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Restore Your Smile with a Dental Crown
Hebron Family Dentistry is pleased to offer a range of restorative dentistry solutions, including same-day crowns, to restore weak or damaged teeth. Dr. Watson and our dedicated team are committed to providing quality, durable restorations to enhance the health, beauty, and function of your smile. Contact our Hebron office to get started today!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, often referred to as caps, are tooth-shaped restorations that we place over weak or damaged teeth to restore their health and function.
Dr. Watson may recommend a crown for the following reasons:
- To restore a tooth with deep decay that a traditional cavity cannot restore
- To reinforce a tooth with a large filling
- To protect a tooth after undergoing a root canal treatment
- To strengthen a weak or damaged tooth
- To repair a tooth worn due to chronic grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- To relieve pain resulting from cracked tooth syndrome
- To replace one or more missing teeth by covering a dental implant or supporting a dental bridge
- To make cosmetic modifications by improving the size, shape, color, or overall appearance of a tooth
What Is CEREC Technology?
At Hebron Family Dentistry, we offer CEREC crowns, a groundbreaking innovation that has transformed the dental crown process. CEREC stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.” The state-of-the-art technology allows us to create high-quality ceramic crowns in just one dental visit.
The CEREC system uses computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies to design and create dental restorations right here at our Hebron office. We capture virtual models of your crown without the need for messy impressions. Our on-site milling unit will use this information to create your restoration from a single ceramic block with incredible precision. Our aesthetic restorations mimic the function and appearance of your teeth, leaving you with a natural-looking and feeling smile.
What Are the Advantages of CEREC Crowns?
- Same-Day Restoration: One of the most significant advantages of CEREC technology is the ability to provide same-day restorations. A patient can come into our office with a damaged tooth and walk away with a fully restored smile in just one appointment, saving time and reducing inconvenience.
- Precise Fit: CEREC uses digital impressions to create precise 3D models of the tooth, ensuring an accurate fit for the crown. This precision lowers the risk of complications and enhances the overall effectiveness of the restoration.
- Natural Aesthetics: We manufacture CEREC crowns from high-quality ceramic materials that closely mimic the natural color and translucency of your tooth enamel. That results in restorations that blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, delivering a natural-looking smile.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: CEREC crowns are known for their durability and longevity. The high-quality materials and precise manufacturing process deliver restorations that can withstand the forces of daily biting and chewing, enhancing your smile for many years to come.
Dental Crowns Near Me in Hebron, KY
Restoring your smile with a dental crown has never been easier or more convenient than with the cutting-edge CEREC technology proudly offered by Hebron Family Dentistry. Your new, same-day restoration will feel, look, and function like your natural teeth. We invite you to contact us at 859-689-2021 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!
How to Whiten Your Teeth for the Holidays
If you are looking for solutions to whiten and brighten your smile in time for the holidays, Hebron Family Dentistry is here to help. We are pleased to offer professional teeth whitening treatments to restore your smile’s sparkle with beautifully natural results. Enjoy a bright, confident smile this holiday season and all year long!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Over time, dark-colored foods and beverages like berries, coffee, and red wine can stain and discolor your teeth, as can the use of tobacco products. Tooth discoloration can also result from trauma, certain illnesses, or medications.
In-office teeth whitening involves applying hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel to your tooth surfaces and using a special light to enhance the whitening process. The bleaching agent breaks down stains in the enamel and dentin layers, leaving your teeth several shades whiter and brighter in one short office visit.
If you would rather whiten your teeth at home, we are happy to provide you with custom-fitted trays and professional-grade whitening gel. You’ll place some whitening gel in your trays and wear them for a few hours for about two weeks to achieve your desired results. Trusting our dental professionals for your teeth whitening needs is the safest and most effective way to transform your smile.
Are You a Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening?
While teeth whitening can brighten yellowish stains resulting from dark-colored foods and drinks or tobacco use, it may not be as effective for brown or gray stains resulting from trauma or the use of medications. Additionally, teeth whitening may not lift stains off dental restorations like tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or dentures.
If teeth whitening is not right for you, Dr. Watson may recommend a different cosmetic dentistry option, like cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns. Aside from improving the color of your teeth, your restoration will mask any tooth imperfections, delivering a uniform smile.
Tips for Maintaining a White and Bright Holiday Smile
The holidays are often a time of indulgence and celebration, but there are ways to keep your teeth at their brightest. Here are some tips to help you maintain your smile’s sparkle this holiday season and all year long:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral care is the foundation of a bright and healthy smile. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that can dull and discolor your teeth.
- Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: While indulging in holiday treats can be tempting, be mindful of foods and drinks that stain your teeth, like coffee, red wine, berries, and dark sodas. If you must have your morning coffee, rinse with water or chew sugar-free gum to prevent new stains from setting in.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water not only quenches your thirst but also helps wash away food debris and bacteria, preventing staining. It also helps promote saliva production, which naturally keeps your teeth clean and bright.
- Eat Plenty of Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Munching on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, carrots, and celery stimulates saliva production, brightening your smile. Additionally, the fiber content acts like a toothbrush, gently scrubbing away plaque and debris.
- Schedule Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings: It is important to maintain regular dental exams and cleanings during the holiday season and throughout the year. Dr. Watson and her team will address any concerns in their earliest stages and help you maintain a white and bright smile.
Teeth Whitening Near Me in Hebron, KY
Visit Hebron Family Dentistry to learn more about whitening your teeth for the holidays. Dr. Watson and our dedicated team look forward to helping you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile this festive season and all year long. We invite you to call us at 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!
The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Your Dentist
Has your partner or family member alerted you to loud snoring at night? Do you wake up tired and have trouble focusing on the simplest tasks? If so, you may have a serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. But did you know that there’s a strong link between sleep apnea and your dentist?
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious health concern characterized by breathing pauses during sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. It occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax, obstructing the upper airway and preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs. The brain, sensing the oxygen deprivation, briefly wakes the patient to start breathing once again.
Poor quality of sleep often leads to daytime fatigue, mood swings, depression, and difficulty concentrating. It can also lead to a higher risk of motor vehicle or workplace accidents. Sleep apnea is linked to serious health concerns, including heart disease, high blood pressure, acid reflux, and unexplained weight gain.
What Is the Link Between Sleep Apnea and Your Dentist?
One of the first signs of sleep apnea can be grinding or clenching your teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Symptoms often include uneven tooth wear, chipped or fractured teeth, tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or TMD.
Dentists are sometimes the first healthcare providers to recognize signs of sleep apnea. Even if you are unaware of your sleep disorder, a tooth exam may reveal tooth wear, gum inflammation, or other signs of sleep apnea.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
The first step in treating sleep apnea is a sleep study to diagnose the condition. Treatments typically involve the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP machine, which blows pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open as you sleep.
Sleep Apnea Solutions Near Me
If you are concerned you have sleep apnea, talk to your healthcare provider or contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to schedule a consultation. Call us at 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!
Can a Dentist Help Relieve My TMJ Pain?
If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain or clicking, you may be suffering from a condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or TMD. At Hebron Family Dentistry, we understand the frustration of chronic pain and are happy to offer custom TMD solutions to relieve your discomfort. You can count on Dr. Watson and our dedicated team for exceptional care that exceeds your expectations!
What Are the Causes of TMJ Pain?
Your TMJs are small, triangular-shaped joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. There are two TMJs on each side of the jaw, in front of the ears, allowing your jaws to move up and down, side to side, and back and forth.
A temporomandibular joint disorder can leave you with debilitating pain in the jaws and surrounding muscles. Common causes may include genetics, arthritis, stress, jaw injury, crooked or missing teeth, or an uneven bite. TMD is often associated with chronic teeth grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism.
What Are the Symptoms of TMD?
The most common tell-tale signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw joint pain and discomfort, a clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth, and muscle pain in the cheeks and temples. Other symptoms may include tension headaches, facial pain, earaches or ringing, locking of the jaw, limited mouth movements, changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together, and tingling of the extremities.
What Are TMD Treatment Options?
Dr. Watson will evaluate your concerns and recommend the most conservative TMJ treatment to relieve your discomfort. These may include facial exercises, muscle relaxers, or anti-inflammatory medication. Another option is a procedure known as occlusal equilibrium, which involves reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth to help the jaw close properly.
If nighttime teeth grinding is the cause of your TMJ discomfort, Dr. Watson may recommend oral appliance therapy. That includes wearing a mouthguard called a night guard to help prevent the devastating effects of bruxism on your teeth and jaws. Your custom oral appliance will also help realign your jaw as you sleep, taking tension off your jaw joints. In some severe TMJ cases, when a patient needs more than nighttime treatment, wearing dental splints during the day may provide the needed relief.
TMD Treatment Near Me
If you are in search of non-surgical TMD solutions, our team at Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, is here to help. Dr. Watson will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the ideal solution to provide you with long-term TMJ relief. Call us at 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!
What Are My Options for Replacing Missing Teeth?
