You’ve been told you need a root canal to save your tooth and remove an infection, and you’re wondering if you’re in for a painful experience. Back in the day, root canals were notorious for being unpleasant. It’s only natural for you to feel nervous about your upcoming treatment. However, our root canal treatment in Houston, TX, is painless and easy.

What is a root canal?

A root canal (endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure used to remove an infection from the pulp, save the tooth, and prevent reinfection. This procedure will help save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and make your teeth healthy again.

​When do you need a root canal?

You’ll need a root canal for a chipped or cracked tooth, deep decay from an untreated cavity, or issues from your previous filling. Below are the symptoms you may experience if you need root canal therapy:

• Tooth sensitivity (particularly to cold and hot sensations)
• Severe pain while biting or chewing
• Bumps or pimple-like bums on the gum
• Darkening of the gums or deep decay
• Tender or swollen gums
• A cracked or chipped tooth
• An abscessed tooth

Important: You need to address the root canal as soon as possible. That’s because the infection can spread and cause issues beyond your mouth.

How long do root canals take?

Typically, a root canal treatment takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete, and more complex cases can take up to 90 minutes or more. The procedure typically requires an appointment or two to complete.

How are root canals performed?

To conduct a root canal, your dentist or endodontist will x-ray your teeth to determine if performing the procedure is viable and if the infection has spread to other regions. Then, your dentist will numb the gum near your affected tooth with a small amount of numbing medication and then inject a local anesthetic into your gums.
Once your tooth is numb, your dentist will access the affected pulp by making a small opening in the top of your tooth. This pulp will contain blood vessels, sensitized nerves, and bacteria, which your dentist will remove before carefully cleaning all the canals in your tooth. Your dentist will then coat the area with antibiotics to disinfect it and prevent reinfection.
Once the canals are disinfected and cleaned, your dentist will end the procedure by filling and sealing your tooth. They may also prescribe oral antibiotics and over-the-counter pain medications to avoid post root canal pain. ​

Does it hurt?

You won’t feel any pain during the root canal procedure, thanks to the local anesthesia that dentists use. The pain associated with root canal treatments comes from the tooth itself before you get it treated. The truth is, removing the infection removes the pain. Painful root canals are actually a myth.
Even if anesthesia is not used, you shouldn’t feel any pain during your root canal treatment. To be on the safe side, the dental professionals at Locust Family Dentistry use anesthesia to numb the tooth and avoid the slightest possibility of pain. You may feel a little pressure on your tooth during the procedure but nothing more than that.
You’ll likely experience mild pain and discomfort for a few days after the procedure. This pain is normal to experience for a bit, and you can manage it with pain medications. Keep in mind that if it lasts beyond a week, you should visit your dentist. 

Root canal treatment in Houston, TX
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Root canals aren’t that scary anymore, so you don’t have to be afraid of being honest with your dentist.

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, or you’re experiencing its symptoms, Locust Family Dentistry offers pain-free root canal treatment in Houston, TX. We also offer restorative dental services to keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy. Book an appointment today!

Welcome to a new year of resolutions, goals, and establishing new habits and routines. We are far enough into January to know which habits may stick and which may change based on commitment or convenience. Hopefully, this is the year that you choose to embrace and improve your oral hygiene.
Oral health habits are not a trend to turn on or off with every new fad that comes your way. Taking care of your dental health is a lifelong commitment. Whether you are renewing your promise to follow good oral hygiene or you are brushing up on tips and advice after a lapse in care, the benefits cannot be denied.
Here, we discuss the importance of oral health and explain the benefits of improving your oral health this year.
















Why is oral health important?

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is about more than just a beautiful smile. Your teeth have important roles in chewing, helping with digestion, and speaking. They provide structure to the cheeks and face helping you look younger. Additionally, your oral and overall health are connected; improving the health of your mouth benefits the body too.

Benefits of improved oral health
Let’s face it, there are no downsides to choosing to take care of your teeth and gums. The following are just a few of the top benefits to improving your dental health.

​Prevents tooth decay and gum disease

Following good oral hygiene helps to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing helps to keep plaque, tartar, and bacteria off your teeth and away from the gums. This keeps plaque from eating away at the tooth enamel and causing cavities. It also prevents bacteria from entering and spreading through the gums and causing gum disease.

​Stops bad breath

Poor oral health is a common cause of bad breath. The collection of bacteria and food particles can add to the problem. Regular brushing and flossing remove these items. Scraping the tongue and using mouthwash may help too. 
Additionally, dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. A lack of saliva can cause decay and bad breath. Be sure to stay hydrated, chew sugar free gum, and avoid tobacco products.

