Cleburne Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Long Family Dental of Cleburne Blog

General Dentist Waxahachie Advice: The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

December 23, 2014

Have you had your oral cancer screening yet? Over 30,000 new oral cancer cases are discovered each year. Unfortunately, many of these cases have already progressed into the dangerous late stages of the disease. Far too many oral cancer patients skip out on the routine dental exams that could have caught the disease in its early stages, when it’s most treatable. Oral cancer screenings are short, painless exams. During the exam, Dr. Long will look for physical warning signs inside of your mouth, and around your face and neck. He will check for abnormalities such as: red or white patches, mouth sores, and lumps. As with other cancers, early detection is critical to successful treatment outcomes. Semi-annual oral cancer screenings are the most effective method for finding the disease in its highly curable stages. Protect your oral and overall health; make an appointment with Dr. Robert Long or Dr. Chris Long for your oral cancer screening today. Long Family Dental is the leading Waxahachie general dentist office. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long proudly serve families daily throughout Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cleburne, and the surrounding communities.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. By far, tobacco use is the leading risk factor for oral cancer. However, contraction of the human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is quickly closing the gap as a leading cause of the disease. While there is still a higher incidence of the disease among older people, this shift has increased the number of oral cancer cases among people under 50, making younger people the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients. HPV in oral cancer patients tends to reside in the back of the mouth, in the tonsils, or at the base of the tongue, making it that much more difficult to detect without an oral cancer screening. Excessive alcohol use and excessive sun exposure can also heighten your risk for developing the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment for an oral cancer screening with your general dentist Waxahachie:

A mouth sore that doesn’t heal after a few weeks
White or red patches anywhere in or around the mouth
Unexplained swelling in the mouth that won’t go away

General Dentist Waxahachie Appointments

Remember, your health is your wealth. Make an investment in your long term wellbeing and schedule an oral cancer screening appointment with Dr. Robert Long or Dr. Chris Long at Long Family Dental today. Long Family Dental is a trusted Waxahachie general dentist office. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long proudly restore smiles daily throughout Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cleburne, and nearby areas.

Maintain Good Oral Health and Repair Your Smile with Dental Implants

November 15, 2014

184898853 Just one missing tooth can spell trouble with a capital T. Obviously, there is the consequence to your smile. In fact, for many people a missing tooth can keep them from smiling. But beyond your smile, one or more missing teeth can lead to oral and general health problems. Thankfully, there are dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long at Long Family Dental have restored oral health and many smiles around Midlothian, TX, with the help of dental implants.

To more precisely place dental implants and reduce recovery time, Drs. Long and Long use computer-assisted technology during the procedure. First, a small titanium post is implanted into the bone below the space of the missing tooth. This is allowed to heal for six to 12 weeks during which time the bone grows around the post. Thus, a dental implant has the added advantage of slowing or even stopping bone loss that may occur when the root of a tooth is missing. Once healed, the doctor places an abutment on top of the post. This abutment then holds the dental crown which has the look, feel and function of a real tooth.

But dental implants aren’t only for single missing teeth. Implants are also used to comfortably secure and support implant bridges. Once again, a bridge that is supported by implants has the added advantage of discouraging bone loss. And unlike partial dentures which are usually noticeable—especially when chewing—a bridge with implants feels natural almost immediately.

Caring for implants is much like caring for your other teeth. Brush and floss them as usual and your dental implants will last for years and years.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you or someone you care for has been dealing with the effects of missing teeth, call the office of Long Family to learn more about dental implants. We proudly serve patients in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne.

Experience Total Oral Health with Gum Disease Therapy

October 15, 2014

Many people may not know this, but having healthy gums is absolutely crucial to you having a healthy, beautiful smile. Your gums are the foundation to your smile, and if they are compromised in any sort of negative way, the effects can be detrimental. Gum disease plagues over 80 percent of Americans, and many of them do not know that they are living with the disease. Because Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long understand the importance of excellent gum health, they are able to offer gum disease therapy to their patients at their Midlothian, TX dental office.

Though many people may be unaware of this fact, if you are living with gum disease, you are not only putting your oral health at risk, but also risking the health of your body as a whole. Untreated gum disease puts you more at risk to heart disease, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s, bone loss, tooth loss, and much more. If you are unaware as to whether or not you are living with gum disease, a few symptoms include gums that are discolored, gums that are sensitive to the touch, red or swollen gums, and gums that bleed whenever you brush or floss. It is very important to contact our office if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

A couple of ways we are able to treat your gum disease is through scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing the harmful bacteria from below the gum line, allowing you to have a healthier smile. Root planing is where we smooth out the rough areas on your tooth’s root, promoting your gum’s reattachment to the tooth itself. We will also reinforce healthy oral care routines, ensuring your gums stay healthy for as long as possible. If you would like Drs. Long to help you with gum disease therapy, contact our office today!

