Archive for the ‘General Dentistry’ Category

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The Willowbrook Dental Care Guide To Dental X-Rays

Friday, January 20th, 2012

The Willowbrook Dental Care Guide To Dental X-Rays

Don’t know a periapical from a bitewing? Today’s Houston cosmetic dental blog takes a look at dental x-rays.

Panoramic
If you have ever stood in a huge camera apparatus and struggled to stay motionless while an automated camera made one slow pass around your head, then you have had a panoramic x-ray taken of your mouth. These pictures help dentists see everything in one image: the complete upper and lower jaw. These are often taken during a patient’s first visit to Willowbrook Dental Care. They are also very helpful for evaluating jaw injuries and seeing emerging teeth in children.

Bitewing
Bitewing x-rays help sedation dentist Dr. Anderson see what’s going on between teeth–something that is impossible with a visual exam. They also help your dentist evaluate the jaw bone.

Periapical
These are similar to bite wings but they can get a clearer picture of the tooth roots and bone. These are important for implant dentistry. They are also often used to help diagnose absences in the root of a tooth.

Full-Mouth Series
This is a combination of periapical and bitewing x-rays that gives a comprehensive picture of all the teeth and surrounding bone structure.

If you are a patient of Willowbrook Dental Care and are worried about the safety of dental x-rays, we invite you to discuss your concerns with our technically advanced and friendly staff. We can explain all the precautions that we take to reduce radiation exposure and answer any questions you may have.

If you are pregnant and need a dental x-ray at Willowbrook Dental Care, it is important to let Dr. J. Scott Anderson know this before x-rays are taken. X-rays are not necessarily dangerous for pregnant women, but they are often postponed until after delivery as a precaution. If you are pregnant but have a severe dental problem, call our office right away. We can be reached at (281) 571-3760.

We hope you have learned a little bit about dental x-rays, one of Dr. J. Scott Anderson’s indispensable tools in providing unsurpassed dental care in Houston. We also offer a wide array of dental procedures including porcelain veneers, invisible braces, teeth whitening and more. Check back often for more information about dentistry at Willowbrook Dental Care.

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Cypress TX Dental News: Poor Oral Health And Heart Disease

Friday, August 5th, 2011

Top Houston Family Dentists Attention Cypress TX dental patients: brushing twice daily may help lower your risk of heart disease. Texas scientists, dentists, and cardiologists have known for many years that there is a link between inflammation in the mouth (gum disease) and heart problems, However, a recent study analyzed oral health habits and heart disease risk. Science Daily reported on the study which was published in the British Medical Journal.

I quote from the Science Daily article:

“The authors, led by Professor Richard Watt from University College London, analyzed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in a Scottish Health Survey. The research team analyzed data about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines.”

“Once the data was adjusted for established cardio risk factors, the researchers found that participants who reported less frequent toothbrushing had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day.”

I am Dr.  J. Scott Anderson DDS of Willowbrook Dental Care. The Scottish survey is one of many that confirms the link between oral health and overall health. Simply put: you aren’t healthy unless your gums and teeth are healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you are a lean Cypress TX distance runner with a pulse of fifteen beats a minute and a blood pressure of 100 over 60. It doesn’t matter if you are a Cypress TX vegan who has eaten a nutritionally balanced, low-fat diet for the past five years. If you have inflamed gums and tooth decay, you are at risk for problems in other areas of the body.

The phone number for Willowbrook Dental Care is (281) 571-3760. If you have concerns about your oral health, I invite you to schedule an examination today.

Perhaps your teeth and gums are healthy but you wish your smile was more attractive. We can help you there also with a smile redesign. Porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, and orthodontia are all available to solve any cosmetic dentistry problems you wish to correct.  We also offer sedation dentistry for patients who are anxious about dental work.

To read the entire Science Daily article, see http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527204227.htm

Or call us at (281) 571-3760 to learn more.

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Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum For Our Houston Patients?

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

Houston Oral Dentistry I’m Dr. J. Scott Anderson DDS of Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston. My Houston dentistry clients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular Houston dental exams.

Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol:

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually good for your teeth. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also reduces plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my Cypress diabetic patients enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. If my Champion cosmetic dentistry patients complain about frequent dry mouth, I recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.

Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your Houston dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and oral dentistry deep cleanings at your Houston dentistry clinic.

At Willowbrook Dental Care, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start. If you postpone Spring dental visits until you feel pain, you risk losing teeth and most certainly will require more extensive treatment than if the problem was caught earlier. Is it time for a dental exam? Call us at (281) 571-3760 to book an appointment. Our technically advanced and friendly is waiting to take care of all your dental needs.

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Texas Dentist: Calming Root Canal Fears

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Texas Dentist Calms Root Canal Fears In Houston, Texas a dentist’s office is sometimes seen as a painful and scary place. Willowbrook Dental Care located at 17350 State Highway 249, Ste. 200, Houston, TX Houston, Texas 77064 tries to discourage that image with a technically advanced and friendly staff and qualified dentists. However, endodontic therapy, a dental procedure commonly known as a root canal, still carries a strong association with pain that sometimes keeps people from regularly visiting the dentist and tending optimally to their oral health.

When a tooth becomes badly infected or decayed, a qualified dentist in Texas can clean the inside of the tooth by removing the bacteria, soft tissue (called pulp), decayed nerve tissue, and any debris that may be causing the tooth infection from the inside of the tooth. Your qualified dentist will then seal the tooth to prevent further decay and finish by applying a crown or filling. This is the process and purpose of a root canal. The process can be completed, typically, in just a few visits to your Texas dental practice. In many cases, a root canal procedure is a better option than removing the infected tooth since it allows you to keep your natural tooth.

