Routine dental care is the core of our practice—keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life. Coastal Dental Care provides comprehensive general dentistry for children and adults in Nederland, TX. We listen to your needs, worries, and smile goals and then create a plan just for you. Our office also provides comprehensive dental services to new and existing patients in Nederland.
Regular Dental Appointments Are a Vital Part of Your Oral Hygiene Routine
We believe that a healthy smile is also a happy and beautiful smile. Routine dental care is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, a comfortable bite, and general oral health. Maintaining your oral health will support your overall physical health and wellness.
Regular, biannual dentist appointments are our most important general dentistry service. They promote long-term oral health and minimize the risk of many overall and dental health problems. We recommend that each patient visit Coastal Dental Care twice yearly for several important reasons.
At each visit, your dentist will perform vital preventive care, including teeth cleanings. Our dental hygienists will remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing may miss, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Your dentist will also examine your mouth to screen for any dental problems. Detecting dental issues in the early stages allows us to offer treatment when it is most conservative and successful.
Regular dental visits help us give you personalized tips for better at-home care. We can provide you with personalized advice on the best oral hygiene practices. These open lines of communication also contribute to building a healthy and comfortable relationship between you and your dentist. This will make discussing any concerns or changes in your oral health easier.
What to Expect at Your Routine Dentist Appointment
After a few visits to our Nederland, TX dental office, you’ll feel right at home knowing exactly what to expect. A routine dental check-up or dental cleaning typically involves several things:
- Medical History Review: If this is your first visit, we will thoroughly review your medical history. At each subsequent visit, we will simply ask you if there are any changes in your overall health or medications. This is to identify potential impacts on your oral health.
- Update on Oral Health: We’ll ask about any new tooth or gum concerns you’ve noticed at each visit.
- X-rays: We typically take x-rays about once a year to assess the health of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. They can detect issues that are not visible during a visual examination.
- Visual Examination: Your dentist will conduct a thorough visual examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. They will look for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues. A visual exam will take place at every dentist appointment.
- Gum Health Evaluation: We assess your gum health through a periodontal examination. We check for gum disease by measuring pocket depths and examining each tooth’s gums.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: One of our trained dental hygienists will perform a professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis). Regular cleanings remove built-up plaque and tartar, especially in hard-to-reach spots your toothbrush misses.
- Polishing: After cleaning, your dental hygienist will polish your teeth to remove surface stains and make your smile shine.
- Fluoride Treatment (if necessary): If you’re prone to cavities, we may suggest fluoride to harden your enamel. This is a typical treatment for our pediatric patients.
- Oral Hygiene Education: Our dental team will help you learn how to clean your teeth and what products to use.
- Discussion of Treatment Plans: If we find any problems, we’ll explain your treatment options and make a plan just for you.
General Dentistry in Nederland, TX
Our Nederland, TX dentist office offers a full range of general dentistry treatments and services. Our dentists offer the best dental care necessary to prevent disease and maintain oral health. General dentistry services include:
Family Dentistry
As a family dentistry office, we can treat patients of all ages. Regardless of age, preventive dental care is important to your overall health. Our Nederland, TX, dentist office sees patients every six months to help them maintain oral health.
We can treat your entire family in a single trip to the dentist, making it more convenient for you. There is no need to switch dentist offices as you age. This ongoing care helps us track your family’s dental history and understand your unique oral health needs.
Emergency Dentistry
Emergency dental care allows us to focus on providing immediate and urgent treatment for specific dental issues. In some dental cases, prompt attention is necessary to alleviate severe pain, prevent further damage, and address sudden complications. If you are suffering from a dental emergency, the first step is to contact our office. From there, we will give you further instructions on handling your specific emergency.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is a special service we offer that uses laser energy to perform several dental procedures. Lasers allow your dentist to perform dental procedures with unprecedented precision. They emit a focused light beam that can reshape gums, treat gum disease, remove soft tissue, and treat a gummy smile. Laser dentistry offers several advantages, including reduced bleeding, less discomfort, and faster healing than traditional surgical methods.
Pediatric Dentistry
We offer pediatric dentistry services that focus on children’s oral health care. Our dentists and team have special training to care for kids at every stage of dental development. We provide preventive care, catch problems early, treat issues, and teach healthy habits—all in a friendly, comfortable environment. Our goal is to make dental visits positive, so your child grows up with a healthy smile.
Custom Mouthguard
If you’re involved in contact sports, it’s important to consider a custom mouthguard. Unlike store-bought options, a custom mouthguard provides a precise fit and superior protection for teeth and the jaw. This reduces the risk of dental injuries and long-term damage. For both comfort and safety, getting a professionally made mouthguard ensures the best protection for your oral health.
Sedation Dentistry
We offer nitrous oxide as dental sedation to help patients relax and remain calm during dental procedures. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with dental anxiety or fear, or those undergoing extensive treatments. Laughing gas is a safe, odor-free way to help you feel calm and relaxed during dental work. It eases nerves and makes your visit more comfortable.
Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is necessary when a tooth has extensive damage, decay, infection, or is causing crowding. Taking out problem teeth stops pain, prevents infection, and protects oral health. It also allows other teeth to move into place or replace teeth if necessary.