Hebron Family Dentistry is pleased to offer a range of tooth replacement options to restore healthy, complete smiles. Whether you’re missing one, some, or all of your teeth, we have the perfect solution for you. Dr. Watson and her team will help you determine the tooth restoration option ideal for your unique needs and personal preferences.
Dentures and Partials
Complete and partial dentures have long been the go-to option for patients with multiple missing teeth or total tooth loss. The removable restorations are custom-created for you, enhancing your smile and quality of life. While dentures may not provide the same stability as dental implants, advances in modern dentistry now offer tooth replacements that are sleeker, more comfortable, and more functional than ever before.
Complete Dentures: Complete or full dentures replace all your teeth on the upper or lower arch or both. At Hebron Family Dentistry, we offer two types of complete dentures: immediate and conventional.
- Immediate Dentures: Immediate restorations are created in advance and positioned immediately after extracting any remaining teeth. That way, you’ll have a complete set of teeth while waiting for the gums to heal.
- Conventional Dentures: After extracting any remaining teeth, the gum and bone change shape. Conventional dentures are created from the highest quality materials after complete healing, providing the best fit, comfort, and function.
Partial Dentures: Removable partial dentures are restorations that replace one or multiple teeth in your upper or lower jaw. They consist of replacement teeth set in gum-colored bases that attach to your natural teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments. Partial dentures help keep your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of alignment, preventing a host of oral health complications that may result from leaving a gap in your smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are screw-like titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone to take the place of natural tooth roots. During the healing period, they integrate with the bone, providing a stable foundation for one or more replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implant dentistry is today’s gold standard for replacing missing teeth, delivering results second only to healthy, natural teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime!
Single-Tooth Implants: If you are missing one of your teeth, a single-tooth implant may be an ideal option to restore your smile. Your restoration consists of an aesthetic dental crown placed on a single dental implant. Single-tooth implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges: If you are missing two or more teeth in a row, implant-supported bridges offer a superior tooth restoration solution. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on crowns placed on adjacent teeth for support, implant bridges are secured to dental implants placed on either side of the gap, providing exceptional stability, comfort, and function.
Implant-Supported Dentures: If you are missing an entire arch of teeth or are tired of wearing removable dentures, implant-supported dentures may be the perfect solution for you. Rather than being held in place by suction and your facial muscles as with traditional dentures, your implant-supported restorations are secured to a number of dental implants placed strategically in your jawbone. They provide unmatched stability, function, and durability, enhancing your oral health and quality of life.
Tooth Replacement Solutions Near Me
If you’re missing one, some, or all of your teeth, our team at Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, is here to help. Dr. Watson will recommend the tooth replacement solution ideal for your unique needs and personal preferences. Don’t let tooth loss interfere with your smile and quality of life. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!
What Can I Expect During a Dental Cleaning?
Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good dental health and a confident smile. Our team at Hebron Family Dentistry is committed to partnering with you on your oral health journey and strives to help you maintain your most radiant smile. Here’s all you need to know about dental cleanings and what you can expect during your visit.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
Most dental professionals agree that patients with healthy teeth and gums require twice-yearly dental visits. However, individuals with gum disease or other dental problems may require more frequent dental care.
Keeping up with your routine dental cleanings has been shown to significantly lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Your visits also offer an opportunity for our team at Hebron Family Dentistry to evaluate your oral health and treat any dental problems as they develop, preventing them from becoming serious problems down the road.
What Is the Dental Cleaning Process at Hebron Family Dentistry?
Here’s a look at what you can expect during your dental cleaning:
- Comprehensive Oral Examination: Before we start the dental cleaning process, we will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth. We will check for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. We may take digital x-rays for a more detailed view of your teeth and jawbone.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: We will start the dental cleaning process by gently scraping away plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth using special instruments. Next, professional flossing will remove any remaining plaque or debris between your teeth.
- Thorough Teeth Polishing: We will clean your teeth with a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste. That ensures the removal of any remaining debris and buffs away surface stains, leaving your teeth whiter and brighter.
- Fluoride Treatment: After cleaning your teeth, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to lower your risk of tooth decay. The powerful cavity fighter has also been shown to reverse the early signs of tooth decay by remineralizing your teeth.
- Oral Health Education: We are happy to discuss proper oral hygiene techniques tailored to your specific needs. We may demonstrate proper brushing and flossing practices and may recommend oral care products to enhance your smile.
Dental Cleanings Near Me in Hebron, KY
A dental cleaning is an essential preventive procedure that promotes good oral health and keeps you from developing serious dental issues down the road. Our team at Hebron Family Dentistry looks forward to helping you maintain a bright, healthy smile. We invite you to contact us at 859-688-2021 or schedule an appointment online today.
