Our Services
At Dallas Family Dental, patients can look forward to visiting an office that’s advanced, welcoming, and truly comprehensive.
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
EXAMS & CLEANINGS
The front line of treatment is prevention. While we’re here to handle virtually any dental needs…
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ORAL CANCER SCREENING
Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of routine check-ups here at Dallas Family Dental.
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GUM DISEASE TREATMENT
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is one of the most common oral health conditions on the planet.
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RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
Tooth-colored fillings have come to all but replace traditional amalgam fillings.
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DENTAL IMPLANTS
If you’ve lost a tooth (or teeth) because of decay, advanced periodontal disease, or a traumatic injury, dental implants may be able to help.
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DENTAL CROWNS & BRIDGES
Dental crowns and bridges offer restoration for missing, broken, or damaged teeth.
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COSMETIC DENTISTRY
PORCELAIN VENEERS
If you’re looking for a comprehensive cosmetic solution that’s fast and natural-looking, porcelain veneers could be the right choice for you.
CROWN LENGTHENING & GINGIVECTOMY
Gummy smile. If you have excessive gingival display, you’re probably familiar with its colloquial synonym.
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DIRECT BONDING
If there is something minor you’d like to change about your smile, you may be a good candidate for dental bonding.
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ORTHODONTICS
ORAL SURGERY
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
At Dallas Family Dental, we value preventive care fundamentally. Naturally, cavities and other dental misfortunes can still occur.
WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last adult teeth to emerge, usually sometime between ages 16 and 22.
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EMERGENCY TREATMENTS
DENTAL EMERGENCY
With a whole team of general dentists, specialists, and dedicated staff members at your disposal, Dallas Family Dental is a dental office your family can count on…
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PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Exams & Cleanings
At Dallas Family Dental, the front line of treatment is prevention. While we’re here to handle virtually any dental needs you may have, our goal is for you to have as few of those needs as possible. To keep cavities and other dental problems at bay, every person should receive an in-depth oral examination and cleaning at least once every six months. Come see us for your dental cleanings and dental exams!
Why Are Dental Exams Important?
The importance of cleanings and exams comes down to two primary matters: prevention and monitoring.
Prevention: Your regular exams can really help you avoid trouble. If we catch a cavity early enough, for example, it may just require a tiny filling. Let that same cavity go for another six months or year and it could be a root canal.
Monitoring: This goes hand-in-hand with prevention. It’s not only about catching cavities early. We also check for more serious health concerns, including a full oral cancer screening as part of your exam. Knowing that your mouth is healthy feels so much better than wondering.
What Happens During a Dental Exam and Cleaning?
During routine checkups, our knowledgeable doctors and staff members will take a close look at each individual tooth, the gum tissue, the bite, the jaw, and current restorative work. We want to determine if there are any issues or damage requiring professional attention. Our recommendations for treatment will always be thoughtful and highly personalized for your specific needs and goals.
During the initial exam you can expect to have a full set of diagnostic digital radiographs, photos of individual teeth, digital iTero scan that shows all your teeth, bite, force of your bite, any gum recession and presence of decay.
It is recommended to have a follow up exam every 6-12 months. Depending on your condition, the dentist may recommend to take routine xrays every 12-18 months.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
A crucial part of your routine dental visit is the cleaning. Like exams, cleanings address two primary functions: prevention and hygiene.
Prevention: Cleanings remove dental plaque, a bacterial film that’s constantly forming in the mouth. Even the best brushing and flossing habits can’t entirely prevent plaque. Your regular cleanings also remove plaque’s stubborn evolution, tartar. Removing plaque and tartar helps to protect patients from cavities and the development of periodontal disease.
Hygiene: Regular cleanings will keep your breath smelling sweeter and smile looking brighter!
If you have gum disease and you were treated with periodontal therapy, or implants, or are in orthodontic treatment, the American Dental Association recommends prophylactic cleanings every 3-4 months.
Keep your oral health on track with our dental exams and dental cleanings. Dallas Family Dental is here to support your best smile! Book an appointment with us today!
