Katy Dental Experts

What You Need To Know About Dental Inlays & Onlays

What You Need To Know About Dental Inlays & Onlays

What You Need To Know About Dental Inlays & Onlays

Do you have severely decayed, damaged or infected teeth? Have you been told you aren’t a candidate for dental fillings? At Katy Dental Experts we are proud to offer both dental inlays and onlays for our patients interested in repairing the damage that is too extensive for a dental filling. Wondering what exactly an “inlay” and an “onlay” is? Follow along!

  1. About Our Katy Dental Onlays

    A dental onlay is also a dental restoration quite similar to a dental inlay, however, an onlay can be used to repair damage or decay which has extended past the cusps of the affected tooth.

    Both dental inlays and onlays can actually help provide additional strength and structural support for the affected tooth, making them a great option to prevent future decay, damage or even breakage.

    Benefits of Inlays & Onlays

    • Dental onlays and inlays last longer than a filling.
    • Dental inlays and onlays allow teeth to withstand 50-75% more pressure.
    • Dental inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth.
    • Dental onlays and inlays are designed to blend with your natural smile.

    Get Dental Onlays & Inlays in Katy, TX

    Think that you or a loved one may benefit from our inlays or onlays? Schedule an appointment with Katy Dental Experts today! We’d be happy to examine your smile to determine if one of our restorative dental treatments is recommended for you.

What You Should Know if You Need a Root Canal

What You Should Know if You Need a Root Canal

What You Should Know if You Need a Root Canal

If you need a root canal treatment, it means that you’ve suffered some pretty serious tooth decay. The good news is that the treatment is designed to address severe tooth decay and is highly successful and minimally invasive. Here are a few things you should know about a root canal treatment.

It’s an indication that your tooth may be in serious trouble.

Cavities may not seem like a big threat to your teeth, and they aren’t – if they are treated in their mild to moderate stages. If they’re allowed to progress until they reach the pulp of a tooth, though, they can be a big threat to your oral health. The root canal treatment is meant to stop the internal tooth infection from spreading through the root canal and beyond the tooth.

You might need a dental crown afterward.

The goal of a root canal treatment is to save the tooth and restore functionality without having to remove it. However, having work done on the tooth and losing part of the tooth structure to decay will most likely require the placement of a crown. This dental restoration is custom-made and protects the tooth.

You can avoid the need for another root canal treatment.

Although needing a root canal treatment means that the decay on a tooth is pretty well-developed, the condition is entirely avoidable. If you’ve had a root canal done on one tooth, you can view it as a reminder to take better care of the rest of your teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting the dentist regularly (twice a year) is the best way to make your first root canal treatment your last.

If you need a root canal in Katy, speak to your dentist about the benefits of the treatment and what to expect during and after the procedure.

What Causes a Cavity?

What Causes a Cavity?

What Causes a Cavity?

Today, people are busier than ever. This can make it harder for you to maintain good oral health. Unfortunately, a good oral routine takes the backseat when other things that seem more important come up; this can lead to painful cavities, loss of teeth, and gum disease. what is worse, is that a poor oral health routine can actually lead to poor overall health.

What, though, actually causes a cavity? It may surprise you that many people do not fully understand the causes of a cavity.

How a Cavity is Formed

Bacteria is essentially always present in your mouth, both good and bad. This doesn’t necessarily constitute a bad thing unless you neglect to clean your mouth regularly and effectively. When you eat soft sugary foods, they have a tendency to stick to the surface of your teeth and the hard-to-reach crevices within them.

When the bad bacteria in your mouth latch on to the leftover food particles, they start to form a colony. As this colony of bacteria seeds and grows on to the food that you have neglected to clean from your mouth, the bacteria excrete an acid that corrodes into the enamel of your tooth.

As time goes on, the colony of bacteria becomes harder and harder to remove, slowly forming dental plaque. Eventually, the plaque becomes very hard and the bacteria will bore a hole into your tooth. This hole filled with bacteria is called a cavity.

How to Fix a Cavity?

