Why Your Child Needs Dental Sealants

Posted by

If you have been practicing brushing and flossing with your child at home and scheduling preventive dental visits, you are doing a wonderful job. However, we often find that parents wonder if there’s anything else they can be doing to protect the oral health of their children. In this case, our top answer usually includes a suggestion to choose dental sealants to protect hard-to-reach teeth from plaque and tooth decay. Wondering what to expect from this treatment and why your child needs it? Look over the following information:

Sealants Are Effective

When it comes to agreeing to dental procedures, complex treatment can often cause people to hesitate. However, dental sealants require a very simple procedure and offer wonderful benefits. We encourage you to choose this preventive solution for your child for the following reasons:

  • Sealants provide a barrier over your child’s hard-to-reach teeth, which often have a multitude of fissures and grooves where bacteria can easily hide – this can quickly lead to a cavity
  • Dental sealants last for five to 10 years in most cases, which means your child will enjoy long-term protection against tooth decay on back teeth
  • Your child will feel better about his or her efforts in home hygiene when back teeth remain cavity-free for an extended period of time
  • Nobody will be able to detect that your child has sealants except for a dental professional

The Process Is Simple

Applying sealants is easy, so you won’t have to worry about your child’s comfort. We will clean your little one’s teeth to prep them. Then, we will carefully paint a layer of plastic over the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars. We may use a special light to accelerate the drying process. And it’s that simple. 

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Family Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry

Animal Extravaganza Week? Yes, Please.

Posted by

Do you love everything and anything to do with animals? Do you have trouble imagining anything more exciting and adorable than a week dedicated solely to our furry, feathered, or scale-covered friends? Then you may feel a bit overwhelmed when you learn about Animal Extravaganza Week in Mansfield.

About the Event

A week of celebrating animals – it’s sure to be a good time for the entire family. You can expect to visit a variety of venues around town that are participating in the excitement. The list of activities includes the following:

  • Movies at The Mac: Showing of 101 Dalmatians on Tuesday, March 10. Tickets cost $2 per person.
  • Craft Party: Animal craft fun time and snacks at the Mansfield Activities Center on Wednesday, March 11. Tickets cost $5 per person.
  • Raptors of Texas: You will be able to view a variety of birds, such as owls and falcons, at The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center on Thursday, March 12. Admission is free.
  • Critterman: See the wilder side of the animal kingdom, such as a hissing cockroach, with Critterman on Friday, March 13. Tickets cost $5 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult – admission for parents is free.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Community Events, Family Dentistry

Digital X-Rays: Your FAQs

Posted by

When it comes to providing our patients with the comfort they deserve, one of the ways we ensure this is with the use of advanced technology like digital X-rays. While you likely have a solid understanding of what this type of imaging is used for – it gives us a closer look at the internal workings of your oral cavity – you may find that you have some questions. From wondering what makes this type of X-ray different from conventional ones to feeling curious about the benefits, we are happy you are interested and would like to answer some of your most frequently asked questions below:

FAQs About Digital X-Rays

Question: What makes them “digital” instead of conventional?

Answer: The process relies on the use of computer technology rather than film development.

Question: So this means you won’t need to develop the X-rays?

Answer: Yes. Rather than using film and chemicals that pollute the environment and create waste, we will simply upload the image into our computer. Fortunately, this means digital X-rays offer a green, earth-friendly solution to capturing images of your mouth.

Question: Do they emit less radiation?

Answer: Yes, this is one of the very exciting benefits.

Question: Is the process the same?

Answer: It is similar, but not identical. Unlike conventional X-rays that require you to close your teeth on bitewings, this is much simpler. We will place a small sensor comfortably in your mouth in a variety of locations to take your X-rays. The process is quick.

Question: What are the benefits of having the X-rays loaded into your computer?

Answer: This makes everyone’s lives much easier. First, we can quickly begin showing you what we see happening in the inner workings of your mouth. Also, we may very easily take a closer look at the X-rays using computer software and can even send them via email if you need to see a specialist.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Checkup, Patient Comfort

The Benefits of Choosing Dentures

Posted by

We find that people often fail to recognize the many benefits of dentures. While we understand patients tend to have preconceived notions about this dental prosthetic solution, we encourage you to have an open mind. First and foremost, this teeth replacement option can greatly improve your current comfort and long-term oral health. You’ll find that you regain your confidence in your appearance, too. Wondering what’s so wonderful about full and partial dentures? Look ahead:

Benefit #1: You Can Quickly Restore Your Smile

We will provide you with custom-fitted dentures that will restore the structure and beauty of your smile within a short amount of time. This solution is budget-friendly and can replace many teeth – even all of your teeth – with ease. You may choose partial dentures if you are missing some of your teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining. Or, you may select full dentures to replace a full arch – or both arches – of teeth.

