Commonly Asked Questions on General Dentistry – Lynn Alan Palmer, DDS

These could be signs of dental trouble if you notice things like: Pain, Swelling, or Sensitivity to Hot or Cold.

The best way to fix your teeth and smile is by visiting your nearby dentist and letting them know your goals so they can devise a treatment plan for you.

Avoid drinking dark liquids like coffee and tea, use whitening toothpaste, and visit a dentist near you regularly for professional teeth whitening treatments.

You should visit the dentist any time you have an issue, but at least twice a year for routine exams and cleanings unless otherwise directed by the dentist.

Yes, our dentist in North Houston is fully licensed and accredited.

We generally only recommend first appointments with an initial examination and patient history so that we can provide better services to you.

Yes, we make sure all of our services are as affordable as possible, and we may be able to work with you on payment options.

X-rays are a cornerstone of good oral health. They give your provider an insight into the health of your teeth under the surface and can show signs of cavities, impacted teeth, bone loss/damage, cracks, and other issues that may not be plain to see on the surface.

During a general dentistry checkup, the dentist thoroughly examines your teeth, gums, and oral health. X-rays may be taken for a more comprehensive assessment. The general dentist near you checks for gum disease, cavities, signs of oral cancer, and other dental issues. Professional dental cleaning, including plaque and tartar removal, is typically performed. The visit also includes personalized oral hygiene advice and addresses concerns, ensuring preventive care and optimal dental health.

General dentists in Houston provide comprehensive oral care, including cleanings, fillings, and preventive services. While a general dentist can perform a wide variety of treatments in orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, etc., specialists are solely focused on their specialty and may have access to knowledge, technique, and technology that would make them more suitable for a given task. Over the course of many years, we've grown a network of various specialists to help ensure the good health and longevity of our patients' oral health.

A dental sealant is a protective coating placed any number of teeth to safeguard against cavities. It is important to note that a fluoride varnish is not a dental sealant as it is a different application.

A dental cleaning (known as phophylaxis or "prophy") is a professional cleaning procedure conducted by a dental hygienist. It involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth, and polishing to help avoid gum disease and cavities while giving the teeth a better cosmetic look and feel.

It is suggested you brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste at least two times daily, preferably in the morning and before bedtime. Likewise, brushing and flossing reasonably soon after drinking beverages such as soft drinks, coffee, tea, or wine will help minimize acid erosion and staining.

Daily flossing is essential to eliminate food particles and plaque between the teeth and the gum line. Your provider can recommend which type of floss is more suitable to use for your particular oral health needs. Aids such as floss picks or floss holders may also be recommended to help make things easier for harder to reach molars. Depending on oral health, a water pick may also be recommended to help in a deeper cleaning if it is needed.

Skipping regular dental checkups can lead to undetected dental issues, allowing them to progress into more serious problems. Early detection of cavities, gum disease, or other oral conditions during routine checkups helps prevent complications and ensures timely intervention. Regular checkups also include professional cleanings, crucial for maintaining optimal oral hygiene.

Preventive dentistry concentrates on maintaining good oral health to prevent dental issues before they arise. Regular dental checkups, cleanings, and oral hygiene prevent cavities, gum diseases, and other health problems.

Teeth whitening is generally safe for many individuals. Still, it may not be recommended for pregnant or lactating women, individuals with certain dental conditions, or those with allergies to whitening agents. Consult your dentist to determine if it's a suitable option.

When professional teeth whitening is performed under the supervision of an expert dentist, it is safe. Over-the-counter products should be used with caution. Consulting with a Houston, TX, dentist can help determine the most suitable whitening option.

The longevity of teeth whitening results depends on factors like oral hygiene, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. With proper maintenance, results can last from several months to a few years.

Yes, dental exams can provide insights into overall health. Dentists may identify signs of systemic diabetes or vitamin deficiencies during oral examinations. Recent studies over the past few years are also shedding light on links between various melodies such as various cancers, heart disease, kidney disease, and more.