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The Benefits of Professional Tooth Whitening by a General Dental Practice

General Dental Practice tooth whitening

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The Benefits of Professional Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular dental cosmetic procedures around because it is affordable and effective. If you are considering whitening your teeth, you must consider professional tooth whitening at a general dental practice. Check out these four benefits of professional tooth whitening.

Professional Tooth Whitening Is the Most Effective Way to Whiten Teeth

There are many products that claim to whiten teeth, such as whitening toothpastes, whitening strips and whitening gels. Many of these can provide some results, but they are usually minimal and take a long time to work.

Professional tooth whitening uses powerful gels that whiten faster and provide better results. Typically, the whitening gel contains about 22 percent carbamide peroxide. The whitening solution in over-the-counter treatments is much lower, which is why you get poor results that take a long time to show.

It is the Safest Way to Whiten Teeth

Although whitening can cause temporary sensitivity to air and cold, the bleaching agent is safe to use, and does not dissolve tooth structure (enamel) away. The doctors will also go over directions for use.

Many Stains Can Easily Be Removed Quickly

Professional tooth whitening is great for getting rid of many different types of stains. As you age, you may notice your teeth becoming yellowish from normal use. Teeth whitening can eliminate these stains with ease. If you smoke or used to smoke and want to get rid of those brown tobacco stains, professional tooth whitening can help too.

Your diet may also cause stains to form on your teeth. Drinking coffee and red wine or eating dark-colored fruits and veggies can stain your teeth. Because these stains are organic in nature, they can be whitened with teeth bleaching.

There Is a Take-Home Treatment

While a general dental practice may offer in-office professional whitening, many offer at-home whitening, which is more affordable, and just as effective. Your dentist will work with you to create a whitening plan.

Typically, the results you can get depend on three factors. The first two are under your control: how long you wear the trays at any given time and how many days you use them. The third factor, unfortunately, is out of your control– which is how susceptible your teeth are to the whitening solution.

You don’t have to go to an expensive cosmetic dentist for a bright smile. A general dental practice in your area likely offers at-home whitening at an affordable price. For more information about teeth whitening, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Your Local Santa Cruz Dentist Offers Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

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4 FAQs About Sedation Dentistry in Santa Cruz

If you get anxious when you think about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Many people find certain procedures or just going to the dentist stressful. Luckily, sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz helps you relax during your visit. Check out these four FAQs about sedation with a Santa Cruz dentist.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation?

There are two major benefits to sedation. Firstly, sedation relieves the anxiety associated with going to the dentist. Anxiety can be so bad that it causes people to avoid going to the dentist for years. However, with sedation, once you feel the effects, your stress melts away, allowing you to undergo procedures even when you are nervous.

The other big benefit of sedation is that it has amnesiac qualities. This means that after the procedure you will likely have little to no memory of it. Plus, even during the procedure, you lose track of time, making the procedure seem quicker than it actually is.

What Types of Sedation Are Available?

There are various types of sedation available, including inhalation, oral, and IV conscious sedation. Even if you’ve never had it before, you’re probably familiar with inhalation sedation: nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”. Inhalation sedation allows you to breathe in the gas while you are in the chair. As long as you breathe the gas, you feel the effects. Once the gas is gone, the substance is quickly flushed from your system, allowing you to return to your normal activities, including driving.

Oral and IV conscious sedation are a little stronger, and you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment because the effects last longer. With oral sedation, you would take a pill about an hour before the procedure. With IV conscious sedation, an IV is attached during the procedure to deliver a sedative.

Does Sedation Replace “Novocain”?

Before a dentist performs a procedure that may cause pain, an injection is given in the gums. This is called local anesthetic – many people refer to this as “Novocain,” and it’s what makes going to the dentist today less painful, if not completely pain-free. It numbs the nerves so you won’t feel anything, even during a root canal treatment that treats the pulp of the tooth.

Some people may mistakenly think they won’t have “Novocain” if they use a sedation option, but that isn’t true. You will still receive local anesthetic to get rid of any feeling. The sedation is just an added measure to ensure your comfort.

Are Patients Under Sedation Asleep?

Sedation is not designed to cause you to fall asleep. Even IV conscious sedation is not meant to cause you to become unconscious. You can still hear the dentist and respond when necessary or follow directions, such as opening your mouth wider.

It is not, however, uncommon for you to fall asleep under sedation. Sedation makes you sleepy, and because the sedation also relieves stress and tension, you are more likely to relax enough to fall asleep. Of course, many patients remain awake.

