Blog - El Campo Modern Dental

Dental Implants

The use of a dental implant is the perfect solution for replacing missing or irreparable teeth.

At , El Campo Modern family Dental Dr. Gagan Kahlon is a believer in the power of surgical dentistry in Katy.

First of all, a dental implant – which is the equivalent of an entrenched tooth root in the jaw – consists of placing a titanium screw to replace the missing root. Titanium is the material of choice because it is biocompatible (very good tolerance in the human body) and very solid. Once fixed in the jaw, a short healing period (about three days) allows the bone to attach to the implant. This implant can be used alone, with other implants or with healthy teeth, as needed. They can even be used in the case of total tooth loss. If used alone, a prosthesis will be fixed on top in one of two ways: by sealing or by screwing the prosthesis.

The screwed prosthesis is often made of ceramic or composite. To allow the installation of the prosthesis, the implant has a hole where the screws can be inserted. The prosthesis itself has an access which enables it to be screwed onto the implant. This access will then be filled by composite or ceramic material which will hide and protect this access. This kind of prosthesis can be used for a single tooth or many adjacent teeth.

The sealed dental prosthesis, in turn, requires an intermediate element called implant abutment. This will be screwed onto the implant. Thereafter, the ceramic crown is sealed on this “pillar” similar to the method used for fitting a conventional crown.

The use of implants is an excellent alternative to dentures and crowns. However, on rare occasions, the bone structure cannot support the implants. In this case, other options may be considered, including bone graft.

The advantages of using implants are; comfort, quality of chewing and digestion, aesthetics and phonation. An implant is a lot closer to being a real tooth than other alternatives with the advantages of never having cavities or being affected by nerve abscess. The lifetime of the implant is another persuasive factor; according to studies, 95% of implants are still fully functional 30 years after installation. In addition, the implant prevents bone loss and therefore the aging of your face.

The Best Way To Protect Is To Prevent – Top 3 Benefits Of Preventive Dentistry

At , El Campo Modern family Dental Dr. Gagan Kahlon is a believer in the power of preventive dentistry in Katy. At our office, we pride ourselves on offering excellent preventive services to ensure that all of our patients have healthy smiles. Here’s a few benefits of choosing Branches Dental for preventive dentistry:

Dental emergencies can be inconvenient and costly. If you have a dental emergency, such as an extreme toothache or a knocked-out tooth, it can greatly affect your day-to-day life, and you’ll need immediate emergency treatment to get out of pain and discomfort.

Regular preventive dentistry can help you avoid dental emergencies, such as toothaches, loose teeth caused by gum disease, and even issues with your existing dental work. By keeping up with regular appointments at Smileprofile Family Dental, we’ll help you avoid emergencies altogether, and ensure that your oral health is protected.

Often, it’s hard to identify potential issues like tooth decay or periodontal disease before they have already become quite severe.

Cavities, for example, won’t usually start causing you any pain until they have bored through the tooth enamel, and reached the interior dentin and pulp of your tooth. By then, it’s too late to take preventive measures and you’ll need restorative care such as filling or a crown.

However, if you visit us for preventive care every six months, Dr. Kahlon can identify potential cavities before they become serious and require a filling. Then, you can take steps like brushing more frequently and using fluoride treatments to resolve the cavity, without spending time or money on filling or a crown.

Catching an oral health issue early can actually save you quite a bit of money. Preventive treatments are typically much more affordable than restorative care, not to mention much more efficient. As dental issues progress, their solutions become more costly and more time-consuming. Preventing a cavity with regular checkups and fluoride treatments is much better than treating a cavity with a filling, and a filling is much less expensive than extraction and a dental prosthetic.

Prevention Is The Best Medicine – Get A Teeth Cleaning And Oral Exam Today!

If you haven’t been visiting the dentist regularly, now is the time to start. By seeing Dr. Gagan Kahlon every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning, you can avoid serious dental issues, and save both time and money.

Ready to schedule an appointment? You can contact us by phone at 281-815-2000, or come to our office at 1997 Katy Mills Blvd. #500 Katy- Tx-77494. We can’t wait to meet you and help you maintain your smile!

Not Happy With Your Smile? Try Cosmetic Dentistry

So, you don’t really like your smile and you are thinking about Cosmetic Dentistry, but not sure about the end product—you are not alone. In this time and age, from a technological point of view, worrying is a complete waste of time and energy. The world of cosmetic dentistry has evolved significantly. At Smile Profile Family Dental dentistry is an easy, safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Here are all the reasons why you should take the leap to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Dental Technological Advancements

As mentioned earlier, the recent decades have seen remarkable advancements in the world of dentistry. And with the advent rapid new technologies, cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular by the day. Dentists have more treatment options, techniques and tools at their disposal hence no need to worry or panic about anything. Also, the dental procedures are undeniably more comfortable, less painful and the recovery period is shorter compared to the past years, thanks to the dental advances.

