The Benefits of 3D Dental Scans

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Chloe Dental is pleased to provide patients with the most technologically advanced dental care solutions, right down to the X-rays we take. Instead of the flat, old-fashioned 2D X-rays from the past, we use 3D dental scans that provide far more information about your dental health, in a much more comfortable setting. Here’s how this benefits you as a patient:

Quicker and More Comfortable

The older X-ray technology required dental hygienists to place sharp, uncomfortable bite plates back into your mouth—sometimes several times over if the X-ray didn’t work right the first time. Today, dental imaging at Chloe Dental in Houston, Texas is easier, quicker, and more comfortable. We steady your chin on a platform, you hold the handles, stand still, and bite one plate easily in the front of your mouth. Once you are in position, the 3D dental image machine swerves quickly around your head. The result is a clear, detailed, 3D image of your entire mouth and jaw, all in one sweep.

Fast, Accurate, In-Depth Oral Health Data

The resulting digital 3D image gives us a wider, clearer, deeper view of your teeth, both inside and out. We can see into your jaw bone, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Not only does it help us find even the smallest cavities, but it also helps us get a clear view of your orthodontic situation. In children, we can see how adult teeth develop before they erupt. We can also detect TMJ problems proactively. 3D dental imaging also helps us perform precisely accurate root canals, wisdom teeth removals, and other necessary oral surgeries.

Less Radiation Exposure

Because 3D dental imaging is faster than the old 2D X-rays, patients are exposed to far less radiation than before. Less radiation, better data. It’s a big win for our patients!

3D Dental Imaging at Chloe Dental in Katy and Houston, Texas

Here at Chloe Dental, all of our patients benefit from how we use the latest technology to provide dental, endodontic, and orthodontic care for the whole family. Schedule an appointment today and see how comfortable and helpful our 3D dental X-rays are.

What to do if a Tooth Falls Out

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It’s natural to panic a little bit if your adult tooth falls out. Teeth fall out for several reasons, including mouth trauma due to sports injuries or vehicular accidents, periodontal disease, nutritional deficiencies, and more. But the first thing to do if a tooth falls out is to try to remain calm. Your dentist in Houston, TX might be able to re-implant the tooth. Even if they can’t, there are restorative dental treatments available.

Find the Tooth

Try your best to find the tooth. If you can locate it, you can bring it to the dentist’s office with you. Once you find it, avoid handling it too much. There may be connective tissue attached that is delicate.

Handling the Tooth

If the tooth is dirty, you can place it inside a bowl with contact lens saline solution, distilled water or even milk. Gently swish it around, then lay it on a clean cloth. Don’t rinse it under the tap, because it’s too easy to lose your grip and have the tooth fall down the drain.

Contain the Tooth

Gently place it inside a damp clean cloth or a plastic bag with distilled water or milk. Then, for extra security, put the bag inside a jar. This will help to ensure that the tooth is safe while you get yourself to a dentist.

Contact Your Dentist

Get on the phone with your dentist’s office and let them know you’re on your way. This will give them time to make room for your visit in their schedule.

Restorative Treatments

Your dentist has a number of treatments available. If they can’t re-implant the tooth, you could get a bridge, a denture, or a dental implant.

No matter how bad you think it is, your dentist can help. Contact us today about emergency dental services in Houston, TX.

3 Tips to Prepare for Oral Surgery

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If you need oral surgery, even if you’ve had it before, the whole process can be a little intimidating. Preparing not only puts you in the right frame of mind but also reduces the risks and complications of the surgical procedure. We’ll look at a few steps that you can take to make everything go a little more smoothly.

1. Ask the Doctor

Your dentist or oral surgeon in Katy, TX, will give you a lot of information before the big day. Of course, no matter how much they tell you, you’ll probably still have questions later on. Getting the full run-down of the treatment may take more than just a single information session, so don’t be afraid to schedule some extra time on the books.

