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Our smiles are one of our greatest assets. With a smile we can light up a room or bring joy to others. Part of having a great smile is taking care of your dental health. Not only can a healthy smile boost your confidence, but it can have a direct impact on your overall health and wellness as well. Maintaining quality dental health comes from working with an experienced dentist to handle your dental needs and routine cleaning and care. 

It is so important to choose an expert in the field who knows what they are doing and will provide you with quality service. You also want an office that is going to help you feel comfortable and relaxed no matter your reason for visiting. 

Dental Expertise is Important

Not just anyone can be a dentist. It takes years of schooling and testing to accomplish the title. However, not every dentist will be great or set themselves apart. This comes from expertise and from caring about their patients. With the complexity of dentistry, it’s important to find assurance that your dental office can provide a comprehensive suite of solutions that cover anomalies, emergencies, treatments, and basic dental care as well. 

You will find that most seasoned dentists have worked hard to build their expertise and their reputation. This expertise is crucial to ensure you get the care you need for your oral health. The best providers will have advanced technology, in-depth knowledge, and the ability to help you feel comfortable in the chair. 

Personalized Treatment for Your Needs

While dentistry is a broad subject, no two people are exactly the same. We all have similar details when it comes to the type of teeth and their alignment or even how those teeth should look or feel. 

When it comes to maintaining dental health or making adjustments for dental needs, these are all personalized. Whether you have teeth that need to be straightened, wisdom teeth that need to be removed, or you just need a basic cleaning, your dental experience should be personalized to meet those needs. Every appointment should include a thorough exam and then creating a plan for any further treatment needed depending on your needs. 

With personalized treatment, you can achieve optimal results. 

Comprehensive Services

There are dentists out there who only handle basic dental needs. However, there are also many who go above and beyond to meet as many customer needs as possible. The best dentist offices are going to be able to provide a comprehensive suite of services so that their patients can have the majority of their needs met in one place. 

There may be specialty services that need to be referred out elsewhere, but when you can get cleanings, fillings, orthodontics, and other services all in one place, it helps significantly. Consider it a one-stop-shop for the majority of dental needs, with expertise offered in each category. 

Advanced Technology and Techniques

Experienced dentists should provide you with access to advanced technology and practices for your oral health. If machines and protocols are outdated, you may not be getting the best possible care. Technology is always changing, and so are treatments for certain needs. 

An office that invests in training, updating techniques, and utilizing state-of-the-art equipment is better prepared to give its patients the best treatment and the best care possible for their needs. 

Building Trust and Confidence

Going to the dentist is scary for some people. A dentist isn’t just there to treat you. They also have the task of helping you feel confident in their chair. This comes from building trust and relationships with their clients. When you feel as though a dentist cares, you are far more relaxed in their office. 

Quality Dental Care with Experienced Dentists in Tyler

Quality dental care should be easy to find, but sometimes it requires you to do your homework to find the best providers out there. Expertise and quality service will always stand out in the dental industry and will be characteristics you want to look for when you choose a dentist for your oral health needs. 

Let Smith Dental Care be the dental provider you can depend on. Our providers are experienced and truly care about our clients. We’re here to help you create a beautiful smile and feel comfortable while you do! Contact us today to schedule your appointment. 

Cosmetic dentistry has enabled the transformation of countless smiles through the years. When you can repair something you don’t like about your smile, you not only get a burst of confidence but it improves your overall well-being, too. Whether you seek something like teeth whitening or veneers or many choices in between, cosmetic options can lead to anxiety and fear. 

But what if there are solutions with sedation cosmetic dentistry that allow you to control and manage dental anxiety while also handling your dental or cosmetic needs? It’s a great solution that offers many anxious patients the support they need to get through a procedure. 

What Exactly is Cosmetic Dentistry? 

Cosmetic dentistry is described as a dental procedure that works to improve your smile. It is dentistry that goes above and beyond basic needs like dental cleanings and handling cavities. Instead, these are procedures that perfect your smile. 

