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How Do I Prepare My Child for The First Dental Visit?
Your child’s first dental appointment is an important milestone, one that will lay the groundwork for lifelong oral health. You may feel a little anxious, and that’s perfectly normal. Our team at Hebron Family Dentistry is here to guide you and ensure your time with us is positive and free of stress. Here are some tips to prepare for your child’s first dental visit.
When Should Your Child First Visit a Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to see a dentist when the first baby tooth emerges and no later than the first birthday. Establishing a dental home and providing preventive care right from the start will ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and free of decay.
Tips to Prepare Your Child for the First Dental Visit
Here are some tips to ensure your child has a stellar first visit to the dentist:
Stay Positive: Your child will pick up on any fear or anxiety, so even if you’re not a fan of going to the dentist, your child doesn’t need to know. Stay upbeat and build up excitement as the big day approaches.
Timing Matters: Schedule the first visit when you know your child will be rested and cooperative. Avoid nap times and feed your little one before getting to the office. Come to the appointment prepared. Download and fill out the new patient forms at home to save time during the first appointment.
Role Play: Take some time to act out dentist’s visits and take turns being a dentist and caring for a favorite stuffed animal’s teeth. When it’s your turn, model a kind and caring dentist to set the stage for a happy visit.
Read Books about Dentists: There are many books and videos about visiting the dentist. Snuggle with your little one while exploring the wonders of caring for young smiles. These activities will build up excitement about going to the dentist.
Stay Calm: Even if your child acts out, stay calm and positive. We have seen it all and would like to reassure you that future visits will become better and better. Focus on positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.
End the Visit on a Happy Note: Offer a reward or do something fun together after visiting the dentist to build positive associations. Wrapping up the visit on a happy note will ensure your little one is excited about future dental visits.
Quality Children’s Dental Care Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about our pediatric dentistry services. Dr. Watson and her team are passionate about caring for young smiles. We will do everything we can to ensure your child’s first visit and every following visit are comfortable and happy. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
Invisalign 101: Everything You Need to Know
If you are considering orthodontic treatment but do not want to deal with metal braces, you may want to consider Invisalign. The world’s most advanced clear aligner system will straighten your teeth and align your smile without impacting your life. A visit to Hebron Dentistry will help determine if Invisalign is right for you.
What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign by Align Technology involves the use of a series of custom-made clear aligners that fit snugly over your teeth, gently pushing them and guiding them into position over time. You will need to wear your aligner trays for 20-22 hours each day to keep your treatment on track. About every two weeks, you will move on from one set of aligners to the next in the series, following your custom treatment plan.
Are You a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is ideal for adults and teens, with Invisalign Teen featuring compliance indicators to ensure adequate usage. The revolutionary orthodontic solution treats a range of concerns, including crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth and problems with the bite, such as underbites, overbites, open bites, and crossbites. Our team at Hebron Dentistry will examine your teeth and help you determine if Invisalign is right for you.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign’s aligners are virtually invisible, making them an excellent option for individuals who are self-conscious about wearing braces. They are made from a smooth, BPA-free material that won’t rub against your cheeks and gums like metal wires and brackets. Another advantage is that you can remove the aligners, so you won’t have any food restrictions as with traditional braces, and you will brush and floss with ease.
Invisalign treatment is highly predictable. The SmartTrack material and SmartForce features place pressure as needed, shifting your teeth into place with incredible precision. Your virtually invisible braces can align your smile up to 50 percent faster than traditional braces!
How Does the Invisalign Process Work?
During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your smile’s needs, take digital x-rays, and capture 3D scans of your teeth. Next, we will map out your custom treatment plan, including the precise movement of your teeth and the anticipated length of treatment. The best part is that you will get to preview your new smile.
We will send your 3D model and treatment plan to an Invisalign lab where your custom aligners are crafted. When they are ready, we will show you how to use them and care for them. Once in place, your new invisible braces will get to work, gently shifting your teeth into alignment.
Invisalign Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about Invisalign and to determine if the virtually invisible orthodontic solution is right for you. Dr. Watson and her team look forward to getting you on track to the smile of your dreams. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule a consultation today!
What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?
