5 Qualities to Look For In a Dentist

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Choosing a new dentist can be difficult! Knowing which qualities to look for can make maintaining your teeth much easier. When choosing a dentist in Katy and Houston TX, it’s important to consider their availability, experience, good reviews, patient care, and whether they accept your dental insurance. Here’s what you need to know as you consider dental professionals in the Katy and Houston area.

1. Availability

Not all dentists have availability for new patients. You can find out whether a dental office accepts new patients by giving them a call.

2. Experience

Experience matters. An experienced dentist will have strategies for helping patients stay comfortable during their dental exams. Experience also helps dentists improve their patient outcomes. You can check a dentist’s experience by looking at their website.

3. Good Reviews

Good dentists tend to get good reviews from satisfied patients. You can find reviews of each dental provider online, or by talking to previously satisfied patients. At Chloe Dental, you can even see testimonials from our satisfied patients by looking at our website.

4. Good Patient Care

Good dentists offer good patient care. They take steps to help patients have a good experience when they come for dental care. For example, good dentists streamline the dental exam experience to ensure it’s fast and efficient for the patient. They also tailor the patient’s treatment plan to their diagnosis, and treat their patients with respect.

5. Accepts Your Dental Insurance

If you have dental insurance, it’s important to ensure that your dentist accepts that type of insurance. Call the dentist before your dental exam in Katy and Houston, TX to learn whether they accept your insurance.

Do you need to see the dentist for a dental exam? Call Chloe Dental today.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Fillings?

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Laser fillings in Katy TX offer several benefits when compared to traditional metal fillings. At Chloe Dental, we have invested in laser technology to treat gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and fill cavities. If you have a decayed tooth that requires a filling, you can feel confident that we prioritize your comfort throughout the process.

 

How Do Laser Fillings Work?

Our laser technology consists of a handheld instrument that emits radiation beams. Dr. Chloe Nguyen or Dr. Langley Ho point the laser at the soft tissues in your mouth, causing them to move in response to the radiation beams connecting with them. Dental lasers are quiet equipment, which is a big change from the loud, nerve-rattling sound of a dental drill.

 

What Type of Benefits Can You Expect from Laser Equipment?

Tenderness, tooth sensitivity, and throbbing pain in the treated tooth are all common effects after having a cavity filled with a dental drill. Laser technology creates faster wound healing, which means you may not experience these symptoms at all or only mildly. Another important benefit of laser technology is that you have a reduced risk of bacterial infection in the location where Dr. Nguyen or Dr. Ho performs your procedure.

Soft tissue movement also produces less bleeding than restorations created with a dental drill. You may not even need stitches after your dental work. If you do, you can expect to receive fewer of them and to have them removed faster than you would have if your dentist used non-laser equipment. You can also feel good about the effectiveness of dental laser technology. The Food and Drug Administration approved its use 35 years ago, and dental lasers have only improved since that time.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Chloe Dental if you have additional questions about laser technology in Houston TX.

How Can I Prepare for My Upcoming Oral Surgery?

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Oral surgery can be stressful, but being prepared for your surgery can help. Knowing what’s coming and making arrangements in advance helps ensure a smooth process.

As yourdentist in Katy and Houston, TX, the dental professionals at Chloe Dental are here to help you get through the oral surgery process. We’re happy to answer your questions and give you the information that you need to prepare for your upcoming procedure. Here’s what we recommend.

1. Arrange a Ride
If you’re going to be sedated for your surgery, arrange for a ride home after the surgery is over. Don’t plan to drive yourself to the dentist because you won’t be able to safely operate a vehicle when the surgery is over.

2. Get Answers to Your Questions
You may have many questions about your upcoming procedure. Your dentist at Chloe Dental is happy to provide information as needed and answer your questions. Write your questions down so you’ll remember to ask the dentist when the time is right.

3. Plan to Arrive Early
Plan to arrive for your procedure at least twenty minutes early. Arriving with time to spare gives you time to fill out any paperwork and speak with the dental professional before the procedure starts if you have any last-minute questions that need answering.

4. Follow Fasting Instructions
Your dentist may give you instructions not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This is important to reduce the risk of aspiration while you’re under sedation.

Need to know more about preparing fororal surgery in Katy and Houston, TX? Call Chloe Dental today.

The Pleasant Face of Modern Dentistry

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At Chloe Dental Care, the husband and wife practice of Dr. Chloe and Dr. Ho combines the latest dental technology, from 3-D printing to laser treatments, to shorten patient time in the treatment chair and offer the highest quality of care.

Today, with the help of modern technology, patients can expect same-day crown delivery and dental repair as well as fast and pain-free treatment for many tooth and gum problems. Chloe Dental Care established a family dental practice in Katy in 2004. Over the years, the team has built lasting relationships. The growth of the practice led to the opening of an innovative second facility in Houston in 2019, offering a full range of technology-rich services.

