Posts Tagged ‘Houston Dentist’

Common Myths about Houston Family Cosmetic Dentistry

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry is Never Necessary for a Healthy Smile

Many so-called Houston cosmetic dental procedures are not solely cosmetic.  Dental procedures such as tooth replacement are smile-enhancing and, more importantly, prevent many potential problems such as tooth movement, bone loss and difficulty chewing and speaking.

Myth #2: A Houston Dental Bridge is the Only Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

Dental bridges are an Houston dental cosmetic procedure that have been used for many years with success. However, dental implants are often a better choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have many advantages for  dental patients. They feel like natural teeth, they are stronger, and they are easier to clean than dental bridges. Texas tooth implants can also be used to anchor dentures or partial dentures.

Myth #3: At-Home Kits are as Effective for Houston Tooth Whitening Than a Professional Dental Solution

At Willowbrook Dental Care, we offer our dental patients teeth whitening treatments that provide a much greater level of whiteness than at-home kits. At-home kits may remove surface stains, but they do not provide optimum results and can often lead to uneven coloring.

Myth #4: Dental Bonding is the Best Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth.

Dental bonding can restore the shape of a tooth, but may not be the best long-term solution. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Call us at (281) 469-8026 to set up an appointment so we can determine the best solution for you.

Myth #5: Houston Braces are the Only Way to Straighten Teeth

Braces are often part of a transforming dental makeover for our teens and adults alike. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, porcelain veneers can reshape your teeth and dramatically improve your smile. And the best thing about veneers? They offer instant results!

Dr. J. Scott Anderson
patient comfort
Willowbrook Dental Care
17350 State Highway 249, Suite 200
Houston, TX  77064
http://www.thehoustoncosmeticdentist.com/
(281) 469-8026

Whiter Teeth for Houston

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Whiter Teeth for Houston

Teeth whitening has become very popular in Houston, Texas as an easy way to change your smile with little effort and no pain.

Willowbrook Dental Care can help you understand your options for teeth whitening, and can help you understand the results you may expect from various teeth whitening options.

Over the counter whitening products can give varied results, with most customers feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with their over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions.

Your professional Houston, Texas dentist can help you whiten your teeth effectively, with professional results. If you are ready to try a teeth whitening product, please give us a call, or come into our dental practice, and let us share with you the options available and the results you should expect.

-Dr. J. Scott Anderson

Willowbrook Dental Care on Jaw Bone Deterioration

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Houston 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 Houston 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 281-469-8026. The friendly professionals at Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston provide world-class dental treatment for patients in Houston and the surrounding areas.

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

Gummy Smile?

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Gummy Smile? Many Houston cosmetic dentistry patients with a gummy smile undergo crown lengthening surgery to bring proper balance and symmetry to their smile. Gum tissue and, in some cases, bone is removed to expose more of the visible part of a tooth. It is a safe procedure that does not affect healthy tooth structure.

A ‘gummy smile‘ is a term used to describe a smile with teeth that appear too short because an unusual amount of bone and soft tissue hide part of the crown. Our Houston cosmetic dental patients who have opted for crown lengthening love how their new perfect smile looks and feels. Some of our Champion crown lengthening clients also choose teeth whitening for an extra-dazzling smile!

Crown lengthening is not used solely for cosmetic reasons. When a tooth is injured and breaks at the gum line or if a filling or crown comes off a tooth that contains decay, crown lengthening makes additional tooth structure accessible for further restorative work. It is also used to treat some types of periodontal disease.

At Willowbrook Dental Care, we perform cosmetic and restorative crown lengthening for patients in the Houston, Cypress and Spring area. The surgery can be performed by a general dentist, periodontist or oral surgeon.

If you are interested in crown lengthening or other cosmetic dental procedures and live in the Houston, area, schedule an exam by calling 281-469-8026. We are conveniently located at 17350 State Highway 249, Ste. 200, in Houston, TX. When you come in, we can show you before and after photos of Texas cosmetic dentistry clients who are enjoying their new smile.

Wisdom Teeth And Your Houston Dentist

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Wisdom Teeth And Your Houston Dentist Wisdom teeth are the last of the molars (grinding teeth) to erupt from the gum. They usually appear in the late teens and early twenties. Not all people develop these teeth while others have from one to four.

Though some people never experience any problems with these extra molars, many times wisdom teeth can create serious dental complications. If the wisdom teeth do not have the room to develop and erupt normally, they are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth may never emerge from the bone and gum, emerge only partially, or come in sideways.

Impacted teeth can damage the adjacent molar, cause infection or trigger gum disease. Sometimes these problems cause no noticeable symptoms for a period of time. To prevent these serious complications, wisdom teeth are often removed.

Wisdom teeth symptoms include pain when opening mouth, gum swelling, bad breath, and pain when chewing. These indicators can be constant or intermittent.

To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, call 281-469-8026 to schedule an exam at Willowbrook Dental Care. Our technically advanced and friendly dental team can recommend the best course of treatment.

Willowbrook Dental Care

Providing comprehensive dental care for Houston and Houston area families since 1988.

