Author name: KUNAL ANAND

1. Come for Regular Teeth Cleanings Routine cleanings are essential. Our hygienists use a Cavitron machine that can flush and clean underneath your implant. During these visits, we also take yearly x-rays of your implant so that Dr. Varun Joseph can assess any changes in bone levels around it. 2. Brush Regularly Be sure to brush along your gumline around the implant twice a day for two minutes each time. This helps remove food debris and plaque that can accumulate and cause inflammation. 3. Use Floss and a Water Flosser Floss under the crown of your implant to clean out any trapped food debris. Using a water flosser at a 90-degree angle on a low setting can also help clean the area thoroughly while keeping the gum tissue healthy. 4. Manage Clenching or Grinding If you’re prone to clenching or grinding, it’s important to wear a bite splint as recommended by Dr. Joseph. This helps prevent loosening of the implant over time. 5. Avoid Smoking Smoking is a significant risk factor for bone loss around teeth and implants. If the bone around an implant is weakened, the implant can become loose and eventually fail. Cutting back or quitting smoking altogether is essential for your implant’s longevity. 6. Avoid Eating Hard Substances Chewing on hard foods like almonds or ice can damage the crown of your implant. Be mindful of what you’re eating to keep your crown and implant safe. 7. Report Any Changes If you notice gum inflammation, persistent pain, or any loosening of your implant, it’s important to let Dr. Joseph know right away. Prompt treatment can prevent implant failure and protect your investment. At Plano Family Dental, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain your dental implants and enjoy a healthy, confident smile. If you have any questions or need to schedule a cleaning or check-up, schedule an appointment online or call us at (972) 867-5090. We’re here to support your oral health every step of the way.

Broken teeth ·       Most patients break teeth from biting something hard with a tooth that has a crack or large filling.   ·       There is usually no pain with the break. ·       Depending on how large the break is, we fix it with a filling or a crown.  Crowns are needed when the cusp or side of your tooth is broken off. ·       On rare occasions, the tooth may need a root canal if the break reaches the pulp of your tooth. Abscess ·       Detecting an abscessed tooth based on signs and symptoms can be tricky.   ·       Patients usually come in with pain when they chew or with temperature sensitivity. ·       There can also be a bump or white pimple-like spot on the middle or lower part of your gum. ·       An x-ray of the tooth root can identify an abscess, but there are occasions where it may not be seen on the x-ray. ·       Dr.Joseph and Schell advise patients with abscesses to get evaluated and treated by an endodontist (root canal specialist). We have several endodontists that you will be in good hands with.   Cavities ·       Patients who have cavities rarely feel pain until it reaches the center of your tooth.  (when that is the case, you most likely will need a root canal). ·       You may have some sweet sensitivity in the area. ·       To fix cavities, Dr. Joseph and Dr. Schell take out the damaged parts of your tooth and replace it with filling material. Periodontitis(Gum Disease) ·       Periodontitis is caused by inflammation in your gums due to infection from bacteria in the plaque and tartar on your teeth.  The bone that holds your teeth in place disintegrates. ·       If nothing is done your teeth will lose their support over time and fall out. ·       To treat this disease, hygienists go under the gums as well as on the crown of your tooth to clean off the plaque and tartar. You are numb in the area to keep you comfortable.  This process is done in 2 appointments.  Our hygienists will advise you on what to doat home to keep your gum disease in a stable condition. ·       To prevent progression of gum disease (periodontitis), your maintenance teeth cleanings are scheduled every 3 months. Our whole goal is to help you keep your teeth.

Have you ever wondered why some people get teeth cleanings more than twice a year (every 6 months)? How do you know if that’s what youneed? 6-month cleanings 4-month cleanings 3-month cleanings The whole goal of determining how often you should come for teeth cleanings is to maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible. Most insurances only cover for cleanings every 6 months, although there are plansthat will cover more. Some dental offices, like here at Plano Family Dental,offer savings plans for people who don’t have dental benefits or whose benefits don’t cover what they need. Coming regularly at whatever frequency of cleanings you need can help you have a healthy mouth for your lifetime.