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of routine check-ups here at Dallas Family Dental. In fact, they could save your life. The five-year survival rate for oral cancers is around 60%, and that has a lot to do with detection. The earlier it’s diagnosed and treated, the more likely patients are to benefit from a full recovery. That’s why we screen our patients at each exam. Reach out to us today to get an oral cancer screening!
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
The earlier oral cancer is identified in its development, the higher the chance of a safe and smooth recovery. With early detection, the 5-year survival rate with oral cancers jumps to 85%.
How Are Oral Cancer Screenings Done?
Our oral cancer screenings involve examining your oral tissue for the following:
Lumps
White spots
Slow-healing sores
Crusts (rough spots)
Swelling
Moles
Discoloration
How is Oral Cancer Detected?
If we notice anything of concern in our examination, we will take a small tissue sample. By testing that sample, we can determine your risk and whether or not further intervention is necessary.
Who Should Receive an Oral Cancer Screening?
We provide screenings to all of our patients as part of their regular exams and believe in regular screenings for everyone. That said, some patients are at a higher risk than others, and we especially urge them to make sure they’re screened regularly. Individuals at higher risk include patients who:
Use or have used tobacco, including cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, or pipes
Drink or drank alcohol heavily
Have had excessive sun exposure
Have had oral cancer before
Set Up an Exam and Oral Cancer Screening Today
Come see us at Dallas Family Dental for a comprehensive dental exam and receive an oral cancer screening. Don’t wonder, because knowing could save your life!
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Gum Disease Treatments
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is one of the most common oral health conditions on the planet. At Dallas Family Dental, we screen for periodontal disease at every routine appointment. And, if you need it, we offer gum disease treatment right here in the same convenient location.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the inflammation and infection of gum tissue and the bones that support the teeth. This infection starts out seeming relatively mild but can quickly wreak havoc if left untreated for too long. Remarkably, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the US.
Bacteria live above and below the gums. When bacteria accumulate in a critically high concentration, you can develop inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible if treated early. If those inflammation-causing bacteria are not cleared, however, our immune system will eventually stop responding properly. This is when gingivitis turns into periodontitis, which is accompanied by bone loss. Periodontitis is irreversible but can be managed. Gum disease has been shown to have a direct causal link to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.
Who Is at Risk for Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is very common, affecting about 47% of Americans over 30. But certain factors do put you more at risk compared to other patients. Those include:
Heredity
Smoking
Insufficient brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings
Diabetes
Chronic dry mouth
Immuno-deficiencies
Misaligned teeth
Bad bite
Compromised fillings or other defective restoration
Symptoms of Gum Disease
How do you know if you have gum disease? The best way by far is to be examined for it regularly. We will always check as part of your exam, but some symptoms to look for are:
Redness, swelling, or bleeding of gums
Persistent bad breath
Newly sensitive teeth
Loose or shifting teeth
Gums no longer holding tight to teeth
How Do You Treat Gum Disease?
We take the initial stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, and the more advanced periodontitis alike very seriously. So, first and foremost, we’ll work hard to help you avoid it altogether. But if you should join the nearly half of all Americans over 30 with gum disease, don’t panic. You’re definitely not alone, and we can help.
Dallas Family Dental’s gum disease treatment may involve any of the following, depending upon your individual circumstances:
Scaling and root planing
Antibiotics
Non-surgical soft tissue laser therapy
Surgical hard and soft tissue laser therapy performed by a periodontal specialist
We can help you get your gums, teeth, and bones healthy again and prevent future problems with gum disease.
In-House Gum Disease Treatment at Your Dentist’s Office
For gum disease treatment, reach out to us today. Dallas Family Dental can address your treatment from start to finish in-house with no referrals.
EMERGENCY TREATMENTS
Dental Emergency
With a whole team of general dentists, specialists, and dedicated staff members at your disposal, Dallas Family Dental is a dental office your family can count on when faced with a traumatic dental injury or severe oral pain. We make every effort to see emergency cases as soon as possible and provide the relief you desperately need. If you have a dental emergency, call us!
What is a Dental Emergency?
You may be wondering if your situation is a dental emergency. A few examples of dental emergencies are:
Severe pain or swelling in or around a tooth
An abscess tooth
Something cosmetically urgent, such as a broken front crown
Any broken or chipped tooth
If you’re unable to reach our office right away, please review the following first-aid tips for some of the most common dental emergencies patients face.