Don’t avoid going to a Santa Cruz dentist another moment. Sedation dentistry can help. For more information regarding the benefits of sedation, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Get Your Kids’ Teeth Started Off on a Healthy Track in 2017

Photo Credit: Kalinovskiy | Adobe Stock

Photo Credit: Kalinovskiy | Adobe Stock

The beginning of the new year is a perfect time to start making changes for the better. If you have children, one great way to start the new year is by helping your kids learn the importance of good dental care. Check out these four things you can do to help your kids.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

As a parent, it’s important for you to take initiative for your child’s teeth by ensuring they visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. It’s recommended that your child sees the dentist by the time their first tooth erupts or by the first year. Even if your child doesn’t have any pain or problems, early and routine visits to the dentist can help your family dentist spot any potential future problems. They may even be able to stop them from happening. Help your child understand the importance of going to the dentist by setting a good example and making an appointment for yourself, as well.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Going to the dentist for regular cleanings is important, but they are not as important as daily, at-home hygiene. Ensure your children are brushing and flossing on a regular basis. If they are still young, you should be brushing their teeth for them, and once they start brushing on their own, continue to monitor them until you are positive they can brush correctly. Again, start by setting a good example. Brush and floss your own teeth on a regular basis. You can even make it a family event by brushing and flossing with your kids, so they see you do it and know it’s an important necessity.

Reduce Sugar Intake

It’s common to become addicted to sugary foods and drinks, especially soda. If you enjoy partaking in these types of treats, pay attention to your children because they may develop this same habit. It’s not fair to tell your child that they can’t eat sugar while you continue eating it. They do what you do, not what you say, and they’ll still learn the bad habit. Instead, work together as a family to reduce sugar intake. Healthy tips would be to cut out soda and cut back on the sweets. This will set a good example for your child that will stick into adulthood. It’s much harder to break a habit before it starts or just begins, than waiting until your child is an adult and used to these bad habits.

Consider Dental Sealants

Even if your child keeps their teeth clean and avoids lots of sugar, tooth decay can still happen. The back teeth are particularly a problem because they have narrow groves where plaque can hide. It may be difficult for the toothbrush to completely clean this area, leading to decay. Dental sealants are a temporary way to protect your teeth. Like sunscreen blocks dangerous UV rays from hitting your skin, dental sealants work as a barrier to protect your child’s teeth from sugar, plaque and bacteria.

It’s so important to help your child learn good dental habits now. If you fail to do so, you are putting them at a disadvantage. When they enter adulthood, they’ll have a harder time breaking these bad habits and may have to spend a lot of money having major work done to correct their teeth. Start now to give your child the best chance they have, and remember that it’s up to you to set a good example. For more information on how you can get your kid’s teeth started right, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Reputable General Dentists in Santa Cruz

Photo Credit: Andrey Popov | Adobe Stock

Photo Credit: Andrey Popov | Adobe Stock

4 Tips for Picking a Reputable General Dentist in Santa Cruz

Finding a good dentist can be hard. Instead of just picking one out of a hat, it’s a good idea to do some research. When looking for reputable general dentists in Santa Cruz, make sure you follow these four simple steps.

1. Choose an Office With a Caring Staff

Another important sign that you’ve found a great dentist is that the staff is caring. A caring staff will make you and your entire family feel more comfortable about going to the dentist, which is incredibly important since so many people have stress about dentist visits. A good way to see if a staff is caring is to watch how they treat other patients. Another good sign is that the office and waiting room is clean and welcoming. If it’s not, it may be a sign the staff doesn’t care enough to make you feel welcome. For example, at Landmark Dental Group, the waiting room is clean and relaxing so that you can feel calm before your appointment.

2. Ensure They Have the Skills Required

It’s important to make sure that the dentist has the skills necessary to perform the specialized services. If a dentist offers root canal therapy but has no special training in this process, they may do it wrong. At Landmark Dental Group, the doctors only provide services for which they are trained. They offer dental implants, and you know you can trust these implants because Dr. Weston, DDS has taken advanced training in implant dentistry. Similarly, Dr. Tran, DDS has taken courses in root canal therapy, so you can trust these services.

3. Find Someone Who Sees Patients of All Ages

If you have a family, it’s important to find a general dentist who sees patients at any age. Whether you have a one-year-old with their first tooth, or an elderly parent who is suffering from dry mouth and root carries, a family dentist can treat everyone. These dentists encourage parents to bring their kids in as soon as possible to begin down the road to good oral health. An added benefit of having a dentist who’ll treat your entire family is grouped appointments. When everyone has a different dentist, it’s difficult to get all the appointments on the same day — let alone around the same time. However, if your dentist treats your whole family, you can clump your appointments to save time.

