Going to the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many people, often preventing them from seeking the care they need. Thankfully, sedation dentistry provides a solution that ensures comfort and relaxation throughout your dental procedures. At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we believe in empowering patients with knowledge so they can feel confident about their care. This guide explains how sedation dentistry works and how it helps patients feel at ease while receiving necessary treatments.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is commonly referred to as "sleep dentistry," but in most cases, patients remain awake, albeit in a deeply relaxed state. Options available include oral sedation, nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas), and IV sedation. Each method is selected based on the patient’s level of anxiety and the complexity of the procedure.

Patients often describe the experience as feeling drowsy or unbothered by the sights, smells, and sounds that may otherwise make them uncomfortable. This approach ensures that valuable dental treatments are accessible to everyone, especially those who fear the dentist or struggle with sensitive oral health conditions.

Types of Sedation Levels

One of the advantages of sedation dentistry is the flexibility in tailoring the sedation level to the patient’s specific needs. Here are the main options:

• Minimal Sedation: You remain awake but feel completely relaxed. Nitrous oxide, inhaled through a small mask over your nose, is commonly used for this purpose.
• Moderate Sedation: Often delivered orally through medication, moderate sedation allows you to relax further, although you’ll still be able to respond to the dentist.
• Deep Sedation: This level leaves you on the brink of sleep but still somewhat conscious. IV sedation, which is administered intravenously, is a common approach here.
• General Anesthesia: This is the deepest level, where you are entirely unconscious. It is typically reserved for complex procedures like oral surgery.

Your dentist will assess your medical history, anxiety levels, and the procedure's requirements to recommend the most suitable option for you.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

The benefits of sedation dentistry extend beyond just helping with dental fears. Here are some of the advantages it offers:

• Reduced Anxiety: A calm mind allows you to receive treatment without distraction or discomfort, making regular dental visits more manageable.
• Pain-Free Experience: Sedation minimizes discomfort across procedures, from minor cleanings to more invasive interventions.
• Efficient Appointments: With relaxation in place, dentists can complete more work in fewer visits since they don’t have to stop and accommodate sudden pain or anxiety.
• Improved Comfort for Long Procedures: For treatments that take several hours to complete, sedation ensures you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout.
• Accessibility for Those with Special Needs: Sedation dentistry provides a comfortable and safe environment for patients with conditions like sensory sensitivities or physical impairments.

By addressing both emotional and physical concerns, sedation dentistry ensures a more positive dental experience for all.

When Is Sedation Dentistry Recommended?

While sedation is an excellent option for anyone feeling uneasy about visiting the dentist, it is especially beneficial for patients in the following situations:

• Dental Anxiety or Phobia: Patients who feel fear or panic surrounding dental visits can benefit greatly from sedation, making their experience stress-free.
• Sensitive Gag Reflex: For individuals who have a strong gag reflex, sedation can help suppress these sensations, allowing for smoother treatments.
• Extensive Procedures: Compassionate care during longer or more intensive dental work, such as root canals or extractions, is possible with sedation.
• Low Pain Threshold: Patients who are particularly sensitive to pain may find sedation helpful in making dental care approachable.
• Difficulty Sitting Still: Young children or individuals with conditions like ADHD may find that sedation eases the challenge of staying calm during appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

What should I expect before and after sedation dentistry?

Before your procedure, your dentist will review your medical history and discuss the sedation options available to you. Depending on the type of sedation, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking before the procedure. After sedation, especially for moderate or deeper levels, it’s important to have someone accompany you to drive you home. Some patients may experience drowsiness, so scheduling time to rest afterward is recommended.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes, sedation dentistry is generally safe when conducted by trained professionals. At Fairbanks Dental Associates, our team takes comprehensive measures by conducting a thorough health evaluation beforehand and monitoring you closely throughout the procedure. With personalized care and advanced protocols, your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we are proud to serve the Temple and Belton, TX communities by providing compassionate and professional dental care, including sedation dentistry. From routine visits to specialized treatments, we make your comfort our priority. Schedule an Appointment with us today to take the first step toward stress-free dental care.

Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are a crucial part of your overall oral health routine. Many people delay or skip dental appointments, often underestimating their importance. However, routine check-ups are more than just a chance to polish your teeth; they’re an opportunity to detect and address potential issues before they become major problems. 

At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we believe proactive dental care is essential for everyone, no matter their age. If you’re wondering why regular dental visits matter, this blog will explore the top three reasons to schedule your next appointment. 

Early Detection of Dental Problems 

One of the most compelling reasons to see your dentist regularly is the opportunity for early detection of dental issues. Problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections can develop quietly, showing little to no symptoms in their early stages. By the time discomfort becomes noticeable, the issue may have already progressed into something more serious, often requiring extensive treatment. 

During a comprehensive dental exam, your dentist thoroughly evaluates your teeth and gums for early signs of trouble. This includes using advanced tools to detect hard-to-see problems like tiny cavities or early gum inflammation. Early detection not only prevents complications but also saves time and money by reducing the need for complex treatments later on. 

Maintain Optimal Oral Health 

Even the most diligent brushing and flossing routine has its limitations. Plaque can build up in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, eventually hardening into tartar. Once tartar forms, it requires professional cleaning, as it cannot be removed with at-home dental tools. 

Regular dental cleanings during your appointments help remove plaque and tartar buildup, protecting you from tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, your dentist or dental hygienist can provide personalized advice on improving your at-home oral care routine. This might include tips on brushing techniques, recommended products, or dietary advice to support your long-term oral health. 

Prevent Serious Health Issues 

Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. Researchers have found strong connections between gum disease and systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By visiting your dentist regularly, you’re not only caring for your teeth and gums but also reducing your risk for these serious conditions. 

Dental check-ups also often include oral cancer screenings. Your dentist examines your mouth, cheeks, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities that might indicate early signs of oral cancer. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes, making regular dental visits an essential part of staying healthy overall. 

Dental Care That Goes Beyond the Basics 

Making regular appointments with your dentist is one of the most impactful ways to maintain a healthy and radiant smile. Beyond that, it’s an investment in your overall well-being. Through early detection, professional cleaning, and preventative care, routine visits to Fairbanks Dental Associates can enhance your oral health and keep you on track to avoid serious health complications.

If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, now is the perfect time to prioritize your health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience compassionate, expert care from our team. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Exams 

What is included in a comprehensive dental exam? 

A comprehensive dental exam typically involves a thorough evaluation of your oral health. This includes checking for cavities, gum disease, and signs of tooth damage. Your dentist may also take X-rays to assess areas below the surface and perform an oral cancer screening. 

How often should I see my dentist? 

It’s generally recommended to see your dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, the frequency may vary based on your dental health needs. Your dentist will provide a personalized schedule to ensure your smile stays in top condition. 

At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we proudly serve the Temple, TX community and surrounding areas with high-quality dental care. From preventative check-ups to restorative treatments, our team is here to help you achieve a healthier smile. Schedule an appointment today!

If you are part of the majority and would rather hide your smile than show it, cosmetic dentistry could give you the change you’ve been looking for. 

Dentists have plenty of options for maintaining oral health and restoring the functionality of teeth, but appearance is also very important. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry treatments, patients have the chance to feel good about their smiles.

This article explores some of the dental treatments that are considered cosmetic dentistry — and how they can transform a smile. 

What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Do? 

There are many cosmetic dentistry treatments available. For patients, that means there are plenty of options for treating many different issues, such as: 

• Replacing missing teeth
• Removing stains
• Hiding discolorations
• Covering and supporting chipped or fractured teeth
• Closing gaps between teeth
• Straightening crooked teeth
• Reducing a gummy smile

The world of cosmetic dentistry is vast so this is just a sample of what it can do. If there is something you aren’t happy with about your smile or oral health, talk to your dentist. 

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Below are a few of the most common procedures that are considered cosmetic dentistry. 