2. Follow Directions

Whether you need to fast for at least 12 hours, a ride, or a container to carry dental appliances, make sure that you know what’s expected of you and give yourself enough time to get your ducks in a row. It may sound obvious, but plenty of people make a mistake that inevitably ends in a rescheduled surgery. This doesn’t just set you back. It can cause the condition to get worse in the interim.

3. Find the Right Surgical Team in Katy, TX

An oral surgeon needs to have more training than a regular dentist in Katy, TX. In addition to credentials, they’ll also need a bedside manner to help you get through each surgery step. From the initial consultation to the final recovery stages, oral surgery can be difficult for people to commit to. If you’re looking for a team that’s helped their patients successfully tackle the road ahead, count on the staff at Chloe Dental to get you through it.

What Are Crowded Teeth? 

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When your mouth doesn’t have enough room for your teeth, we call this condition “crowded teeth.” Crowded teeth are a problem that needs correction from your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX. Depending on the severity and other factors, your dentist may recommend orthodontic interventions like braces or clear aligners.

Why Crowded Teeth Are a Problem

Crowded teeth are a problem because teeth that have no room to grow straight will grow crooked instead. Teeth may also grow on top of each other, making cleaning them very difficult. People who cannot floss and brush their teeth appropriately may be at higher risk for cavities and other oral health problems.

What You Can Do About Crowded Teeth

If you have crowded teeth, your dentist may take various steps to correct the problem. Sometimes, teeth with no room in the mouth are extracted to make space for other teeth.

Your dentist may also recommend braces or clear aligners. Braces are tools that attach brackets to the teeth. These brackets are then connected by wires and rubber bands that slowly apply pressure to force the teeth into the correct position.

Clear aligners are similar to braces in that they use pressure to move the teeth into the correct position, but clear aligners are worn over the teeth and can easily be removed by the wearer.

Have Crowded Teeth? Get Help

Crowded teeth can impact your smile and make some people self-conscious about how they look. Crowded teeth are also bad for your oral hygiene. You can get this problem corrected with clear aligners or braces in Katy and Houston, TX. Call Chloe Dental today to make an appointment and learn more.

Protecting Your Teeth From Sports Injuries

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Sports injuries are one of the most common reasons cited for the need foremergency dental services in Houston, TX. When you have a dental emergency, you should contact your dentist at Chloe Dental right away. When you call and explain what’s happened to our friendly dental staff, we can advise you on the best next steps. Of course, being proactive and avoiding the injury is the best thing. Here are some tips on protecting your teeth from sports injuries.

Wear a Mouth Guard

A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth during sports activities. Mouth guards act as a cushion, absorbing the impact of blows to the face and reducing the risk of dental injuries. There are three main types of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted mouthguards. Custom-fitted mouth guards, made by a dentist, offer the best fit and protection.

Play in Well-lit Areas

Sports injuries often occur at home in non-professional settings. Often, play begins in daylight and continues into nightfall. When darkness descends, be sure to turn on outdoor spotlights, driveway lights, and any other lighting that may be available. This helps to prevent stray street hockey sticks and other equipment from hitting players in the mouth.

Protect Younger Players

It’s great to involve younger players in sports. But if larger players are present, the play may be too aggressive for youngsters to keep up with. Be sure to take a protective stance toward younger players, siblings, and neighbors’ children. They may not know enough about the game not to stand too close behind a softball hitter, for instance.

Even with these tips, sports injuries will happen. The best you can do is have the number of yourdentist in Houston, TX, on hand to call when you need us. We’re here to help with all of your emergency dental needs!

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.

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!

Is a Loose Tooth Considered a Dental Emergency?

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A loose tooth can be a source of anxiety, whether it happens to an adult or a child. While it’s normal for children to lose their baby teeth, the situation can be more alarming for adults. Understanding when a loose tooth is a dental emergency is crucial for maintaining good oral health.