Avulsed Permanent Tooth
Do you still have the tooth? If you do, handle it very carefully (only touch the crown portion, not the root or attached tissue) and rinse off any foreign debris. Place the tooth in a cup or plastic baggie of milk and call Dallas Family Dental right away. Time is of the essence when it comes to lost teeth; the sooner you reach help, the greater the chances that the tooth can be successfully replanted.
Lost Baby Tooth
This one isn’t as urgent as a lost permanent tooth. We do not try to replant a lost baby tooth, because doing so could damage the permanent tooth coming behind it. If the tooth wasn’t due to fall out for a long time yet, we may recommend a small orthodontic space holder or bridge to prevent other teeth from creeping into its spot. But this is, thankfully, not an emergent situation. Just give us a call to make an appointment as soon as you can.
Broken Tooth
If any significant portions of the tooth have been dislodged, collect them and bring them with you to our office. Facial swelling is likely to occur in these situations; apply a cold compress to the appropriate cheek to reduce swelling.
Painful Toothache
Sometimes, oral pain is caused when a piece of food or other item is lodged between teeth. Thoroughly floss and rinse. If the discomfort persists, reach out to our team right away. It’s fine to take a painkiller in the interim, but don’t place it directly on the gums, as this may burn the soft tissue.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
If you’re struggling with excessive oral bleeding that isn’t alleviated by pressure, or a potentially broken jaw, please go to your nearest emergency room right away. After you’ve healed from the initial incident, our team can correct any lost or broken teeth you’ve suffered, with skilled reconstructive and cosmetic services.
We Can Help with Your Dental Emergency!
Our practice is open to patients for dental emergencies. Contact us today!
RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings have come to all but replace traditional amalgam fillings. Also known as composite fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made to match the exact color of your natural enamel so no one can see your fillings, not even you! Dallas Family Dental proudly offers tooth-colored fillings for the best esthetics and dental structure preservation.
Why Are Dental Fillings Important?
When a tooth has decay, a hole begins to form, which if left untreated, is a perfect little home for bacteria. That bacteria leads to more decay. When you get a filling, you’re accomplishing several very important things:
Removing the decay
Protecting the tooth
Strengthening the tooth
Restoring full function to the tooth
Relieving or preventing pain
Improving the appearance of your smile
We always want to address cavities as soon as possible, since waiting can lead to more serious problems like the dreaded root canal. Naturally, we always look for signs of cavities in your exams. But, if you ever see or feel anything worrisome between exams, please reach out right away so we can nip it in the bud!
RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Root Canal Therapy
What’s great about a root canal? It can save an otherwise doomed tooth and put a stop to your pain, all with one relatively quick procedure. If you need a root canal, Dallas Family Dental can help.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is recommended for teeth with advanced decay. In particular, we’re talking about decay that has reached the vulnerable inner pulp of the tooth, making extraction a very real possibility.
You may have heard a horror story or seen friends shudder at the mere mention of a root canal. They’re really not so bad, and it’s a straightforward procedure. Our endodontist performs many each week at Dallas Family Dental.
When we look at dental procedures in terms of what they can prevent, we typically see a much rosier picture. Getting the root canal you need can stop or prevent:
Further decay
Extraction
Pain
Necrosis
Implant and crown
Bone loss
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is in some ways similar to a filling. Here’s how the procedure goes:
Once you’re completely numbed with local anesthesia, the endodontist begins by drilling as we would to fill a regular cavity.
Going beyond the crown of the tooth, the endodontist accesses the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals to clean them thoroughly, removing decay and bacteria.
The next step is to replace the pulp with a safe, biocompatible substance.
Finally, we seal the tooth and place a dental restoration, typically a crown. This final touch restores the tooth’s natural shape and function.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Root canals sure do have a terrible reputation. The truth is, they’re not as bad as they’re made out to be for several reasons:
We will of course provide local anesthesia. You will not feel pain while the endodontist is working.
We also offer sedation for patients who want it.
If you’ve been experiencing a toothache, a root canal represents the end of that pain.