• Dental implants
• Teeth whitening
• Composite fillings 
• Porcelain crowns
• Veneers
• Porcelain fixed bridges
• Laser gum removal
• Invisalign

Each of these treatments offers a solution to some of the most common cosmetic issues patients face. For instance, dental implants and porcelain fixed bridges are perfect for replacing a missing tooth or missing teeth. Veneers are great for fixing things like gaps, discolorations, chips, and otherwise imperfect teeth. Teeth whitening can remove stains and leave you with pearly whites. And Invisalign is an easy way to straighten a crooked smile. 

If you have amalgam fillings – the highly visible metal fillings - they can be replaced with composite fillings that will blend in with your current teeth. 

The Value of Cosmetic Dentistry

There is so much value in investing in your smile. Rather than undergoing a dental treatment because you have to, cosmetic dental procedures are those you do because you want to. When you transform your smile into one you feel good about, you will see the value of it. 

• Improved smile and enhanced overall appearance. 
• Better oral health. 
• Relief from alignment and bite issues. 
• Improved nutrition thanks to stronger, healthier teeth and being able to eat a wide variety of foods. 

Of course, you simply cannot overlook the impact of cosmetic dentistry on one’s level of confidence. When you are happy with your smile, you are more likely to show it off – and that feels good. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry

Will dental insurance cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry? 

Cosmetic dental procedures are often considered elective and are not typically covered by dental insurance. However, you always want to check your coverage. 

Is teeth-whitening done in-office or at home? 

Professional teeth whitening from your dentist can be done either in the office or at home. Both will provide you with the greatest results.

Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry in Temple, TX

At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we want our patients to not only have a healthy smile but to feel good and confident about it, too. We offer the latest procedures and state-of-the-art equipment to give you the best results. 

To learn more or schedule your visit, contact us today at 254-778-4402. Or, request an appointment online. 

Dental crowns have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years — or longer. But that does not mean they cannot fall out at any time. It can happen when you least expect it due to several reasons, such as eating chewy, sticky foods or the formation of decay underneath the crown. 

If your dental crown falls off for one reason or another, keep reading to find out what steps to take next. 

Find and Clean Your Crown

Ideally, if your crown falls off, you want to find it and rinse it well. It may be loose within your mouth or easily removed from the tooth itself. Or, it could end up coming out of the mouth and may need to be physically located. 

Once you have it in your hand, examine the crown. Those that are not damaged can often be recemented into place without issue. This is one of the best-case scenarios as it can save you a lot of time and money since you won’t require another custom crown to be created. Therefore, store the crown in a safe place until you can see your dentist. 

Make an Appointment to See Your Dentist

One thing you want to do, whether you have found your crown or not, is to contact your dentist. Explain what has happened and the details of the situation — and then schedule an appointment to be seen as soon as possible. 

Based on your set of circumstances, your dentist’s office will likely give you some personalized direction on what you should or should not do until you can be seen by the dentist. 

Protect the Tooth

Unless you can see your dentist immediately, you will need to take steps to protect your tooth until your appointment. 

It is not uncommon for your tooth under the crown to be sore and tender once it becomes exposed. You can use temporary dental cement to create a temporary cover and provide a shield for the tooth. Dental wax works much the same. Both can be purchased over the counter at your local drugstore. 

Don’t worry — your dentist will be able to easily remove both when it is time for your appointment. 

Avoid chewing on the side where your tooth is and avoid any hard, crunchy, or chewy foods as these could put the natural tooth at risk. Make sure you brush well and keep the area clean. Consider using a mouthwash, too, to keep bacteria and germs at bay. 

What if the Dental Crown Becomes Loose? 

If your dental crown becomes loose but has not fallen out, you will still need to seek help from your dentist. Contact their office as soon as possible to make an appointment to be seen. 

Take precautions until the time of your appointment to prevent any further damage to the crown

By being proactive, you will reduce the chance of your dental crown falling out on its own. 