Benefit #2: You Can Chew and Speak Comfortably Again

Your teeth are incredibly important to your daily life. In addition to feeling confident about smiling at others, you will regain your ability to speak articulately, whether over the phone or face-to-face. In addition, replacing your teeth will let you indulge in a wider variety of foods for improved nutrition and the ability to enjoy food again.

Benefit #3: Your Lower Face Sags without Teeth

The lower portion of your face enjoys a full appearance because of the support that your teeth and gum tissue beneath provide. When you are missing many teeth, the lower portion of your face may appear to droop and may sink inward toward your mouth. Restore your smile with dentures and you will see the years disappear from your face. 

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Dentures, Partial Dentures, Restorative Dentistry

Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Posted by

Many people don’t particularly care for a trip to the dentist – however, a good portion of the world feels so nervous regarding dental care that they cannot even bring themselves to schedule preventive visits. Rather than avoiding the necessary care that you need to maintain a healthy smile, we hope you will consider the benefits of sedation dentistry. Appropriate for a wide variety of people, this solution can give you the confidence you need to pick up the phone and schedule your next visit. Wondering if this option is for you? Have a few questions? Find your answers with the following:

Common Questions About Sedation

Question: What types of sedation do you offer?

Answer: We offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation. Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” takes the edge off of your nerves. You will inhale the gas through a mask placed over your nose. It will work quickly and wear off almost immediately, so you may drive yourself home after your visit. Oral sedation includes taking a pill by mouth before your visit or procedure. It will relax you deeply – you will remain conscious by may even forget some of or your entire visit once the pill wears off. Because the drug takes time to leave your system, you will need a friend to drive you home after your appointment.

Question: Will you make sure I’m okay during my visit?

Answer: Yes. A member of our team will watch you and monitor your comfort, as well as your vitals. We will make sure you are safe and comfortable throughout your appointment.

Question: Will sedation help me feel less anxious?

Answer: Yes, these options work wonders for individuals with mild to severe dental anxiety. You will be awake but you can expect to feel extremely relaxed.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Patient Comfort, Sedation Dentistry

Daddy Daughter Dance (For All Ages)

Posted by

Light on your feet and love to dance the night away? If so, the city of Mansfield, TX is hosting a Sweetheart Dance where dads can enjoy a fun-filled evening with their daughters. Themed as a “Masquerade Ball,” this event calls for a little costume creativity. You are encouraged to “grab your favorite mask and put on your dancing shoes,” from the official invite.

What Is It?

A night for relaxing, enjoying quality time, and laughing. Oh, and dancing, too, of course. Mansfield has organized a dance for fathers and their daughters, primarily girls aged 4 to 13, though individuals of all ages are cordially invited. (However, moms have been informed kindly that they must remain outside!). You can expect to enjoy complimentary refreshments for a night of fun. You will even be given a professional photo of you and your little one, for a nice memento.

When Is It?

The dance will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Where Is It?

You may participate in this event at the Mansfield Activities Center, located at the following address:

Mansfield Activities Center
106 S. Wisteria
Mansfield, TX 76063 

How Much Are Tickets?

Tickets cost $30 per couple. You may purchase additional tickets for $5 for each additional daughter you bring with you to the event. To avoid a late fee, you must register by February 1. While MAC cards are not necessary, you may enjoy a discount if you are a MAC card carrier.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Community Events, General Dentistry

Dental Bridges: Your Frequently Asked Questions

Posted by

Have your friends or family members talked to you about a bridge and how it may solve your tooth loss problem? If you are missing one tooth or up to three teeth in a row, you may make a wonderful candidate for a dental bridge. This dental prosthetic provides a long-term solution to completing your smile in the wake of tooth loss. Rather than waiting any longer for the answers you seek, we encourage you to look over the following frequently asked questions and accompanying explanations. Learning more will help you determine whether this restorative treatment is well suited to your needs.

Your Frequently Asked Questions About Bridges

Question: What is a dental bridge?

Answer: A bridge is a dental prosthetic that may replace one tooth or a series of up to three teeth side-by-side. It is composed of dental crowns on either end. These crowns will be placed over your natural teeth for support. Between these anchor crowns lies one – or a series – of pontics, or artificial teeth. Once placed, the bridge completes the open space in your mouth.

Question: Is a bridge permanent or removable?

