What Causes Tooth Sensitivity and How It’s Treated

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When you visit your dentist in Katy, TX, are you worried that you’ll experience discomfort or pain due to tooth sensitivity? Okay, it’s reasonable to be a little bit worried, and if necessary, local anesthesia or sedation is available. But honestly, your teeth shouldn’t be hyper-sensitive, especially when you’re doing normal things like eating or drinking. For instance, if you’re flinching when you have snacks, breakfast, lunch or dinner, that’s not something you should be ignoring. It indicates that you most likely have a dental problem that needs to be treated. After all, you’re a human; you have to eat and drink! So unless you plan to go on a starvation diet, you should learn more.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

One of the big underlying causes of tooth sensitivity is the exposure of dentin, the layer beneath the enamel (hence the term dentin hypersensitivity). Now, this can sometimes occur due to enamel erosion, but there can be other reasons, too. Gum recession is another big risk factor, as it exposes the tooth roots, which are more sensitive than the crown of the tooth.

Common Triggers

Certain dental procedures, such as whitening treatments or the placement of fillings, can also lead to temporary sensitivity. The other thing to know is that conditions like tooth decay or fractured teeth can compromise enamel and dentin, exacerbating sensitivity. This is bad news, but highly treatable. This can include fluoride varnishes, dental sealants or bonding agents applied to the sensitive areas. If sensitivity is due to gum recession, gum grafts may be suggested to cover exposed roots.

All you really need to know is that tooth sensitivity isn’t the norm and that treatment for tooth sensitivity is available at your dentist in Katy, TX. Contact us for help.

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.

Why do Teeth Get Stained?

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Every day, people come to Chloe Dental for professionalteeth whitening in Katy, TX. Everybody wants to have whiter, brighter teeth, but over time, teeth do tend to get stained. This discoloration is not only unpleasant to look at, but it can detract from the overall healthy appearance of an individual. One of the many questions that we are regularly asked is, why do teeth get stained?

Why do Teeth Get Stained?
After you have your teeth professionally whitened, you can help to keep them looking great by avoiding these common culprits:

Tobacco
Whether you chew tobacco, smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes, the use of tobacco will always lead to stained teeth. It’s the nicotine that discolors teeth, making them look old and yellow.

Red Wine
It’s debatable whether red wine actually has health benefits, but dentists are sure that red wine stains teeth. If you choose to imbibe, be sure to brush teeth well afterward.

Lack of Good Dental Hygiene
Speaking of brushing teeth, a lack of good dental hygiene also causes stained teeth. Plaque is a yellow-ish film that stains teeth if allowed to remain on the surface. Regular brushing and rinsing will minimize this buildup, although routine dental cleaning are still needed for healthy, whiter teeth.

Prescription Medications
If you need to take prescription medicine, you shouldn’t stop just because it may yellow teeth. Talk to your doctor if your teeth are becoming discolored to a point where it’s problematic.

The porous nature of teeth makes them susceptible to discoloration, and this can’t be avoided. But you can always have your teeth whitened at thedentist in Katy, TX. For your convenience, Chloe Dental also has a practice in Houston, TX where you can get teeth whitening. Contact us today to book your teeth whitening services at your nearest location!

What to Expect During a Deep-Cleaning Dental Hygiene Appointment

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When it comes to comprehensive dental care in Houston, TX, oral hygiene appointments are undeniably important. However, a deep-cleaning appointment goes beyond the typical cleaning processes during your usual dental cleaning. Take a look at what to expect during a deep cleaning below.

Expect the Appointment to Take a Bit Longer
The general teeth cleaning appointment usually only takes about 30 to 45 minutes. However, a deep cleaning appointment can be a bit more time-consuming. In fact, the treatment may involve a series of appointments in which a section of the teeth is covered at each one instead of your full mouth at one time.

Expect Local Anesthetic to Be Used
Because the treatment involves working beneath the gum line, deep cleaning can be a little uncomfortable. Therefore, you will be given a locally injected anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the appointment. This is not common during a standard hygiene appointment but is necessary when doing deep work beneath the soft tissues in the mouth.

Expect a Brief Recovery Period
Generally, the recovery period after a deep cleaning will take a few days. The soft tissues must heal and close around the teeth during this time. Therefore, you can expect some sensitivity and may need to alter your usual oral hygiene and eating habits. Be sure to go over the after-care instructions for scaling and root-planing before your appointment so you know what to expect during recovery.

Discuss Deep Cleaning with a Houston Dentist
While not every patient will need deep cleaning, when a Houston dentist recommends the procedure, rest assured that this is a positive treatment for your oral health. Reach out to Chloe Dental if you have questions about scaling and root-planing appointments.

What Is the Difference Between Tartar and Plaque?

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When it comes to maintaining good dental hygiene, keeping plaque and tartar off your teeth is one of the most effective things you can do to prevent gum disease. But what is plaque and tartar, and how can you prevent it? Working with your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, can help. It’s also important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky, gummy substance that builds up on your tooth enamel when you eat food. Plaque builds up over time and can be difficult to remove when you’re brushing your teeth. However, it’s easy for your dentist to remove plaque when you come in for a routine dental cleaning. Plaque is usually white or yellowish, like your tooth enamel.

What’s Tartar?

Tartar is what happens to plaque when it combines with the minerals in your saliva. Tartar is a hard, crusty substance that sticks to your tooth enamel, usually near and below the gum line. Tartar can’t be removed when you’re brushing your teeth. Instead, tooth enamel must be removed by the dentist. Tartar is usually yellow or brown.

How Can You Avoid Plaque and Tartar Buildup?