4. Pick Someone With Diversity

General dentist don’t just clean your teeth. A reputable general dentist has a wide selection of services to meet just about every need. Of course, they’ll be able to provide important preventative care and minor restoration. However, great dentists go above and beyond to offer their patients more complex procedures, such as root canal therapy, so you don’t have to go to a specialist you don’t know, and who may be much more expensive. Last, choose a dentist who offers cosmetic services too, so they can beautify your smile if need be.

There are many general dentists in the Santa Cruz area. Be sure to shop around to ensure that you find one that is reputable and offers everything you need. For more information about general dentists and what they can do for you, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Family Dentistry: Can Our Entire Family See the Same Dentist?

Photo Credit: ldprod | Adobe Stock

Photo Credit: ldprod | Adobe Stock

Not all dentists can treat your entire family, but a family dentist specializes in providing care for anyone at any age. If you aren’t sure if family dentistry is right for you, check out these four benefits.

You’ll Save Time

One of the best reasons to choose a family dentist is because it allows you to save time. Just imagine if you, your spouse, your elderly mother and your children have different dentists. You would have a hard time grouping the appointments on the same day around the same time, and even if you did, you’d have to drive a bunch of places, wasting time.

If your family all has the same dentist, however, it’s no problem to group appointments. That way, everyone goes in at once on the same day at the same location. Yes, you may be there for a little longer than if you went on your own, but you’ll end up saving time and taking less time off work to take everyone.

You’ll Share Your Family History

Having everyone see the same dentist is also useful because it allows the dentist to get to know your family and their history better. Some oral issues run in the family or may be common among family members because of similar habits. For example, if parents drink a lot of sugary soda, chances are the kids have developed this habit, too.

A dentist can use family history to help diagnose problems. If a child has a lot of cavities from too much sugar, the dentist can speak with the parent about cutting back on sugar at home. This is a clever way for a dentist to learn more about each of your family members. As a result, you all hear the same advice and reinforcements, such as cutting back on sugar, eating more vegetables, etc.

You Won’t Sacrifice Services

You may think that a family dentist won’t be able to offer you everything your family needs, but that isn’t the case. Family dentistry is about providing many services to everyone. It doesn’t mean only providing the basic services like cleaning, X-rays fillings, etc. Most family dentists provide specialized services for any age.

In addition, many family dentists can offer your family more advanced treatments. Some are skilled in major procedures like root canal therapy. Thanks to a growing popularity in cosmetic dentistry, many family dentists also offer great cosmetic procedures to improve the look of everyone’s smile. At Landmark Dental Group in Santa Cruz, for example, you can get tooth whitening, porcelain veneers and even dental implants.

Your Children Will Be More Comfortable

One of the worst things about going to the dentist is being uncomfortable, and this is a common problem with children because they just aren’t used to going to the dentist. Having you and the rest of the family there as patients may help them feel a little more at ease. Instead of telling your kid, “it’s time for your dental appointment” you can say, “it’s time for our trip to the dentist.”

Also, switching doctors and dentists can be nerve-wracking. If you choose a pediatric dentist for your child who doesn’t see adults, they’ll have to go through the entire process again of finding a dentist and feeling comfortable once they are older. A family dentist, however, can continue to see your child as they age.

Don’t waste your time and money with several dentists. Family dentistry allows your entire family to have the same provider. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Looking for a Dentist Near You? Get 2017 Started Off Right With a High-Quality Santa Cruz Dentist

Photo Credit: luckybusiness | Adobe Stock

Photo Credit: luckybusiness | Adobe Stock

Get 2017 Started off Right with a High-Quality Santa Cruz Dentist Near You

With the new year here, it’s time to start thinking about your smile. If you’ve been neglecting your teeth, it’s time to make the resolution to get back to taking care of them. Start by finding a high-quality Santa Cruz dentist near you.

Check out what they can do for you:

Keep Your Teeth Clean and Healthy

What’s the most basic thing a Santa Cruz dentist can do for you? The answer is simple: keep your teeth clean and healthy. Regular check-ups and cleanings are a must for good oral hygiene.

And, if you’re in need of extra special care, Landmark Dental Group also offers root scaling and planing for people with gingivitis or deep pockets that hide tartar and plaque. Everyone needs to come to the dentist at least twice a year for preventative care even if you don’t have a problem. It’s the best way to stop problems before they start.

