Archive for the ‘Dental Health’ Category

Houston Dentistry

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Educating Houston Dental Patients About Little-Known Risks Hi, I’m Dentist Dr. J. Scott Anderson, DDS. Most every day, I can be found at my Houston area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Houston diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is (281) 571-3760.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Texas folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.TheHoustonCosmeticDentist.com

Keeping Bones Strong in Houston

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Willowbrook Dental Care There is a tooth connection that links osteoporosis and oral health. If you are a woman, you have probably heard about the high rate of osteoporosis in America. The state of Texas is no exception. Osteoporosis can often progress without any outward symptoms. However, there may be clues in a person’s mouth that indicate compromised bones in the rest of the body.

The following dental and periodontal issues could indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

  • Gum detachment
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Jaw bone recession and erosion
  • Difficulty with ordinary mouth function such as eating or speaking

There are many Houston dental professionals that can determine the presence of bone deterioration with x-rays and other diagnostic tools. If we suspect the possibility of osteoporosis, we can refer you to a local medical professional, whether you live in Cypress, Spring or Champion.

The experienced dentist at Willowbrook Dental Care are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the oral health problems sometimes associated with osteoporosis. Schedule a consultation in Houston by calling (281) 571-3760 and we can discuss your dental concerns. While you are here, we can also tell you about the cosmetic dental services we provide. Aesthetic dentistry continues to improve smiles for our friends and neighbors in the Houston area.

If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoporosis, please see your physician right away. While your dentist can help identify some of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis, you should not rely on your dentist to provide a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Saving Teeth in Houston

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Root Canals in Houston When a tooth is threatened by severe decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled Houston dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.

Willowbrook Dental Care: (281) 571-3760

During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment) the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build up and crown.

At Willowbrook Dental Care, we fabricate strong, natural-looking crowns that blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a Houston dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.

I am Dentist Dr. J. Scott Anderson DDS of Willowbrook Dental Care. I have been practicing dentistry since 1988. During that time I have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy at Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often cause no symptoms, it is important to have regular dental examinations. I can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved. Is it time for a thorough dental exam? Call our office at (281) 571-3760.

Call Willowbrook Dental Care immediately if one of your teeth is screaming for attention!

Dental Specialties Available In Houston

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

General dentists in the Houston areaDental Specialties Available In Fremont are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes, your general dentist will refer you to a local specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.

Following are some of the most common dental specialties found in the Houston area:

Endodontists
Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy and other procedures involving the root and surrounding parts of the tooth.

Periodontists
Periodontists treat the conditions affecting gum tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. If you have gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease, you may be referred to a periodontist in Houston.

Prosthodontists
Repairing damaged teeth and replacing lost teeth for Houston patients is called ‘restorative dentistry’. Prosthodontists have advanced training in procedures involving crowns, dental implants, bridges, veneers, inlays, and partial or complete dentures.

Pediatric Dentists
Infants, young children and teenagers have different dental needs than adults. Pediatric Dentists undergo additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases affecting the youngest population in Houston.

Oral Surgeons
Oral Surgeons perform surgical procedures involving the teeth, mouth and jaw. These include dental implants, surgery to repair damage due to injury, tumor surgery, and cleft lip and palate reconstruction.

If you are interested in learning more about these specialties, or have a concern regarding your oral health, please visit us at Willowbrook Dental Care. You will find us at 17350 State Highway 249, Suite 200, Houston, TX  77064. Please give us a call at (281) 571-3760.

-Dr. J. Scott Anderson, DDS

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Houston

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Have you ever been eating an ice cream coneTooth Sensitivity Treatment in Fremont when you felt a sudden jolt of pain in one of your teeth? If the enamel is eroded, or the gums have receded, the dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. The substances that cause tooth pain travel to the pulp where the nerves of the tooth are located. Ouch!

Tooth sensitivity can be a signal that something is wrong. It may be caused by periodontal disease or bacteria build-up in a crack in a tooth.

Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors including acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, or cracked teeth. If your teeth are sensitive following a professional teeth whitening, the sensitivity will probably be gone in a few weeks.