What Causes a Loose Tooth?
Several factors can lead to a loose tooth. The most common causes in adults include gum disease, which can weaken the structures that hold teeth in place. Trauma to the mouth, such as from sports injuries or accidents, can also result in a loose tooth. Other factors like teeth grinding (bruxism) or a misaligned bite can contribute to this condition.

Loose Tooth in Children
For children, losing teeth is a normal part of dental development. Baby teeth become loose and fall out to make way for permanent teeth. However, if a child’s tooth becomes loose due to an injury or is accompanied by pain and swelling, it’s wise to consult a dentist on an emergency basis for immediate treatment.

When Is a Loose Tooth a Dental Emergency in Adults?
For adults, a loose tooth is more concerning. It’s rarely part of a normal process and often indicates a dental problem. If your tooth suddenly becomes loose, especially if it’s accompanied by pain, swelling, or bleeding, it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate severe gum disease or infection, which requires prompt treatment to prevent tooth loss and other complications.

Prompt treatment by adentist in Houston, TX, is essential in certain cases to ensure the best outcome for your oral health. Remember, preserving your natural teeth is a priority for you and your dentist. Contact us to book yourHouston, TX, emergency dentist appointment.

Options for Teeth Straightening

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It’s the condition and placement of your teeth that makes your smile beautiful. That’s why, if you have misaligned teeth or teeth that show gaps in between, it’s time to see yourdentist in Katy, TX. At Chloe Dental, we have easy teeth straightening solutions that will revolutionize how you feel about your smile. Schedule a consultation today.

How Your Dentist Can Straighten Your Teeth
Most people’s thoughts turn to braces when someone mentions straighter teeth. But braces are not the only solution. And even braces may look far different from what you’re picturing. While traditional metal braces are usually affordable, your dentist will be happy to tell you about ceramic braces, clear aligners, and braces that affix to the reverse side of teeth to make them less noticeable.

Which Option Is Best for You?
You and your orthodontist will work together to decide which option is best for straightening your teeth. Regardless of which solution you choose, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your smile is getting straighter every day. And teeth that are perfectly aligned make it much easier to bite and chew. Some of the options your dentist may discuss include:

Metal Braces
Traditional and usually more affordable, metal braces use metal brackets that attach to the front of teeth and are connected by wires.

Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same as metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-colored, and the wires are clear, making them less noticeable.

Lingual Braces
Lingual braces use brackets placed on the reverse side of your teeth. They’re still connected by wires, but they’re much less visible.

Clear Aligners
Clear aligners use a series of clear plastic trays to straighten teeth incrementally.

Get Straighter Teeth in Katy, TX
For more information onteeth straightening in Katy, TX, call Chloe Dental today.

Recovering After a Sinus Lift – What To Expect

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If you’ve had a sinus lift in Houston, TX or you’re thinking of getting one done, you should know that the procedure can make a huge difference to your quality of life. The higher your sinus floor, the more likely you’ll be able to develop the bone you need for dental implants in Katy, TX. If you’re concerned about the aftercare, we’ll look at what you can do to speed the healing process along.

What to Expect

Right after the surgery, you’ll be expected to swallow your saliva, as this will slow or stop the residual bleeding (which will aid in recovery). You won’t be able to drink through a straw, blow your nose, or spit for at least a week, nor will you be able to sneeze through your nose because this will put pressure on the wound. (It is possible to sneeze through your mouth, though you’ll need to be very conscious of it for the week after the surgery.)

As you might expect, you’ll also need to avoid smoking of any kind or opening your mouth too wide after the procedure. After the week is up, you won’t be able to wear any type of prosthetic teeth (e.g., dentures, etc.) for up to another week. You’ll need to chew soft foods only on the opposite side of your mouth, and you’ll need to avoid the area with your toothbrush. (You can rinse your mouth with mouthwash on both sides.)

Find a Sinus Lift in Katy, TX

While there are some strict rules that you’ll need to follow after a sinus lift, it’s clear that these procedures can have truly world-changing benefits. If you’re looking for an implant dentist in Katy or Houston, TX, contact the staff at Chloe Dental for more information.