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Periodontal Gum Disease

Learn The Facts About Periodontal Gum Disease Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection caused by bacterial plaque. This is a thin, sticky layer of microorganisms (called a biofilm) that collects at the gum line in the absence of effective daily oral hygiene. Left for long periods of time, plaque will cause inflammation that can gradually separate the gums from the teeth. This causes the forming of little spaces that are referred to as “periodontal pockets.” The pockets offer a sheltered environment for the disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria to reproduce. If the infection remains untreated, it can spread from the gum tissues into the bone that supports the teeth. As a result, your teeth may loosen and may eventually be lost. But fear not, we can provide you with the best periodontal gum disease treatment. When treating gum disease, it is often best to begin with a non-surgical approach consisting of one or more of the following: Scaling and Root Planing. An important goal in the treatment of gum disease is to rid the teeth and gums of pathogenic bacteria and the toxins they produce, which may become incorporated into the root surface of the teeth. This is done with a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing (or root debridement). Scaling involves removing plaque and hard deposits (calculus or tartar). In conclusion the surface of the teeth, both above and below the gum line. Root planing is the smoothing of the tooth-root surfaces, making them more difficult for bacteria to adhere to. Antibiotics/Antimicrobials As gum disease progresses, periodontal pockets and bone loss can result in the formation of tiny, hard to reach areas. Most noteworthy these are difficult to clean with handheld instruments. Sometimes it’s best to try to disinfect these relatively inaccessible places. We use a prescription antimicrobial rinse (usually containing chlorhexidine). Most of all we carry a topical antibiotic (such as tetracycline or doxycyline). This is applied directly to the affected areas. These are used only on a short-term basis. It isn’t desirable to suppress beneficial types of oral bacteria. Bite Adjustment If some of your teeth are loose, they may need to be protected from the stresses of biting and chewing. Particularly so if you have teeth-grinding or clenching habits. For example, it is possible to carefully reshape minute amounts of tooth surface enamel to change the way upper and lower teeth contact each other. This therefore helps lessening the force and reducing their mobility. It’s also possible to join your teeth together with a small metal or plastic brace so that they can support each other, and/or to provide you with a bite guard to wear when you are most likely to grind or clench you teeth. Oral Hygiene Helps You Smile Since dental plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, it’s essential to remove it on a daily basis. That means you will play a large role in keeping your mouth disease-free. So you will be instructed in the most effective brushing and flossing techniques, and given recommendations. There are many products that you should use at home so you can stay safe. You Have To Protect Your Teeth Therefore you’ll be encouraged to keep up the routine daily. Becoming an active participant in your own care is the best way to ensure your periodontal treatment succeeds. And while you’re focusing on your oral health, remember that giving up smoking so can maintain better hygiene. Often, nonsurgical treatment is enough to control a periodontal infection. You won’t restore oral tissues to good health, and tighten loose teeth, so at that point, keeping up your oral hygiene routine at home is essential. Having regular checkups and cleanings at the dental office will give you the best chance to remain disease-free. Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment Is Right Around The Corner If you or a family member is searching for Periodontal gum disease Treatment Humble TX, Contact Us Online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thibodeaux today.

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Dental Sedation Options Humble TX