If you are tired of missing teeth or dealing with uncomfortable dentures, you have come to the right place. Hebron Family Dentistry is pleased to offer dental implants, today’s gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A visit to Hebron Family Dentistry will have you on your way to a healthy, beautiful, and confident smile!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium, screw-like posts that are placed in your jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. They integrate with the jawbone, providing an incredibly stable and secure foundation for restorations made to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. Dental implants offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your confident smile.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your smile. Dental implants are the only restorations that act like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss and providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth that are second only to natural, healthy teeth.
With implants, you’ll speak with clarity, eat everything you want without restriction, and smile with confidence once again. With proper care, your implant restorations can enhance your smile and quality of life for a lifetime!
What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?
The process will begin with placing a titanium implant in your jawbone to replace your missing tooth roots. During the healing period, which typically takes a few months, the implant will fuse to your bone in a process called osseointegration. When the healing process is complete, we will place a connector called an abutment onto your implant and, once again, wait for the area to heal. The last step is taking an impression of your mouth to create a dental crown made to match the surrounding teeth.
Placing an implant restoration may take a few months to complete as you wait for healing to take place. However, the superior quality of dental implant restorations makes the process well worth the time and effort.
How Should You Care for Dental Implants?
Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene habits will ensure the long-term success of your implants. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and visit Hebron Family Dentistry for routine dental exams and cleanings. We will monitor your smile to ensure your restorations and your oral health stay in tip-top shape.
Dental Implants Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about restoring your healthy, functional smile with dental implants. Dr. Watson and her team are committed to providing exceptional, gentle care using leading-edge technology and techniques. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule a consultation today!
How Long Do Same-Day Crowns Last?
Hebron Family Dentistry is pleased to offer cutting-edge CEREC technology, which allows us to design and place a custom dental crown in just one short office visit. The convenient same-day restorations eliminate the hassles of traditional crowns, including messy putty impressions, wearing a temporary crown, waiting weeks, and taking time away from your busy schedule for multiple appointments. The question is, how long do same-day crowns last?
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as caps, are tooth-shaped custom restorations that encase the visible portions of weak or damaged teeth. They are commonly used for the following purposes:
- To restore teeth with deep decay
- To support teeth with large or damaged fillings
- To hold together cracked or fractured teeth
- To strengthen teeth after root canal therapy
- To replace missing teeth by covering dental implants or supporting dental bridges
- To make cosmetic enhancements in terms of a tooth’s color, size, shape, or alignment
Same Day CEREC Crowns – An Overview
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. The state-of-the-art system designs and produces high-quality porcelain restorations in a single appointment. CEREC uses computer-aided design or CAD and computer-aided manufacture or CAM technology to capture digital impressions of your teeth and create virtual, 3D models of your crown without needing messy impressions.
The digital model of your crown is sent to our on-site milling machine, which will create your ceramic restoration out of a single block of porcelain closely matched to the color and texture of your natural teeth.
How Long do CEREC Same-Day Crowns Last?
Many patients wonder if their same-day restorations are of the same quality as traditional crowns. You can rest assured that the porcelain ceramic same-day crowns are not only convenient and beautiful, but they are also incredibly durable, with the potential of lasting 10 to 15 years or even longer.
There are things you can do to ensure the longevity of your restoration. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and avoid hard foods which can chip or break your crowns as well as your natural tooth enamel. Limit sticky foods which can loosen your crown and are harder to remove, increasing your risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Make sure to avoid biting your nails or using your teeth for tasks more suited for tools. If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, a custom night guard can help protect your crown and your teeth from damage.
Lastly, it’s important to maintain your professional twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Watson and her team will ensure your smile stays healthy and your same-day crowns stay in tip-top shape!
Same-Day Dental Crowns Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about restoring your smile with a durable, aesthetic same-day crown. You can count on Dr. Watson and her exceptional team for the state-of-the-art care you deserve. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule a consultation today!
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Transform My Smile?
If tooth flaws have you hiding your smile, your trusted team at Hebron Family Dentistry is here to help. We’re pleased to offer a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions focused on improving the color, shape, size, or overall appearance of your teeth with dramatic, long-lasting results. A consultation with Dr. Watson will get you on track to achieving a smile that will make you want to smile!
What Are the Most Sought-After Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?
The following are some of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures offered right here at our Hebron office:
Teeth Whitening: If you’re in search of a solution to virtually erase teeth staining and discoloration, you’ve come to the right place. We’re pleased to offer in-office professional whitening treatments to brighten your teeth several shades in just one short office visit. We’re also happy to provide you with custom trays and a professional-grade bleaching gel if you’d rather whiten your teeth at home.