Afraid of the Dentist? Your Houston Sedation Dentist Can Help

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Afraid of the Dentist? Your Houston Sedation Dentist Can Help If you live near Houston and experience severe anxiety when undergoing (or even thinking about!) dental treatment, oral sedation is for you.

Conscious sedation dentistry is available in Houston at Willowbrook Dental Care. We have been providing sedation dentistry in Houston for several years with excellent outcomes. Whether it is called relaxation dentistry, oral conscious sedation or anxiety-free dentistry, it is completely safe and very popular for our nervous cosmetic and restorative dental clients in the Houston area.

Though it may sound impossible, with oral conscious sedation, Houston dentistry patients can actually relax during dental visits. In addition, healing times for oral surgery and extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures are often shorter if the patient is sedated during treatment.

Sedation dentistry is great for alleviating anxiety for our Houston patients, and oral conscious sedation can be effective for treating or working with the following:

  • Teeth sensitivity;
  • Fear of needles;
  • A powerful gag reflex;
  • Difficulty controlling body movement;
  • Lengthy multi-procedure visits;
  • Difficulty becoming numb with traditional injections.

If you need dental work more extensive than a filling; such as a root canal, tooth implant, crown replacement or wisdom tooth extraction; call Willowbrook Dental Care at 281-469-8026. When you come to our office at 17350 State Highway 249, Ste. 200, in Houston, Texas, we can give you more information about sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is only one of the services we offer at Willowbrook Dental Care, where your smile is our top priority!

Houston Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Houston Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

As your local Houston dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Sometimes mouth sores can be an issue, and while Houston dentists often defer to an oral surgeon for extreme cases, we can help you make an assessment.

If you live in the Houston area and have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; come and see me. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment is the best bet. A better understanding of your mouth sores can lead quickly to comfort and a resolution. If necessary, treatment and pain relief can be offered.

There are two common types of mouth sores that are common in the Houston area; canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Typically a canker sore heals in a week or two. Antimicrobal mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods may offer you temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of a canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations range from a cut on the inside the mouth, and reactions to extreme temperatures or acids from food or drink, to fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or viruses, or combinations of all these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics may provide relief. There are some antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause occasional cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

As your Houston dentist, I can’t do much to stop canker sores or cold sores in your mouth. I can discuss the health of your mouth, and examine any causes that make your mouth sore. In some cases a change in the way you care for your mouth can reduce the chances of getting mouth sores. If you are in the Houston, and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, area give us a call at Willowbrook Dental Care.

Our number is 281-469-8026.

Houston, Texas Residents Visit the Dentist

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Houston, Texas Residents Visit the Dentist

Whether you have lived in Texas for a long time, or just moving in to the Houston area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Willowbrook Dental Care located at 17350 State Highway 249, Ste. 200, in Houston, Texas, and our specialty is cosmetic dentistry.

You can reach Willowbrook Dental Care by calling 281-469-8026.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Houston, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Houston area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Houston dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new Houston dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Houston dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Houston dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist in Houston will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your Houston dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Houston dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Willowbrook Dental Care our technically advanced and friendly staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Houston, Texas and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at 281-469-8026, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

Overbites And Underbites in Houston

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Overbites And Underbites When the upper part of the jaw and the lower part of the jaw are not the same size, bite problems can occur. When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the reverse is true, it is called an underbite. Another related alignment disorder is called a crossbite. Crossbites occur when lower teeth are in the wrong position. They may be incorrectly positioned sideways, forward or backward.

Malocclusion (literally ‘bad bite’) is the term used for all types of bite problems including overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders can cause a range of problems and often prohibit proper chewing and/or swallowing. Teeth can shift around in the mouth, causing even more discomfort or difficulty. Gum disease and tooth decay are also harder to prevent because proper oral hygiene can be difficult with a malocclusion. TMJ disorder can develop over time. Distorted facial shape and unattractive teeth are often the most noticeable and troubling issues for those affected.

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective treatments for bite problems. If you suspect your child has a bite misalignment, it is especially important to have them examined as early as possible. By starting early, you can make sure they avoid years of pain and self-consciousness.

Call Willowbrook Dental Care at 281-469-8026. Dentist Dr. J. Scott Anderson is experienced in diagnosing bite disorders in patients of all ages. We can create a successful treatment plan for you. We also perform porcelain veneers and dental implants for Houston area dental clients.

-Willowbrook Dental Care

Multi-Procedure Dental Visits in Houston

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Multi-Procedure Dental Visits in Houston If you are planning extensive cosmetic dental work, you may be wondering whether to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost
In the long run, It is less expensive to do it all at once. At Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most Houston residents. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us at 281-469-8026 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

Time
With the latest materials and cosmetic dental techniques, healing times are shorter than ever before. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants often require a short healing period.

It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Houston dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and necessary healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less down time if you receive several procedures at once.

Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Sedation Dentistry
When you come in for a smile analysis, we can discuss oral sedation dentistry. Many cosmetic dental patients benefit from this safe and effective solution for pain and anxiety management. Conscious sedation is especially helpful for procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.

Dr. J. Scott Anderson
Willowbrook Dental Care
17350 State Highway 249, Ste. 200, Houston, TX
Houston, Texas
281-469-8026
http://www.TheHoustonCosmeticDentist.com