Lancaster Family Smiles Blog

Do I Need a Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure?

November 30, 2020

X-ray of mouth with wisdom teeth highlighted — Do I Need a Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure?

Many patients assume the only reason to have a wisdom teeth extraction performed is to avoid overcrowding of their teeth. While this can be one reason for the procedure, it is far from the only reason. The fact is your wisdom teeth could surprisingly be at the root of many underlying health issues. So how do you know if you need to contact your DeSoto area dentist for a wisdom teeth extraction procedure?

What Is a Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure?

To put it simply, a wisdom teeth extraction procedure is simply the removal of one, or all, of your wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge from the very back of your gums, usually during the teen years. Since many of us have already undergone corrective oral alignment processes such as braces; an extra set of incoming teeth can understandably pose a problem with overcrowding an otherwise set of straight and healthy teeth.

While this overcrowding is one of the most common reasons to have the wisdom teeth removed, there are several other issues that can add to the extraction necessity as well. Knowing what to look for when determining if you should schedule a wisdom teeth extraction, can help you make a timely decision and minimize potential health issues or discomfort.

What Are the Signs You May Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?

Other than creating a crowded gumline, your incoming wisdom teeth can be the root of many other health issues as well. If you’re debating whether to schedule that extraction, here are a few of the most common issues caused by emerging wisdom teeth:

Sinus Pain and Pressure. Few patients realize this, but your sinuses have a strong connection to your dental health. Oftentimes, painful and congested sinuses could be an indication of oral health issues. Many patients experience sinus pressure relief after having a wisdom teeth extraction.
Jaw and Gumline Pain. Since wisdom teeth often grow in compacted – or toward your other teeth – instead of straight in, it can cause severe pain and discomfort as they emerge. If you notice pain while chewing, brushing, or even speaking, it could be caused by incoming wisdom teeth.
Inflammation and Sores. If your wisdom teeth are left to grow without proper professional care and preventative measures, it can lead to extreme oral pain and discomfort. If you notice swollen gums or cysts forming at the gumline, it’s highly important to speak with your Lancaster dentist about a wisdom teeth extraction.

How to Find a Trusted Local Dentist for Your Tooth Extraction

If you experience any form of discomfort – whether directly related to incoming wisdom teeth or not – it’s imperative to talk to our team of dental professionals today. Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common oral procedures done today and is often able to relieve a multitude of health issues for our patients. Give us a call today to see if an extraction may be the right choice for you.

Can Sedation Dentistry Help with Anxiety Over Your Next Visit?

November 22, 2020

Nervous-looking man holding model of teeth — Can Sedation Dentistry Help with Anxiety Over Your Next Visit?

For millions of patients, the very thought of a visit to the dentist can cause anxiety of all levels. In fact, many people experience such high levels of anxiety over a dental appointment that it can keep them from seeking essential professional oral care altogether. Whether the thought of a trip to the dentist causes minor discomfort or major anxiety, sedation dentistry could be a viable solution for you.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is often confused with general anesthesia, but the process generally allows for patients to remain awake, yet calm, during their visit. With sedation dentistry, patients are given a carefully monitored dose of medication that simply induces a sedative – yet conscious – state.

In most cases, minimal sedation levels are more than sufficient to help put patients at ease while they’re in for their appointment, but it’s important to note there are several levels of sedation available as needed. Since not every case is the same, some may require a deeper state of sedation than others. For this reason, there are multiple options to help patients relax:

Minimal sedation is most commonly used among patients. This type allows clients to remain in a calm, relaxed state while staying fully awake during their visit.
Moderate sedation can be used for those who experience higher levels of anxiety surrounding their dental visit. This option allows for patients to remain conscious but will cause slurred speech and a general sense of confusion and inability to recall the process.
Deep sedation is similar to general anesthesia in the sense that you will be in a state of deep relaxation that is close to being asleep. The main difference is that this process will allow for a quicker awakening once the procedure is complete.

Sedation and Anxiety

For those who experience various levels of anxiety surrounding dental procedures, sedation dentistry can be a viable option to help relieve the stressors that keep you from getting much needed oral care. Here at our DeSoto office, we believe in providing our patients with the most informative services in order to ensure the highest level of comfort available.