Grinding Your Teeth at Night? We Can Help!
Grinding your teeth during the night, a condition known as sleep bruxism, can impact your health and quality of life. Your trusted team at Hebron Family Dentistry is pleased to offer custom-fitted night guards to prevent damage to your teeth and jaws and allow you to enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep. You can count on us for exceptional care that exceeds your expectations!
Bruxism and Its Impact on Your Health
Bruxism is characterized by repeatedly grinding or clenching your teeth, especially during the night. People with bruxism often have sleep disorders, including snoring or sleep apnea. Chronic teeth grinding can also result from stress, having an abnormal bite, crooked or missing teeth, or taking certain medications.
Grinding your teeth can weaken them and wear them down to the point of exposing the soft pulp tissues. Symptoms of bruxism include chipped or fractured teeth, tooth pain and sensitivity, tension headaches, interrupted sleep, ear pain, stiffness of the neck and shoulders, and jaw pain, which can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a mouthguard known as an occlusal guard or a nocturnal bite plate. When placed in your mouth, it creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which helps prevent the devastating effects of bruxism on your oral and overall health.
Over-the-Counter Night Guards
Drug stores carry various types of nightguards, including stock and boil-and-bite. Stock night guards are inexpensive oral appliances that come in one size, ready to wear. They are pre-molded and ready to fit any mouth. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more customizable. You’ll place them in hot water, bite into them, and mold them into the shape of your teeth.
Unfortunately, over-the-counter mouthguards don’t usually fit well and can be bulky, making breathing and talking difficult. Moreover, using these types of oral devices can cause your bite to shift because they are not custom-made for your mouth.
Custom-Fitted Night Guards
Custom night guards are created by your dentist from impressions of your teeth, offering the most reliable protection. They provide exceptional fit, comfort, and protection without interfering with breathing. You’ll sleep better and wake up without morning headaches or jaw pain. You’ll also protect your teeth, jaws, and restorations from damage. With proper care, your mouthguard will safeguard your smile for several years!
Custom Night Guards Near Me
Visit Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about bruxism and its effects on your oral, emotional, and physical health. Dr. Watson will evaluate your unique needs and may recommend a custom night guard to restore your restful sleep free of grinding and pain. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!
Cosmetic Bonding or Veneers: Which One Is Right for Me?
Are you looking for ways to improve the appearance of your smile? If so, Hebron Family Dentistry can help. We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions, including cosmetic bonding and dental veneers. Both can improve the shape, color, size, and overall appearance of your teeth, but they do so in different ways. The question is, which one is right for you?
What Is Cosmetic Bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is an affordable and conservative cosmetic dental procedure that addresses those little things that bother you about your smile. It involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material to your tooth surfaces to instantly mask any imperfections.
Dental bonding corrects a range of cosmetic concerns, including discolored teeth that do not respond to whitening treatments and cracked, worn, chipped, or damaged teeth. It can also improve the appearance of misshapen, uneven, gapped, or otherwise flawed teeth, delivering stunning smiles.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that are custom-created for your smile. They fit over the front surfaces of your teeth, improving their color, shape, size, spacing, and overall appearance. Once in place, veneers deliver strength and resilience comparable to your natural tooth enamel.
Porcelain veneers are ideal for whitening severely discolored teeth and correcting gapped, worn, chipped, broken, crooked, or misshapen teeth. They improve the symmetry of your teeth, delivering your ideal smile. Dental veneers continue to grow in popularity as a simple and highly effective solution for a dramatic smile transformation. With proper care, your restorations can last 15 years or even more!
Dental Bonding vs. Veneers: Which One Is Right for You?
When deciding between veneers and dental bonding, it is important to consider your unique needs and desired treatment outcomes. As far as their appearance, both bonding and veneers are made to match your smile. However, veneers are stain-resistant, unlike the bonding material that may stain and darken over time.
In general, tooth bonding may be ideal for patients with minor tooth imperfections wanting a quick, conservative, and cost-effective solution to improve their smiles. If, however, you have more significant cosmetic concerns or you’re looking for a total smile transformation with long-term results, porcelain veneers may work better for you.
The best way to determine the ideal cosmetic solution for your smile is to talk to your trusted team at Hebron Family Dentistry. We will carefully evaluate your unique needs and recommend the best option to deliver a beautiful smile with lasting results.
Cosmetic Bonding and Porcelain Veneers Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about transforming your smile. Dr. Watson will help you determine the ideal cosmetic procedure to achieve your desired results. You can count on our team for results that exceed your expectations. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. The progressive condition is not painful in its early stages, so it often goes untreated. At Hebron Family Dentistry, we stress the importance of preventing, treating, and managing gum disease to ensure our valued patients enjoy healthy smiles that last.