Here’s A Small List Of Dental Sedation Options Humble TX Nitrous oxide Some people fail to receive the benefits of modern dental treatment because of fear. It happens to many of us. Don’t let that keep you from modern dentistry. It isn’t uncommon to have a little anxiety about an upcoming dental procedure. If your fears have kept you away from the dental office when you know you really should go. Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide can help you lose that anxiety. It can make the whole experience so stress-free that you may not even remember it when it’s over. Nitrous oxide, a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor, has been used in medicine for about a century. However its outdated nickname, “laughing gas,” is undeserved. It’s a safe and effective method of administering conscious sedation. This means that you’ll stay awake during the procedure. But when nitrous oxide is used in combination with a local anesthetic, you won’t feel pain or anxiety. In fact, many patients report a feeling of well-being during this type of sedation. All bodily functions remain normal during the administration of nitrous oxide, and its effects wear off quickly afterwards. How Is Nitrous Oxide Administered? As a form of conscious sedation, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that fits comfortably over your nose. The gas is mixed with oxygen as it is being delivered, and both gases are always kept at a level that is safe for the body. In just a few minutes, you may start to experience a floating sensation. Perhaps some tingling in the hands and feet can occur. That’s a sign that the sedation is working. Once it has been verified that you’re calm and comfortable, and that the dose is correct, your dental procedure can begin. Nitrous oxide itself isn’t a substitute for a local anesthetic. It’s considered an anxiolytic, which means it makes anxiety disappear. For some procedures, you may still need an anesthetic injection. The difference is, you won’t mind. Yet, you won’t be asleep. You’ll be able to speak and be aware of what’s going on. Plus you will remain in control during the procedure. In fact, the dose can be fine-tuned to just the level of sedation you need. When the procedure is over, the flow of nitrous oxide is decreased to zero, and the oxygen may be increased. After resting in the chair for a few minutes, you’ll be able to sit up, and soon you can resume normal activities like driving. Who Can Benefit From Nitrous Oxide? Most people whose anxiety would otherwise keep them out of the dental chair can benefit from conscious sedation with nitrous oxide. Before beginning treatment, we will take a complete medical history. This includes your use of both prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are pregnant, have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or some other pulmonary diseases, or are taking certain medications, it may not be right for you. However, if you feel that it may help, just ask us. You could benefit from a more stress-free experience in the dental office, ask about nitrous oxide conscious sedation. Oral Sedation Under conscious sedation, you’ll be able to hear, see and respond to the action taking place around you. Therefore you are much less likely to experience anxiety from it. This also reduces your sense of pain. Advantages of oral sedation: Easy to administer. Just swallow a small pill (typically valium is used). Works well for most people. Disadvantages of oral sedation: The level of sedation is not easily changed. Someone must drive you to and from your dental appointment. How does oral sedation work? The dentist will prescribe a pill to take an hour before your scheduled dental visit. You must have someone drive you to and from your appointment. When you arrive at the dental office, you will be awake and feeling drowsy and relaxed. While in the treatment area, the dental staff will monitor your vital signs throughout your appointment. Oral sedatives have no pain-relieving qualities. Local anesthetics are used to prevent pain. Because you are so relaxed, and because of the use of painless injection techniques, you will probably not remember when your mouth was actually being “numbed.” When your treatment is completed, your friend or relative will drive you home. When you are fully awake, you will feel comfortable, relaxed and free from stress. You will probably remember very little about your dental appointment. Do not operate a motor vehicle for 24 hours after receiving oral sedation. Please feel free to Contact our local office if you are searching for dental sedation options Humble TX.

Summer Creek Dental – Advanced General Dentistry

Summer Creek Dental Brings You Advanced General Dentistry Summer Creek Dental provides exceptional Advanced General Dentistry. We cater to individuals and families in the Humble Texas area. Our offices are state of the art and comforting. We have a dedicated dental team delivers completely satisfied patient experiences. Our staff truly desires for each patient to have the confidence and smile they deserve. Our dynamic team of dental professionals is lead by Dr. Tammie Thibodeaux, DDS. She has developed a wonderful environment that anyone can enjoy. We care about people’s comfort for their dental visits. Dr. Thibodeaux brings value to our Humble Texas area patients with years of experience. She has practice in cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, dental health practices and dental awareness. Dr. Thibodeaux truly understands the value of our patients dental concerns. She always maintains true leadership efforts with her staff. She works with patients from all over the area with the same warm smile that she helps protect for them. Summer Creek Dental supports other small business owners in the Houston area as well. True Dental Care We work with all kinds of groups in the Houston area. They range from steel construction to medical supply and PTSD support. It is important to stay active in the community. That’s why we offer everyone a dental helping hand. We have a brand new office that’s right for you. There are beautiful rooms, open Wi-Fi, and a friendly appeal. We love to see new faces. Your smile is our number one goal. If you are searching for a great local dentist just outside of Houston in Humble, TX, give us a call at Summer Creek Dental. Your first choice for advanced general dentistry for all neighboring cities. Contact Us today for more information about the services we provide!