Fix Dental Imperfections

Cosmetic dentistry can correct any aesthetic problems you may have with your teeth. Whether your tooth is broken, chipped, worn out, uneven, over-spaced, discolored, crooked; cosmetic dentistry can do your teeth justice and restore that beautiful smile you once had. With various treatment options available, your dentists should go through each and every viable one with you explaining every detail; how the procedure is done, the risks (if any) involved, the costs and more.

Look Young, Beautiful and Attractive

If you didn’t know, cosmetic dentistry can really reinvent your looks. So if you are worried about losing your youthful looks and demeanor, worry no more because help is here. Teeth can give your real age away easily, that’s a fact. However, with a whiter, brighter smile, you will definitely look younger than you really are. Further, some cosmetic procedures like veneers can increase your cheek support, lengthen your face structure to decrease wrinkles to give a beautiful young and healthier appearance.

Boost Your Self Esteem

Cosmetic dentistry can drastically improve your self-esteem, confidence and your overall quality of life. People with aesthetic problems tend to shy away from people more so, social gatherings. In the end, this disassociation can take a huge toll on someone’s confidence. However, with a whiter, brighter smile you feel more comfortable with yourself hence better social experiences.

Don’t allow bad teeth to ruin your self-worth while you can do something about it. Cosmetic dentistry without a doubt can improve your smile and appearance so you won’t shy away from smiling.

A smile makes all the difference. It brightens your days and those around you. Don’t be afraid to smile.

Invisalign Teen® Benefits

You can probably see how teeth straightening can make your smile more attractive, but you might be wary of how Invisalign Teen treatment works. If you’re like most teens at our Katy, Tx office, you love hanging out with your friends, and you don’t want to be different, watch what you eat, or worry about how you look. Invisalign Teen has several benefits over traditional metal braces that can make your treatment easier.

People won’t know you’re wearing them.

Invisalign Teen consists of clear trays that are virtual impossible for others to see. Chances are, the only people who know that you are getting your teeth straightened will be your family and any of your friends whom you choose to tell. You won’t need to answer to “Tinsel Teeth” and “Metal Mouth” as some of your classmates with metal braces do.

You can eat what your friends eat.

You take your Invisalign Teen aligners out of your mouth for meals and snacks, so you can eat just like you normally would. You don’t need to worry about food getting stuck in your braces or leading to a bracket popping off. Unlike with braces, you can enjoy the following foods with your friends during Invisalign Teen straightening treatment:

Popcorn at the movies
Trail mix with dried fruit when you’re hanging out together
Ribs and chicken wings at a party
Eating a peanut butter sandwich, apple, and carrot sticks for lunch

You can take care of your teeth more easily

It would be a shame if you took the trouble to straighten your teeth and then found out that you had developed tooth decay while wearing braces. This is less of a problem with Invisalign Teen aligners because they are removable. You can brush and floss your teeth as normal just by taking the trays out of your mouth.

Getting straighter teeth can be a serious confidence-booster in the long run, and with Invisalign Teen, the treatment isn’t that bad. You can wear these clear aligners without letting people know that you’re straightening your teeth, and they won’t interfere with your diet or dental hygiene.

Teeth-Friendly School Lunch Ideas for Kids

A nutritious meal at lunchtime plays an important role in your child’s energy and focus at school, and could make a big difference on their report card.

Packing a teeth-friendly school lunchbox doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming as long as you plan ahead, get used to a little nightly chopping action, and try to make it fun.

Lettuce Wraps with Cheese

Leafy greens and cheese are excellent for your teeth. Wrap slices of turkey and cheese in a lettuce leaf for a crunchy, delicious, and healthy lunch! Serve with a side of mustard for dipping.

Veggie Dippers with Hummus

Crunchy foods like carrots and celery can remove plaque and bacteria with each bite. Not to mention they are full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and phosphorus, which are great for teeth. Chop up carrot and celery sticks and serve with a healthy dip like hummus.

Black Bean and Rice Burgers

Vegetarian burgers are rich in phosphorus and vitamin B3, making them perfect for teeth and gums. They’re also packed fiber, so your child will feel fuller for longer.