Learn More About Dental Crowns

At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we are here for you to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have with your dental crown. So, whether it is loose, has fallen off, or anything else, give us a call at 254-778-4402.

Or, simply request an appointment online.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t replace a dental crown that falls out? 

A dental crown is often put in place to restore the integrity of a vulnerable tooth. If you do not replace it, you are putting that tooth at risk.  

Are dental crowns better than dental fillings? 

Dental crowns and dental fillings both work well to protect a natural tooth. They are simply used in different situations. For instance, in cases where a hole is too big for a filling, a dental crown will be used.

Going to the dentist is not usually at the top of everyone’s list of fun things to do— but it is something that should be done every six months. 

Keep reading to find out what to expect on these routine visits, the benefits of visiting the dentist so often, and why some patients may need to see the dentist more frequently. 

What Happens at a Routine Dental Visit? 

Routine dental visits for everyone in the family – kids and adults alike – may vary from dentist to dentist, yet they are all relatively the same. You can almost always expect a cleaning, examination, and, on occasion, digital images.  

It doesn’t matter how well you clean your teeth between visits, there are certain areas that get missed along the way where buildup of plaque can occur. This increases your risk of tooth decay. A professional dental cleaning at your dentist will remove the sticky plaque, leaving your teeth fresh and free.

An oral examination by the dentist will allow any potential issues to be caught before they get worse. A treatment plan can then be created to address these issues before they become more complex down the road. 

This is all part of the proper care and treatment for your oral health — and it all comes with a routine dental visit. 

Benefits of Routine Dental Visits

Visiting your dentist regularly can provide you with many opportunities and advantages for improving or maintaining your oral health, including:

• A reduced need for more complex dental work. When you visit the dentist routinely, you can feel confident that your dentist will be able to spot potential issues and address them early—before they become more complex and require more invasive treatment. 

• Learn how to properly care for your teeth. Routine appointments give your dentist the chance to see how well you are maintaining your teeth between visits. And, they can point out any changes you may need to make for optimal health. 

• Enhance your overall health. Your oral health and overall health are connected. Poor dental care can lead to the spread of infection throughout the body. However, when your teeth are properly cared for, you can feel confident that you are not damaging your health as a whole.

• Save money. There is no denying that dental work can be expensive – especially when it is a complex procedure. With routine visits, you reduce the need for major dental work and save yourself money. 

Routine dental visits allow you to save your teeth, promote the longevity of your healthy smile, address things like bad breath and bruxism, as well as give you peace of mind that your oral health is on point. 

Personalized Dental Needs

Each patient is going to have a different set of dental needs. So bi-annual dental visits may not be enough. 

Depending on a few factors, your dentist may suggest coming in at a different frequency. A couple of these factors include your current oral health, dental treatment history, future dental needs, and the like. 

It is not uncommon for dentists to recommend dental visits every three months for those who have greater risk factors. 

Schedule Your Family’s Next Dental Visit

If it has been a while since your family has visited the dentist, then it is time to make that appointment. At Fairbanks Dental Associates, come in for a professional cleaning and oral examination. We can work together to address your oral health needs. 

Contact us today at 254-778-4402. Or, request an appointment online. 

Brushing and flossing regularly can play a significant role in your oral health. However, you likely know that staying on top of oral hygiene isn’t enough. To ensure your teeth stay in ideal condition, you also need to schedule regular dental cleanings with a general dentist.

Even if you know this, you might nevertheless be a busy individual who struggles to find the time for a dental cleaning. Don’t worry if so. Although the length of a dental cleaning may vary somewhat from patient to patient, usually, a dentist can thoroughly clean your teeth in about an hour or less.

How Long is a Dental Cleaning?

A typical dental cleaning will last between 30 and 60 minutes. Factors that may influence how long a professional dental cleaning takes include:

• Your overall oral health
• The degree to which plaque and tartar have built up
• How long it’s been since your last dental cleaning
• How vigilant you are about brushing and flossing

Your dental cleaning might also take longer than average if you have any questions for the dentist or dental hygienist. While asking questions may add to the length of an appointment, if you do want to learn more about caring for your teeth, it’s wise to take this opportunity to discuss these matters with a professional.