With several levels of sedation dentistry available to help ease your anxiety, our staff is here to provide the most comfortable dental experience possible. Our sedation options are used in conjunction with localized anesthesia as needed in order to manage not just your anxiety, but also, any potential pain or physical discomfort during certain procedures.

Finding Comfortable Dentistry Near You

Our office in Lancaster has utilized sedation dentistry to help keep our patients at ease for years. Whether our patients come to us with concerns such as:

Tooth sensitivity
Major dental work needs
Extreme anxiety over dental work
Painful previous experiences from other offices
Trouble with gagging

We are here to help with the perfect solution for each and every one. We are dedicated to providing not just the most innovative and knowledgeable services, but the most comfortable and gentle dental experience as well. Give us a call today to see how sedation dentistry could be a solution for your dental stressors.

What to Know When Choosing the Right Family Dentist

October 29, 2020

Family holding blown up photos of smiles — What to Know When Choosing the Right Family Dentist

When it’s time to search for a new family dentist, you may find yourself wondering how in the world you should go about narrowing the list and finding the right choice for your household. With so many options to choose from, knowing how to locate the perfect fit with a new dental professional can be a daunting task. That’s why our DeSoto dental professionals put every effort into making things easy for our patients – both new and continuing!

The Basics of Choosing the Right Dental Professional

Searching for the best family dentist can be confusing if you’re not sure what to look for. The right professional isn’t always (and shouldn’t be) as simple as choosing the first name you come across in the phone book or online search. There are many factors to consider that will help you narrow your list of options to one that’s tailored to your family’s specific oral hygiene needs. While there are a number of things to consider, here is a look at some of the most basic issues to keep in mind when shopping for a new family dentist:

Do they offer the specific family services you need (emergency dentistry, sedative dentistry, etc.)?
Do they accept your insurance and/or are they in your covered insurance network?
Are they highly recommended by your friends and family and their other patients?
Are they accepting new patients?
Are they properly licensed and devoted to on-going certifications and education?

The Next Steps

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential new family dentists, it’s time to take a more detailed look at your options. There are a few ways you can get to know a respective oral professional before committing to patient status – all of which will help you gain a better feel for how well they fit with your family’s needs and dynamics.

In the Lancaster area, there are a wide range of dental professionals to choose from. Taking a deeper look at your options will help you land the perfect fit for your family. To do this, explore the information provided on their websites in great detail. Check to see that they are properly accredited, look for online reviews to hear what their previous patients have to say about their own experiences, and note their available services.

Schedule a Visit

After doing some diligent online research, the next step is to make some phone calls and plan a visit. Call around to those dental professionals who have made your short list, and don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions when you call. Take note of the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff members you have contact with. If you decide to visit the location in person for the initial contact, that’s an excellent way to gauge the cleanliness and professionalism of the office atmosphere.

Above all, the most important thing to consider when choosing a new family dental practitioner is to ensure they are the right fit for your specific family needs. Meet them. Talk to them. Ask lots of questions about their services and credentials. Just as you would any other professional service, doing your homework will help you land the perfect choice for your household.

Preparing for Cosmetic Dentistry: What to Expect

October 15, 2020

Close-up of a person's bright white smile — Preparing for Cosmetic Dentistry: What to Expect

If you’re considering having some cosmetic dentistry performed, chances are, you have questions. Often times our patients come to us with concerns about cost, recovery times, result expectations, and many other things they are considering prior to an upcoming procedure – all of which are excellent questions! Whether you’re in the beginning stages and searching for the best dental office in DeSoto to perform your elected dental service, or you’ve been a patient for years and are looking to have some additional work done, we’re here to help!

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

For starters, one of the first things to understand is simply – what is cosmetic dentistry? Since different offices offer different procedures and services, it’s important to know exactly what your dentist can do before deciding which option is best for you.