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Dental Veneers Humble Tx

What Are Dental Veneers Humble TX? A veneer is a thin covering over another surface. In dentistry, a veneer is a wafer-thin layer of super-strong porcelain that convincingly substitutes for natural tooth enamel. When bonded to your teeth, veneers can create a natural-looking, beautiful new surface. That’s because dental porcelain, like natural tooth enamel, is translucent and tough. But it doesn’t stain like tooth enamel does. Recent years have brought remarkable advances in dental porcelain technology. These days, veneers can be made so thin that they can sometimes be bonded directly onto your existing tooth surface. In other cases, a very thin layer of tooth enamel — as thin as the veneer itself — needs to be removed to fit the new porcelain surface and make it look as lifelike as possible. Either way, the results are sure to make you smile. Versatility of Porcelain Veneers Veneers can be used to improve any of the following characteristics of your teeth: Color — Teeth can become stained by the foods and drinks we like, from smoking, and even normal aging. Veneers are available in numerous shades, from the most natural to the brightest Hollywood white. Size & Shape — Teeth can become worn down from grinding habits, or may not have the shape or size you want to begin with. For example, some people consider rounder teeth more feminine and squarer teeth more masculine. Veneers can be shaped and sized in whichever way is most flattering to your face. Alignment & Spacing — Veneers can be used to close small gaps between teeth or make slight corrections in alignment while improving tooth color and shape. Limitations of Porcelain Veneers There are some situations in which veneers would be inappropriate. For example, if you have significantly misaligned teeth or a large gap, orthodontics might be a more appropriate solution. If you have lost a lot of tooth structure from decay or trauma (or a particularly severe grinding habit), it might be better to restore your teeth with porcelain crowns that cover the entire tooth. Creating a New Smile with Porcelain Veneers The first step in creating a new smile with porcelain veneers is to communicate exactly what you don’t like about your smile as it is now. It’s a great idea to bring in pictures of smiles you do like, as a starting point for discussion. It’s possible to see how veneers would look on your teeth in one of several ways. A model of your teeth can be created over which wax “veneers” and then placed. Sometimes acrylic (plastic) or tooth-colored filling material can be placed directly onto your teeth. This helps to demonstrate the effect veneers would have on them. Once the plan has been agreed upon, your teeth will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel, if this step is necessary. Molds of your teeth will be taken and used by a skilled dental laboratory to create your veneers, and you will receive a temporary set of veneers to wear during the few weeks it will take to create your permanent veneers. When the veneers come back from the lab, they will be cemented onto your teeth. Caring for Your Veneers Just like nature’s teeth. Teeth restored with veneers need gentle brushing and flossing every day. This will remove dental plaque and ensure good gum tissue health around the veneers. Regular checkups at the dental office will remain as important as always to your oral and general health. Keep in mind that as tough as veneers are, they may not be able to withstand forces that come from using your teeth as tools (to open packages, for example) or biting into very hard foods like candy apples — which isn’t good for your natural teeth, either! And if you grind or clench your teeth at night, you might be advised to get a custom-made nightguard to protect your veneers — and your investment. Veneers are getting much more popular in the field of cosmetic dentistry enhancements. Dr. Thibodeaux and staff have years of experience and would love to help you get that confident smile you been waiting for! For questions or concerns about the veneer dental process, contact our Humble office today! Thank you for visiting our website, from your friendly dental staff at Summer Creek Dental. Please contact us today for Dental Veneers Humble TX residents.