Prevents more serious diseases

Without good oral habits and routine dental care, problems may go unchecked. General dental appointments are important for assessing oral health and looking for signs of decay, damaged teeth, and disease. 
If plaque and bacteria are allowed to spread without proper care or treatment, more serious dental procedures will be needed to address the issues. For example, a small area of decay now can be easily filled and treated. If it is left to fester, it may grow to need a root canal or an extraction.

Poor oral health has also been linked to health problems such as heart disease, pregnancy or birth issues, and pneumonia. Improving your oral health means improving your overall health.

Brightens your smile

Regular brushing and flossing are simple ways to remove daily surface stains and food particles from the teeth. This is an easy way to keep your smile bright.

Along with that, regular cleanings with your hygienist do more than just check for tooth decay and gum disease. Your hygienist uses special tools to scrape off tartar. This helps to remove some of the yellowish staining that appears on the teeth.

If you are plagued by more severe staining, your dental team may recommend a safe, professional teeth whitening procedure for more dramatic brightening. Following healthy eating habits, avoiding overly acidic or sugary foods, and reducing teeth staining products also help to keep your smile bright. This will extend the benefits of your dental treatments and give your confidence a boost as you show off your smile.

Enhance your oral hygiene with help from Texas Dental Group

Prioritize oral hygiene and dental health in 2022. Locust Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental procedures Houston, TX, to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. From routine care to more advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, we have your oral health covered.
Book your appointment today!

Professional at-home teeth whitening kits are those obtained from your dentist which contain a high concentration of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. They are slightly more expensive than over-the-counter whitening kits; but they are also more effective. Custom-fitted dental trays are included to keep the whitening solution on the surface of the tooth and limit the exposure of the solution to the sensitive gum (gingival) area. Professional in-home kits are relatively easy to use and offer exceptional results after just one to two weeks of use.

Using Home Whitening Kits

Professional in-home whitening kits aren't something you can pull off the shelf. Custom-made trays (dental cups fitted to the contour of your teeth) must be manufactured in order to ensure the whitening solution are properly distributed. Without these, a lot of the solution could be wasted or put onto areas of the mouth that may be damaged.
There are several steps to obtaining and using in-home teeth whitening kit:

• Impressions would first be taken of both your upper and lower teeth using non-toxic dental putty. These would be sent to a specialty lab to make the trays. This part of the process takes around one to two weeks from start to finish.
• In the meantime, the initial shade of your teeth would be recorded in your dental chart for comparison when the whitening is completed.
• When the trays are ready, an appointment would be set to show you how to properly dispense and apply the solution and other instructions needed to obtain the optimal results.
• Before starting the at-home procedure, you would need to brush, floss, and rinse completely.
• The procedure itself is typically performed an hour per day for two weeks, Certain brands can be worn overnight. You would need to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while wearing the trays and continue to do the same for 30 minutes after.
• After two weeks of treatment, a follow-up appointment would be made to track your results and see how they compare to your reference shade.
• The additional whitening solution can be used for touch-ups if needed.

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening

If do-it-yourself whitening is not your cup of tea, you can always opt for professional in-office whitening. It is a slightly more expensive procedure but one that offers more reliable results. Besides cost, the one downside is that you may need to make multiple visits to the dentist's office.
With that being said, professional whitening delivers optimum results over a relatively short amount of time. The process is pretty straightforward:

• Before starting, your teeth would be polished to remove any plaque.
• Your mouth would then be isolated with gauze and a barrier placed along the gumline to protect it from the solution.
• Your teeth would then be coated with a whitening solution on the front surface only.
• Some whitening products require a curing light or laser to activate the peroxide. The solution would be left on for 30 to 60 minutes, or reapplied occasionally for up to one hour, depending on the brand.
• Once the optimum shade has been reached (or the maximum time has passed), the teeth would be rinsed. A fluoride application may be used to help ease any tooth sensitivity.
• Additional visits would be scheduled until the desired shade is reached.

There are several options for teeth whitening that a Texas Dental Group dentist can use or recommend to patients. Your dentist could conduct a scale and polish and then whiten your teeth in-house. This can significantly change the coloring of your teeth should you have stained/dark/yellow teeth. Our whitening systems also use laser procedures to whiten teeth. Visit a Texas Dental Group location today or call us at 281-588-0083 to schedule a visit.