Answer: This prosthetic is “fixed” meaning we will place it permanently in your mouth for long-term wear. You will not be able to remove it.

Question: Will the bridge look obvious?

Answer: No. We will color-match the artificial teeth in the bridge to match your surrounding teeth for the appearance of a seamless, uniform smile.

Question: Are there any health benefits to choosing this solution?

Answer: Yes. You will be able to chew comfortably again, for improved nutrition. Filling the open space will improve your dental hygiene, preventing food from becoming stuck in the opening. In addition, the dental bridge acts as a placeholder, preventing your remaining natural teeth from moving into the open space, which often results in misalignment.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Dental Bridge, Restorative Dentistry

How Composite Fillings Come to the Rescue

Posted by

How much do you know about the dental filling we suggest for you when you develop a cavity? Do you immediately feel hesitant to schedule your next appointment? Have you heard us mention the word “composite” but you aren’t quite sure what that means? While nobody feels overjoyed to experience tooth decay, we encourage you to learn more about the benefits of composite fillings. Immediately addressing your cavity with this solution, which is considered both cosmetic and restorative, will lead you quickly back toward excellent oral health as well as a restored appearance. Learn more about how white fillings can come to the rescue for a positive feeling about this service.

Fillings Protect Your Oral Health

This is why we consider composite fillings a restorative treatment. When you suffer from a cavity, your tooth tissue has decayed, leaving your tooth vulnerable to bacterial infection. You may experience heightened sensitivity and your tooth becomes more likely to break. During a filling, we will numb your tooth and surrounding tissues. We will then remove the decayed tissue, clean out the opening, and fill it with composite.

Composite Is An Incredible Material

Made out of synthetic resin, composite offers a variety of wonderful benefits. We can shape composite into any shape we desire, so it easily fills an opening within your tooth, whether you suffer from a small or large cavity. Because it bonds directly to your tooth tissue – which amalgam, also known as metal, does not – you can expect long-term wear and a reduced chance of tooth fractures. Filling your tooth with this material also helps promote long-term structural integrity because we will need to remove only a small portion of its tissue in preparation.

White Fillings Are Beautiful

We call them white fillings or “tooth-colored fillings” because composite is also color customizable, making this a wonderful cosmetic solution as well. We will match the color of your filling to the surrounding tooth tissue for a beautiful, undetectable finish.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Dental Fillings, Restorative Dentistry

Veneers 101: Answers to Common Questions

Posted by

In your search for a way to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile, you may have come across the many benefits of porcelain veneers. But how much do you know about this treatment? You know that you love the way a veneer-treated smile looks, but if a friend asks about the details, do you have answers? Do you know whether you qualify as a candidate? While we hope you will bring up your questions during your next visit, so we can begin guiding you toward your most beautiful smile, we realize you may have some pressing questions right now. Take a look at the following questions and answers for a bit more insight into this truly effective cosmetic treatment:

Common Questions and Answers About Veneers

Question: What are veneers?

Answer: Porcelain veneers are shells crafted to look like a natural tooth, which fit permanently over the visible portions of your teeth to improve your smile’s appearance.

Question: What are they made out of?

Answers: Veneers are made out of extremely thin, translucent layers of porcelain.

Question: Will they look natural?

Answer: Yes. Similar to the way that your teeth are made up of many translucent tissue layers, these ceramic shells are engineered to create the same appearance for a natural finish.

Question: How long with the treatment take?

Answer: You will visit us twice. During your first visit, we will remove a very minimal portion of your tooth’s outermost layer, called enamel, for a wonderful fit with your porcelain veneers. We will also take impressions. During your follow-up visit, we will bond the veneers to your teeth and your makeover will be complete.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

 

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

Wonderful Times on a Winter Walk

Posted by

Whether you over-indulged over the holidays and are beginning to feel like you need to get your blood pumping again – or if you happen to have a natural penchant for the outdoors during every season – we invite you to come along on a winter walk. Throw on your coat and mittens, tell your friends and family members to bundle themselves up, and enjoy some fresh air with this community event.

What Is It?

This winter walk is an annual event that takes place every January. Community members gather to walk the trail that extends from Walnut Creek Linear Park to Town Park. Even more exciting? At the end of your journey you will find some fun things to do at a family-friendly health fair.

Where Is It?

The walk begins at Walnut Creek Linear Park in Mansfield, Texas.

When Is It?

Meet up for this event during the following:

  • Saturday January 24, 2015
  • Times: 9:00-11:00am

Who Can I Contact?

Do you have questions about this event? We encourage you to contact Parks & Recreation at 817-473-1943 with your questions.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Community Events, Family Dentistry