Cosmetic dentistry is essentially an elective procedure that involves improving the overall healthy appearance of your smile. These services involve a wide range of options that can be tailored to your specific needs. At Lancaster Family Smiles, our team offers exceptional cosmetic dentistry practices that include:

Gum line recontouring
Gap corrections with bonding procedures
Straightening options such as Invisalign, BioClear, and traditional braces
Ceramic veneers
Professional cleaning and whitening treatments
Filling replacements to match your teeth

What to Know Before Your Procedure

Once you have discussed your viable options with your family dentist and come up with the right solution for your needs, it’s important to prepare by asking questions. Your trusted oral care professional should walk you through the steps from how to prepare for your upcoming procedure to tips for optimal recovery afterwards. It’s also imperative, however, for you to speak up with questions on anything you don’t understand.

Some of the most common questions and concerns we are asked by our patients prior to their cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

Is this procedure covered by my dental insurance?
Have others had great success with this procedure or service?
Can I see images of previous patients’ successes?
Will this be painful and/or how can I manage the recovery process?
Do I need to be sedated for this procedure?
How can I prepare for my treatment or procedure?

Preparing for Your Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure

After you’ve made the decision to schedule your elected cosmetic procedure, it’s best to begin preparations to ensure the smoothest service and recovery possible. Depending on which treatment you are seeking, your preparations could be minor or very complex. While your family dentist will be able to help you outline your preparations, here are a few of the most important steps to take prior to any cosmetic dentistry procedure:

Call your insurance agency. Being surprised by high dental bills for something that your insurance didn’t cover is never a good thing. Always ensure you call to verify what procedures are (and are not) covered by your insurance before scheduling the service.
Plan for down time. If you’re having a more extensive procedure done, you will want to plan for recovery time as needed. This may mean scheduling time off of work or other responsibilities.
Follow your doctor’s orders. The most important step to ensure a healthy recovery process (and to allow optimal results), is to follow all advice given by your family dentist.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe? What to Know and How to Prepare for Your Procedure

September 30, 2020

Female dentist placing mask for sedation dentistry over little boy's nose — Is Sedation Dentistry Safe? What to Know and How to Prepare for Your Procedure

Many of our patients at our DeSoto location come to us with questions surrounding the risks and benefits of sedation dentistry. While there are many reasons sedation may be offered for dentistry practices, all revolve around the comfort and well-being of you – the patient. As such, we are committed to keeping our patients informed of all of their options for any upcoming appointment, as well as helping you make the right decision for yourself by educating you on every aspect. To do this, we offer a variety of sedation options which we explain in detail prior to your appointment.

Exploring Sedation Options with Your Family Dentist

Whether you’re considering sedation for an upcoming major dental procedure, or you’re interested in how it can help with anxiety over a dentistry visit, we’re here to help. As your family dentist, our focus is on providing you with the most caring and comprehensive oral care practices, and that includes ensuring your level of comfort while in our care and also during recovery processes. Sedation often plays a major role in this part.

Before making any decisions surrounding sedation, it’s important to make sure you have all of the information in order to make the right choice for your needs. For starters, there are a few different options in terms of sedation that offer varying levels of comfort and relaxation. These options include prescription medications taken in advance, nitrous oxide treatments, IV sedation, and even a combination of methods is sometimes in order.

The Pros and Cons of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is often thought of for major procedures such as tooth extraction, root canals, and other, more intense oral services, but the truth is, it is also often used to help patients who suffer from anxiety prior to any dental appointment. One of the best ways to determine which option is right for you, is by taking a look at the pros and cons of each option.

Prescription Medication. In some cases, Dr. Gupta can provide a prescription sedative to be taken orally prior to arriving for your appointment. The positives with this allow you to be fully relaxed from the moment you arrive. On the flip side, it will require you to have someone with you to drive you to your appointment as it will impair your ability to drive.
Nitrous Oxide. Perhaps the most commonly known sedative, nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) is frequently used for its effectiveness (can be administered as long as needed) and for its ability to wear off quickly. On the downside, the calming effects are limited to the time of administration only.
IV Administration. This version is a sedative given intravenously and is popular for its ability to be adjusted as needed. This method, however, will require patients to have someone drive them home afterwards as the effects do not wear off as soon as others.