Once a cavity has formed, you must see the dentist in order to get it corrected. You cannot do so on your own at home. If you suspect that you have a cavity, please give us a call and schedule an appointment today. If you catch the cavity early, the correction will be very easy. However, if you wait too long, the situation will only get worse and the correction will become more difficult.

Why Sometimes a Tooth Extraction is the Answer

Why Sometimes a Tooth Extraction is the Answer

Why Sometimes a Tooth Extraction is the Answer

Nobody ever likes to lose a permanent tooth. With proper care, your tooth can last a lifetime, however, sometimes extreme situations call for extraction of a damaged tooth. Of course, your dentist will do everything possible to save your tooth and ease your pain, but there are times that require a tooth extraction, and it is actually the best option.

When it comes to tooth extraction, the best option is to let your dentist decide whether or not the tooth can be saved. Your dentist is highly trained and has the expertise needed to make that call.

But why might an extraction be necessary? Let’s consider some reasons:

A Dangerous Infection

If your tooth has a serious infection, it can cause you severe pain. Not only pain, but it could cause you to suffer in other ways. An infection that is deep in the root of the tooth can actually spread to other parts of your body and cause serious and negative health effects.

If your tooth is severely infected, an extraction may be a safer alternative to two other extreme measures that could potentially save the tooth. When an infection is too far gone, and extraction could be the only course of action. Always listen to the advice of your dentist.

Severe Pain

If you are suffering from severe pain, a tooth extraction could be the fastest way to relieve your suffering. It is possible that other treatments could be effective and save the tooth. However, it could take a lot of time. If your pain is simply too severe, you could request that the tooth is extracted. This will relieve your pain faster than any other procedure.

Severe Damage

Tooth damage can be the result of a severe injury or decay due to a cavity. When a tooth is fractured or cracked in a way that is severe, or if it is discolored or decayed due to a cavity then it may not be possible to save the tooth. In this case, your dentist will be able to make the call effectively.

Is a Custom Sports Mouth Guard Right for You?

Is a Custom Sports Mouth Guard Right for You?

Is a Custom Sports Mouth Guard Right for You?

Did you know that over 5 million teeth are knocked out each year? And, the lifetime cost to replace one tooth is approximately $20,000? When it comes to protecting you and your loved one’s smiles, Katy Dental Experts recommends a custom sports mouth guard for any patient who is interested in partaking in athletic activities or sports. Wondering a mouth guard is recommended for your sport or activity?

      • Basketball
      • Boxing
      • Field Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Ice Hockey
      • Roller Hockey
      • Football
      • Baseball
      • Softball
      • Gymnastics
      • Martial Arts
      • Racquetball
      • Water Polo
      • Skateboarding
      • Skiing
      • Soccer
      • Volleyball
      • Wrestling

Although there are store-bought, generic mouthguards available, these are often ill-fitting, uncomfortable and inefficient and properly protecting the smile, jaw, and face.

Why You Need a Custom Mouthguard

When it comes to properly protect your oral health, Katy Dental Experts recommends a custom sports mouthguard. We’ve found that most athletes prefer not to wear bulky, uncomfortable ill-fitting mouthguards and may even be inclined to remove them (increasing their risk for a traumatic dental sports injury). Generic over-the-counter mouthguards are often ruined within a few uses as well, making them a costly investment in the long run.

At Katy Dental Experts, our custom sports guards are personalized per patient to ensure proper fit and the most comfort possible, allowing for maximum protection and proper breathing. Our custom mouth guards can even be worn by patients who are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, also protecting your investment.

Get Your Custom Mouthguard in Katy, TX Today

Ready to make sure your smile is as protected as possible when playing sports? Schedule your appointment with Katy Dental Experts today! We’re always happy to have new patients and look forward to helping you protect your pearly whites.