As many as 40 million Americans avoid the dentist because of fear and anxiety, according to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

So, why the fear of the dentist? People are anxious about dental visits for different reasons. Some anticipate pain. Others worry that the dentist might be rushed or neglect their concerns. Additional stressors include negative memories of past experiences and even the sterile smell of the dental office. Sometimes, simply interrupting the normal day's routine for a dentist visit creates anxiety.
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If unaddressed, dental anxiety can lead to oral health problems, which can, in turn, require more dental treatment.

Trust and communication help lower stress

​One of the most important factors in overcoming dental anxiety is good communication between you and your dentist. When you feel informed and in control throughout a visit, you’re typically less anxious.
​
”It’s common for people to feel some level of anxiety when visiting a physician or dentist,“ said Kevin Sheu, DDS, professional services director for Delta Dental. “However, if a patient’s anxiety is preventing access to needed care, the individual should have a frank discussion with the dentist before starting any treatment. As health care professionals, dentists are trained to treat patients who have anxiety. Many safe and comfortable techniques can make dental care less stressful, including the use of medication.”

Tips for staying calm when you visit the dentist

​If you’re nervous about an upcoming dental visit, try these ways to curb your anxiety:
​

1. Share your fears. If you're tense or anxious, tell your dentist and the dental staff. Expressing your concerns will help your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs.
2. Focus on breathing regularly and slowly during dental procedures. When people are nervous they tend to hold their breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of panic. As in some meditation techniques, a focus on slow, regular breathing helps reduce stress levels.
3. Listen to some tunes. If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring along your favorite music and earphones.
4. Watch what you eat and drink. Avoid caffeine before a dental appointment. Eat high-protein foods which – unlike sugary foods – produce a calming effect.
5. Use hand signals. Empower yourself by agreeing on hand signals to communicate with your dentist. When you feel uncomfortable, signal the dentist to ease off or stop the procedure.
6. Choose a low-stress appointment time. Select a time for your dental visit when you’re less likely to be rushed or under pressure. This might mean a Saturday or an early-morning appointment.
7. Get some good reviews. If you’re looking for a dentist, ask friends and relatives for recommendations. A glowing review about a dentist from someone you trust can help reduce your anxiety

Lower on the fear spectrum (but still very real for some) are the anxieties already discussed. Communicate your feelings to your doctor. And try this trick: feel gratitude for your teeth and for your access to good care. Research shows that people who practice gratitude are more optimistic, healthier, get better sleep, and, in turn, experience less anxiety.  

​The importance of routine dental check-ups

A routine dental check-up is essential for the following reasons:

• Early detection and prevention of dental diseases.

Routine dental check-ups help the dentist to identify early signs of tooth decay and cavity formation. Furthermore, it helps to evaluate the patient’s oral hygiene status by looking at the amount of plaque and calculus formed on the tooth surface.
Such steps can lead to prompt treatment and prevention of extensive tooth damaging conditions. Moreover, professional teeth cleaning reduces the amount of disease-producing bacteria in the mouth. They are thereby enhancing the oral health of the patient.

• Building long term relations with your dentist

Regular dental appointments help you to maintain good relations with your dentist. Moreover, it establishes a healthy communication where you can discuss all the concerns you have regarding oral health and overall well-being. 
Moreover, it is a great way to familiarize yourself with the dental office environment to reduce nervousness and anxiety.

• Enhancing your self-esteem

Our smile plays a crucial role in creating a good impression on others, especially in your work environment. Regular dental check-ups help to restore and redefine the health status of your mouth. Moreover, it provides clean teeth and gums that enhance the appearance of your smile, making you look good.

• Overall well-being

​It is a fact that our oral health is directly linked with the overall health and well-being. There are clinical links between poor oral hygiene and diabetes or heart disease. Moreover, osteoporosis and cancer are also common conditions associated with poor oral health.
Therefore, it is essential to take every preventive measure to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. This will help you to stay healthy and fit in your life.

• Financial benefit

We all know how expensive restorative dental treatments can be. However, preventive dental treatments are far less costly. Moreover, most dental insurance plans cover the cost of two routine dental check-ups in a year. 

What are the benefits of a routine dental check-up?
​

• Prevention of bad breath

Usually, poor oral hygiene hosts disease-producing bacteria in the mouth that affect not only the health of the teeth and gums but also causes bad breath. Sometimes bad breath also occurs due to the accumulation of food particles in the mouth that are hard to clean with a toothbrush.
Routine dental check-ups include professional teeth cleaning. This effectively cleans the teeth and gums by removing the food debris, plaque, and calculus in the mouth—thereby reducing the incidence of bad breath.