Call Us at Our DeSoto Location to See If Sedation Is Right for You

If you’re wondering if sedation dentistry could help get you through your upcoming procedure or help with any anxiety you may be experiencing surrounding dental visits, we’re happy to help walk you through the process. Give us a call or visit our DeSoto location today to find out more!

Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship: Our Commitment to Continuing Education

September 22, 2020

Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry

On behalf of our team of professionals at Lancaster Smiles, we would like to congratulate Dr. Gupta on earning her Fellowship accreditation with the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)! Her latest achievement speaks volumes to the degree of dedication our practice puts forth to continuing our knowledge of dental practices in order to provide our patients with the absolute best possible care available today. Here’s a little bit about what this certification entails and what it means to our patients and practice going forward:

What Is an AGD Fellowship?

Since 1952, the Academy of General Dentistry has been helping dental professionals across the country to continue their education efforts in order to stay abreast of the latest advancements and technology in the field. Dedicated to the advocacy for continual learning, the foundation offers a fellowship program to recognize those professionals who meet their exceptional criteria for professional training and advancement practices. In fact, their criteria are so exceptional, only 6% of general dentistry professionals in the United States and Canada combined, have achieved the coveted fellowship award.

How Is This Achievement Earned?

We are extremely proud to announce that Dr. Gupta’s dedication to continuing education has earned her this fellowship, and a place among the top 6% of dental professionals in the nation. This has been an achievement that demanded years of ongoing educational courses as well as a commitment to meeting the fellowship requirements. In order to earn this exceptional accreditation, your family dentist has undergone vigorous training and AGD testing that has included:

Completion of 500 hours of course specified continued education (CE) programs and studies. This is a commitment of 500 educational hours beyond her licensing and degree requirements in order to stay current on the most advanced dental breakthroughs of the day.
Maintain all proper licensing as well as maintain an AGD membership in excellent standing for a minimum of three years prior to the fellowship award.
Successful completion (passing grade) of the 3-hour long fellowship examination following the 500 hours of CE. This examination is an extensive compilation of the latest dental professional intel of the day and requires a solid grasp of all CE obtained during that time.

What an AGD Fellowship Means to Our Lancaster Smiles Friends and Families

Dr. Gupta and staff are all deeply committed to offering the most comprehensive and caring dental services in the area. It is this commitment that has led to her continued dedication to CE courses and achieving the AGD fellowship as a way to provide our patients with the best, most knowledgeable care. We’d like to extend our congratulations again to Dr. Gupta for this impressive achievement as we let our family of patients know how committed we are to stay at the top of our field – for you, our patients! This latest achievement is just one of the many ways your local family dentist is ensuring you receive top-notch care at every appointment, and now she has the fellowship award to show for this dedication!

Searching for the Best DeSoto Dentist? Give Us a Call Today!

September 16, 2020

Toothpaste in shape of heart squeezed out of toothpaste tube — Searching for the Best DeSoto Dentist? Give Us a Call Today!

When it comes to the oral health of your family members, it’s important to know you have chosen the best DeSoto dentist to manage their care. For years, Dr. Gupta and staff have been welcoming patients of all ages for the most trusted, caring, and gentle dental procedures around. We take great pride in offering our patients cutting edge technology, highly efficient procedural protocols, and a warm, compassionate approach with each of our clients.

Our Dentist Services in Lancaster

At Lancaster Family Smiles, we understand that in order to provide our patients with the best possible care, we must stay current with all of the latest technological and medical advancements in the field. That’s why we continually strive to offer state of the art procedures and equipment that are specifically designed to both simplify your oral procedures as well as being minimally invasive and aiding with recovery times for more in-depth practices. When it comes to dentist services in Lancaster, you can rest assured, our staff is among the most qualified and trusted group of professionals around!

