Dental Exams and Cleanings in Humble, TX

Dental exams in Humble, TX are all about educating patients on the current status of their oral health and then customizing and tailoring dental care to their needs. We take photos and digital radiographs and review our findings with the patient. 

This provides patients with a complete picture of their oral health and the information they need to make the best decisions possible regarding the fitness of their smile.

Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation based on five main aspects of oral health:

• Evaluation of dental conditions
• Jaw, bite, and muscle evaluation
• Periodontal evaluation including gums and bone
• Appearance of teeth and smile
• Oral cancer screening

At Humble Dentistry, we always want patients to understand their options, which is why we take time to answer questions and address concerns.

If you’re looking for quality dentistry in Humble, TX, contact our dental office today to schedule your first appointment. If you’re a regular patient who has not visited our dental office in a while, we invite you to resume regular exams and professional teeth cleanings in Humble.

We collected the questions we hear most often from patients and present them here to give you a better understanding of our dental services and philosophies.

Preventive dentistry is any service or treatment meant to prevent dental issues in the future. For example, a professional teeth cleaning lowers your risk of gum disease and cavities. Visiting your dentist regularly for exams helps prevent costly dental issues down the line.

When it comes to prevention, you also play a role. An excellent at-home hygiene routine is essential. We encourage brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times each day. If you’re prone to cavities, your Humble, TX dentist may recommend additional at-home steps to keep your teeth healthy.  

How Often Do I Need a Professional Teeth Cleanings?

No two patients are alike, and a personalized approach to dental cleanings adjusts to the changing needs of patients throughout their lifetime.

Our hygienist has nearly 30 years of experience. She utilizes ultrasonic scalers and Oraquix® topical anesthetic for patient comfort. From routine dental cleanings to deep cleanings designed to control periodontal disease and keep the gums and bone that support teeth healthy, our hygienist will ensure your comfort and provide valuable information to help you stay on track for better oral health.

Some patients may require more frequent professional cleanings to better maintain their oral health, in which case we work with them to set up custom checkup schedules. 

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

We use digital intra-oral and panoramic radiographs (x-rays). Our digital sensors are highly sensitive, which means we can obtain the same image quality with less radiation exposure when compared to traditional film.

Radiation is in the environment all around us and includes sources other than the sun. We may be exposed to radiation from the brick or concrete in our homes, the food we eat, and even certain activities such as smoking or flying. It is estimated that the average American receives about 6.2 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation exposure per year from all sources.

Dental radiographs in comparison are very low dose. One set of bitewing radiographs (four x-rays of the back teeth) is about 0.02 mSv, while a full mouth series (about 18 images) is 0.09 mSv. In simpler terms, one set of bitewing radiographs is about one day of radiation exposure, while a full mouth series is about five days of radiation exposure.

Fluoride is a safe, naturally occurring mineral found in many plants, soil, freshwater, and saltwater. Some areas of west Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico have high concentrations of naturally occurring fluoride in the drinking water. Fluoride is often added in optimal concentrations to drinking water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses to help prevent cavities.

Fluoride treatments can also be applied in-office in the form of a sticky varnish that delivers higher concentrations of the cavity-fighting mineral. Fluoride varnishes can be applied every three to six months and are especially beneficial for patients who are at high risk of developing new cavities. 

Fluoride prevents cavities by helping to remineralize teeth that have been damaged by acid. Acid can come from food, drinks, and the bacteria in our mouths. Our teeth go through multiple demineralization and remineralization cycles each day.

Community water fluoridation was first introduced to Grand Rapids, MI in 1945. Since then, abundant research has been completed on the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control deeming it one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. 

What are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride helps prevent decay by remineralizing the enamel that covers your teeth. We use fluoride varnish, which provides greater protection than fluoride toothpaste alone. It can also improve sensitivity caused by gum recession.

We keep a variety of flavors of fluoride varnish for both children and adults in our Humble, TX dental office.

Can Dental Sealants Help Me?

Dental sealants in Humble, TX are a barrier that Dr. Appel applies to the grooves of the back teeth to prevent bacteria from causing decay in patients who have a history of decay or simply wish to add an extra layer of protection.

Dr. Appel will paint tooth-colored sealants into the grooves of teeth and harden the material with a special curing light. Sealants can last up to five years, and we can re-apply them if necessary. Sealants are less expensive than fillings and do not require the use of anesthetic.

You may benefit from dental sealants if you are prone to cavities.

Clenching and grinding the teeth, referred to as bruxism, leads to premature wear and fractures and can stress the jaw joints, causing pain and degeneration. A protective nightguard in Humble places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth during sleep and reduces damage and jaw or facial pain.

If you suspect bruxism, it’s essential to talk to your dentist about treatment.

Teeth grinding and clenching may be related to sleep apnea or stress and may lead to TMJ, which is a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints. These joints connect your jaw to your skull. When TMJ occurs, your jaw may lock, you may notice a clicking sound when you chew, and you may experience chronic headaches.

How Can I Protect My Teeth if I Play Sports?

Don’t let your favorite sport put your smile at risk! A custom athletic mouthguard in Humble, TX will absorb the force from a tackle or a rogue fly ball.

Custom athletic mouthguards come in a variety of colors, allowing patients to show their team spirit, or you can choose a clear, more discreet option.

Contact Humble Dentistry for Your Next Dental Exam

If you are looking for a dental practice in the Humble, TX area that treats patients like family, we hope you will give Humble Dentistry a call or arrange an appointment online. We look forward to helping you achieve optimum oral health with personalized dentistry.

We serve patients in Atascocita, Porter, Ramblewood, Moonshine Hill, Bordersville, Kenswick, TX, and anywhere else people are seeking excellent dentistry!