At Long Family Dental, we provide quality general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services in Cleburne and Midlothian. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Bob Long and Dr. Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Recharge Your Smile with Cosmetic Bonding

September 10, 2014

With everything in life, things go through wear and tear. Whether your favorite shirt has a hole in it or you car has a scratch, life definitely has a way of leaving evidence. Unfortunately, the same logic is applied to your smile. Throughout the years, your smile may have dulled in color, gotten chipped, stained, and cracked. Over the course of the time, the hard knocks that seemed small in the beginning can really alter the overall aesthetic of your smile. Thankfully, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long are able to restore the vitality in your smile using cosmetic bonding.

One of the wonderful things about cosmetic bonding is that it is able to completely give you a new smile in single appointment. Aside from being able to cover cracks and chips, if your smile is slightly misaligned or gapped, cosmetic bonding is able to clear it right up! We will be able to mix the composite resin to match your tooth color exactly, making your smile transformation look as natural as possible. Being able to cover up dark spots on your smile, repair your tooth damaged by tooth decay, and improve the general look of your smile, cosmetic bonding is definitely a wonderful option for our patients wanting a new smile in a little amount of time.

The process to improving your smile with cosmetic bonding is simple, as we will have to first prepare your natural tooth by roughening the surface to make sure the bonding sticks. When the bonding is placed on your smile, we will harden it with a light. After that, we will sculpt your new smile, keeping your wants and facial features in mind, as to make sure everything blends in seamlessly. At the end, we will polish the bonded area, making it shine bright! If you are curious as to how cosmetic bonding can help improve your smile, and would like the help of Drs. Long, contact our office today!

Shine Bright with Teeth Whitening!

August 9, 2014

One of the things people really strive for is a bright, beautiful smile. When you have an amazingly radiant smile, it gives the impression of health and vitality. When you are not confident in the way your smile looks because of its lackluster appearance, it can be disheartening. Though you may think there is nothing you can do to make your smile shine bright, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long are able to give their patients the smile they have always wanted by offering teeth whitening!

There are many things that can affect the luminosity of your smile. Coffee, tea, wine, certain medications, tobacco use, and even genetics all play a role in your dulling smile. If you have tried over the counter methods in whitening your smile, you may have gotten results that were less than excitable. Our doctors are able to whiten your smile with ease and convenience! We offer our patients take-home teeth whitening. With this, we are able to take impressions of your smile and have custom whitening trays made just for you. We will also be able to supply you with the whitening gel, which is professional-grade, ensuring amazing results.

All you have to do is fill the tray with the whitening gel and wear the tray between 30 to 60 minutes twice a day. Your smile will gradually whiten, and in about two weeks, you will see the full results. Also, this form of whitening is less expensive than conventional teeth whitening processes, which makes this a wonderful choice for our patients! If you are curious as to how our doctors can help give you the radiant smile you have always wanted, contact our office today!

How To Get Your Kids Excited About Oral Care!

July 11, 2014

Almost every parent can agree that getting their children to do what they want them to do is a very difficult task. Whether it is eating healthy foods or going to bed at the same time every night, having your children do what is necessary for their health can be a daunting task. One of those things may be getting them to brush their teeth. Getting children to brush their teeth has been a notoriously difficult task for many parents, and they may be wondering how they can make the experience enjoyable for their kids. Luckily, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long have some recommendations as to how a daily chore can become a fun activity!

One of the ways you can get your children excited about brushing their teeth is by joining them in the fun! If you children see the way you brush your teeth, they will want to mimic your movements, making it a team effort that is a lot of fun! This is also a great bonding experience between you and your child, as it builds trust and confidence between the both of you.

Another thing parents can do to make oral care fun for their kids is by making it a musical time. Children tend to respond better to music than words alone, so when you make a fun sing along or jingle to coincide with brushing their teeth, it can create a fun, exciting environment. If your child has a favorite cartoon character or superhero, having their toothbrushes match is an easy way to get them to enjoy brushing their teeth. Along with their favorite toothbrush, having tasty toothpaste can also make oral care more enjoyable for your children. There are many types of toothpaste that are specially made for children, so a yummy bubblegum flavor alongside their favorite character on their toothbrush can make all the difference in the world to your child in making sure they take care of their smile!

Have A Seamless Smile for Summer with Tooth-Colored Fillings

June 9, 2014

With summer right around the corner, one of the things many people are doing is making sure they look their summer best! Whether it is getting your beach body ready or getting their hair done in time for the backyard barbecue, many people want to make sure they are in tip top shape in order to fully enjoy their summer vacation! One thing that may not get as much attention is your smile. There is no doubt you will be meeting and reconnecting with tons of people this summer, and your smile is the first thing they are going to see. If you want to make sure you have a seamless, flawless smile, Drs. Robert and Chris Long are able to give that to their patients by offering tooth-colored fillings.