Get Your Whole Family Treated

As a family dentist office, Landmark Dental makes treating your whole family easy because they see anyone at any age. If you have a child whose first tooth just emerged, they invite you to bring your child for their first exam. You’ll learn how best to care for your child’s teeth. If you have a geriatric parent, bring them by. Older patients often have many problems such as dry mouth, gum disease, etc., that need specialized attention.

Fix Problems That Arise

Of course, even with good preventative care, problems may arise. A little too much sugar could lead to a cavity, and a lot of sugar could lead to a big crack. Your Santa Cruz dentist is there to help with fillings, crowns and extractions. They even offer tooth-colored fillings. So if you need a filling or have metal fillings, you can have them replaced with white fillings that look like natural teeth. Everyone will think you’ve never had a cavity on your life!

Get a Complete Smile

It’s so common to have one or two missing teeth, especially if you are older. This can sometimes be embarrassing, but Landmark Dental Group has you covered. They offer three different ways to replace missing teeth: dentures, dental bridges and dental implants.

Dental implants are the most durable way to replace missing teeth, but they are expensive. Whatever your budget and preferences, you’ll find a way to get the complete smile you desire.

Perfect Your Smile

So many things affect the beauty of your smile: discoloration, genetics, poor oral hygiene, etc. In the past, you pretty much had to live with an imperfect smile. However, today, there are many ways a Santa Cruz dentist can give you a breathtaking smile. Some services include teeth whitening, veneers and crowns. These are all great ways to make your smile look brighter, healthier and younger.

Stay Calm and Relaxed

Too many people have anxiety about going to the dentist, and in the past, there may have been reason, but today, going to the dentist is painless. Of course, that doesn’t always stop your anxiety. So, if you need a way to relax in the chair, choose sedation. You can choose from inhalation sedation, oral sedation and IV conscious sedation. All of them make you feel so relaxed you may fall asleep. Plus, they have some amnesiac qualities, so you won’t remember much of your visit — making it less scary to go to the dentist in the future.

Don’t neglect your mouth a moment longer. You want to be proactive with your smile, so serious problems don’t arise. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

New Year’s Resolutions for your teeth!

Photo Credit: puhhha | Adobe Stock

Photo Credit: puhhha | Adobe Stock

4 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Your Teeth

Miguel de Cervantes expressed in this quote many years ago: “Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” Wouldn’t it be great if everyone thought of their teeth as highly valuable assets?

The good news is that the New Year is a time for people to start over. This year, consider a resolution for your teeth. If you haven’t been doing everything you can for your smile, check out these resolution ideas for your mouth that Landmark family dentistry in Santa Cruz can help with.

Start Flossing

Even if you brush your teeth like a pro, if you aren’t flossing, you’re hurting your teeth. Plaque and bacteria love those little hiding spots between your teeth because your tooth brush can’t reach them. Flossing between your teeth at least once a day removes the bacteria. Not only does this reduce the risk of decay between your teeth (which requires a filling) it also reduces your risk of gum disease. Gum disease occurs when your gums become infected with the bacteria in your mouth. If you don’t floss, you’re allowing that bacteria to build up, eventually leading to swollen, irritated, bleeding and painful gums. If you have bridges, make sure to get special floss or flossers and floss under your bridges daily too.

Reduce Sugar Intake

Sweets, candy, desserts and anything else with tons of sugar are delicious, but they wreak havoc on your entire body. Eating a lot of sugar increases your risk of cavities. If you tend to dine on sugary foods or beverages, make a resolution to reduce your intake. One good way to reduce your sugar intake is by not drinking soda anymore. Reducing your sugar intake is also a good idea because it lowers your risk of developing diabetes, and there is a correlation between diabetes and your oral health. People with diabetes can’t fight infection as well, making them more likely to develop gum disease and other infections.

Get Regular Cleanings

It’s so easy to skip going to the dentist until something starts to hurt. However, if you visit a dentist on a regular basis, you might not develop any problems at all. Preventative care is extremely important in dental health because it’s impossible to re-grow your teeth. Instead of dealing with cavities after they develop, stop them before they happen by getting regular cleanings. Your dentist uses this time to get rid of tartar and plaque, but it’s also a good opportunity for your dentist to spot any potential problems, such as a weak spot in your enamel, so that you can protect it before it causes problems.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your body, but it also affects your teeth. For starters, cigarettes can turn your teeth brown. These stains can be whitened with tooth whitening procedures, but they will return again and again. Like diabetes, smoking also makes it harder to fight against infection, so your risk of gum disease drastically increases. Severe gum disease can lead to severe tooth loss and gum recession. Last, smoking and any tobacco product increases your risk of developing cancer, including lip, mouth and throat cancer. So if you smoke, stop — and see how quickly your mouth and entire body improve.