Soreness after a root canal procedure can be easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
Overall, you won’t experience very much, or any, pain associated with your root canal. We’ve got it down to a science!
RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Dental Implants
If you’ve lost a tooth (or teeth) because of decay, advanced periodontal disease, or a traumatic injury, dental implants may be able to help. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, or dentures can restore beauty to your smile and function to your bite. At Dallas Family Dental, we perform every step of the implant procedure right here in one convenient, comfortable location. We offer one-stop dental implants and a healthier smile that’s built to last!
Why Do I Need a Dental Implant?
When you need to replace an entire tooth including the root, an implant is by far the best choice. Crowns, conventional bridges, and traditional dentures only replace the top, visible, portion of teeth. Without a root (or something root-like) to stimulate it, the jawbone can resorb, or deteriorate. That bone loss eventually affects surrounding teeth and can lead to additional tooth loss, along with other problems. So, when an entire tooth is missing, root and all, you’re always better off with an implant if it’s an option for you.
Occasionally, a patient doesn’t have sufficient bone structure for either type of implant. In this case, we may recommend a bone graft, a bridge, or a partial denture.
Dental Implant Procedure
Not every patient is a candidate for a dental implant, so we’ll first determine if you are. Once you and your care team have decided on an implant procedure, we’ll schedule an appointment and coordinate it with the periodontist. On the day of your appointment:
Your procedure will begin with plenty of local anesthesia to completely numb the site where the implant is to be placed.
The periodontist makes an incision in the gum tissue to access the alveolar bone.
Next, the periodontist surgically places the implant into the bone and stitches up the gum tissue.
You’ll come back in a week or so for a follow-up and to have your stitches out if they haven’t already come out on their own.
Finally, we wait. Through a process called osseointegration, your bone fuses to the titanium implant. Once that’s complete, we can place your restoration—crown, bridge, denture, etc.
Getting Your Tooth (or Teeth) Replacement
Once the implant is integrated, you’ll return to Dallas Family Dental for your restoration. Crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and dentures are examples of restorations—they’re replacement teeth.
For an individual tooth replacement, we place a custom-made, all-ceramic dental crown. For multiple teeth, you can indeed get multiple implants and crowns. Or, our prosthodontist will design a high-quality dental bridge or other prosthetic that attaches securely to the implant(s) and provides excellent function and aesthetics.
Get Dental Implants
We’re proud to offer you and your family a comprehensive oral healthcare home! For implants, our periodontist and prosthodontist can oversee your entire treatment. Contact our office today to schedule your first appointment with our skilled team of doctors and staff members. We look forward to transforming your oral health and happiness for the better!
RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges offer restoration for missing, broken, or damaged teeth. In short, they’re replacement teeth. Crowns are typically used to replace a single tooth, while bridges can stand in for multiple missing or damaged teeth that are adjacent to one another. Dallas Family Dental can help you determine which restoration is the right one for your individual situation. In any case, you can look forward to getting dental crowns or dental bridges all in one convenient dental office.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the most common and versatile restorative treatments available for patients with a significantly damaged or decayed tooth. These custom “caps” are designed to restore the above-gum portion of the tooth with a lifelike replacement. A crown recreates the natural tooth’s shape, color, strength, and function.
Implant-Supported Crowns
In some cases, the original tooth’s root is also damaged, and you may need an implant to support the crown instead. An implant is a tiny titanium rod, or screw, surgically attached to the periodontal bone to act as a prosthetic root. The best news is, we can handle that in-office too!
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
What issues call for a dental crown? The dental crown’s function as part of a healthy bite is straightforward, but reasons for getting one vary to include:
Restoring a tooth that has lost its function or strength due to decay or trauma
Replacing a tooth’s natural crown after root-canal treatment
Anchoring a dental bridge
Replacing a tooth that is lost due to periodontal disease or trauma
Improving cosmetic appearance
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row along the top or bottom arch. A bridge is often anchored by crowns on the surrounding teeth, but it can also be supported by implants if sufficient bone structure exists for an implant.
Implant-Retained Bridges
Implant-retained bridges are highly recommended where possible, for a couple of reasons:
They don’t require any natural teeth to be significantly altered.