Our DeSoto Dentist Understands Efficiency

In addition to simplifying complex procedures and improving overall healing and recovery measures, our advanced services and equipment also allow for a highly efficient practice. We understand that your time is quite valuable – that’s why we focus on giving you the best possible care without any unnecessary waiting around. Our goal is to give you a warm welcome as well as a comprehensive and focused professional service, using the latest in cutting edge technology in order to have you back on your way in no time – every time you see us.

Efficiency is more than simply getting you in and out of your appointment in a timely fashion, however. As we said, our staff understands that your time is valuable, so we make sure our availability meets whatever your needs may be. We know missing work or school isn’t always a feasible option. That’s why we offer the same caliber of services to all of our patients, 7 days a week. Our hours of availability ensure we are here for you, whenever you can fit us into your schedule – not the other way around.

Your Most Trusted and Compassionate Choice for Dentist Services

Our highly trained staff members have been focused on providing the best possible dental care in the Lancaster and DeSoto areas for years. We are passionate about what we do and work hard to be the most trusted dental professionals around. Your family’s oral health and comfort is our number one priority, and we strive to be the best in the business because that’s what we want for our own families. It’s because of this that we are deeply proud of our consistent 5-star ratings and glowing reviews by our patients, and we look forward to continuing to offer the highest level of care possible for many years to come!

Tooth or Gum Pain? When to Call for Emergency Dentistry Work

Man with dental pain rubbing his jaw — Tooth or Gum Pain? When to Call for Emergency Dentistry Work

When a dental emergency arises, it is usually quite uncomfortable and immediate attention is recommended in order to not only alleviate the pain, but also avoid any progression to more serious issues. But just what constitutes a dental emergency? How do you know when you should seek emergency dentistry help versus waiting for a regular appointment?

Determining When to Call for Emergency Dentistry Work

Oftentimes, when a patient is experiencing tooth or gum pain, they may find themselves questioning whether or not their situation constitutes a dental emergency or if it is something they can wait out or even treat at home. The fact is, however, if you are experiencing any type of significant tooth or gum pain, that is your body’s way of saying you need treatment. The longer this treatment is put off, the greater the chance of your situation worsening.

Seeking out an emergency dentist Lancaster at the first symptoms of pain or discomfort can be a critical part of correcting the issue before things progress to more serious issues. Leaving something like an abscessed tooth unattended can lead to more severe infections and damage to surrounding tissues and bone structures, for example. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or mouth pain in any manor, don’t wait to seek dental assistance.

Most Common Emergency Dentistry Procedures

While unbearable toothaches can be a very common reason to seek emergency dental work, it’s not the only scenario that qualifies as an emergency. In general, any time you have mouth pain, abnormal bleeding or swelling, or oral damage caused by impact, fall, or other physical blow, it’s a good idea to call your family dentist.

Some of the most common reasons for emergency dentistry work include:

Severe toothache
Swollen or painful gums
Broken or chipped tooth
Tooth loss from physical altercation or accident

It’s important to note, however, that although these are some of the most common reasons for emergency dentistry, this is not an all-inclusive list. If you are experiencing any form of unmanageable oral pain, it’s important to seek the attention of your dental professional immediately. Delaying professional treatment could only further complicate your situation.

What to Do When You Need Immediate Dental Attention

Whether you’re experiencing a more obvious dental emergency such as a knocked-out tooth, or a milder emergency like an unmanageable toothache, the best plan of action is the same: seek the help of your dental professional. In some instances, this could mean scheduling an appointment for the following day (in the instance of a toothache that’s bearable with over the counter pain medicines). In other cases, the situation cannot wait until the next available appointment and must be dealt with immediately (such as the loss of an adult tooth). Either way, your actions will play a large part in your recovery process, and it is always recommended to contact your dental professional as quickly as possible in order to determine the best way to handle your emergency.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What to Expect from Your Upcoming Procedure

August 11, 2020

Scheduling a wisdom teeth extraction procedure can bring up many questions and concerns for patients but knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference. Whether you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth pulled or you’re planning to have the procedure done in the near future, there are certain steps you should take to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible in order to optimize your recovery period.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Preparation

Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common oral surgeries performed today. In fact, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons estimate that 90% of people will have at least one of their wisdom teeth pulled, usually between the ages of 17-25. This third set of molars is generally unnecessary and most often causes issues with space in the mouth or crowding of existing teeth, which is why they are so often recommended to be removed.