Cosmetic Bonding: Cosmetic bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to your tooth surfaces to instantly mask any imperfections. The affordable and conservative cosmetic dentistry solution fixes those little things that may be bothering you about your smile. From repairing decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth to protecting exposed tooth roots, correcting the size or shape of teeth, closing small gaps between teeth, and covering stained and discolored teeth, cosmetic bonding delivers a flawless smile every time.
Dental Veneers: Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that fit over your teeth to improve their color, shape, size, spacing, and overall appearance. These custom restorations are perfect for whitening severely discolored teeth and correcting gapped, chipped, broken, crooked, worn, or misshapen teeth. Porcelain veneers provide strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel, dramatically improving your smile’s health and appearance.
Invisalign Clear Aligners: Invisalign, brought to you by Align Technology, is the world’s most advanced clear aligner system. Virtually invisible aligners worn snugly over your teeth will gently and discreetly straighten misaligned teeth without impacting your life. Imagine achieving the smile of your dreams without anyone having to know!
Same-Day Crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations used to repair teeth with large fillings, cover severely stained teeth, and improve the shape, color, size, length, and appearance of not-so-perfect teeth. Our same-day crowns look just like your natural teeth, delivering a seamless smile in one short office visit!
Dental Implants: Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing one or more missing teeth with unmatched results. Small titanium posts placed in your jawbone replace missing tooth roots, stimulating the bone in the area and preventing bone loss. Dental implants provide an incredibly stable foundation to support implant restorations, such as single crowns, implant-supported bridges, and implant-supported dentures. Your restorations will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth!
Cosmetic Dentures and Partials: Dentures offer an affordable and time-tested solution to restore one or more missing teeth. Today’s modern dentures are sleeker, lighter, and more comfortable than ever. Once in place, a cosmetic complete or partial denture will allow you to chew your foods with ease, speak clearly, and smile with confidence once again!
Cosmetic Dentistry Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about transforming your smile with the help of our cosmetic dentistry solutions. Whether you want to correct minor tooth flaws or want a total smile makeover, Dr. Watson will create a treatment plan with one or a combination of cosmetic dentistry solutions to achieve your desired results. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
What Should I Expect During a Comprehensive Dental Exam?
At Hebron Dentistry, we believe in prevention as the first line of defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. When you first visit our office, we’ll conduct a comprehensive oral health exam to determine your immediate needs and plan for future dental care. Our goal is to ensure our valued patients enjoy healthy smiles for life. Here’s a look at what you can expect during your visit.
Your History and Personal Goals
Dr. Watson will spend some time getting to know you, your unique needs, and your goals for your oral health and your smile. She will ask you about your medical history, any health conditions, and current medications. She will also ask about any previous or current oral health concerns.
Digital Dental X-Rays
We will take x-rays of your mouth to get a closer look at what’s happening below the surfaces of your teeth and gums. X-ray images uncover a wealth of information not visible during a physical examination, including early decay, bone loss, cysts, tumors, and so much more.
TMJ Examination
We will evaluate the health and condition of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding structures. We will also assess your bite and check for signs of teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism.
Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a quick, easy, and potentially life-saving procedure. It involves thoroughly examining the soft tissues in the oral cavity and the surrounding muscles to rule out any abnormalities. Detecting oral cancer early on offers the best chance for positive treatment outcomes.
Tooth by Tooth Exam
A tooth-by-tooth examination involves taking a close look at each of your teeth to rule out tooth decay, chips, or cracks. We will also assess the condition of your tooth enamel to determine whether you’re at risk of tooth decay. The last step is examining and charting existing restorations and ensuring they are free from damage.