General Dentistry

Looking for more information on General Dentistry Humble Tx? General dentistry Humble Tx is known as the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, especially the teeth, and to an extent related conditions in the maxillofacial (jaws and face) area. Dentistry can be considered a branch of medicine as a whole, although it is also concerned with cosmetic dentistry as well. Cosmetic dentistry can really bring a smile to your face. It’s important to take care of those pearly whites. Just as much as any other part of your body. With professional dentistry, you can say hello to a very long lifetime of healthy teeth. Our Criteria The American Dental Association considers that the public benefits the most when any profession is geared towards the entire practice. It has been shown that this does not tend to be true though. Thankfully we have advancements in modern technology. More sophisticated and complex solutions have emerged in the field of general dentistry. Summer Creek Dental takes pride in actively learning and training our entire staff in the latest and greatest advances. We are here to provide the best for your smile here in Humble, TX. We are a fully accredited dental firm and the winner of Best of Humble Dentistry Award! Stay Healthy And Smile On Dentistry is widely considered important for overall health. It is necessary for proper ingestion of food that keeps you active. A great smile also helps with your mental state. Our team at Summer Creek Dental in Humble, TX practices general advanced cosmetic dentistry on a daily basis. Let us show you how much of a difference we can make for you. Care for your teeth. You only get one mouthful of your adult teeth, so protect them. General dentistry is a must have so you can smile for all your life. Let us help you out Humble and surrounding cities. We can’t wait to see your face. Contact Us today for more information about the services we provide!

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Endodontics Humble Tx

What Exactly Is Endodontics? Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with tissues and structures located inside the tooth. One of the most common endodontic treatments is root canal therapy, a procedure which effectively eases the pain associated with a bacterial infection deep within the pulp of the tooth. Over time, bacteria can grow within the pulp of any tooth, even regardless of brushing and tooth care. Eventually this will cause pain underneath the tooth that will cause you to need endodontic work. Of course, root canal treatment doesn’t just relieve pain — it also stops the infection by removing dead and dying tissue from the tooth’s pulp. Plus, it helps to save the tooth, which is in danger of being lost if left untreated. So when it comes to preserving your natural teeth, endodontics can help in many cases. Why Does Bacteria Cause Tooth Pain? What’s inside your teeth? Behind the tough, shiny enamel of the tooth’s visible crown lies the sturdy inner tissue called dentin. Dentin is also found behind the cementum that forms the outer layer of the tooth’s roots — in fact, it makes up the bulk of the tooth’s structure. Similar in many ways to bone tissue, dentin is composed of many tiny tubules which can transmit sensations to nerve cells when it is stimulated. At the core of the tooth, inside small, branching chambers called the root canals, we find the soft pulp tissue. This consists of nerves, connective tissues and blood vessels which extend into the center of the tooth and exit through canals near the apex (tip) of the tooth’s roots. Signs Of Tooth Loss When problems (such as infection and inflammation) develop in the pulp tissue, your first indication of trouble may be tooth sensitivity — or intense pain. In time, as the nerves die, the pain may go away… but the problem won’t. In fact, if left untreated, the end result may be tooth loss. What could cause the pulp tissue to become diseased and lead to root canal problems? One potential source of infection is untreated tooth decay, which can allow bacteria from the tooth’s surface to work its way deep inside. A crack or fracture in a tooth could offer another pathway for microorganisms to infect the pulp. Dental trauma — from a sports injury, for example — may also damage dentin or pulp, or expose it to infection. Extensive dental procedures (such as multiple fillings or restorations on the same tooth) may cause trouble; occasionally, even routine procedures like orthodontics may eventually lead to root canal problems. Don’t Be Afraid, Remove The Pain It’s important to remember that root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain; it relieves pain. A typical root canal procedure is performed with local anesthetics, and doesn’t cause any more discomfort than having a filling. Here’s what to expect: First, you will receive anesthesia and for many patients, the worst is now over. Next, a small opening is made in the tooth surface to give access to the pulp chamber and root canals. Then, tiny instruments are used to remove dead and dying tissue from inside the narrow passages. These passages are then cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a safe, inert material. Finally, the opening in the tooth is sealed to prevent contamination. Other endodontic treatments may be recommended for removing sources of infection and preventing future problems. Following an endodontic procedure, it may be necessary to have a restoration (such as a crown) placed on the tooth to restore it to full function and aesthetic appearance. After that, with proper care the restored tooth should last for many years. Dr. Tammie Thibodeaux and staff are all highly qualified in endodontics in the Humble TX, Atascocita TX and Kingwood TX area. If you have any tooth pain and want the most qualified and caring treatment in endodontics, call (281) 454-2000 today!

Patient Education

Periodontal Gum Disease

Dental Sedation Options Humble TX

Summer Creek Dental – Advanced General Dentistry

Dental Veneers Humble Tx

General Dentistry

Endodontics Humble Tx

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