The best way to prepare for this common procedure is by first discussing the process with your Lancaster dentist. By having an examination and consultation with your dental professional, you’ll have a full picture of not only the positioning of your incoming wisdom teeth, but also, the best understanding of why they need to be removed. Some of the most common reasons include:

Impacted teeth
Swelling or pain while eating
Limited jaw movement
Teeth crowding

Know the Process

Once you have met with your family dentist Lancaster and determined you need to have a wisdom teeth extraction procedure, the next step in preparation is to know what to expect. Since dental extractions include either a local anesthetic or sedation, patients should discuss each option with their dental professional to determine which method is best for their procedure. Knowing the requirements for preparations such as fasting periods prior to your surgery should also be discussed in advance.

How to Maximize Your Recovery

Your recovery process from having a wisdom tooth extraction performed will vary from person to person. In general, however, most begin to resume somewhat normal activities within a few days. A few tips to keep in mind to help your individual recovery process go as smoothly as possible include:

Maintain a liquid diet (no straws) for the first full day of recovery.
Press down with gauze or tea bags to help with initial bleeding gums.
Keep a soft food only diet for the first week (no foods that require chewing).
Discuss recommended pain relievers with your dentist.
Make sure your mouth and surgical site is kept clean, but no excessive brushing until healed.

Your dental professional will be able to give more specific recovery guidelines and tips, so be sure to discuss these with your dentist prior to your surgery in order to be prepared.

Preparing for Dental Implants and Other Major Oral Procedures

Illustration of dental implant in lower arch of teeth — Preparing for Dental Implants and Other Major Oral Procedures

When it comes to dental implants – or any major oral procedures for that matter – the key to a positive experience lies primarily with the preparation. Knowing not just what to expect, but how you should be preparing for your upcoming procedure, will help ensure you don’t hit any roadblocks or recovery obstacles down the road. So, how do you go about making sure you’re properly prepared?

Best Way to Prepare for Dental Implants

The best way to prepare for an upcoming dental procedure involves doing your homework and making some concessions for a successful surgery and recovery process. Exactly what this may entail will likely be different for each patient, so it’s imperative that you know specifically what you need to do in order to have the best possible individual experience. Here are some of the most important steps to take prior to your dental implants Lancaster procedure:

Meet with Your Dental Professional and Do Your Homework

Your first step, if you haven’t done so already, should be to schedule an appointment with your dental professional. When you’re considering a dental implant procedure, there are many variables to consider and you should be sure to have a detailed examination as well as a thorough Q & A session with your Lancaster dentist. Your exam will include detailed information explaining the procedure as well as go through your medical history, testing and results, and outline a comprehensive preparation plan.

Plan for Your Procedure

After discussing the details of your surgery, test results, and medical history with your oral professional, you will begin to prepare for your procedure. For some, this will likely require a round of antibiotics in order to ensure you are safeguarded from infections in much the same as any other form of surgery.

You will also need to ensure you’re prepared financially for your specific procedure. Be sure to contact your insurance prior to scheduling any surgeries or major procedures in order to be informed of your level of personal financial responsibility.

Prepare Yourself Physically for Your Upcoming Procedure

When you get closer to the date of your surgery, there will be physical preparations you need to take as well. These can include fasting for a specified time beforehand (be certain you are aware of your pre-op requirements as directed by your oral professional) but can also include simply planning for your own comfort. Knowing the length of the procedure, it is usually recommended to arrive in clothing that is non-restrictive and loose in order to keep you as comfortable as possible during and after the procedure.

Plan for Your Recovery

In order to have the smoothest recovery process possible, you’ll want to plan ahead as much as you can. This involves scheduling time away from work or activities to allow yourself time to heal. It also means planning for someone to drive you home from your procedure and help with any necessary tasks at home in those first couple of days of recovery and beyond as needed. You’ll also want to stock up on soft foods and plan to keep your schedule light to truly rest and recover after you return home.