Periodontal Evaluation
We will evaluate the health of your gums and look out for signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Treating gum infection and inflammation in the earliest stages can fully restore your gum health. Left untreated, periodontal disease can destroy the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Next Steps
Dr. Watson will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your comprehensive evaluation. She will recommend the most conservative treatment options to repair any tooth damage and restore your oral health. She will also discuss preventive measures to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Comprehensive Dental Exams Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about our comprehensive dental exams. Dr. Watson and her outstanding team are all about prevention to maintain healthy smiles for life. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing, is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and maintain a healthy smile. However, it’s not always possible to effectively clean every groove and crevice, especially on those hard-to-reach areas on the molars at the back of the mouth. Dental sealants provide a barrier to protect your teeth, keeping tooth decay and cavities at bay.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings made of a clear plastic resin material. We easily paint them onto the tooth surfaces of the back teeth to smooth out the depressions known as pits and fissures. That essentially seals out bacteria and food particles, protecting your pearly whites. Applying sealants is painless, doesn’t require anesthesia, and takes a few short minutes to complete.
Dental sealants have been shown to lower the risk of tooth decay by nearly 80 percent in permanent molars. They can even stop the early stages of decay from progressing and becoming cavities. Placing dental sealants will prevent the need for extensive dental treatments down the road.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Sealants?
Children and adults are perfect candidates for dental sealants; however, the earlier these protective coatings are placed on permanent teeth, the better. The first set of molars starts appearing around age 6, while the second set comes in around age 12. Sealing the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars as soon as they erupt helps prevent tooth decay right from the start.
Candidates for sealants also include patients of any age who have a history of decay or those who have deep grooves or depressions on their teeth, which provide the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to flourish. Sealants also benefit patients with lifestyles that promote dental problems, including smoking, eating plenty of sugary treats, neglecting oral hygiene care, and maintaining poor diets.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants have the potential to last up to ten years with proper care. However, they may begin to show signs of wear over time. When you come in for your twice-a-year dental visits, our team at Hebron Family Dentistry will check your sealants to ensure they are still intact. If we see signs of wear or damage, we will reapply the protective coatings, so they continue safeguarding your smile.
Dental Sealants Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about our preventive dentistry procedures, including dental sealants. Dr. Watson and her team are all about prevention to maintain healthy smiles for life. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
What Are Modern Tooth Fillings Made Of?
In the past, getting a dental filling usually meant a gleam of metal in your mouth. Advancements in modern dentistry now offer high-tech filling materials that blend long-lasting strength with seamless results. Today, metal-free, tooth-colored fillings have become the norm in many dental offices.
Tooth-Colored Fillings – An Overview
Tooth-colored dental fillings are made of a composite resin material that we closely match to the shade of your natural tooth enamel. When in place, the non-toxic material bonds to the natural tooth structure, strengthening and fortifying the affected tooth.
Tooth-colored fillings are constantly improved and reinvented. The earlier versions were best suited to repair small to mid-sized cavities on teeth exposed to moderate chewing pressure. However, today’s modern white fillings are suitable for any tooth, providing strength, durability, and virtually unnoticeable results.
Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings
Composite resin fillings offer many advantages over their silver amalgam counterparts, including the following:
- Unlike silver fillings with their metallic color, white fillings match the color and shade of your natural teeth, providing a cosmetic tooth restoration solution.
- Tooth-colored fillings are more conservative because they require the removal of minimal tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings.
- Unlike white fillings, silver fillings contract and expand with temperature changes, often causing damage to the natural tooth structure.
- Composite fillings are metal-free, lowering the risk of metal allergies.
- Even though the mercury content in amalgam fillings is deemed safe by the American Dental Association, some patients prefer mercury-free fillings.
- Tooth-colored fillings are versatile restorations that can repair many tooth flaws, such as chips, wear, or discoloration.
What Is the Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure?
After numbing the area using a local anesthetic, we will remove the decayed tooth structure and clean and sterilize the area. Next, we’ll place the composite filling material in layers and hard it using a special curing light. The last step is shaping and polishing the filling material until it matches the shape and sheen of a natural tooth. Once in place, tooth-colored fillings blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. With proper dental care, your restorations will enhance your oral health for many years to come.
Maintaining Healthy Smiles
The best way to treat cavities is to prevent them altogether. We encourage our valued patients to maintain good dental hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. Steer away from hard foods to avoid chipping your natural teeth or restorations. It’s also important to schedule your routine dental exams and cleanings to allow us to monitor your oral health and your dental work.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about repairing cavities with tooth-colored fillings. Dr. Watson and her team are committed to enhancing your oral health and the appearance of your smile using the latest technology, techniques, and materials. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies tend to happen at the most inconvenient times, and Hebron Family Dentistry is here to help. We’re fully equipped and prepared to provide quality dental emergency services to patients in Hebron, KY, and the surrounding communities. Here’s a look at what constitutes a dental emergency and what you can do to lower the chances of complications.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a situation requiring urgent care to alleviate severe pain, save a knocked-out or damaged tooth, control infection, or stop bleeding. While inconvenient, some dental issues, such as a lost filling, chipped tooth, or broken dental appliance, don’t constitute a dental emergency and can wait until the next day.