Teeth that are more prone to requiring a root canal procedure in the state of Texas are cracked or chipped, have received repeated dental procedures, have been damaged by trauma to the face, or are suffering from deep tooth decay. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent damage sustained to teeth and practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as daily flossing and brushing, coupled with regular dental visits, can reduce the possibility of needing a dental root canal.

Though a root canal can be intimidating or scary, educating yourself and talking to your local dentist in the Houston, Texas area can relieve much of your anxiety. Root canals are often not painful, and for many people the pain of the infection experienced beforehand is worse than any pain that might be experienced during the procedure, and the relief is well worth the trouble.

If you are in the Texas area you can give Willowbrook Dental Care a call at 281-571-3766 to see what we can do for your oral health.

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

Don’t forget to visit us at our online dentistry website at: http://www.TheHoustonCosmeticDentist.com

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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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Preventing Tooth Decay in Texas

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Preventing Tooth Decay in Texas

In , tooth decay is one of the most common childhood problems, yet tooth decay also affect adults. Willowbrook Dental Care serves people from 20 to 80 years old to help fight tooth decay.

Bacteria are a common cause of tooth decay. Bacteria live in your mouth and combine with plaque and acids to break down the enamel coating on your teeth. The breakdown of your tooth enamel can often result in the development of small holes in your teeth which are known as cavities. The breaking down of your tooth enamel in is known as tooth decay, and it is a serious dental problem for children and adults in Texas.

Texas tooth decay is typically a result of diet and oral hygiene choices. When sticky foods are consumed and allowed to sit on the teeth, or foods full of sugars and starches are consumed frequently throughout the day, tooth decay can result. Foods to avoid include soda and sugary chewing gum; these foods tend to stay around for a while and create an environment where bacteria thrive. To help prevent tooth decay, simply limit sugary and starchy foods between meals. Also, brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and visiting your local Houston dentist in Texas for regular check ups and cleanings will help prevent tooth decay.

Hello, my name is Dr. J. Scott Anderson, and I am a Dentist. I work at Willowbrook Dental Care located at 17350 State Highway 249, Ste. 200, in Houston, Texas . Tooth decay is a preventable dental problem, and I can help. Visit me at ; I will be happy to meet you, and to give you an idea of the many ways we can help you prevent tooth decay and avoid a more costly or even painful ailment.

We at specialize in and would be happy to discuss with you any health concerns related to your teeth. Give us a call at (281) 571-3760.

Dr. J. Scott Anderson

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Tooth Ache Pain The Size of Houston

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Houston Tooth Whitening

Patients often come into our Houston Texas dental practice and complain about ‘a toothache the size of Texas’. I understand this kind of pain, and realize that when you describe it like that, it really hurts. I can help.

Tooth ache pain for anyone in Houston can be unbearable. At the very least, toothache pain can cause you to avoid eating certain foods, certain temperatures, and even talking. Severe toothache pain can be downright debilitating, forcing patients to go to extreme measures to alleviate the pain.

Around Houston, the most common causes of a tooth ache include tooth infection, decay, injury, and loss of a tooth. Tooth pain can also occur after a tooth has been extracted, or after an oral surgery involving anything from a tooth or your jawbone.

I can help you better understand the source of your tooth ache pain, and in most cases can provide a nearly immediate remedy. In severe cases, we are equipped to council you on a variety of resolutions.

Of course, the best way to avoid tooth ache pain is to visit your Houston dentist often, and to care properly for your teeth including the regular regimen of brushing and flossing.

If you are experiencing tooth ache pain, and just can’t stand it any more, please give me a call; I am standing by to help.

-Dr. J. Scott Anderson, DDS

(281) 571-3760

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Bad Breath Is No Fun For Houston Residents

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Bad Breath Is No Fun For Houston Residents

Imagine you are starting a new job in Houston and meeting your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath. Perhaps your breath is not as a pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many residents of Houston, Texas, from ages 20 to 80. Regular dental checkups at Willowbrook Dental Care can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 1988.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many factors can cause or contribute to halitosis. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent affect on your breath. Simply observing the foods you eat here in Houston can result in a change in your breath.

In most cases, bad breath originates in your mouth. Transient bad breath can be resolved through eating or brushing, and is a temporary condition usually associated with a dry mouth. Persistent bad breath can be a serious problem effecting as much as 25 percent of our Houston residents. Persistent bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, and is made worse when food is not cleared away properly.

Brushing and flossing daily is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the amount of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath. Regular visits to Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston can also reduce or eliminate the progression of bad breath.

Other factors that can contribute to bad breath for Houston residents include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections. Come visit Willowbrook Dental Care located in Houston, Texas; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at (281) 571-3760 to set up an appointment.

Dr. J. Scott Anderson

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Oral Conscious Sedation

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Oral Conscious Sedation Some people experience severe anxiety when undergoing dental treatment. With oral conscious sedation, it is possible to relax during dental procedures instead of being tense and fearful. Oral sedation dentistry, relaxation dentistry, conscious sedation and anxiety-free dentistry are all terms used to describe this type of treatment. In addition to alleviating anxiety, oral conscious sedation can help patients with a variety of conditions.

You may want to consider oral conscious sedation if you have any of the following issues:

  • Strong gag reflex
  • Fear of needles
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A history of negative dental experiences
  • Trouble controlling body movement due to Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Palsy or related conditions
  • Need extensive dental treatment requiring lengthy dental visits

If you have avoided dental treatment due to any of these factors, give us a call at (281) 571-3760. We can give you more information about sedation options and help you determine which one is right for you. At Willowbrook Dental Care we do all we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We look forward to discussing your oral health and dental goals.

Serving Houston dental patients since 1988.

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

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