Top Reasons to Get a Professional Teeth Cleaning

Top Reasons to Get a Professional Teeth Cleaning

Top Reasons to Get a Professional Teeth Cleaning

Advertising for oral care items makes it look as if all you need for a clean, healthy mouth is a good toothpaste. This, unfortunately, is not the case. While home oral care is good for cleaning teeth, it’s not enough to maintain a healthy mouth. Here are a few reasons why you should get regular teeth cleanings at the dentist’s office.

Cleanliness fights infection and decay.

While brushing and flossing do a pretty good job of keeping teeth clean, you aren’t able to reach every tooth surface, especially behind teeth and the back teeth. The spots of plaque that are left behind harden into tartar, which causes an infection called gingivitis that can damage the gums and cause them to pull away from the teeth. Tartar can only be removed at the dentist’s office.

Regular cleaning saves money.

Dental issues are tricky because though they can be fairly easy to treat in the early stages, it’s hard to detect them until they become more serious. By visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings, you not only get your teeth cleaned to help prevent any problems, but it gives your dentist a chance to examine the mouth for any developing issues. Cleaning is fairly inexpensive compared to receiving more complex dental treatments.

Gum disease affects the immune system.

When tartar is allowed to build-up on the gums, this sends a red flag to the immune system, which begins to go to work fighting it. Unfortunately, this fight is not one it can win; the tartar only continues to attack the gums, which can lead to bleeding and inflammation. Tartar also erodes the enamel and can create small cavities. Cleaning the teeth of this harmful substance regularly is not just good for oral health, but lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and other diseases.

Improve your oral care habits.

Trips to the dentist are perfect times to make sure that you are caring for your teeth properly at home. Your dentist or hygienist can provide tips on how to brush and floss so that you can be sure you’re doing the best you can to keep your teeth healthy.

3 Reasons People Prefer Dental Implants

3 Reasons People Prefer Dental Implants

3 Reasons People Prefer Dental Implants

When missing one or more teeth, finding an option to replace them is crucial. A very popular method is dental implants, which can be used with crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible metal that your body will not fight. The post will be installed into the jawbone to replace the root of a tooth. Many patients prefer implants over other options for many reasons. Here are just a few of those reasons:

Dental Implants Feel and Look More Natural

For tooth replacement, dental implants are certainly the most natural-looking option. It also functions like a natural tooth. Other options can sometimes move, shift, or come out at inopportune moments, but a dental implant acts as a very effective anchor, holding the dental appliance securely in place. This allows the wearer to eat and speak with ease.

Dental Implants Mean You Can Chew Comfortably

If you ask a denture wearer about chewing while wearing dentures, they will report that it is not so easy. Some people end up avoiding foods that are healthy simply because they are difficult to eat. With a dental implant, you can chew with ease, just like before the natural teeth were missing. And since implants are securely in place, your oral care routine can be just like brushing your natural teeth.

Dental Implants Give People More Confidence in Their Smile

Sometimes dentures or bridges can shit or move while a person is eating or speaking, which can be embarrassing. This can lead some to speak less and smile less, which is not an ideal option. With dental implants, you can speak, laugh, eat and smile with total confidence! Don’t let a tooth replacement get in the way of what matters most.

Why Dentures Perform Better with Dental Implants

Why Dentures Perform Better with Dental Implants

Why Dentures Perform Better with Dental Implants

Millions of Americans rely on dentures for a proper bite function and to restore their confidence. They allow an individual to chew, speak, and bite easily. Unfortunately, dentures do have their limitations and negatives. Dentures cannot restore stimulation to the jaw bone or allow the bone to change its shape as time goes on. Our dentists at Katy Dental Experts in the Katy, TX area recommend dental implants in Katy along with dentures. Why do dentures perform better with dental implants? Read on to find out!

Replacing Lost Teeth with Dentures

Our dentists provide patients with natural looking and comfortable feeling dentures. These dentures closely resemble your tooth’s natural enamel. Partial dentures are another option for missing teeth. They allow your dentist to provide your smile with dentures where it is needed in your mouth. Complete dentures replace the whole row of your upper or lower teeth.