Implants provide more stimulation to the jawbone, which helps to prevent bone loss.
When Is a Dental Bridge Needed?
Anytime a few teeth in a row are missing, a bridge may be the best solution. The most common reasons for losing multiple teeth together are decay, gum disease, and dental trauma.
A bridge can also be an alternative to an implant and crown in certain instances of a single missing tooth.
It is important to replace missing teeth because their prolonged absence can cause other problems, including:
Bite or chewing problems
Bone loss
Diastema (gaps) or malocclusion (crooked teeth) due to the remaining teeth shifting over time
You’ll also love the way you look with your restored chompers!
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
ZOOM! Teeth Whitening
Tooth enamel can become stained or discolored over time for a variety of reasons, such as genetics, oral hygiene, dietary habits, and even certain medications. If you’re ready to refresh your smile’s glow, talk to our team at Dallas Family Dental about teeth whitening. Dallas Family Dental offers in-office Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening, which can whiten your teeth up to eight shades with a quick 45-minute treatment.
What Causes Yellow or Discolored Teeth?
First, a quick exploration of how teeth staining works. Your tooth’s enamel is white, and the layer underneath—dentin—is yellow. As we age, the enamel wears away and exposes the dentin. This intrinsic type of discoloration is the most common, but other causes may include:
Plaque or calculus
Beverages like wine, soda, coffee, tea
Certain foods including colored candies, tomato sauces, curry, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar
Tobacco use
Antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwashes
Use of certain antibiotics
Cavities or dental trauma
Amalgam fillings
Too much fluoride
Genetic disorders or genetically thinner enamel
Many types of discoloration can be reversed with a whitening treatment. If you have discolored teeth, reach out to Dallas Family Dental to find out if Zoom Whitening can help you!
Does Zoom Whitening Really Work?
Is it worth it? Yes! We’ve worked with a number of teeth whitening systems, and we choose to offer Zoom because it’s the most effective one we’ve found. Additionally, our in-office Zoom treatment is performed by dental professionals, so you can rest assured it will be done right.
How Zoom Teeth Whitening Works
Your entire appointment should take less than an hour. In this time, we’ll:
Place a shield to protect your lips and gums.
Apply a whitening gel.
Train a blue LED light on your mouth to help the gel penetrate the enamel.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 up to four times as needed.
Apply a desensitizing gel to reduce any sensitivity you may experience in the days after the treatment.
The peroxide in Zoom Whitening gel has a bleaching action that whitens your teeth. This active ingredient penetrates your teeth’s enamel and dentin layers during treatment to offer a deep whitening action.
Does Zoom Teeth Whitening Hurt?
No! During treatment, you do have to sit still with your teeth exposed for about 45 minutes. You might get a little restless or uncomfortable. Your teeth may feel cold from the gel. But it’s not a painful procedure by any stretch.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?
For some patients, there is a phase of sensitivity that can follow a whitening treatment. The whitening gel penetrates your enamel and dentin and temporarily dehydrates it, reducing the sensory protection that your enamel typically provides.
This dehydration, and resulting sensitivity, usually disappears within a few days, but it can last up to a few weeks for some patients. Other patients, on the other hand, experience no sensitivity at all.
We apply a desensitizing gel as part of your whitening treatment, which is a relatively new measure. And finally, if you do still experience sensitivity, a toothpaste specialized for sensitive teeth can reduce it until it goes away entirely.
How Much Does Zoom Teeth Whitening Cost?
It costs less than a new iPhone to erase years of staining from your smile!
How Long Does Zoom Teeth Whitening Last?
The benefits of our in-office Zoom whitening treatment last anywhere from one to four years. Patients can make their bright smiles last by:
Avoiding foods and drinks that stain, and/or using a straw to drink dark beverages
Abstaining from tobacco use
Staying on top of daily oral hygiene
Using a whitening toothpaste
Coming back for regular Zoom treatments!
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Porcelain Veneers
If you’re looking for a comprehensive cosmetic solution that’s fast and natural-looking, porcelain veneers could be the right choice for you. These thin restorations are bonded directly to the visible surface of your teeth, creating a beautiful new, uniform finish. Dallas Family Dental’s porcelain veneers can give you that gorgeous straight, bright smile you’ve always wanted!