To determine whether you or a loved one are experiencing a dental emergency, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there severe, persistent tooth pain?
- Are there signs of infection, including swelling of the mouth, jaw, or face?
- Has the mouth or face sustained a blow?
- Are there any knocked out, dislodged, or loose teeth?
- Is there bleeding from the mouth?
If you experience any of these symptoms, you’ll likely require urgent dental care. Please call our office immediately to get your smile back on track. If you’re not quite sure whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our office for guidance. We will evaluate the situation and recommend the best course of action. If, however, you or a loved one experience a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 for assistance.
Common Dental Emergencies and What You Can Do to Help
If you experience a dental emergency, timely treatment can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Make sure to contact us right away.
Severe Tooth Pain: Pain may indicate a serious infection requiring emergency care. Rinse with warm water and floss to dislodge any trapped food or debris, and take over-the-counter pain medication for relief. Do not place aspirin on your gums to avoid tissue damage. Call us for an emergency appointment.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick up the tooth from its crown and rinse it gently. Try returning it to its socket, and if that’s not possible, place it in some milk. The quicker you seek emergency care, the higher the chances of saving the tooth.
Other Dental Emergencies: A cracked, broken, dislodged, or loose tooth can be very painful and require urgent dental treatment. Rinse your mouth with warm water, and contact us for an emergency appointment.
Bleeding: Gentle pressure can help stop the bleeding. However, if you have heavy, uncontrollable bleeding, head to your nearest emergency room or call 911.
Emergency Dental Care Near Me in Hebron, KY
Our team at Hebron Family Dentistry hopes you never experience a dental emergency but are here for you in the event you do. We are committed to delivering quality urgent dental care you can trust. Please keep our number on hand and call us at 859-689-2021 if you experience a dental emergency.
Am I a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures offer an outstanding alternative to traditional dentures with unmatched stability, durability, and aesthetics. If you’ve ever wondered if you are a candidate for this superior tooth replacement option, contact Hebron Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Watson will determine whether you’re a candidate for implant surgery and if not, she’ll work with you to get you there.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screw-like posts that we place in your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation to support one or multiple replacement teeth, with unmatched results. Implant dentistry offers a cosmetic and restorative solution, delivering replacement teeth that are the closest you’ll ever have to healthy, natural teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures continue to grow in popularity due to the many benefits they offer, including the following:
- They help prevent bone loss, enhancing your oral health, and providing a comfortable fit that lasts.
- They restore the form, function, and aesthetics of missing teeth, delivering healthy, beautiful smiles.
- They allow you to chew and bite your food as efficiently as your natural teeth.
- They don’t shift or tilt, allowing you to maintain your standard speech patterns.
- They provide support for your facial muscles, reducing sagging and preserving your face’s natural shape.
- They are much more stable, comfortable, and functional than traditional dentures.
- With proper care, your implant-supported dentures can last a lifetime.
Are You a Good Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
Candidates for implant dentistry need to have good overall health and healthy gums. If you have periodontal (gum) disease, you may still be a candidate for implant-supported dentures, as long as the condition is being treated and managed. However, you may need to delay the dental implant placement until the periodontal disease is under control.
To qualify for implant-supported dentures, you need adequate bone density to support the implants. If, however, you have bone loss, you may require a bone grafting procedure to build up the bone in the area, allowing you to enjoy the many benefits of implant-supported dentures.
Caring for Your Implant-Supported Dentures
You must maintain excellent oral hygiene practices to ensure the long-term success of your implant-supported dentures. Make sure you brush and floss regularly and visit Hebron Family Dentistry for your routine dental exams and cleanings. We will monitor your oral health and restorations to ensure you enjoy a healthy smile for life.
Implant-Supported Dentures Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about restoring your healthy, confident smile with the help of implant-supported dentures. Dr. Watson and her team look forward to enhancing your smile and quality of life. Call us and schedule your appointment today!