• Protection from cavity, plaque, and calculus

Routine teeth cleaning from a dental professional help to identify the early signs of tooth decay and cavity formation. Moreover, it helps to remove the underlying cause for damage to the teeth such as bacteria and plaque that accumulates in the mouth periodically.

• Protection from severe gum diseases

Usually, the calculus buildup in the mouth severely affects the health of the gum tissue. It not only leads to bacterial accumulation, which may loosen the gum tissue but also cause recession of the gums. One of the first signs of gum disease is bleeding and soreness in the mouth. 
Routine dental cleaning eliminates the calculus buildup and saves the gums from the adverse effects of calculus and disease-producing bacteria in the mouth.

• Prevention of tooth loss

Extensive gum diseases, also known as advanced periodontitis, often leads to bone loss and increases tooth mobility. Routine professional cleaning and dental check-ups help to keep periodontal disease under control. Moreover, it helps to maintain the integrity and health of the teeth and gums for a long time.

• Early detection of cancerous lesions

Routine dental check-ups help to identify the signs of developing oral cancer at its early stages. This greatly helps in treating the lesion successfully without affecting the health of the surrounding vital tissues.

• Early detection of underlying abnormalities

X-ray examinations performed during routine dental appointments are a great way to get an insight at the underlying developing abnormalities such as tooth abscess, cyst, or tumors. Early detection of such lesions helps to limit the disease spread. Moreover, it prevents damage to the surrounding tooth and tissues.
 

• Altering bad habits

Dentists educate patients on practicing good oral hygiene and counsel them to avoid indulging in bad oral habits. Some of these habits include teeth grinding, jaw clenching, aggressive tooth brushing, and food habits.
The dentist may show you the effects of such habits on your oral health and provide you with solutions that you can use to overcome them effectively.

What is your responsibility after a dental check-up? 

It is essential to take proper care of your teeth and gums by following regular oral hygiene practices. Following these steps are the best way to achieve good oral health:

1. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, two times a day. Also, use a fluoride toothpaste to allow remineralization of the enamel.
2. Floss after brushing teeth at least once in a day to remove the debris and plaque present between the teeth.
3. A mouthwash can contribute in controlling plaque formation around the teeth and gum line. Moreover, it provides a fresh breath.

Take away message 

Regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Usually, a routine dental check-up involves detailed examination and professional tooth cleaning. Such measures help to detect dental diseases at early stages and prevent them from further damaging the tooth and gums.

Additionally, routine dental check-ups help to maintain long term relations with your dentist, save money, prevent the spread of severe dental diseases, and enhance your looks and confidence. Now that you've understood the importance of routine dental check-ups, don't forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year. Moreover, follow a good oral hygiene routine to stay healthy and happy. 

You can easily schedule an appointment with us at Texas Dental Group. Please call a location nearest you: Conroe - (936) 760-3050, Galveston - (409) 740-7744, Houston - (713) 633-1922, and Richmond - (281) 238-4454. You can also schedule an appointment at www.texasdental.group.

​WHY DO PEOPLE NEED DENTAL IMPLANTS?

1. To replace missing teeth: ​People experience tooth loss for many reasons. Some of these reasons include decay, Gum (Periodontal) Disease, Anodontia, medications, chemotherapy, drugs, or injury. Many who experience tooth loss choose to replace the lost or decaying teeth with dental implants.

• For eating: Being able to bite and chew through a variety of foods is necessary for consuming necessary vitamins and nutrients. While dentures only restore up to 25% of original bite strength, dental implants often restore 80-100% of a patient’s original bite strength after the healing period.
• For self-confidence: Those with lacking or unsightly teeth often face anxiety of social situations, and experience greater isolation as a result. Strong and natural-looking teeth often help a person regain confidence to socialize.

   
     2. To reinforce the structure of the jawbone: When a tooth is lost, the integrity of the jawbone underneath it is                   compromised. The neighboring teeth then begin to slowly drift. This also causes gradual degrading of the                      jawbone which in turn causes facial deformity. When a lost tooth is replaced with an implant, the integrity of                the jaw is maintained.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANT CASES?     
     1. CONVENTIONAL: In standard cases, dental implants are embedded within the jawbone. Conventional                            dental implants can be a single tooth, bridge, or a full arch.

• Single: Individual implants can be placed for the replacement of 1 tooth, such as a missing molar or anterior (front tooth). After the implant is placed, a short healing period is needed before a final crown can be fitted on top.