Ensuring Your New Smile’s Success

Both complete and partial implants can easily slide around your teeth and shift around in your mouth. This is caused by your jawbone shrinking due to your missing teeth. Dental implants provide your dentures with a solid foundation that they can thrive on. It prevents your jaw from further erosion and also gives you further confidence in using your dentures without fear that they will move around while speaking or eating. If you are looking for a more comfortable solution, then look in dental implants for your dentures.

To learn more about the benefits of implant dentures, we welcome you to contact one of our dentists at Katy Dental Experts in Texas. It just takes a simple step to get on the path to a better and rewarding smile. Call our clinic today to set up your next consultation with a member of our team!

Importance of Dental Sealants

Importance of Dental Sealants

Importance of Dental Sealants

Our teeth, especially the molars and premolars, have deep grooves that are difficult to clean and therefore make an excellent hiding place for food particles and bacteria. Some of these bacteria can cause cavities. Dental sealants can be very beneficial to keep your teeth safe from bacteria and painful cavities. Sealants are an additional level of protection for your teeth against harmful cavity-causing bacteria.

What Does a Sealant Do?

Bacteria naturally exist in your mouth. But when food particles are left trapped in the deep crevices of the teeth, these bacteria become dangerous. As the bacteria eat up the food particles, they produce an acid that attacks and eats away at the enamel of your teeth. With time, these form holes or cavities in your teeth which will require extensive restorative treatments. Sealants are a thin protective coating that is bonded to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars to prevent food particles and bacteria from hiding inside the crevices. They provide raincoat-like protection over your enamel and prevent tooth decay and other disorders.

Application of Sealants

Applying sealants to your teeth for added protection is a simple procedure which is carried out in just one visit to the dentist. The process is quick and painless. The dentist first cleans your teeth thoroughly to dislodge any leftover food particle or bacteria. An acidic gel is applied to the teeth surface to create a surface that can easily bond with the sealant. The gel is then washed off, and the sealant applied to the teeth. A special curing light is used to quickly harden the sealant. Your dental sealants will be then in place and able to provide the protection you need.

Long-Lasting

Sealants are easy to maintain and can last for a long time. By protecting your teeth from cavities and subsequent tooth decay, they save you unnecessary pain as well as expensive restorative dental procedures.

The Occlusal Guard: Should I Wear One?

The Occlusal Guard: Should I Wear One?

The Occlusal Guard: Should I Wear One?

Over 30 million people suffer each day with bruxism. Bruxism is when you grind and clench your teeth. Katy Dental Experts provides high-quality treatment options for patients who suffer from bruxism. One of those options is an occlusal guard. An occlusal guard protects your jaw and teeth. It helps to avoid grinding your teeth and is typically worn at night. Read on to learn more about occlusal guards and see if it is an option for your smile.

What are they made of and how long will they last?

Occlusal guards vary based on the extent of your bruxism. Your dentist may recommend a guard made of hard, clear acrylic or you may need a soft material one. They are designed for the upper and lower sets of teeth. The harshness of your grinding and clenching will determine how long your occlusal guards will last. You may need to replace them often if you are a heavy grinder.

Caring for Your Occlusal Guard

Eating and drinking anything other than water while using your occlusal guard will discolor your guard. Brush and rinse your guard with cold water each day to keep it lasting. Toothpaste is not recommended as it will scratch the surface of your guard. Rinsing your occlusal guard with hot water may change the shape of it.

Cost of Custom-Made Occlusal Guards

Investing in a custom-made occlusal guard is the best option to protect your oral health. The price may vary based on different dentists. Talk to your dentist at Katy Dental Experts to see how much custom made occlusal guard will cost based on your unique smile. Make an appointment with us today and start the path to a better smile!

Dental SERVICES
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Dental Inlays & Onlays
Root Canal Treatment
Occlusal Guards
Sports Mouth Guards
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal Treatment
Tooth Extraction
Emergency Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Crowns Bridges
Dental Veneers Laminates
Dentures & Partials
Dental Implants

Patient Registration

Step 1 of 4
Primary Insurance Information

Request Appointment

GET IN TOUCH