitening dentist in Plano to determine if this procedure will meet your needs.

Sedation dentistry – new advancements

Unfortunately, many people avoid the dentist out of fear. Often that fear arises from a negative experience that happened years ago—sometimes as far back as childhood, when dentistry was not nearly as advanced as it is today. With modern sedation dentistry techniques, reluctant patients in need of a checkup or dental procedure can put that fear to rest and find their way back to the dentist.

The ultimate goal of sedation is to offer the patient a comfortable experience without resorting to a general anesthetic. In sedation dentistry, the patient actually remains conscious, although he will not be aware of the treatment, nor will he remember it later.

Patients can choose from a variety of sedation dentistry techniques. Recently, many patients have opted for needle-free sedation, also known as oral sedation, in which the patient takes an anti-anxiety pill or a substance that induces a hypnosis-like state. That medication is absorbed through the stomach than distributed throughout the bloodstream. Another, more traditional, method is IV sedation, where the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream.

Dallas patients can take advantage of sedation dentistry for procedures ranging from cleanings to extractions. Sedation dentistry can be a particularly beneficial to patients in need of complex, lengthy treatments.

It’s also important to note that, while sedation dentistry is often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” you do not actually fall asleep during the process, although you may feel drowsy.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to overall wellness, so you should visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup that can identify any potential problems. If you do experience anxiety about visiting your dentist, you might consider scheduling an introductory appointment when you can discuss your concerns with your dentist and create a plan for sedation with your care.

Even if you haven’t visited a dentist in years, there’s no need to be ashamed. It only takes one appointment to get back on the right dental track, and knowing that sedation is available may motivate you to schedule and keep that appointment.

The Importance of Preventative Dental Care

It is important to visit the dentist regularly for preventative dental care because there are many diseases and conditions that can occur within the mouth. Some of the diseases that you can contract through dental health can affect your overall health as well such as Gum Disease. Without the proper dental treatment, the issue will only worsen.

A dentist will clean, care for, and treat your teeth, gums, and mouth to ensure optimal dental health. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months – more frequently if you are deemed “high risk.”

Normally, oral cancers, and other diseases of the mouth do not make themselves evident to the untrained eye until they are far along. Regular checkups with a dentist can help identify an oral disease in the early stages, thus increasing your chances of successfully combating them.

In between dental visits, daily brushing and flossing helps prevent the onset of cavities, gum disease and improves your overall health. A Plano dentist can tell you more about dental hygiene.

Dental Implants: New teeth in a day

Tooth loss can be a traumatic experience for people of any age. The quicker the dentist is able to rehabilitate the patient, the faster the patient will be able to return to his/her normal life. Dental implants were a huge step forward for patients wanting a fixed solution to their lost teeth. The duration of treatment (up to 18 months in some cases) needed with conventional implant therapy prevents many people from seeking this form of treatment. In the absence of sufficient bone support bone grafts may be required to support conventional dental implants.

To provide an alternative solution to these problems implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare, along with celebrated implant dentist Paulo Malo devised a technique that uses fewer dental implants without the need for bone graft surgery. Highly esthetic results can be achieved in the shortest time possible with this technique. This method is suited for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth.

The technique called All-on-4 utilizes four dental implants that are angled to achieve maximum support from the bone. Four implants are placed strategically in each jaw to support a fixed bridge. You can receive your full set of new teeth in one appointment; therefore this procedure is also called ‘teeth in a day’.

You can start chewing on your newly received teeth immediately after placement. In certain cases 4-6 implants maybe needed in your upper arch. The dentist will use your first visit to ensure you are a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure and conduct a thorough examination. X-rays and CT scans are needed to complete the evaluation. You receive your new permanent fixed teeth on the day of the procedure, without the need for temporaries. You can visit your Dallas implant dentist in the morning and leave with a set of new teeth the same day.

Porcelain Veneers – A complete smile makeover

Smile makeovers are very common practice in dental offices today. With a little money and a will to improve your smile you can visit your dentist and transform that unsatisfactory smile into the smile that you’ve always wanted. A total Smile makeover with porcelain veneers in Plano is a highly esthetic, conservative and cost effective cosmetic dentistry treatment.

Porcelain veneers are thin shell like pieces of porcelain that are placed over the front surface of teeth to hide imperfections.

Porcelain veneers can be used to:·  Correct chipped teeth
·  Close gaps in between front teeth
·  Masking discolored teeth
·  Minor straightening of crooked teeth

Porcelain veneers provide excellent results and are more natural looking than bonding, which can make the tooth look bulky. A smile makeover with porcelain veneers can greatly improve your self esteem and the way you smile, which can last for at least 10-15 years with proper care.

Steps to a smile makeover with porcelain veneers·  The dentist will conduct a thorough dental examination and record a detailed dental and medical history.

·  The dentist will discuss with you the treatment plan to determine the number of veneers needed for an optimal makeover.
·  Any existing dental decay and gum disease will be corrected before treatment begins.
·  The dentist will then proceed to remove a thin layer of enamel on the front surface of teeth.
·  Dental impressions will be taken and models of your teeth will be prepared and sent to the lab.
·  Temporaries will be placed until the next visit, which may take 5-7 days.
·  Once the permanent veneers arrive, they will be placed and you can leave with a completely new smile.

Dental implants: Answers to common questions

With the rising popularity of dental implants, more people are choosing implants as the definitive treatment option for replacing missing teeth. As awareness grows, the questions regarding the use of implants grows.
* What are dental implants?Dental implants are commonly titanium implants that are placed within the jaw to support artificial teeth. They are placed to replace missing teeth. The most common type of implants is the ‘endosteal’ or ‘root form’ implant that resembles the root of a tooth. Other types include: subperiosteal, transosteal, plate-form, intra-mucosal, etc. Dental implants are a suitable alternative to conventional dental bridges, which are placed after preparation of the adjacent teeth.
* Are Implants aesthetic? Are they comfortable for chewing?Once the gum tissue around the implant has healed properly, the implant looks completely natural. The skill of the restorative dentist plays a great role in determining the final appearance. Once the final prosthesis or crown is placed, the patient can chew naturally. Some experts say up to 90 percent of the chewing efficiency of natural teeth can be restored with dental implants.
* Are dental implants costly?The placement of implants includes the cost of surgery, the implant, the final crown, radiographs, including CT (if needed) etc.. It can vary from one dentist to another and can depend on the type of implant being placed. Ask your dentist for further information regarding the fee.
* Is the implant surgery painful? Do I have to miss work the following day?With modern local anesthetics and anti-inflamatories, the incidence of discomfort is extremely low. In fact implant surgery is less invasive than having a tooth pulled. Minimal discomfort and swelling can be expected after any surgical procedure. You may be given anti-inflamatories and antibiotics for a few days after the procedure. A day’s rest is normally advised. Avoid strenuous exercise and chew only soft food for a few days.
* What are the different methods of placing implants?The placement of implants can be classified by timing of placing implants after extraction of tooth/teeth into:
1. Immediate post-extraction implant placement.
2. Delayed immediate post-extraction implant placement (2 weeks-3 months after extraction).
3. Late implantation (>3 months after extraction).
Dental implants can be classified into: Immediate loading, early loading and delayed loading depending on the timing of placement of load on the implant. Delayed loading implants take 3-6 months for the entire procedure to heal.