The best way to avoid plaque and tartar buildup is to brush your teeth regularly and to see the dentist for dental cleaning every six months. Floss once per day. When you go to the dentist for your routine dental cleaning, ask the dentist for a brushing tutorial. Your dental professional can give you a demonstration to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth correctly.

When was the last time you came in for a dental cleaning in Katy and Houston, TX? If it’s been more than six months, call your dentist at Chloe Dental today to make an appointment.

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

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It’s important to see the dentist on a regular basis, but how often is that? As your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, we can help you decide when it’s time to make a dental appointment! See below, important information about when it’s time to visit Chloe Dental.

When to Go For Regular Cleanings

Most patients need to see the dentist twice annually for teeth cleanings and checkups. Unless you’ve been given special instructions to come in for your dental appointments on a different schedule, make your regular dental appointments twice per year. Have a hard time remembering when it’s time to make an appointment? Set a reminder in your phone, or mark your calendar twice per year to remind you.

When to Make a Special Trip

Sometimes it’s important to see the dentist, even though it’s not time for your regular cleaning. Below are times when you should make a special trip to see the dentist.

When You’ve Noticed Symptoms

Have you noticed symptoms of a problem? Maybe you’ve got extra tooth sensitivity, or you’ve noticed that your breath doesn’t smell so good – even after you’ve brushed your teeth. This could be a sign of a problem. Make an appointment with your dentist at Chloe Dental.

When You’re Having a Dental Emergency

If you’re having a dental emergency, then it’s important to see an emergency dentist in Katy and Houston, TX as soon as possible. Some examples of dental emergencies include:

  • Severe toothache
  • Loss of a permanent tooth
  • Severe dental injury

Call your emergency dentist as soon as possible to let them know you need to see someone fast.

Have more questions about when it’s time ot see the dentist? Call Chloe Dental today.

4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Cavities

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A cavity is a hole that develops in your tooth enamel when bacteria causes dental decay. Cavities can cause pain and, if left untreated, may lead to a more serious problem down the road. It’s important to protect your teeth from cavities. There are many things you can do to keep your teeth in good health.

1. Maintain good oral hygiene at home.

Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your teeth. Some suggestions:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
  • Floss your teeth once daily.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months.
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
  • Use an electric toothbrush.

2. Limit your consumption of sugary drinks.

Sugary drinks coat your teeth in sugar, which can lead to dental decay. Avoid drinking sodas and sugary coffees. Water is best.

3. See the dentist twice a year.

Most dentists recommend that their patients come in for dental exams and cleanings twice per year. Unless your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX has given you different instructions, see the dentist twice annually for checkups.

4. Consider dental sealants.

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that adhere to the teeth to protect the enamel from dental decay. Dental sealants are a great tool for protecting your teeth from cavities. If you have children, this is a good way to protect your child’s molars. Talk to your dentist about dental sealants in Katy and Houston, TX to find out if this is a good option for you.

Want more suggestions? Talk to your dentist.

At Chloe Dental, we’re happy to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Call today to make an appointment and find out what else you can do to avoid cavities.

How Smoking Affects Your Dental Health

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Has your dentist in Katy, TX recommended that you stop smoking? Everyone knows smoking is bad for you, but did you know that smoking can also lead to severe dental issues?

How Smoking Affects Your Dental Health

Here are some of the oral issues that come from smoking cigarettes and using any other form of tobacco, including pipes and smokeless tobacco (spit).

  • Increases Risk of Oral Cancer

When you smoke, the soft tissues in your mouth are exposed to carcinogens that can result in oral cancer.

  • Leads to Gum Disease

Smoking weakens your immune system, so your body has a harder time fighting off gum disease and other oral infections. That means if you are a smoker, you have twice the risk of getting gum disease in Katy, TX as compared to those who don’t smoke.

  • Yellows Your Teeth

Smoking will yellow your teeth. This yellowing is caused by the tar and nicotine that is in tobacco.

  • Causes Bad Breath

If you smoke, your breath will never smell fresh, even if you practice good oral hygiene.

  • Slows Healing after a Dental Procedure

Since smoking hinders your immune system, that means any dental procedure you have done will take much longer to heal. You are also at a higher risk of developing an infection.

  • Can Lead to Tooth Loss

When you smoke, you are at a greater risk of losing your teeth. Smoking can lead to gum disease, affecting the bone structure that holds your teeth.

Do You Need a Dentist in Katy, TX?

If you need a dentist in Katy, TX, or any of the surrounding areas, please Contact Chloe Dental today. We provide a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere and have a team of professionals who truly care about your oral health. Reach out any time. We look forward to hearing from you!

3 Things You Can Do to Take Care Of Your Teeth This Summer

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Taking care of your teeth is an ongoing process. Maintaining good habits and making good lifestyle choices is an important part of keeping your teeth bright, white, strong and healthy. As your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, we have advice that can help you take care of your teeth this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated

Saliva in the mouth helps wash away bacteria and keep your mouth clean. In the summer, when you’re outside doing activity that can cause dehydration, you may go through periods of time when you experience dry mouth. Make a point of drinking water or sugar-free sports drinks that have electrolytes. Doing this will help ensure that you’re properly hydrated. To make this easy, carry water in a bottle where ever you go.

2. Get Your Teeth Whitened

Do you want to look your best for summer weddings and family reunions? Get your teeth whitened in Katy and Houston, TX. Getting your teeth whitened at the dentist office will help ensure that your teeth have long-lasting beauty.

3. Catch Up on Dental Appointments

Summer is a time when many people find it easier to take time off from work. This is a good time to catch up on your dental appointments, if you’re behind schedule. Most dentists recommend coming in for a dental appointment every six months. If your last appointment at the dentist was more than six months ago, make time to see them now.

Do you need to make an appointment for a dental examination and cleaning? Call Chloe Dental today to make an appointment, before the end of the summer is here!