Surprisingly, one cause of gum recession for our patients is brushing too hard. That’s right; it is possible to brush too hard!

If you experience constant or intermittent pain in your teeth or gums, call (281) 571-3760 right away to make an appointment. Dr. J. Scott Anderson takes tooth pain seriously.

At Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston, we not only treat tooth sensitivity problems, we also perform entire smile makeovers for cosmetic dentistry patients. You’ll find us in the 77064 zip code area.

We’re your lifelong dental health partner.

Preventing Gum Disease at Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Run your tongue along the gumline behind your Preventing Gum Disease at Colin Yoshida DDSlower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

At Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call (281) 571-3760. We are located at 17350 State Highway 249, Suite 200, in Houston, TX. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry clients. See http://www.thehoustoncosmeticdentist.com for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

The Dangers of Oral Piercing

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

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, J. Scott Anderson DDS 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.

J. Scott Anderson DDS on Jaw Bone Deterioration

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Fremont Jaw Bone Deterioration To remain dense, your jaw bone requires the continual stimulation and pressure of chewing, biting and talking. Each of your teeth has a root structure attached to the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates the bone to which the root is attached.

When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that previously surrounded the root structure begins to recede. Though tooth extraction is often the only possible treatment for our patients with tooth damage beyond repair, every effort should be made to preserve the root structure.

Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new root which keeps the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant consists of a titanium post which is placed in the jaw bone. It replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone. After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and meshed with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

To learn more about dental implants, call Dr. J. Scott Anderson at  (281) 571-3760. The friendly professionals at Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston provide world-class dental treatment for patients.

We’re your lifelong dental health partner.

Let’s Talk About Your Smile

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Let’s Talk About Your Smile I’m Dr. J. Scott Anderson of Willowbrook Dental Care. My office is located at 17350 State Highway 249, Suite 200, Houston, Texas. One of the best things about being a dentist is interacting with my patients. During initial dental consultations, I listen carefully to my patient’s short and long term dental goals.

I enjoy discussing options and developing effective treatment plans tailored specifically to each person. Some of my clients desire a total smile makeover. I explain in detail the treatments available including teeth whitening, dental veneers, orthodontia, crown restoration, and dental implants.

If a client is nervous about undergoing treatment, we discuss oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation, sometimes called oral sedation dentistry, is a great option for anxious patients. Dental visits do not have to be painful!

After the treatment has been completed, it is very gratifying for me to see my patient’s reaction to their new smile.

I never get tired of creating dramatic smile transformations for the best clients in Texas!

If you have been considering a smile makeover, let’s talk about your smile. Call J. Scott Anderson DDS at  (281) 571-3760 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation.

Bad Breath Treatment at Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Bad Breath Treatment at Colin Yoshida DDS Do you suspect that you have bad breath? I’m Dr. J. Scott Anderson of Willowbrook Dental Care, a full-service dental office in Houston, Texas. I help our dental patients diagnose and overcome this unpleasant and potentially embarrassing condition.

Halitosis is caused by the bacteria that live on and around your teeth, gums and tongue. Breath mints and mouthwashes do not cure bad breath, they only mask the symptoms. Proper oral hygiene can cure many cases of bad breath. However, in some cases, bad breath is caused by more serious conditions. Sinus and tonsil infections, acid reflux, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, kidney malfunction, and eating disorders are just some of the health issues that can cause bad breath.

If you have bad breath, the first thing to do is make sure you are cleaning your teeth, gums and tongue thoroughly. This does not mean you should brush as long and forcefully as possible. Brushing too vigorously can harm gums and contribute to gum recession. At Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston, we help patients of all ages learn safe and effective brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning methods.

And don’t forget regular professional cleanings. Our friendly dental hygienist is trained in the latest and most effective deep-cleaning procedures. Your teeth feel so good after being cleaned professionally!

To make an appointment for an exam, cleaning or consultation, call Dr. J. Scott Anderson at  (281) 571-3760. Your teeth are too important to neglect.