With a New Year approaching, it’s time to start thinking about something you can do for your smile. Any of these are great ideas and will make your mouth happier. For more information about what you can do for your smile this New Year, contact Landmark Dental Group, a family dentist in Santa Cruz, today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

New Teeth for the New Year

Photo Credit: Ocskay Bence | Adobe Stock

Photo Credit: Ocskay Bence | Adobe Stock

If you’d like to transform your smile in the upcoming year, and you have missing teeth, dental implants are a must to consider. Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. Check out these dental implant pros and cons, and determine if they are right for you.

Pro: Most Durable Option for Missing Teeth

Without a doubt, dental implants are the most durable option for replacing missing teeth. With proper care, a dental implant may even last the rest of your life. So, why are dental implants so durable? Like natural teeth, they use your actual jawbone to support the implant. The titanium fuses to your jawbone to create a strong bond.

On the other hand, dentures simply sit on your gums, so they are hardly secured, making it possible for them to slip and move. Bridges are more durable, but they put excess stress on some of your existing teeth, which can actually become loose. Plus, if bacteria gets under the bridge, the anchor teeth are vulnerable with no enamel, and/or the bonding cement may be compromised, causing the bridge to fall out.

Pro: Replace One or More Teeth

An implant is a great option no matter how many teeth you are replacing. If you have one missing tooth, the dentist will use a single dental implant. If you have a few teeth in a row missing, the dentist can use an implant-supported bridge. It’s the same as a standard bridge, but it uses dental implants instead of teeth as anchors. Last, if you have all of your teeth missing, you can get implant-supported dentures. A few titanium implants hold your dentures in place. They are removable, but they snap into place, making them secure.

The disadvantage of bridges is that if you have several teeth missing in a row, a bridge may not be successful. There may be too much stain on the teeth. So, without an implant-supported bridge, your only other option is a partial denture.

Con: The Most Expensive Option for Missing Teeth

There’s no denying the strength of an implant, but do keep in mind that they are the most expensive option for replacing missing teeth. Expect to pay in the ballpark of $4000 for a single implant. This price increases if you need a bone graft to support the implant. And, of course, if you get multiple implants, such as a bridge or dentures, the price increases.

Bridges and dentures are a much more affordable option. Plus, insurance typically pays for some of the costs, reducing your cost even more. Even if your insurance pays for some of your implant, you’ll still have to fork out a lot of out-of-pocket expenses.

However, because implants are titanium, it’s impossible to get a cavity on this tooth. The teeth underneath a bridge are still susceptible to cavities and if this happens, the bridge option will be more expensive than the implant if it has to be replaced.

Con: Not a Good Option for People with Gum Disease

Gum disease often causes tooth loss, so if you have gum disease, you may be thinking about getting an implant. Unfortunately, if you have uncontrolled gum disease, a dentist may not recommend implants or even a bridge. You need a strong jaw to support a dental implant, which you don’t have if you suffer from severe gum disease. Also, you could develop gum disease around the implant, which exposes the titanium root.

If you have uncontrolled gum disease, you can still get dentures. However, the best option is to work with your dentist to improve your gum disease, so you can get implants.

If you have missing teeth, talk to your dentist about an implant. They are sure to give you a breathtaking smile. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

Taking Care of Your Teeth During the Holidays

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock | karandaev

Photo Credit: karandaev | Adobe Stock

Taking Care of Your Oral Health During the Holidays

The holidays are wonderful: all the cookies, candy, rich food and holiday beverages. It’s so easy to forget about your oral health as you dine on all the delicious food that everyone seems to offer you. This holiday season, follow these oral health tips to ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong through the New Year and beyond.

Limit the Sweets

As soon as the holidays begin to approach, it seems like everyone has a baked dessert they want to give you, or a bowl of candy that’s readily available. With so many sweets around, it’s easy to drastically increase your sugar consumption…but don’t give in! While it’s fine to be a little bad and eat a few more sweets than normal, don’t go overboard.