For some people, the process may be as simple as undergoing teeth whitening. Others may need veneers, orthodontics, or other solutions to achieve their smile goals. There are various procedures and treatments that can be used to get there. 

What is Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry can be used alongside any type of dental treatment or procedure. It’s the use of medication to help a patient relax and remain calm throughout their appointments and procedures. There are three main types of sedation: 

• IV sedation
• Oral sedation
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

Each of these are used for different needs and have their own pros and cons. You can work with your dentist to determine the best approach for your needs. 

The Benefits of Sedation Cosmetic Dentistry

There are many benefits of combining sedation options with cosmetic needs. Many cosmetic procedures require more detailed approaches and could easily make a patient more nervous about their experience. If you are apprehensive about cosmetic treatments, sedation simply allows you to be comfortable and relaxed while the dentist does what they need to do. 

These are some of the most substantial benefits: 

• Reduce patient anxiety
• Increase patient comfort
• Improve safety of dentist and patient
• Improve time efficiency for the procedure

Sedation helps both you and the dentist. When you are anxious, it’s hard for you to let the dentist do what they need to do. When you use sedation to help relax you, they can get the work done more easily. 

Things to Consider Before Using Sedation

There are a few things you should consider before you choose sedation for your cosmetic procedures. Ultimately, you and the dentist’s office will need to sit down and go over the details to determine whether it is right for you. Consider your medical history and whether or not sedation or medications may impact your health. The dentist’s office will need to be made aware of any underlying health conditions you may have in order to keep you safe. 

In addition, sedation often requires additional costs. While the tradeoff of being calm and relaxed is typically worth it, you may need to plan or prepare for those costs ahead of time. Take the time to understand the sedation method that will be used so you can be prepared for any side effects you might experience following your procedure. 

Sedation Cosmetic Dentists You Can Depend On

The idea of cosmetic procedures and sedation dentistry can be a lot to take in. However, you might be surprised to find that they are a great tool that works well when used correctly. Count on a dentist office with extensive experience using sedation to work through a variety of cosmetic dental needs. 

Contact us today at Smith Dental Care to learn more about the options and schedule a consultation for your cosmetic needs. 

Dental anxiety is a pretty common issue. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 36% of people experience dental phobia, making them anxious about receiving needed treatment. About 12% of those people are said to have an extreme fear. This dental phobia makes it challenging for the patient to come to the dentist. While most dentists will do their best to make the patient feel at ease, it’s still hard to do so and ensure they get the care they need. 

Thankfully, there are tools available for overcoming dental phobia and getting dental care. The most common solution is sedation dentistry, which we proudly offer here at Smith Dental Care. 

As with any phobia, dental phobia is an uncontrollable and persistent fear of going to the dentist. It may seem irrational to others, but to the person experiencing the anxiety, it is very real. Those with dental phobia may experience anything from mild anxiety to crippling fear that prevents them from seeking care. 

What is Dental Phobia? 

They may fear different aspects of the dental visit, including just sitting in the chair. Some worry about pain, needles and drills, not being in control, or just not knowing what to expect. It may come from a traumatic experience, or it may not be based on any prior encounter. 

How Dental Phobia Affects Dental Care

Those who do experience dental phobia often put off their dental care because of the anxiety. Some will not go to the dentist until they have an emergent situation, and others may struggle with every visit. The inability to maintain proper oral health can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and other dental issues. 

Leaving dental needs untreated can contribute to a host of other health issues as well, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dental care is critical. 

Overcoming Dental Phobia with Sedation Dentistry

One of the best ways to make a customer feel more at ease while they visit the dentist is with sedation dentistry. With the options available, a patient can prepare for the visit and remain calm throughout any cleaning or procedure that is needed. It also helps to use a dentist’s office that makes you feel comfortable to the best of their ability. When you combine sedation solutions with optimal care and treatment, you get wonderful results. 