What Is Gum Disease and What Are Its Causes?
Gum disease is an inflammation and infection of the tissues supporting the teeth, including the gums, ligaments, and bone. It usually results from plaque accumulation on the teeth and gum line, which irritates the gums, leading to inflammation. If not treated, periodontal disease can progress and cause irreversible damage to the tissue and bone holding the teeth in place, leading to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss.
Aside from plaque accumulation, risk factors for gum disease include poor oral hygiene, crooked teeth, tobacco use, family history, hormonal changes, certain medications, and some health conditions, including diabetes. The good news is that when detected early, gum disease can be managed or even reversed, preventing long-term damage to your oral health.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Symptoms of gum disease depend on how advanced the condition is. Some of the most common signs of gum disease include the following:
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Gum bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Gum recession
- Painful chewing
- Changes in how the teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, make sure to visit Hebron Family Dentistry. The earlier gum disease is treated the better the outcomes.
Gum Disease and Your Health
Gum disease not only affects your smile but can also impact your overall health. Studies have shown a link between gum disease and serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. That’s why keeping your gums healthy is one of our top priorities at Hebron Family Dentistry.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
Treating gum disease starts with a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves using an instrument called a scaler to remove plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth and below the gum line. Root planing cleans and smooths the tooth root surfaces, promoting gum tissue healing.
Scaling and root planing can reverse gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. It can also stop the progression of periodontitis, preventing its damaging effects on your oral and overall health.
Periodontal Maintenance
After gum disease treatment, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months. We will clean your teeth, measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, and evaluate the health of your gums. We will intervene, as needed, to maintain your gum health.
It’s also important to maintain regular dental care and good oral hygiene to keep your gums healthy and sound. That includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. The goal is to keep your gums healthy and your teeth intact for as long as possible.
Gum Disease Treatment and Management Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about gum disease prevention, treatment, and management for long-term healthy smiles. You can always count on Dr. Watson and her team for exceptional, compassionate care. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!
How Do I Maintain a Healthy Smile?
At Hebron Family Dentistry, we are proponents of prevention to ensure our valued patients enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for life. We encourage you to maintain proper oral hygiene habits and stay current on your regular dental exams and cleanings to lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. We look forward to working alongside you to ensure your smile stays healthy and sound.
How Often Should You See Your Dentist?
Most dental professionals agree that you should visit your dentist every six months for routine dental care. Dr. Watson may recommend more frequent visits for patients with periodontal disease or those at a higher risk of tooth decay. Most dental insurances cover twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings to detect early signs of dental problems and lower the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Routine Preventive Dental Services
Even with the most meticulous home oral hygiene practices, it’s important to visit Hebron Family Dentistry for your routine preventive care. Being proactive and preventing the onset or progression of dental disease will avoid the need for costly and complex treatments down the road.
Maintaining a healthy smile will reflect on your overall health. Research shows a link between gum disease and serious health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Here’s a look at what you can expect during your routine dental visits:
Dental Exam: We will capture diagnostic x-ray images of your mouth to uncover problems we can’t see during a physical examination. These include early signs of tooth decay, bone loss, cysts, or other potential concerns.
Dr. Watson will examine your teeth and restorations and evaluate your gums to detect and address any problems as they develop. She will also conduct a bite analysis, TMJ evaluation, and oral cancer screening to rule out abnormalities. Dr. Watson will use this information to create a personalized treatment plan to address any immediate needs and preventive measures required to restore and maintain a healthy smile.
Dental Cleaning: Our dental hygienist will use a dental instrument called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line. Next is professional flossing to remove any food particles or plaque from between your teeth. The final step is polishing your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving you with a whiter, brighter smile.
We may recommend a fluoride treatment, if needed, to strengthen your tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Dental cleanings have been shown to lower the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Home Oral Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Smile
It’s important to care for your smile at home between dental visits. That includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular brushing and flossing remove leftover food particles and plaque, lowering your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Make sure to maintain a balanced diet to provide your teeth and gums with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Avoid habits that can harm your oral health, including consuming sugary or acidic foods and beverages, biting down on hard objects, or using tobacco products. If you have any questions or need more tips on home oral hygiene practices, our team is here to help.
Preventive Services Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about keeping your smile in tip-top shape. We’re happy to offer cutting-edge preventive dentistry solutions for long-term healthy smiles. You can always count on Dr. Watson and her team for state-of-the-art, compassionate care. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!