With comprehensive dental care as well as responsive, usually same-day treatment, for dental emergencies, whether a toothache, a cracked tooth, or a loose crown, the Houston treatment facility offers eight state-of-the-art treatment suites and a full-service laboratory. The team can now shorten the diagnostic process and respond to patient needs with solution-based recommendations and fast treatment.

Today, treatment that once may have required multiple patient visits can often be reduced to a single appointment. The facility even boasts a full kitchen and a pleasant patio. Client comfort is assured, even if treatment requires some waiting time. Efficient techniques, however, have efficiently compressed the time required.

Cosmetic dental improvements, such as crowns and veneers may be delivered in a single day. Gum problems can also be treated quickly and easily, and it’s possible to repair cavities with lasering techniques that require no numbing injections.

Whatever your current dental problems may be, Chloe Dental Care in Katy and Houston can create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.Request an appointment, either in Katy or in Houston. We’ll do our best to assure that you’ll leave our office with a smile.

Jaw Pain on One Side: What’s Causing It?

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Jaw pain on one side can be annoying, particularly if you can’t point out a reason for it. We’ll look at the possible reasons why you might want to see adentist in Houston, TX, to learn more about the root cause.

1. Sinus Issues
When your sinuses become inflamed, they pressure your cheeks. The more pressure, the more likely you are to feel in your jaw as well. Sinusitis is most often associated with a cold, but you can develop it with allergies or other conditions. If your jaw pain is also accompanied by mucus, congestion, and fatigue, you may find your jaw pain clears up once your sinuses do.

2. Dental Disorders
Teeth and gum issues can manifest as jaw pain. If you’re having problems on one side, it may be due to an infected tooth or gum disease. Jaw pain can also be caused by misaligned teeth or clenching or grinding while awake or asleep. A dentist may recommend anything from a root canal to a laser gum treatment as a way to relieve the pain.

3. TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) links your skull and jaw. If it’s misaligned or otherwise damaged, you can start to feel tenderness or pain when opening your mouth or chewing your food. If an earache also accompanies the jaw pain, this is one of the biggest indicators of TMJ.

See a Dentist in Katy, TX
If you’re havingjaw pain in Katy, TX, a dentist can begin to rule out the causes so you can identify what’s really happening behind your skin. Chloe Dental has locations in Houston and Katy to help patients get the right diagnosis.

Are You a Candidate For Dental Implants?

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At Chloe Dental, we offerdental implants in Houston, TX, and Katy, TX. Still, many people question whether they would be good candidates for this restorative dental procedure. You can always come in for a consultation to discuss the possibility of dental implants. In the meantime, consider this list of factors that good candidates often have in common.

Adequate Bone Density
Part of the procedure for dental implants involves the implantation of a titanium piece into the jawbone. For this to work, there needs to be adequate bone density. Otherwise, you may need to undergo one or more treatments to have sufficient bone to hold and sustain the implant.

Healthy Gums
If you have an underlying condition such as gum disease, this can negatively impact the success of your dental implants. Those with healthy gums make better dental implant candidates. However, you can still be treated for your gum problems, and then a determination will be made as to when or if dental implants make sense.

Non-Bruxism
Teeth grinding can damage dental implants or impede the procedure’s success rate. If you have a habit of bruxism, there may be more suitable options for your missing teeth.

Good Overall Health
General health plays a significant role in the healing process. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, may impact your ability to undergo dental surgery and heal effectively. Habits like smoking can slow down the healing process and affect the long-term success of dental implants.

Proper Age Range
Dental implants are typically recommended for patients with full facial and jawbone growth. Therefore, they are generally not used in children and young teenagers.

The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to make an appointment with yourKaty, TX, dentist. We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your circumstances!

Do You Need an Emergency Visit to the Dentist for Broken Dentures?

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Breaking your dentures can be a disorienting experience, but it may not seem like an emergency. If you’re wondering whether it’s that important, we’ll look at why you might want to take action sooner rather than later. Seeing adentist in Katy, TX, may be your best bet to avoid future problems.

When Dentures Break
Understanding the purpose of dentures helps you understand the purpose of your teeth. While you may see them largely as a mechanism for chewing, the reality is that they are a key part of giving your face its shape and your voice its sound. If your natural teeth break off, you’d undoubtedly want to take action to correct the problem. If your dentures break, it’s the same principle. You may not be in the same degree of physical pain as a natural tooth, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important to fix.

Do Not Use Denture Repair Kits
Denture repair kits are sold for minor chips and cracks. While they can be useful in some situations, they can cause more damage than people think. If you make a mistake, you may need the whole set replaced rather than repaired. If you’re trying to save a few bucks by doing it yourself, you can

See an Emergency Dentist in Houston, TX. Today
Anemergency dentist in Houston, TX, can tell you more about how the break impacted your dentures. Whether it was an accident or the natural progression of time, seeing a professional immediately can potentially save you money if the repair is relatively minor. At the very least, it can help you maintain your oral health. To schedule an immediate appointment, call Chloe Dental, which has locations in Katy and Houston.