The most commonly used forms of sedation are as follows: 

• Nitrous oxide: also known as laughing gas, this is the most common sedation choice. It’s breathed in through a mask on your nose and will make you feel relaxed and euphoric. The sedation wears off almost immediately when the mask is removed. 
• Oral sedation: take an oral medication prior to coming to the office so that you feel relaxed and calm before you even come in. This may help calm you enough to get to the office. Some medications may cause drowsiness and grogginess. 
• IV sedation: the other option is IV sedation, which enters your bloodstream directly through an IV. It’s a heavy sedation that may even make you fall asleep. It is controlled throughout the entire process, and it works quickly. You may feel some lasting effects after an IV as well. 

Sedation dentistry allows the patient to get the care they need and provides the dentist with the solutions to help you get taken care of. 

Let Smith Dental Care Work with You Through Dental Anxiety

Overcoming dental phobia can certainly be challenging, but know that you are not alone. There are solutions for you to get the dental care you need and feel safe and relaxed while you do. 

Let Smith Dental Care help you through it. With our sedation dentistry solutions and an office that truly cares about making our patients feel comfortable, we can help you find the best solution. Contact us today to learn more! 

Free Dental Day is a national phenomenon in which many dental offices are participating. It’s a small way to give back to the community and provide people who may not otherwise get dental care with free dental services. 

Mark your calendars for Free Dental Day at Smith Dental Care on February 17th! We are committed to helping East Texas smile, and we hope those in need can check out these services and get the dental care they deserve! 

What Is Free Dental Day? 

Throughout the United States, thousands of dentist offices are joining a movement to provide free dental care for a day. Different offices can choose their date for free care, or they can join a national movement to focus on a specific day. 

On this day, people who need access to dental services can visit the office and get free, high-quality dental services. The goal is simply to make dental care more accessible for everyone and ensure more people can enjoy healthy, happy smiles. 

Each year, millions of dollars worth of services are donated on free service days across the country. Thousands of patients get the care that they desperately need or simply cannot afford. It is our hope that we can give back to the community of East Texas in some small way with our upcoming Free Dental Day on February 17th. 

Why Free Dental Day Is So Important

With the rise in costs for insurance and services, many people don’t maintain dental insurance on a regular basis. More than 75 million adults in the United States have no dental insurance coverage. This means that 75+ million people don’t get routine dental care, cleaning, and other important services. 

It doesn’t mean those people don’t need dental care; it simply means they likely cannot afford it. Due to the gap in coverage, they neglect dental cleanings and visits to avoid the out-of-pocket costs. This can lead to many potential issues: 

• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• Tooth loss
• Misalignment
• Periodontal disease
• Gum disease

When dental care is neglected for too long, it could potentially lead to more extensive and more expensive work needing to be done. And yet, many people will put that off as well because they don’t have the coverage to help with the expenses. 

Without proper dental care, people often struggle with confidence or shame. They want their smile to be healthy, but they simply don’t have the resources to make it happen. That’s where we come in! 

The Value of Quality Dental Care

Realistically, you should see a dentist at least once a year for routine cleanings. The industry recommendation is to get a cleaning every six months. These cleanings are not just to improve your pearly whites; it’s also to check your teeth and your mouth and be proactive with any potential issues. 

If you have cavities, misalignment, or other concerns, the dentist can address those concerns with you and help provide services to correct them. Being proactive with dental care manages your dental health but also could impact your overall health as well. 

Did you know that proper dental care can help to reduce the risks of heart disease related to periodontal disease, diabetes, oral cancer, and kidney disease in some cases? Of course, dental care will not always prevent these things, but it can make a difference. 

A free day to get dental care also contributes to helping improve and protect your overall health.

Experience Free Dental Care with Us on February 17th! 

We are passionate about taking care of smiles within our community. We hope that you will come to see us for your dental care needs on February 17th. We look forward to serving as many people as possible on this day with free dental care. 

Share the date with friends, mark your calendars, and prepare to wow the world with your smile. Contact us today at Smith Dental Care with questions about services, or just show up that day to get the help you need!