Why Get Porcelain Veneers?
Patients come to us to get porcelain veneers for many reasons. The one thing they all have in common is that they all want a great-looking smile! Some of the reasons for getting veneers are:
Discoloration that whitening doesn’t fix
Minor misalignment of teeth
Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth or teeth
Teeth that are worn
Diastema, or gap(s)
When you come in for a consultation, we’ll ask you about your goals for your smile. This is a good starting point for exploring all of your options. The information we get from that conversation will also help us plan your treatment so that you get the most out of it.
How Porcelain Veneers Are Done
With any procedure, it can help ease anxiety to know what is going to happen. And as dental procedures go, this is an easy one:
To begin your porcelain veneers, the dentist will trim about 0.5 to 0.75 mm from your tooth’s enamel.
The dentist or their assistant will take impressions of your teeth now so that the lab can make veneers that fit perfectly onto them.
The dentist will create a design for your porcelain veneers that matches the surrounding natural teeth in terms of translucency and other qualities.
The dentist will send the impressions and specifications to their lab of choice and apply temporary veneers if they’re needed.
Once the lab prepares your veneers, you’ll return to the dentist’s office to have them fitted and placed.
Now, you get to enjoy your gorgeous new smile and the confidence that comes with it!
Are Porcelain Veneers Painful?
Most patients experience no pain or discomfort at all. The trimming process is a little like sanding, and it’s only applied to the outermost layers of enamel.
Some patients do have to have cavities filled or old fillings replaced before receiving veneers. But, thanks to the gift of anesthesia, fillings aren’t painful either!
There is a short period after veneers are applied during which some patients report sensitivity. This should go away entirely in a few weeks or less.
Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?
Porcelain veneers last 7–15 years for most patients. Certainly, a veneer could fail before 7 years or last longer than 15, but the majority fall into that range. Porcelain veneers are permanent in the sense that they’re irreversible. If one breaks or disengages from the tooth, you’ll need to have it replaced. Having a veneer or veneers replaced is the same process as having them placed the first time.
Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers
In addition to traditional veneers, we offer Lumineers as an even less invasive cosmetic treatment that doesn’t require as much alteration to your natural teeth. This type of veneer has one primary benefit: It’s reversible. If you no longer want veneers at a later date, you can simply have Lumineers removed. There is also one primary drawback: No-prep veneers like Lumineers don’t last as long as porcelain veneers and have to be replaced more often.
Direct bonding may also be a good alternative for small things you’d like to improve in your smile. Visit our dental bonding page for more information on this treatment.
Get Porcelain Veneers
Book a consultation with Dallas Family Dental today to learn more about how porcelain veneers can help you love your smile!
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Crown Lengthening & Gingivectomy
Gummy smile. If you have excessive gingival display, you’re probably familiar with its colloquial synonym. This is when your gums are tall, or your teeth appear short. Both, really. What is happening in many such cases is that an overabundance of soft tissue and bone may be hiding perfectly healthy dental structure. And there is something we can do. At Dallas Family Dental, we offer two treatments for a gummy smile of this type: crown lengthening and gingivectomy.
Note: There can be other causes for a gummy smile, such as worn teeth, where suitable treatments might be veneers or direct bonding.
What is Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is a treatment that recontours the gum tissue that covers a portion of the teeth. Dentists use either a laser or a scalpel to perform gingivectomy, but at Dallas Family Dental, it’s almost always performed using a laser. This makes it a quick and painless procedure. The laser also sterilizes and cauterizes the gum tissue as we work, which promotes fast healing and recovery. We can also reshape damaged gum tissue with laser gingivectomy.
What’s Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a similar treatment to gingivectomy, but it involves recontouring some bone tissue in addition to gum tissue. The more common scenario with excessive gingival display is that the healthy tooth structure we want to expose is hidden under both gum and bone. No worries, we can still use a laser, and it’s still a fairly easy procedure! The dentist may recommend a local anesthesia for crown lengthening, and any residual soreness should be minor and treatable with over-the-counter NSAIDs.