There are many ways you can help yourself avoid candy and sugar. For starters, make compromises with yourself. When you’re at work, and someone is giving out Christmas cookies, but you know you’re going to be eating Christmas cookies later at a gathering, skip the work ones. If you suddenly get a craving for sweets, avoid the Christmas candy and try an apple. It’s also helpful if you keep the sugar away from you. Don’t put candy canes on the tree or have a bowl of candy available.

Avoid Red Wine

Many people have a lot of gatherings as the holidays approach, so you may find yourself going to dinner parties with friends and family more often. It’s likely you’ll find wine at these events, but be careful. Red wine can stain your teeth, so it may be best to avoid red wine completely and stick to white. That way, your teeth stay nice and white.

Wine also has a lot of sugar in it; as with candy, keep it to a minimum. When possible, avoid sweet wines, which contain more sugars that can damage your teeth. Stick with dry white wines for the least amount of sugar and stains.

Don’t Neglect Your Cleanings

It’s likely you have an upcoming dental cleaning during the holidays, but with so much to do, you may decide to put it off until next year. That is a terrible idea, especially if you are indulging in more sugar than normal. It’s always important to go to your regular dental cleanings, so your dentist can remove tartar and look for problems.

If you think you may be developing a problem, such as a cavity, don’t put that off either. The only thing that can happen if you avoid going to the dentist for a minor cavity is that the cavity can worsen, leading to pain and a more rigorous treatment.

Floss and Brush More Often

As always, brush and floss like you always do, but if you are eating or drinking more sugar, it may be a good idea to floss and brush more often throughout the day. If you do decide to eat a sticky candy cane, brush your teeth after eating it to immediately eliminate the sugar and give it no time to attract bacteria.

If you decide to drink wine, or another substance that can cause stains, immediately brushing your teeth may not be a good idea. Wine is acidic, which may soften your enamel. Brushing while the enamel is soft can damage it. It’s best to rinse your mouth out with water and brush after an hour or so.

Don’t let the holiday season destroy your oral health. These four tips will keep your mouth looking and feeling great. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz

I’m afraid of the dentist, I haven’t been in years!

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock | nikolasvn

Photo Credit: nikolasvn | Adobe Stock

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Fear the Dentist

So many people are scared to go to the dentist, especially if they haven’t been in a long time. However, there is nothing scary about going to the dentist.

In fact, check out these five reasons not to fear going to a dentist:

1. Dentists Can Do So Much

Not only do dentists want to ensure that you have a healthy smile, but they also want to make sure you have a beautiful smile. Many general dentists nowadays offer cosmetic services. Not only can your dentist suggest treatments like fillings, root canal therapy, etc., but they can also suggest ways to make your smile look perfect with veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants.

2. Cleanings Prevent Pain

Cleanings can be painful sometimes. If you don’t floss regularly, your gums may bleed when the hygienist flosses your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, the cold water may hurt. However, cleanings prevent more severe, serious pain, such as cavities and infections. To reduce the pain of cleanings, make sure you floss at home, and ask your dentist about toothpaste for sensitive teeth. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication before your visit.

3. Novocain Will Numb the Pain

If the dentist does need to perform a treatment that may cause pain, Novocain will be used to numb the area. You don’t need to be scared because the entire area is numb while you are treated. Some people fear the dentist because they underwent a filling or root canal therapy, and they didn’t receive enough Novocain. This isn’t normal. If you do experience pain during the treatment, tell your dentist. They will stop and apply more Novocain until you are completely numb.

4. Dental Treatments Relieve Pain

If you’re in pain because of a cavity, fracture, infection, etc., you should be jumping at the chance to go see your dentist. Many people associate the pain of a problem like an infection with the dentist, but the dentist is fixing the problem, not making it worse. Therefore, even if you experience some pain after the treatment because the area is tender, it pales in comparison to the pain you experienced before, and quickly, the pain will completely leave.

5. Sedation Is Available

If you are still nervous about going to the dentist, ask about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry helps keep you relaxed during the treatment. You are awake during the procedure, but you don’t register every little thing the dentist is doing, which makes it easy to pretend you are somewhere else. There are three types of sedation: inhalation, oral pill and IV conscious. You may become so drowsy and relaxed you fall asleep. If you choose oral pill or IV conscious sedation, you’ll need a ride home.

Don’t let your teeth decay because you’re scared of going to the dentist. Just like your doctor, the dentist doesn’t want you to be in pain. Landmark Dental legitimately cares about your oral health; we’ll do all that we can to make your mouth healthy and beautiful. For more information, or if you have questions, contact Landmark Dental Group today.

Landmark Dental Group Contact | Santa Cruz