It’s not always easy to do what you know is best for you. Take visiting the dentist, for example. There are people who put off needed dental work, as well as preventive visits for checkups and cleanings, because going to the dentist causes anxiety. It is good to know, then, that your Overland Park, KS family dentist offers sedation options. Whether you are nervous about a specific procedure, or the ongoing preventive care needed for healthy smile, we can help. Neglecting your smile has a detrimental impact on your oral and your overall health.
You Can’t Do It All At Home
Regular home care is vital to a healthy smile, but even the best brushers and flossers can’t equal the care given at general dental checkups and cleanings. While a toothbrush can remove soft and sticky plaque at home, it cannot remove remove hardened plaque (called tartar or calculus) which is a threat to tooth enamel. We also have dental technology, like intraoral cameras, and digital X-rays, that can peer into places that you cannot see at home.
Teeth Cannot Repair Themselves
Once a cavity has gotten started (and this happens even to careful brushers) a tooth cannot repair itself. Instead, the cavity will continue to grow over the months, until eventually it cannot be ignored, This may occur by increasing pain, sensitivity or cold and heat, an unpleasant odor, discoloration, or sometimes several symptoms at once. The sooner a cavity is discovered and addressed, the smaller the repair is likely to be. A small cavity may be repaired with a tooth colored filling in a single visit. A cavity that has been growing may require a larger filling, or a root canal treatment, to be eradicated.
We Can’t Advise You If You Don’t Come In
Sometimes questions arise naturally in the process of a consultation or cleaning. You might mention that your teeth color bothers you, and our trusted team could tell you about whitening options. We might notice tell-tale signs of tooth wear, and work with you to address bruxism (night time teeth grinding.) Headaches, jaw pain and and even shoulder pain can be associated with TMJ disorders, and we may be able to provide an oral appliance to alleviate TMJ issues.
We Have Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
If your dental anxiety is keeping you from needed treatment, talk to us about the sedation options we have available. Don’t let your fear impact your oral health or the comfort of your smile. To schedule an appointment and learn more, call Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.