Noncosmetic Crown Lengthening
Occasionally, it’s clinically indicated for us to perform a crown lengthening in order to place a dental crown. This happens when a tooth has deep decay that goes under the bone and gum tissue, but the tooth is otherwise salvageable. You’re typically getting a root canal in this scenario, and your doctor will let you know if you need a crown lengthening.
Laser Crown Lengthening and Gingivectomy
Book an appointment at Dallas Family Dental to learn more about how crown lengthening can help you access your full, gorgeous smile!
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Direct Bonding
If there is something minor you’d like to change about your smile, you may be a good candidate for dental bonding. An even less invasive procedure than porcelain veneers or Lumineers, direct composite bonding is a great way to fix certain minor cosmetic dental issues, such as:
A chipped or cracked tooth
Staining or discoloration
Minor diastema (dental gaps)
Tooth wear
Misshapen tooth
Also sometimes called direct composite veneers, our dental bonding can be a simple and quick fix to get your smile where you want it.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses the same material as tooth-colored fillings and serves a similar purpose. Rather than filling a cavity in the tooth, however, we can place it onto the tooth and sculpt it to fix imperfections.
The procedure is simple. To apply dental bonding, the dentist does the following:
Preps the tooth with an acid gel that creates an etched surface for the composite to adhere to.
Remove the gel.
Applies the composite resin in stages, sculpting and curing it to the required shape at each stage.
Finishes and polishes the restoration for texture, appearance, and longevity.
Get Dental Bonding
Reach out to us at Dallas Family Dental today to learn about your options and find out if dental bonding can help you get your ideal smile. This service usually only requires one appointment, and the improvements can last for several years.
ORTHODONTICS
Invisalign®
You or your teen may not love the idea of braces for any number of reasons. Thankfully, Dallas Family Dental offers clear alternatives, including Invisalign®. These clear aligner systems offer a subtle appearance, far less obvious than braces. Invisalign and similar systems are also conveniently removable so patients can still enjoy their favorite foods.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment employs a series of customized aligners to gradually move your teeth to their ideal positions. Made from a patented material designed specifically for orthodontics, Invisalign aligners are comfortable and easy to take off and put on.
Invisalign vs Braces
Advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces include that they:
Are clear and inconspicuous
Can be easily removed for eating or drinking whatever you like
Are easy to put on
Require fewer office visits
Tend to be more comfortable overall
Come with no food restrictions
Usually involve a shorter treatment time
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies based on your particular situation, but it typically spans anywhere from 9-15 months.
Are There Alternatives to Invisalign?
We do provide a more cost-effective clear-aligner treatment in addition to Invisalign. Our doctors will be happy to work with you to determine which orthodontic solution best fits your personal needs and budget.
The most important factor in choosing a clear orthodontic aligner system is the provider. It is essential to work with a qualified and experienced dental professional like the ones at Dallas Family Dental. Your teeth need to move in a specific order, and your provider must be able to map the treatment plan expertly to ensure successful treatment.
What Would I Look Like with Straighter Teeth?
You can upload a selfie and see an image of your future smile! Simply snap a pic of yourself and see what you could look like with straighter teeth, in under 60 seconds.
How to Pay for Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign varies quite a bit depending upon your treatment, but we have options to make paying for it easier. Many dental insurance plans at least partially cover Invisalign. We also work with both LendingPoint and CareCredit to provide monthly payment arrangements. LendingPoint offers terms up to 60 months, and CareCredit has a 24-month interest-free plan.
ORAL SURGERY
Tooth Extractions
At Dallas Family Dental, we value preventive care fundamentally. Naturally, cavities and other dental misfortunes can still occur. When they do, we always err on the side of preserving the tooth and maintaining as much of its structure as possible. But, there are times when a tooth can’t be saved and must be extracted. If this should occur, we’re here for you, offering compassion and tooth extractions.
Are Tooth Extractions Painful?
Probably not as much as you’re anticipating! Many patients report that receiving the local anesthesia is the worst part of getting a tooth pulled. It is a bit of a pinch, but we apply a topical numbing agent to make that less unpleasant.
