Is It Time to See the Dentist? When It’s Time to Make An Appointment

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Adults need to see the dentist on a regular basis in order to maintain good oral hygiene. Knowing when to see the dentist in Katy and Houston TX can help you avoid problems that could negatively impact your oral health. You should see the dentist as often as recommended by your dentist, and also when you’re noticing signs of a dental health problem.

Every 6 Months

Most dentists recommend that their patients come in for a visit every six months. Some patients need to see the dentist more frequently, if they have a condition that requires more frequent attention.

Some patients who have very good oral hygiene habits and good oral health only need to see the dentist once per year. You should go in for cleanings as often as your dental professional recommends.

You’re Noticing Signs of a Dental Problem

Are you noticing signs of a dental problem? Some common examples include:

  • Toothache.
  • Loose permanent teeth.
  • Chip or crack in a tooth.
  • Bad breath that won’t go away with a tooth brushing.
  • Red, inflamed, puffy gums.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s time to consult with a dentist. Contact your dental professional to see if you need to come in for an appointment.

When You’re Having an Emergency

If you’re having a dental emergency in Katy or Houston TX, don’t hesitate to contact the dentist right away. Whether you’ve just lost a permanent tooth or you’re experiencing swelling and severe pain in your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Call today to find out more about getting dental care in Katy or Houston TX.

Root Causes of Dental Sensitivity – Why do my teeth hurt?

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While common, when your teeth feel more sensitive than usual, the problem can be a little alarming. Thankfully, dental sensitivity is not usually a problem that has a major underlying cause. Here is a look at some of the most common causes of teeth sensitivity that you may want to speak to your Katy, TX family dentist about when you go in for a checkup.

Undiagnosed Decay

One of the first problems a dentist will look for when you visit with a complaint of teeth sensitivity is signs of decay. Even if you do not visually find decay, this does not always mean there are no problems present. Something as simple as a cavity between your teeth or just below the gum line can cause heightened sensitivity.

Acidic Food Exposure

Over-exposure to acidic foods and beverages can be behind teeth sensitivity issues. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, certain types of candy, and even tea can deteriorate tooth enamel over time.

Certain Whitening Products

Certain whitening products and agents can cause issues with dental sensitivity. However, these issues are usually temporary and can occur even with professional whitening treatments at the dentist.

Forceful Brushing

In some cases, forceful brushing can be the culprit behind dental sensitivity. When you get too aggressive with your toothbrush, you can actually wear away the protective enamel on your teeth and this can lead to sensitivity.

Talk to a Katy, TX Dentist for Help with Dental Sensitivity

Dental sensitivity is not always a sign of a major problem. However, this is an oral health issue that you should discuss with a dentist in Katy, TX. If you are experiencing ongoing dental sensitivity, be sure to reach out to us at Chloe Dental to schedule an appointment.

Smile! A Look at the Psychological Advantages of Smiling

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People seek cosmetic dentistry in Houston, TX for so many reasons. Whether they have a small imperfection or want an entirely new look, most of those reasons have something to do with physical appearance. However, a nice smile can also be good for your psychological health. Check out a few benefits of smiling for your mental health.

Fight Stress

Did you know that smiling may help you feel less stressed? Even better, smiling may make the people around you feel less stressed. Studies have shown that even faking a smile when you don’t necessarily feel like smiling may decrease stress.

Deter Gloom

Smiling gives neural communications a boost, which basically means if you smile, you can trick your mind into feeling more content and less gloomy. Smiling may actually release dopamine and serotonin, both of which are known as “feel good” chemicals produced by the body.

Relieve Physical Discomfort

That same natural endorphin, serotonin, that helps you feel happy can also be an effective pain-reliever. Serotonin has been studied extensively because it has this amazing ability to relax the physical body and make bodily discomfort much more bearable. So, even if you are having a bad day and in a little pain, sharing your smile with the rest of the world may actually make you feel better.

Talk to a Houston, TX Dentist to Achieve Your Best Smile

The happier you are with your smile, the happier you will be to share it. And, science shows that when you smile a lot, you may reap all kinds of advantages. Ready to smile more? A dentist in Houston, TX at Chloe Dental can help. Reach out to us today to find out about the cosmetic treatments we offer, like whitening, veneers, crowns, and dental implants.

Must-Haves for Your At-Home Dental Emergency Kit

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Just as you can experience emergency situations with the rest of your body, you can also experience emergency situations with your oral health. When this occurs, it is so important that you visit an emergency dentist in Katy, TX for help as soon as possible. However, it can also be helpful if you have an emergency first-aid collection on hand specifically to handle these unique situations.

Here are some must-haves to keep on hand for just-in-case dental emergencies.

Sealable Plastic Bags

Sealable plastic bags can be used in a pinch when you need to secure a tooth after it has been knocked out in a safe, clean place until you get to the dentist. In addition, you will need a sealable bag to contain gauze and other materials that are soil with blood in the event you are bleeding.