• Bridge: A bridge fixes a crown or crowns over the area of a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge can be supported by implants or healthy teeth at each end.

• Full Arch: In many cases, a patient will choose to have a full set of upper or lower teeth replaced with what is known as a “Full Arch.” Arches are full sets of prosthetic teeth fixed onto 4 or more implants.

     2. ZYGOMATIC:
        In cases of severe bone loss, Zygomatic dental implants will be embedded into the cheekbone (Zygoma).                      Zygomatic implants are only different from conventional implants in the method of embedding and the length of          the implant. This method is used to replace the teeth in the upper jaw.

To provide our patients with the most innovative dental implant technology, our practice offers the DIOnavi EcoDigital Implant Procedure. Our Texas Dental offices specialize in a variety of cosmetic and aesthetic dental procedures. These procedures include crowns, Lumineers, laminates, dental implants, and more. Below, you can learn more about each of these procedures. If you’re interested in any form of cosmetic dentistry, feel free to contact us for a detailed consultation.

​HOW THEY WORK 

• Dental implants are posts placed into the jaw where the tooth root used to be located
• Implants are made of strong titanium metal
• The posts fuse with the bone in the jaw and serve as a strong anchor to attach a replacement tooth (or replacement teeth if multiple are needed)
• An abutment (connector) is screwed into the implant to support the new crown (artificial tooth)
• The crown is designed to be strong and natural looking

The DIOnavi Difference
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​DIOnavi EcoDigital Implant Procedure
What makes us different than other dental offices that place implants is the type of implant we use. We have partnered with dental technology company called DIOnavi to provide our patients with an implant that provides the most comfort and the fastest turn around. With our collaboration with DIOnavi our patients are able to start their treatment when they receive their consultation.

The entire implant process includes an initial consultation where our team will answer any and all questions you or a loved one have about the implants. At that same appointment, we can take a scan to begin creating the digital impression for implants or we can schedule a separate visit for the scan. The subsequent appointment will be the appointment to place the implant. Expect to have a post operation visit a week or two after the implant is placed. During the post operation visit, we will scan the healing abutment for the crown. The crown will take 3-8 weeks to fabricate. Then the crown will be placed.

Our partnership with DIOnavi enables us to give our patients a premier dental experience. With the DIOnavi procedure, data is collected from the patient’s intra-oral scans. That data is then used to create a:

• Precise, intelligence-driven procedure plan
• Personalized procedure guide to ensure precise implant placement
• Personalized replacement tooth (or teeth) designed to look and function like a natural tooth 

With the personalized, minimally invasive DIOnavi EcoDigital Implant Procedure, there is no surgical incision, and recovery is quick without the complications that come with an incision-based procedure. Conventional implant techniques require a surgical incision and recovery time can be slow and painful due to swelling and risk of infection.

Dental Implants are the permanent, ideal solution for tooth loss and decay. Those who favor dentures often do so for the lower cost, yet pay the price of discomfort and occasional slippage, leading to embarrassment or slurred speech. Quality dental implants that are placed by an experienced surgeon and are properly maintained have a 98% success rate to never become loose.

Additionally, Implants reinforce the jaw structure as natural teeth do. Dentures add no reinforcement to the jawbone and allow for continued deterioration. This leads to warping of the lower region of the face. Before and after photos of dental implant patients, however, often show an improvement in jaw structure.

The DIOnavi EcoDigital Implant Procedure is the clear choice for fast, comfortable tooth replacements. If you have missing teeth, permanent dental implants can be an excellent option to fill those spaces. Implants are more comfortable than dentures, partials, or bridges and can last a lifetime.

To schedule an appointment with us, please call the location nearest you: Conroe - (936) 760-3050, Galveston - (409) 740-7744, Homestead - (713) 633-1922, and Richmond - (281) 238-4454. You can also schedule an appointment at www.texasdental.group.

You Can Get it Whiter AND Keep it Healthy
A straight and white smile is becoming more sought after than ever before.  This mindset began with the ‘Hollywood smile’, when we first started to develop an interest in mimicking the results of celebrity cosmetics.  For many at the time, the riches of these stars along with the price of cosmetic dentistry, put such procedures out of reach.  But much has changed. 

Today, the price of cosmetic dentistry, like teeth whitening and adult orthodontics have become far more affordable and accessible.  Cosmetic dentistry is now viewed as obtainable and as ‘standard’ as visiting the hairdresser or barber.
 