Diet and Oral Health
Your diet plays a crucial role in the health of your teeth and gums. What you eat directly affects your oral hygiene, and making smart food choices can help prevent problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding harmful foods can keep your smile bright and healthy for years.
Strengthens Teeth with Nutrients
Certain nutrients are essential for strong teeth and healthy gums. Calcium, for example, is vital for building and maintaining strong tooth enamel, which helps protect your teeth from decay. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium, as are leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach.
Vitamin D is also important because it helps your body absorb calcium. Eating vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, eggs, and fortified cereal helps keep your teeth strong and prevents cavities.
Reduces the Risk of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay starts when mouth bacteria eat sugars and make acid. This acid wears away your tooth’s protective layer (enamel). Consuming sugary foods and drinks regularly can increase the risk of cavities. Foods like candy, soda, and sugary snacks create a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
Reducing your intake of sugary foods can lower your risk of developing cavities. Instead, choose foods low in sugar and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, promoting a healthy mouth.
Protects Gums from Disease
A healthy diet can also help protect your gums from disease. Gum disease starts when plaque germs attack your gums, making them red, puffy, and bleeding.
If it gets bad, you might even lose teeth. Foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, help reduce inflammation and strengthen your gums.
Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers, is especially important for gum health. It keeps your gums healthy and strong, preventing them from pulling back. This protects your teeth from sensitivity and other issues.
Prevents Bad Breath
What you eat can have a direct effect on your breath. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can leave a strong odor in your mouth that lingers long after eating. On the other hand, foods like apples, carrots, and celery can help clean your teeth and freshen your breath.
Drinking plenty of water is also essential for preventing dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. Water helps your saliva clean your mouth by washing away food and germs, keeping your mouth healthy and your breath fresh.
Avoids Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion happens when the protective layer of your teeth wears away due to acidic foods and drinks. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and discoloration. Sour or acidic foods/drinks (like oranges, soda, and vinegar) can weaken tooth enamel. Enjoy them in small amounts to protect your teeth.
After eating or drinking something acidic (like soda or fruit), wait 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing too soon can damage your tooth enamel. Drinking water or rinsing your mouth after consuming acidic foods can help protect your enamel.
Helps with Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can occur when enamel wears away, exposing the underlying dentin. Certain foods, like hot, cold, or sugary foods, can trigger sensitivity. A balanced diet with less sugar and fewer acidic foods can help protect your teeth from sensitivity.
Eating healthy foods like spinach, nuts, and fish can strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent sensitivity. Additionally, incorporating dairy products like cheese can help neutralize acids in your mouth and protect your teeth.
Supports Overall Oral Hygiene
A well-rounded diet supports overall oral hygiene by promoting a healthy mouth environment. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots make your mouth water. This helps rinse away acids, food bits, and germs.
Dairy products, such as cheese, provide calcium and help balance the pH levels in your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay. Drinking water all day keeps your mouth moist, fights bad breath, and helps prevent cavities.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of patients’ most frequently asked questions about general and preventative dentistry.
How often is it safe to get dental X-rays?
It’s usually safe to get dental X-rays once a year during your routine check-up. However, the frequency can vary based on your oral health needs. If you have a history of dental issues, your dentist might recommend X-rays every six months.
Those with a healthy mouth will need X-rays every two to three years. Modern X-rays use very low radiation levels, making them safe with proper precautions.
Should I go to the ER if my face is swollen from a tooth infection?
If your face is swollen from a tooth infection, you should go to the ER. Facial swelling can indicate that the infection is spreading, which can become serious if you don’t seek treatment quickly.
The ER can provide antibiotics and pain relief to control the infection. Afterward, you must see your dentist to treat the underlying cause and prevent further complications.
How long does it take for gums to heal after laser dentistry?
Gums typically take about 2 to 4 weeks to heal after laser dentistry. However, the exact time can vary based on the extent of the procedure and your healing rate. You might experience swelling and tenderness, which should gradually lessen. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, such as avoiding certain foods, will help speed healing.
What is the most common dental problem in children?
The most common dental problem in children is cavities. Children often eat foods with a lot of sugar and may not brush their teeth as well as they should. Decaying teeth can cause pain and lead to severe problems without treatment. Regular dental exams and good oral hygiene help prevent cavities in kids.
Do dentists check for cavities during cleaning?
Yes, dentists check for cavities during a cleaning. After the dental hygienist cleans your teeth, the dentist examines them for any signs of cavities or other issues. They might use tools like a small mirror or an explorer to check for soft spots or discoloration. They can indicate decay.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes about 3 to 5 days for the initial healing. You may experience some swelling, discomfort, and bleeding.
You can usually go back to your routine in 1-2 days. Just avoid heavy exercise and follow your dentist’s advice. Full healing of the extraction site, including the closure of the socket, usually takes a few weeks.
If you are ready to book your dentist appointment with Coastal Dental Care, contact us today at 409-727-3511. As a top local dentist in Nederland, TX, we welcome new patients to our practice and look forward to meeting your and your family’s oral health care needs.