Sterile Swabs, Gauze, and Cotton Balls

All of these items serve their purpose. Gauze can be used to bite down on and control pressure and bleeding. Sterile swabs may be necessary to clean a wound in your mouth. Cotton balls work well when you need to clean an area with an oral rinse.

Dental Mirror

Dental trauma or damage to a tooth may not always be visible from the front of your smile. A dental mirror allows you to get a look at the backsides of your teeth by looking in the mirror.

Temporary Tooth Filling

Temporary tooth filling products can serve several purposes, including:

  • Covering an opening when a filling falls out
  • Securing a crown in place temporarily
  • Covering a crack in a tooth to deter sensitivity to air exposure

You can find temporary dental filling material at pretty much any pharmacy, so grab a tube of it to add to your kit.

Find an Emergency Dentist in Kay, TX for Help

Even when you have all the right supplies on hand, you still need to see a dentist in Katy, TX for help. Reach out to us at Chloe Dental if you need immediate help with a dental emergency.

Why You’re Going to Love Solea Laser Dental Technology

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What do you fear the most about visiting your dentist? Is the noise of the drill? Is it that initial shot to numb your gums? Maybe it’s the sight of your own blood on the gauze used to clean up. Regardless, we know dental appointments fill most people with dread. That’s why patients love our Solea Laser technology. Using the Solea Laser, Chloe Dental, your dentist in Katy, TX, can clean cavities and prepare teeth for fillings without the pain, noise, and frustration of traditional methods. Here’s everything you need to know about the use of the Solea Laser.

What Is Solea Laser Technology?

Solea Laser uses advanced science to pinpoint and remove damaged tooth enamel. Because the procedure is painless, no anesthesia is needed. Instead of using a drill to clean and prepare teeth for fillings, your dentist uses the laser to remove infected areas.

What Are the Benefits of Solea Laser Treatment?

The benefits of Solea Laser treatment are multiple. They include:

  • Less noise
  • Less vibration
  • No shot needed to numb the area
  • No need for prep time or recovery time from anesthesia
  • Reduced patient stress
  • Shortened procedure time
  • Faster recovery times

Dentists love using the Solea Laser because it cuts down on prep and recovery times, allowing them to help more patients in a day. Patients love this technology because it’s safe, effective, and worry-free. There’s never a reason to fear your appointments with Chloe Dental in Katy, TX, because Solea Laser technology makes quick, painless work of your procedures.

When you’re ready to learn more about laser fillings in Katy, TX, call Chloe Dental to schedule a consultation. At Chloe Dental, you’ll love the ease with which we get you in and out and back to your regularly scheduled day.

3 Things to Do Today to Lower Risks of Gum Disease

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While most people give a lot of focus to keeping their teeth healthy, one just as important aspect of your oral health is the periodontal tissue (gums) that supports your teeth. The gums support and protect your teeth, so they, too, must be aptly protected. Many people end up needing periodontal treatment in Houston, TX due to gum disease, but there may be ways to prevent the problem. Check out a few changes you can make today to lower your risk of gum disease.

Stop using tobacco products

People who smoke cigarettes are four to five times as likely to develop gum disease than people who do not. The risk is more profound the more you smoke. Even people who use smokeless tobacco are at risk of gum disease. If you are a smoker, quitting is always recommended for the betterment of your health, but this may also protect your gums.

Make sure you floss

Flossing your teeth when you brush every day is such a small task, but it is also an oral hygiene routine that is most neglected. When you floss, you are getting the small bits of debris and bacteria that hang out next to the gum line, which can help thwart the risks of bacterial growth and periodontal disease.

Invest in therapeutic mouthwash

Therapeutic mouthwash is specifically formulated with ingredients that can naturally lower the levels of bacteria you have in your mouth that can be related to gum disease. Look for products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and state that the product is anti-gingivitis.

Find Out About Gum Treatment in Houston, TX

Because your gums are a major player in your overall oral health and the appearance of your smile, it is ever-important to work with a Houston dentist to keep them healthy. If you have issues with your gums, reach out to us at Chloe Dental to schedule an appointment.

A Look at How 3D Technology Makes Orthodontist Care More Efficient

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Teeth and jaw irregularities are some of the most common reasons patients need braces in Houston, TX. These issues affect the way your teeth are positioned in your mouth and the alignment of your smile, but the process of getting braces is not anything like it was many years ago.

Thanks to new dental technology, specifically three-dimensional technology, the process of smile alignment is far more efficient and effective. Check out some of the ways that 3D technology makes orthodontic treatment more efficient.

3D Smile Scans Offer a Digital Map of Your Smile

Most patients are well-accustomed to x-rays, which do give a comprehensive look at the structures that make up your smile. However, 3D smile scans take the x-ray exam to a new level. Every dimension of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure can be examined.

When you are getting braces, the better the orthodontist knows the structures that make your smile look how it does, the more equipped they will be to create a plan to correct issues. This means when braces are created and installed, they will be more suited for encouraging the shifts that need to take place.

