Archive for April, 2010

Houston Dental Emergencies

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Houston Dental Emergencies Many people will experience at least one tooth emergency in their life. You could break a tooth playing a sport, accidentally dislodge a crown, experience sudden pain caused by an abscess or break a wire on your braces. In the case of a dental emergency, see your Houston dentist as soon as possible!

Following are some immediate treatments:
Broken Tooth: Save any tooth fragments. Rinse mouth with warm water. If the area is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze. A cold compress held on the cheek can reduce swelling and lessen pain. Visit your Houston dentist as soon as you can.

Lost Filling: Save the filling if you can. It can help your dentist determine why it came out. Do not let food get stuck in the hole left by the filling. Do not chew on the tooth. Brush it gently. Call your Houston dentist’s office to schedule an emergency appointment right away.

Displaced Crowns: If there is pain, you may apply a dab of clove oil with a Q-tip to the affected tooth (a common home remedy that may reduce pain). Save the crown. If you can’t see your Houston dentist immediately, you can apply dental cement (available at drugstores) or denture adhesive to temporarily re-attach the crown until you can get to your Houston dentist. Do not use other types of glue or adhesive.

By visiting your Houston dentist as soon as possible, you avoid pain, infection and possible further tooth damage. If you delay treatment, even for a few days, you risk needing more extensive treatment later.

For dental emergencies in and around Houston, call Dr. J. Scott Anderson at Willowbrook Dental Care. Our phone number is (281) 571-3760

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

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Choosing A Dentist In Houston

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Choosing A Dentist In Houston

The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentist in Houston. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in a Houston dentist:

Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist in Houston. If you live in the Houston Texas area, there are many options, and most Houston locations are not too far out of the way. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their Houston dentist.

Relationship is a strong factor. Your Houston dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your Houston dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Houston dentist and the dental office staff.

Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Houston. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local Houston dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.

If you are looking for a dentist in Houston, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Willowbrook Dental Care.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. J. Scott Anderson, DDS

(281) 571-3760

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Straighten Teeth Fast in Houston

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Color Braces Poorly aligned teeth? Think it takes forever for braces to straighten them? Think again. There are many new types of braces available in Houston. In some cases, teeth can be straightened in a few months and then, with braces off–a fantastic new smile.

If you are considering straightening your teeth, come into Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston for an orthodontic consultation. We can discuss the new types of braces. Dr. J. Scott Anderson, DDS, will explain the pros and cons of each type and recommend the most effective (and quickest!) system for your teeth.

The first things most adult Houston teeth-straightening clients ask about are the newer systems, sometimes called clear braces and adult braces. Invisalign and damon braces are two brand names of alternative orthodontic systems popular in Cypress and Spring. Many of our adult orthodontic patients have been embarrassed by their crooked teeth for many years and have developed a habit of covering their mouth when they smile. It is great to see them smiling confidently after they have completed treatment.

Younger clients usually have a different attitude about braces. They seem to consider braces more like a fashion accessory and are not afraid to show them off. Houston area teens are interested in color braces and colored rubber bands braces. During orthodontic consultations, they usually ask about the possibility of a clear retainer to maintain teeth alignment after their braces have done their job.

Willowbrook Dental Care
(281) 571-3760

-Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

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The Dangers of Oral Piercing

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

The Dangers of Oral Piercing If you live in the Houston area and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, read this:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Houston dentists and doctors are continually treating serious infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily chip tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or ‘gum disease’, can cause gum recession and exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hyper sensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers. Dr. J. Scott Anderson at Willowbrook Dental Care can give you more information about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have damage, call (281) 571-3760 to schedule a consultation.

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