What are the benefits of investing in an implant? ·      No removal of tooth structure from yourother teeth (like with bridges) ·      Jawbone Preservation – the implant mimicsa tooth root which keeps your jawbone healthy. With no tooth root in the area, your jawbone shrinks back and can affectthe bone holding your other teeth in place. ·      Longevity – With proper care and regulardental visits your implant can last a lifetime. Bridges last around 5 to 10 years, depending on your care at home anddental visits. ·      Better stability of removal devices –implants can keep your denture stable, so it doesn’t move when you chew orspeak How to Maintain Your Implant, so it Can Last a Lifetime ·      Invest in a water flosser – waterflossers are a great tool to clean plaque and food debris from under yourimplant crown.  Use it at the lowestsetting at 90 degrees to your implant. ·      Floss under the crown – use string flossto fully remove plaque from under your implant crown.  Make sure your floss slides underneath thecrown completely to reach the post. ·      Keep inflammation away – gum inflammationcauses bone loss not only around your teeth but also your implant.  Keeping the area free of plaque and foodpacking can reduce the risk of inflammation around your implant. ·      Gum Disease – preventing gum diseasehelps keep the bone around your implant stable in your jawbone.  If you have already been diagnosed with gumdisease, keep your disease in a stable state by brushing, flossing, and havingregular dental visits. ·      Refrain from Smoking – Smoking is one ofthe major risks for developing gum disease. Preventing gum disease can keep your implant safe from loss. ·      Avoid Chewing Hard Foods – Very hardfoods like ice or almonds have the potential to damage your implant.  To avoid the risk of damage, it’s best toavoid chewing hard substances with your implant. ·      Protect from Clenching and Grinding – Grindingor clenching your teeth against your implant can cause damage or bone loss overtime.  Protect your implant with anightguard or bite splint.

Have you been putting off asking about smile improvement options because you’re busy and it’s difficult to get time off from work?  Composite resin bonding, such as Bioclear, may be the solution you’ve been looking for!  If you have mild gaps, stains, chips, or unusually shaped teeth there are options!  Don’t put off asking our skilled cosmetic dentists, Dr. Joseph or Dr. Schell, if composite resin bonding is right for you. What can composite resin be used for? ·      Fill triangle-shaped gaps made by receding gums ·      Fix minor chips or breaks ·      Cover stained or discolored teeth ·      Create an even smile by repairing small or misshapen teeth Why consider composite resin as an option? ·      Can be done in 1-2 appointments ·      Cancost around 25% less than veneers ·      Only unhealthy tooth structure is removed ·      Conserves more of the healthy, original tooth What todo to help your bonding last as long as possible: ·      Regularly brush and clean between them with something like floss ·      Avoid high staining food and drinks ·      Goto your regular dental exams so Dr. Joseph or Dr. Schell can check the clinical integrity of your bonding. Call our office if you would like a consultation to discuss if composite resin bonding s right for you.  A new smile may beonly an appointment or two away! dingis right for you.

Have you been putting off asking about smile improvement options because you’re busy and it’s difficult to get time off from work?  Composite resin bonding, such as Bioclear, may be the solution you’ve been looking for!  If you have mildgaps, stains, chips, or unusually shaped teeth there are options!  Don’t put off asking our skilled cosmetic dentists, Dr. Joseph or Dr. Schell, if composite resin bonding is right for you. What can composite resin be used for? ·      Filltriangle-shaped gaps made by receding gums ·      Fix minor chips or breaks ·      Cover stained or discolored teeth ·      Create an even smile by repairing small or misshapen teeth Why consider composite resin as an option? ·      Can be done in 1-2 appointments ·      Can cost around 25% less than veneers ·      Only unhealthy tooth structure is removed ·      Conserves more of the healthy, original tooth What to do to help your bonding last as long as possible: ·      Regularly brush and clean between them with something like floss ·      Avoid high staining food and drinks ·      Goto your regular dental exams so Dr. Joseph or Dr. Schell can check the clinical integrity of your bonding. Call our office if you would like a consultation to discuss if composite resin bonding is right for you.  A new smile may be only an appointment or two away! ‍

Veneers are thin coverings of porcelain that attach to your teeth. They can be used to make the front of your teeth have a more pleasing shape. They can be used to cover stains that do not improve with teeth whitening. Veneers are also used to hidegaps between your teeth. If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile,talk to Dr. Joseph or Dr. Schell, our experienced cosmetic dentists, to see if veneers might be right for you! Veneers to fix crowded or crooked teeth: Veneers to fix stained teeth: Veneers to fix gaps in your teeth: Veneers have a good longevity, lasting around 10-15 yrs with proper, consistent care. They are also less invasive than crowns. If you’re looking for advanced cosmetic dentistry for a brilliant, natural-looking smile,you found it. Call to schedule a consultation to see if veneers can help you correct your crowding, staining, or gaps! A more confident, beautiful smile is just a few appointments away.