More of us are taking an interest in our own smile and searching for ways to improve it.  This is an extremely positive attitude.  However, while changing the appearance of our teeth sits high on many people’s wish list, it is important to remember the most important thing – the health of our smile.

​How to keep a healthy mouth
So how do we achieve a healthy smile?  The good news is that the answer is pretty simple. Healthy teeth and gums can be achieved by a good oral health routine at home and regularly visiting our dentist.

A good oral health routine only involves a few easy steps:

• Brushing our teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. 
• Cleaning in between our teeth daily with interproximal brushes or floss.
• Using mouthwash daily.
• Chewing sugar free gum in between meals.
• Cutting down how much sugar we have, and how often we have it – and keeping sugar consumption to mealtimes.
• Visiting our friendly, professional dentists as often as they recommend.

So there we have it.
By sticking to this basic routine, we can achieve that healthy mouth.  The next time we show off the results of our latest tooth whitening treatment, we can also be confident that our teeth and gums are in tip-top condition too.

To schedule an appointment with us, please call the location nearest you: Conroe - (936) 760-3050, Galveston - (409) 740-7744, Houston - (713) 633-1922, and Richmond - (281) 238-4454. You can also schedule an appointment at www.texasdental.group.

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​School will be back in session before you know it. Whether your child will be in the classroom or learning from home, a healthy smile is still a back-to-school essential.

Some schools require a back-to-school dental exam. Still, it’s always a good time of year to schedule one of your child’s regular visits. “We can help spot and take care of any issues so your child doesn’t have to miss class once school starts,” says Dr. Kenneth Osamor of the Texas Dental Group franchise. “It’s also a great time to help get back on track if some of your child’s dental habits fell away during summer, when normal routines can go out the window and there are a lot more treats around.”
And just as this school year might be looking a bit different for your child, their back-to-school appointment will have some changes too. 

Here are a few questions to ask at your child’s appointment:

How Is My Child’s Overall Dental Health?
The dentist will be looking at the big picture of your child’s mouth, including teeth and gums. “We will check to make sure teeth are lining up correctly, your child’s bite is in good shape and to keep an eye out for any [orthodontic] issues that may show up later,” says Dr. Kenneth Osamor of the texasdental.group. “We’re also making sure baby teeth are going to the Tooth Fairy like they should.”

Will My Child Get a Cleaning Today?
This is a must, no matter how well your child brushes. “Even if your child—or you, for that matter—brushes twice a day, it’s not possible to get rid of all the bacteria that can lead to cavities,” Dr. Kenneth Osamor says. “And on the other hand, you may have a child who goes off to camp and never opens their toothbrush.”

That’s why a professional cleaning goes a long way. “It removes more of the cavity-causing bacteria and helps to keep gum tissue healthy,” he says. “It can also remove most or many stains from teeth.”

Does My Child Need an X-Ray?
X-rays help your dentist see how your child’s teeth are developing and make sure the tooth roots are healthy. They also are used to see if there is any tooth decay between your child’s teeth. “The decay process can move very, very fast, so the earlier we can catch it, the better,” Dr. Osamor says.

Your child won’t need an x-ray at every visit. “We do them only when necessary,” he says.

Can You Check My Child’s Mouthguard?
If your child plays sports year-round, make sure you bring his or her mouthguard along so your dentist can check for wear, tear and fit. “If your child is having a growth spurt, losing teeth and getting new ones, the mouthguard might need to be redone,” he says.

What Are Sealants?
Sealants can be another way to keep your child from getting cavities, but they’re no substitute for brushing and flossing. A sealant is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that your dentist can place on the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth (called molars). Once they’re on, sealants work to keep cavity-causing bacteria and bits of food from settling into the nooks and crannies your child’s toothbrush can’t reach. This helps keep cavities from forming and tiny existing spots of decay from getting worse.

In fact, having sealants on your permanent molars reduces the risk of cavities by 80%. It’s best to get sealants as soon as your child’s permanent molars come through their gums (usually at age 6, then again at age 12). “It doesn’t hurt to put on or apply a sealant,” Dr. Osamor says. “When permanent molars start coming in, parents should ask if sealants are recommended.” Most last for years, and your child’s dentist will make sure they’re holding strong at every regular visit.

To schedule an appointment with us, please call the location nearest you: Conroe - (936) 760-3050, Galveston - (409) 740-7744, Homestead - (713) 633-1922, and Richmond - (281) 238-4454. You can also schedule an appointment at www.texasdental.group.