As for the procedure itself, you shouldn’t expect to feel pain at all. In fact, if you do, let us know—we will stop and administer more anesthesia. Tooth extractions do usually come with some residual achiness in the days following the procedure, which is easily managed with over-the-counter NSAIDs.
Many patients fear the threat of a tooth extraction and will even avoid much-needed dental appointments because of it. Don’t let this be you! We’ll take good care of you and help that tooth avoid bigger problems in the future. Our doctors understand your fear; we’re patient, respectful, and gentle.
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
If you find yourself needing a tooth extraction, it could be for one of the following reasons:
A tooth has suffered a traumatic injury and cannot be saved.
You have a tooth that’s heavily decayed and can’t be saved with a restoration like a filling or crown.
There is periodontal disease affecting the tooth.
A tooth has to be removed to make room for orthodontic correction.
You have an impacted tooth.
You have a failed root canal or restoration.
The Extraction-to-Implant Pipeline
In most cases, we’ll recommend replacing the extracted tooth. The obvious, aesthetic reason for this is just the beginning. Replacing the tooth will:
Yes, look great.
Prevent other teeth from moving into the new space, becoming misaligned, and affecting your bite.
Help sustain jawbone structure so you don’t experience bone loss, which can lead to more tooth loss.
Maintain the structure of your face.
There are several ways to replace a tooth once it’s been extracted. Our first choice is an implant. An implant with a crown is most like your natural tooth. It will do the best job of keeping the jawbone stimulated and structurally sound. It looks, feels, and acts just like a natural tooth.
But there are times when patients aren’t candidates for implants, so we offer bridges and other restorations as well.
Tooth Extractions
If you need a tooth extraction, end your search and come see the experienced doctors and specialists at Dallas Family Dental. Most patients can get all their dental care under one roof with us, no referrals. Reach out today to make an appointment!
ORAL SURGERY
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last adult teeth to emerge, usually sometime between ages 16 and 22. Unfortunately, many mouths don’t have the space to accommodate them, resulting in dangerous impaction, higher risk of decay, and other significant concerns. For those patients, Dallas Family Dental offers wisdom tooth removal.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal, or extraction, is the treatment for impaction. At Dallas Family Dental, we offer this among our many services. Our patients love that they rarely, if ever, need to get a referral to a different dental office. Our multi-specialty clinic can handle almost all of your dental needs.
As part of your (or your child’s) regular comprehensive exams, our doctors will closely monitor the position or development of the wisdom teeth to determine the risk of complications. If we see something concerning, we may recommend extraction.
Why Take Wisdom Teeth Out?
Most reasons for surgically removing wisdom teeth have to do with space—there isn’t enough space in the patient’s mouth. But this problem can manifest in a variety of ways and cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common issues associated with impacted or crowded wisdom teeth are:
Inflammation and infection
Problems keeping the areas behind and between the teeth clean
Damage to adjacent teeth
Crowding with nearby teeth
Cysts in the jawbone
There is some overlap between the above manifestations, as overcrowding can cause a patient to have trouble keeping the teeth and gums clean, for example. But each of those presentations comes with its own set of difficulties and symptoms. Symptoms of impacted or crowded wisdom teeth can include:
Pain or swelling in the gum tissue or jaw
Bleeding gums
Foul-smelling breath
Gum or bone loss
We keep an eye on our patients’ imaging at each exam so we can help you avoid these problems entirely. But please see us about our wisdom teeth removal if you do experience any of the above symptoms!
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?
As with most major dental procedures, perhaps the worst part is the anticipation. Local anesthesia will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure. You will likely feel pressure as each tooth is removed, but you should feel no pain at all.
After the wisdom teeth are removed, you will probably have some swelling and a bit of soreness, but it’s nothing Ibuprofen and Tylenol can’t handle. If your wisdom teeth never erupted, then the oral surgeon will have to make incisions in the gum tissue to access them. This can cause additional gum tissue soreness, but again, NSAIDs should do the trick!
Within a few weeks, your mouth should feel completely normal again.
See Our Specialists for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Reach out to Dallas Family Dental today to talk with us about having your wisdom teeth removed. We look forward to helping you!