How Often Should You Schedule a Dental Cleaning?

The general rule of thumb most people abide by is that adult patients should schedule dental cleanings every six months. While following this suggestion may be sufficient to optimize the dental and oral health of most patients, it’s important to understand that the American Dental Association’s recommendations on this matter have shifted somewhat in recent years.

Every patient is unique. Now, the ADA recommends tailoring treatment plans to each individual patient. Thus, depending on your needs, your dentist might suggest that you schedule dental cleanings more frequently than every six months. 

Follow their advice if they believe you need to schedule professional cleanings more regularly. You can always ask your dentist to explain in greater detail why they recommend scheduling cleanings more frequently than the average patient. Once you understand your unique treatment needs, you may be more inclined to schedule appointments.

What Does a Dental Cleaning Consist Of?

Just as a dentist may recommend that some patients schedule cleanings earlier than others, they might also adjust how they clean a patient’s teeth based on their oral health. That said, a professional dental cleaning usually involves:

• A general examination of your teeth and other oral tissues
• Scaling, which involves using a small hook-like tool to remove plaque and tartar
• Polishing, during which a dentist or dental hygienist uses a gritty toothpaste to improve the appearance of your teeth and remove debris
• Flossing between the teeth
• Rinsing

Again, a dentist might decide additional steps are necessary to ensure they clean your teeth as thoroughly as possible. For example, a dentist might suggest a fluoride treatment, during which you will apply a fluoride gel to your teeth for about a minute. Per the ADA, fluoride could help guard against dental decay.

A Dental Cleaning Saves Time in the Long Run

Professional dental cleanings can significantly reduce your odds of developing cavities and other such oral health issues. Additionally, a dental cleaning gives a professional the chance to identify any issues early, treating them before they develop into major problems.

Remember that the next time you wonder whether you have time for a dental cleaning! By listening to your dentist and scheduling cleanings regularly, you can save time and money in the long run by preventing complications that may otherwise require more extensive treatment.

Schedule a Dental Cleaning in Temple, TX Today

Are you overdue for your next dental cleaning? If so, our team at Fairbanks Dental Associates is on hand to offer the professional and thorough cleaning your teeth and gums deserve. Contact us online or call us at 254-778-4402 to request an appointment today!

From drinking coffee to eating certain berries, there are many ways your teeth can potentially become stained over the years. There are also several teeth whitening options available to you when this happens.

Many over the counter whitening strips and toothpastes promise to brighten your smile. Your dentist may also offer professional teeth whitening service.

Which is better? Generally, a professional will deliver more impressive results than you can achieve through an over the counter product. However, every patient has different needs depending on the extent of their teeth staining. 

A dentist can evaluate the degree to which your teeth are stained to determine whether professional teeth whitening is necessary, or whether you can simply whiten your teeth with over the counter products. In the meantime, this overview will help you better understand why a dentist can brighten your smile more effectively than a product you might buy at your local pharmacy can.

What Does Professional Teeth Whitening Involve?

An in-office teeth whitening treatment generally involves the following steps:

• Placing a rubber shield over the gums to prevent the bleaching agent from causing gum irritation
• Applying a bleaching or whitening agent to the teeth
• Activating the whitening agent with a specialized light

The process doesn’t take very long at all. After a brief appointment, a patient can walk out of their dentist’s office with a significantly whiter smile.

Why Professional Teeth Whitening Delivers Results

The bleaching agent a dentist applies to a patient’s teeth during a professional whitening treatment will usually contain carbamide peroxide. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, one of the reasons over the counter products may be less effective than professional teeth whitening is the fact that they often use hydrogen peroxide as a whitening agent, which is weaker than carbamide peroxide.

Additionally, consumers typically use over the counter teeth whitening products without the supervision of a dentist. On the other hand, during an in-office professional cleaning, a dentist follows a procedure to ensure optimal results and safety.