3D Printing Means Faster Access to Fixtures

Technology with 3D software and special equipment makes it possible to create fixtures right in the office. For example, if you are working with an orthodontist for smile alignment and opt for braces without braces (clear aligners), those aligners can be printed right in the office. You can have your smile mapped for treatment and the aligners printed and ready for pickup in a matter of days.

Find Efficient Dental Care in Houston, TX

Do you need help with smile alignment, or are you considering braces? Find a Houston, TX dentist that makes use of some of the latest in dental technology to ensure the process is as efficient as possible. Reach out to us at Chloe Dental to find out how we can help.

Dental 9-1-1: What’s a Dental Emergency?

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Think you have a dental emergency in Katy, TX? Don’t worry! We are always here for you at Chloe Dental. However, sometimes patients that truly have a dental emergency situation prolong treatment because they don’t realize that the issue they have is such a risk. Check out a few signs that you may need an emergency dentist below.

Severe Pain

Tooth pain is so hard to manage at home, and it can completely interrupt your day. Unfortunately, a severe toothache can also be a sign that something threatening is taking place. Not only can an emergency dentist help you get some relief, but they can also get to the root cause of the issue.

Tooth or Mouth Trauma

Trauma to a tooth, such as a fracture, break, or chip, or trauma to your gums, such as a laceration, are all issues that should spur you to see a dentist as quickly as possible. Remember, prolonging treatment after tooth or gum trauma can put you at risk of permanent damage.

Excessive Bleeding

Bleeding gums are common, but you should never experience excessive bleeding in your mouth. Pay attention any time you find large amounts of blood in your mouth or you have bleeding that simply does not stop.

Signs of Dental Infection

A dental abscess can be dangerous when not promptly treated. This issue occurs when bacteria has made its way beneath your oral tissues and should be managed immediately to avoid risks to your oral health and your smile.

Get Fast Treatment with a Katy Emergency Dentist

Any kind of emergency can be a scary situation, but making sure to see a dentist in Katy, TX as soon as possible can make a huge difference in the outcome of the event. Contact us immediately if you believe you have an emergency situation with your teeth or oral health.

Is Dental Care Important for Patients with No Teeth?

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Research suggests that about 40 million individuals in the United States are completely edentulous, which means they have lost all of their permanent teeth. If you have lost all of your natural teeth, is dental care still important? Yes. Here is a look at why comprehensive dental care in Katy, TX is still important.

Oral Cancer Assessments

Risks for oral cancer can elevate as you get older, and those risks do remain even if you no longer have your natural teeth in place. The screenings for oral cancer are simple and can be done with a general oral health checkup.

Periodontal Health Exams

The periodontal tissue makes up a large portion of the oral cavity. While the common misconception is you don’t have to worry about your gums if you have no teeth, the opposite can be true; you may have more concerns to consider. Lesions, abscesses, injuries are more likely to affect the gingival tissue if you have no teeth to protect it.

Monitoring Bone Height Issues

Jaw bone height can naturally decline when teeth are pulled. If you wear dentures, retaining as much bone height as possible is important to make sure your dentures continue to work with your jaws. During oral health checkups, the dentist will examine bone height and look for signs of deterioration. If bone loss is detected, there may be solutions that can help.

Tend to Your Oral Health with the Help of a Katy Dentist

Your oral health is exceptionally important, even if you have lost your teeth. Plus, you may have a number of options available when it comes to smile restoration, such as dental implants in Katy, TX. If you would like to know more about taking care of your mouth, reach out to us at Chloe Dental to schedule an appointment.

What to Expect from Your Oral Surgery

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Oral surgery sounds foreboding, and you may envision a painful procedure that takes hours to complete. In reality, however, oral surgery is simple and mostly painless. You’ll receive anesthesia before most oral surgeries, so you’ll have no pain. And while you may experience some discomfort afterward, your dentist in Katy, TX,will provide prescription or over-the-counter medication to make you comfortable.

What Happens Before Oral Surgery?

Before your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, they’ll meet with you for a consultation. They’ll usually take X-rays and perform diagnostic tests to determine why you’re experiencing tooth or jaw pain. In some instances, you may not have pain at all, but oral surgery is still necessary to prevent problems in the future. This is usually true for wisdom tooth extraction.

You will also consult with your oral surgeon in Katy, TX, before your surgery, and they’ll take a brief medical history. They may ask you which type of sedation you prefer and whether you’re allergic to any medication. They’ll then give you a list of pre-operative instructions and schedule your oral surgery for a future date.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Oral Surgery

On the day of your surgery, you’ll want to forego breakfast. Your pre-operative instructions will likely mention the need to fast from midnight on. You’ll also want to have another licensed driver with you to take you home afterward.

If you elected sedation, you’ll be unconscious during your surgery. Afterward, your oral surgeon will provide you with a list of care instructions for your incisions, to prevent problems such as infection or dry socket.

If you think you may need oral surgery in Katy, TX, contact Chloe Dental today. We’ll book an appointment that fits your schedule and consult with you to determine whether oral surgery is a sound solution.