Yogurt with Berries and Nuts

Yogurt is chock full of calcium, which is great for oral health. A plain Greek yogurt is ideal, since flavored yogurts are often loaded with sugar and other unpleasant chemicals. Add some tooth-friendly fruits like strawberries and blueberries and crunchy chopped nuts like almonds for your little one to mix in.

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

A warm and delicious broccoli and cheese soup is a great pick-me-up when the weather starts to get chillier. Making a big batch of homemade soup will last you a few lunches if you’re pressed for time and will also help you avoid the high levels of sodium and preservatives found in store-bought soups.

Foods to Avoid

When making your child’s lunch, avoid overly acidic and sugary foods like candy, soda, dried fruit, or too much citrus. Consuming too much of these foods can easily lead to cavities and plenty of visits to the dentist!

Don’t forget to schedule back-to-school dental cleanings and exams for the whole family! At Signature Smiles Family Dentistry, we offer services for kids and adults alike.

Invisalign® Q&A

It’s estimated that up to four million people at any one time are wearing braces in the United States and Canada. But Drs. Gagan Kahlon, Dr. Langha and our team at Smileprofile Dental know that braces have come a long way from the early days of orthodontics, so much so that these days, options are available that are not visible to onlookers. The most popular of these “invisible” braces is Invisalign. Here’s a list of FAQs regarding Invisalign:

Are they really invisible?

Yes, the clear liners are virtually invisible, so they enable patients to feel good about themselves and their appearance, while getting the orthodontic treatment they need.

Are there wires, rubber bands, and brackets with Invisalign?

Nope. Invisalign is truly an alternative to conventional braces. The treatment consists of clear liners that can easily be removed and cleaned throughout the day. There are no wires, so there’s less poking and mouth irritation compared to braces. There’s also no wire tightening at adjustment appointments, so patients don’t have to worry about a sore mouth in the days that follow in-office visits.

I’ve heard that if I get braces, I won’t be able to eat certain foods like popcorn and hard candy. Is this true with Invisalign too?

No. With Invisalign, there are no food restrictions. You simply remove your aligners when you’re eating, and replace them after you’ve finished and brushed any leftover food particles away.

Does Invisalign cost more than braces?

While overall cost varies on a patient-by-patient basis and is based largely on the level of treatment, Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces, which makes this treatment option a truly affordable alternative.

How does brushing compare with conventional braces?

Brushing your teeth while wearing conventional braces takes some getting used to. Patients have to brush around the metal brackets and floss with a specialty tool to get into the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. By contrast, Invisalign can be removed at any time to permit regular brushing and flossing.

Every patient is different and Invisalign might not be the best course of orthodontic treatment for everyone, but it's an option that's gaining more and more popularity, and it's an orthodontic alternative that doesn't sacrifice comfort and convenience for results. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at our convenient office located on Katy Mills Blvd, Katy, Tx!

What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth

You might think babies don’t need to brush their teeth, especially when they don’t have any. But by starting good habits like brushing when your child is young, you can lay the foundation for them to continue those good habits into adulthood.

When do I start?

The best time to start brushing your baby’s teeth is before he or she has any. Develop the habit of wiping your baby’s gums with a wet, soft washcloth or gauze every day. There is no need to use toothpaste, just wrap the gauze or cloth around your finger, moisten it with a little water, and gently rub it over the gums.

This helps your little one get used to brushing while it eliminates bacteria in the mouth that can harm emerging teeth. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure or even take very long: just a quick, gentle rub over the gums will do it.

What do I use?

When your child’s teeth begin to come in, you will need to switch from a cloth to a baby toothbrush. Find one that has a grip big enough for your hand, but a head that is small enough to maneuver easily in your infant’s mouth.

You don’t need to use any toothpaste until your son or daughter is about a year old. Even then, though, you’ll want to use just a tiny amount: about the size of a grain of rice. When your toddler is about two years old, you can use a pea-sized amount.

By around six years of age, your child will probably rinse and spit without your help. At that point, you may want to introduce a child-friendly fluoride mouthwash.

How do I do it?

Your child probably won’t be able to brush his or her teeth alone until about the age of five or six. This means that you will need to do it. To brush your child’s teeth, gently use the brush over all the teeth and gums, even areas where the teeth have not come in yet.

As your child grows and becomes more independent, you can allow him or her to hold the toothbrush while you guide your child’s progress. Make sure you talk to your child while you are brushing, and explain why you brush: what you are doing and how you are doing it.

In addition to regular visits with Dr.Kahlon, and Dr. Langha, instilling good oral health habits in your child early on will ensure a lifetime of good dental health.

979-320-8000

3604 West Loop
Unit A-2 El Campo.Tx- 77437