How can we help you?
We know you have many choices when it comes to finding a dentist in the Humble, TX area and that finding the practice that is right for you is a big decision.
If you have questions, take a moment to read through our most common ones below. If your question is not listed here, you are welcome to give us a call or email us to get the answers you need.
We are honored that you are considering Humble Dentistry for your family's dental needs. Dr. Appel and our entire team look forward to welcoming you.
Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings
Protect Your Teeth
Sealants are a thin protective layer for the grooves in the chewing surface of teeth. They act like a hard hat and protect the grooves from food, acid, and harmful bacteria that may lead to cavities. The can work well for both children and adults on permanent teeth that do not already have fillings, crowns, or cavities.
You haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or you keep putting off your next dental checkup and teeth cleaning. Maybe you don’t even remember what happens during these routine visits or why they’re so important.
We encourage you to schedule your next checkup and teeth cleaning today to maintain the health of your smile.
Why Routine Teeth Cleanings and Exams Are Vital
Routine dental visits—every six months—lower your risks for preventable conditions, such as:
- Tooth Decay
- Bad Breath
- Tooth Stains
- Tooth Infections
- Gingivitis
- Gum Disease
Gum disease is particularly concerning because it can have a negative impact on your overall health, including the heart and lungs.
Dental Cleaning and Checkup: What to Expect
Dental checkups and teeth cleanings are generally non-invasive and painless.
For your checkup, you relax in the dental chair while the dentist does a visual exam of your teeth, gums, jaws, and periodontal health. You’ll have an oral cancer screening and x-rays as needed.
During your dental cleaning in Humble, we remove stubborn tartar from your teeth and gums using specialized dental tools. Your toothbrush and floss alone are not enough!
After your checkup, the dentist discusses the findings with you and outlines all treatment options if any oral health issues are identified.
Contact Your Humble Dentist to Get Started
If you’re searching for “oral exam near me” on your phone or computer, look no further. We are pleased to welcome new patients and help you take charge of your dental health. Call (281) 446-2362 to schedule an appointment.
Preventive dentistry in Humble, TX is the foundation for healthy teeth and gums. Our dentist provides treatments, procedures, restorations, and safeguards to protect your oral health throughout the years. This is not limited to teeth cleanings and exams!
Preventive dentistry also includes:
- Sealants
- Fluoride treatments
- Custom nightguards for teeth grinding and clenching
- Custom mouthguards for sports
- Any specific treatment meant to protect your oral health
Prevention starts at home with a good oral hygiene routine. This means brushing and flossing at least twice per day and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks.
Patients who follow good oral hygiene routines have fewer cavities and less incidence of gum disease.
Unfortunately, brushing and flossing alone will not remove stubborn bacteria and plaque. For this portion of preventive dentistry, you’ll need twice-yearly cleanings with our dental hygienist—more often if you have gum disease or are prone to cavities. Our hygienist has the right tools to clear away even the most stubborn bacteria and tartar.
Beyond a good home routine and regular cleanings, it’s important to visit our top Humble, TX dentist at least twice per year for exams and x-rays. We use safe x-rays that provide high-definition images. This helps our dentist pick up on subtle oral changes between appointments.
In your dental exam, we will assess:
- Your teeth and gums
- Periodontal health, including gums and bone
- Any suspicious lesions
Contact Our Dental Office to Schedule an Exam
Schedule your next dental exam and cleaning with our Humble, TX dental office today.
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 as a sticky varnish that delivers higher concentrations of the cavity-fighting mineral. Fluoride varnishes can be used every 3 to 6 months and are especially beneficial for patients 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 and drinks, as well as from 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, extensive research has been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deemed it one of the ten most significant 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 fluoride varnish flavors for both children and adults in our Humble, TX, dental office. Contact us by phone or request an appointment online for your next cleaning and exam.
We use digital intra-oral and panoramic radiographs (x-rays). Our digital sensors are highly sensitive, enabling us to achieve the same image quality with less radiation exposure than with traditional film.
Radiation is everywhere around us, including sources beyond the sun. We may be exposed to radiation from the brick or concrete in our homes, the food we eat, and even specific 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 complete 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 complete mouth series is about five days of radiation exposure.
Experience Safer, Smarter Diagnostics
At Humble Dentistry, your safety is as important as your smile. We use ultra-low dose digital x-rays to provide the most precise care with maximum protection. Ready for a checkup that puts your health first? Request your appointment online today!