How to Prepare For Oral Surgery

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Are you having oral surgery in Houston, TX, in a short while? If so, your dentist will provide you with all the information you need to understand the procedure. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to prepare for oral surgery.

Plan Your Transportation
On the day of your oral surgery, you should have someone drive you to and from the dentist’s office. This trusted friend or family member can help with support on your way to your appointment. More importantly, they can pick you up when it’s time to come home. You won’t be able to drive yourself, as there may be lingering aftereffects from the anesthesia.

Plan Your Meals
After oral surgery, you will not likely be able to eat your usual diet right away. Plan to have some meals ready for your post-surgery food needs. Stock up on things that require minimal preparation, and that will be easy on the stomach. Ideas include:

non-spicy pasta dishes
puddings
Jello
soups and stews
soft breads
smoothies
juices
Note that your dentist may be able to provide you with a list of recommended foods so you can shop accordingly ahead of time.

Ask Questions
It’s normal to be a little bit apprehensive before oral surgery. To quell your fears, ask your dental staff questions. The more knowledgeable you are about the procedure, the less you will fear the unknown. If you have anxiety about particular aspects of the surgery, be sure to vocalize them so they can be addressed.

Fast
Be prepared to fast for 24 hours before your oral surgery if there will be anesthesia. This includes both food and beverages. Doing the fast will help to ensure that the surgery goes as planned.

The goal of your Houston, TX, dentist is to ensure your health before and after your oral surgery. For more information about oral surgery, please contact us.

8 Things Your Dentist Can Do with 3-D Dental Technology

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Have you heard of 3-D dental technology? If not, you are about to be pleasantly surprised! Your dentist in Houston, TX, is probably already using it to provide you with a better, more accurate dental experience. But what exactly can your dentist do with 3-D technology?

Let’s take a look. But first, let’s go over what 3-D dental technology is and how it works.

What is 3-D Dental Technology?

A 3-D dental machine can take a true 3-D image of your mouth to provide you with a more personalized, accurate, and effective dental experience. This technology helps your dentist study your mouth in segments. These 3-D images are similar to a CT scan. This technology provides your dentist with much more information than what they could get using film X-rays.

How Does 3-D Dentistry Work?

The 3-D dental imaging in Houston, TX, starts by taking a scan of the lower portion of your face to create an image. It does this by using a cone-beam computed tomography machine (CBCT machine). The machine will then take a full scan of your mouth using a series of small radiation beams. Then, each of those beams will create a digital image of your mouth.

This process gives your dentist in Houston X-ray images of your teeth and mouth. The 3-D technology can then be used for any number of purposes.

Eight Things Your Dentist Can Do Using 3-D Dental Technology

  • 3-D Dentures and Partials
  • 3-D Teeth
  • 3-D Aligners
  • 3-D Customized Crowns and Bridges
  • Precision Dental Implant Placement
  • TMJ Analysis
  • Airway Analysis for Sleep Apnea
  • Virtual Smile Design

Do You Need a Dentist in Houston, TX?

If you are looking for a dentist in Houston, TX, please Contact Chloe Dental today. We are a husband-and-wife team that started a dental practice in 2004. We proudly offer a comprehensive suite of dental products and services to provide you and your family with the highest quality dental care available.

What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

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If your dentist in Houston, TX has scheduled you for a comprehensive dental exam, you might be wondering what that means. What exactly is a comprehensive dental exam and why would you need one?

Here is a detailed explanation of what a comprehensive dental exam is, why you might need one, and other important information about the process.

What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

A comprehensive dental exam is usually performed on new dental patients or before proceeding with any extensive dental procedures. Once you are a current patient and the initial comprehensive dental exam has already been performed, going forward, your dentist will then schedule periodic oral exams in the future. Since periodic oral exams are used to check for any changes in a patient’s dental and health status.

A comprehensive dental exam, however, is one that is used to record all intraoral, extraoral, and soft tissue issues. This is an extensive exam that includes more than just a routine check-up and cleaning. These are thorough evaluations of your oral and physical health.

In a comprehensive dental exam in Houston, TX, your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, neck, throat, and jaws. A comprehensive dental exam is also used to detect gum disease and oral cancers. They are also used to check the condition of any previous dental work you’ve had done. This is what your dentist uses to develop a long-term strategy for your oral health.

What Is Included in a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

  • Periodontal exam
  • Teeth exam
  • TMJ exam
  • Occlusal exam (bite analysis)
  • Head and neck cancer exam
  • Esthetic exam
  • Digital X-Rays
  • Thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment

And anything else your dentist feels is important to your specific dental needs.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Houston, TX, please Contact Chloe Dental today. We offer a full suite of dental services, everything from preventive, to cosmetic, to restorative services, that are customized to deal with your specific dental needs.