Professional Teeth Whitening & Over The Counter Products: When Cost is a Factor

Someone who understands that a professional whitening can yield more impressive results than over the counter products may nevertheless still believe these products are best for them if their goal is to save money.

It’s true that over the counter whitening strips and toothpastes may cost less than a professional treatment. If you’re on a budget, this is a factor you may need to account for.

That said, it’s also important to remember that you may not be thoroughly satisfied with the results you achieve through over the counter products. Even after using these products, you might decide to schedule a professional teeth whitening anyway to achieve your desired results. If this were to happen, buying over the counter whitening products would be a waste of your money in the long run.

Professional Whitening is Convenient

A professional teeth whitening treatment shouldn’t take longer than an hour. Arguably, this is more convenient than wearing whitening strips several days in a row at home.

However, everyone has their own opinion regarding what is and isn’t convenient. Some patients may feel whitening their teeth at home is always simpler than undergoing treatment in a dental office, even if an at-home treatment requires a greater overall time investment.

These types of patients should know that many dentists who offer in-office teeth whitening service also offer custom at-home whitening trays as well. Because these trays are customized to the needs of each individual patient, they usually deliver superior results to the results achievable through at-home whitening kits available in stores.

Talk to Your Dentist About Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening isn’t necessary for everyone. If the staining to a patient’s teeth is only minimal, a dentist might recommend over the counter products.

The best way to determine whether you need professional teeth whitening is to speak with your dentist. They’ll explain the pros and cons of each option in greater detail, helping you make the right choice for your teeth.

Learn More About Teeth Whitening in Temple, TX

At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we're happy to answer your questions about teeth whitening. Contact us online or call us today at 254-778-4402 to request an appointment.

General dentistry services help dental practitioners monitor and improve your oral health. They complement restorative and cosmetic services to create a beautiful, functional smile.

General Dentistry Services

Comprehensive Dental Exams and Cleanings

Twice annually, we provide comprehensive exams and cleanings. The dentist checks your bite, the condition of your teeth and gums, and any other apparent problems while evaluating the type of care you need to preserve your oral health.

Comprehensive exams check for problems like oral cancer, which, when treated early, has a higher cure rate. Cleanings help to prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay.

Custom Oral Appliances

We provide fully customized mouthguards and night guards to protect your teeth and prevent injury. Mouthguards are an excellent choice for everyone who plays an active sport, especially children and those who wear braces. Night guards can prevent tooth clenching and grinding, which could lead to the painful condition called TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome.

Root Canal Treatment

When your tooth needs a root canal, address it quickly. Root canals become necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. A tooth needing a root canal often causes pain and sensitivity, though sometimes it can develop with no noticeable symptoms.

A root canal may even save your natural tooth from extraction while relieving pain. If you choose not to get a root canal right away, the infection could spread to other teeth and cause severe pain. Root canals may have a reputation for discomfort, but today, the procedure is no more taxing than getting a filling.

Family Dentistry

One of the advantages of choosing Fairbanks Dental Associates is that we can treat every member of your family. It is more convenient to see only one dentist for all of your family's needs, and you and your children will form a close bond with your practitioners. Having a good relationship with your dentist means that you will visit as directed and preserve your oral health to the best of your ability.

Family dentists understand oral health from infancy through the senior years. They can recommend the best treatments and home care routines to help keep your entire family's teeth and gums healthy in the long term.

Why is General Dentistry Important?

General dentistry means that your practitioner can keep a close eye on your oral health. Comprehensive exams and cleanings twice annually help dentists control conditions like cavities and gum disease. In addition to cleanings and comprehensive exams, general dentistry services can relieve pain and prevent future damage to your teeth.

Call Fairbanks Dental Associates.

If you need a general or family dentist in Temple, TX, we are ready to help you. We can provide routine dental services as well as cosmetic, reconstructive, and sedation dentistry for your comfort and convenience.

Please call our office at 254-778-4402 to schedule an appointment today. We can help you preserve and protect your oral health for many years to come.