Oral DNA testing is an advanced, science-backed approach that uses your saliva to identify harmful bacteria in your mouth—giving us deeper insights into your gum health and how it may affect your overall wellness. Unlike traditional periodontal diagnosis that relies solely on visual exams and probing, Oral DNA salivary testing provides personalized, bacteria-specific data that allows us to tailor your treatment for better outcomes. Benefits of Oral DNA Testing for Gum Health At Plano Family Dental, we use Oral DNA testing to: Salivary science has opened the door for diagnosing both oral and systemic conditions in a way that traditional exams alone cannot. When to Consider Oral DNA Salivary Testing We recommend Oral DNA testing in the following situations: Symptoms of Bacterial Overload in the Mouth If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may benefit from Oral DNA testing: Why It Matters Even patients with great brushing and flossing habits can suffer from bacterial imbalances that lead to tissue damage. Oral DNA testing allows Dr. Varun Joseph and our hygiene team to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms. Whether you’re preparing for implants, managing gum disease, or simply want a clearer picture of your oral-systemic health, we’re here to help. To schedule an evaluation or learn more about Oral DNA testing, book an appointment online or call us at (972) 867-5090.

Dry mouth—clinically known as xerostomia—is more than just a minor inconvenience. It’s a condition that affects many people and can significantly impact your oral health and comfort. What Causes Dry Mouth? The most common cause of dry mouth is medication side effects, but it can also result from: You may have seen over-the-counter products in the dental aisle designed for dry mouth—these can help relieve symptoms, but long-term care often requires a more personalized approach. Symptoms of Dry Mouth If you have dry mouth, you may experience one or more of the following: These symptoms may be subtle at first but can worsen over time if not managed properly. Why Dry Mouth Shouldn’t Be Ignored Dry mouth has been linked to several oral health issues, including: Saliva plays a critical role in protecting your teeth and maintaining balance in your mouth. When production drops, so does your natural defense system. How to Manage and Treat Dry Mouth If you’re dealing with dry mouth, here are several practical steps you can take: Over-the-counter dry mouth products—including mouthwashes, sprays, lozenges, and toothpaste—can provide additional relief. For advanced cases, a prescription-level fluoride toothpaste or fluoride varnish treatments during cleanings may be recommended. If these approaches don’t provide enough relief, your medical or dental provider may prescribe saliva-stimulating medication. Get Help at Plano Family Dental If you suspect you may have dry mouth, speak with one of our experienced hygienists or Dr. Varun Joseph at Plano Family Dental. We’ll evaluate your symptoms and create a customized plan to protect your smile and keep your mouth comfortable. To get started, schedule an appointment online or call our office at (972) 867-5090. We’re here to help you stay hydrated, healthy, and cavity-free

How to Prevent Cavities and Protect Your Smile According to the CDC, over 50% of teens and about 90% of adults have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. Cavities are extremely common—but also highly preventable with the right habits and care. What Causes Cavities? Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates from your diet and produce acids that wear away at your enamel. Most cavities start between the teeth, where it’s harder to clean without flossing. What Can You Do at Home to Prevent Cavities? Preventing cavities starts with a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine. Here are key tools and habits that make a big difference: Remember, the longer fluoride stays on your teeth, the more beneficial it is—so avoid rinsing right after brushing! What Does the Dentist Do to Help Prevent Cavities? At Plano Family Dental, we go beyond the basics to help you maintain strong, cavity-free teeth. Here’s how: When to Ask for Help If you’re unsure about the right homecare products or whether your toothpaste is doing enough, our team is here to help. We believe in preventive dentistry that protects your natural teeth and keeps your smile healthy for years to come. To schedule your next cleaning or learn more about cavity prevention, book an appointment online or call us directly at (972) 867-5090. Let’s keep your teeth strong, clean, and cavity-free!