There are many reasons why people choose tooth-colored fillings. The most popular reason is that people get tooth-colored fillings is because they want to avoid the look of having a mouth full of metal. Many people want a more natural look when it comes to their dental work, and tooth-colored fillings are able to provide that look. The important aspect about fillings is the fact that it saves your tooth. When there is a cavity or a serious infection, we remove the decay and fill the space with your desired filling. If not treated in the proper amount of time, the problem can worsen, even leading toward bone loss.

One of the benefits of having tooth-colored fillings is that it gives you back your confidence. If you aren’t confident in your smile, it can completely alter the way you interact with people and yourself. There is no doubt our experience team is able to restore your confidence and bring your smile to the next level. If you’re interested in tooth-colored fillings, contact our office and will be happy to help you create the perfect smile you have always wanted, just in time for summer!

Give Yourself A Smile Makeover with Porcelain Veneers

May 9, 2014

Having insecurities about your smile can really affect the way you interact with others and yourself. You may cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, or do not think you make a lasting first impression when you smile. Though you may not think anything can help you with your smile, Drs. Robert and Chris Long is able to transform your smile with porcelain veneers!

If you have discolored, chipped, or unappealing teeth overall, porcelain veneers is a wonderful option for you to consider. Transforming your smile in as little as two appointments, there is no reason not to consider porcelain veneers! Your journey begins with a consultation with Drs. Long. There, they will be able to get a better look at your smile, talk you through the process, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have, as we want you to be as informed as possible throughout the entire process.

If you are considered a candidate, Drs. Long makes impressions of your mouth, so your porcelain veneers can be custom made just for you! You natural tooth is prepared by removing a small amount of enamel, making sure your new porcelain veneers have room. Once the veneers are applied, they are made permanent with dental resin cement. At the end, you are left with a perfect, gleaming smile!

One of the benefits to porcelain veneers is the fact they look completely natural. Like a lot of people, you may not want your cosmetic work to be obvious, and porcelain veneers give you the wonderful option of looking as natural as possible. They are also stain resistant, and, with proper maintenance, can last up to 10 years!

Let Drs. Long Help You Get A Better Night’s Rest

April 28, 2014

There are very few things more frustrating than a bad night’s sleep. Sleeping gives your brain a chance to recharge and your body to rest, and when that is interrupted, it can be extremely disappointing. Waking up groggy or irritable, louder-than-normal snoring, and sleepiness throughout the day are a only a few symptoms that you are suffering from sleep apnea. Luckily, Drs. Robert and Chris Long are ready and able to help with your sleep apnea woes!

There are many things that can agitate sleep apnea, like smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and eating a large meal right before you go to bed. However, if you are able to identify a specific reason why you do not sleep well, you may have sleep apnea. The most common type of sleep apnea is OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea. This is where your breathing is compromised while you sleep. Your breathing pauses during the night for several seconds at a time, and can happen more than 25 times in a night! With this type of sleep apnea, the snoring one may experience can be quite excessive and boisterous. This causes severe exhaustion, high blood pressure, lack of concentration, and much more.

Drs. Long helps his patients with their sleep apnea by offering their patients the SomnoDent. This wonderful appliance is able to help you get a better night’s rest, and is custom made to fit your mouth, and your mouth only. It works by repositioning your jaw, propelling it forward as to open your airflow. SomnoDent also reduces any collapsibility, making sure that you sleep soundly throughout the night. There are also things you can do to help with your sleep apnea, like going to bed at the same time every night, making the room as dark as possible, and exercising on a daily basis.

If you have any questions on how Drs. Long can help with your sleep apnea, make an appointment at our Midlothia, TX office, and we will be glad to help you get a full night’s rest!

Save Your Smile with Root Canal Therapy

March 18, 2014

Living in pain is never an easy thing, especially when it comes to your teeth. Tooth pain can be excruciating, and doing nothing about the pain will only make it worse. If you are suffering from an ongoing tooth ache, it is most likely because your tooth is infected. Left untreated, an infected tooth can wreak havoc on the rest of your smile, leaving you with a much more expensive and painful result down the road. Long Family Dental understands the importance of making sure your smile is as health as it can be, which is why we offer root canal therapy to our patients!

A root canal needs to be performed when the tooth’s structure has been compromised. Perhaps due to a crack or a large cavity, the tooth’s inner structure has become infected with bacteria, causing you much pain and discomfort. Other things that can cause the need for root canal therapy are deep restorations and dental trauma.

We begin your root canal by focusing on the infected tooth and removing the harmful bacteria. The tooth’s pulp is removed, and then the tooth is filled. After that, a crown is usually placed at the top, protecting the tooth from further harm. At the end, you feel relieved and alleviated of pain!

If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, pain, swelling, throbbing, and a bad taste in your mouth, you may need a root canal. Make an appointment at our office, and we’ll be glad to help!