General Dentistry in Richardson, TX

Most patients do well with cleanings every six months. Patients with active gum disease, dry mouth, a history of frequent cavities, or certain systemic conditions may need to come in every three to four months. Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on your specific situation, not a blanket policy.

Your first visit will include a full exam, X-rays, and a cleaning. If decay, gum disease, or other issues have developed, we'll walk you through what we find and help you prioritize. Patients in this situation are not uncommon, and you won't be made to feel bad about it.

Not necessarily. How often X-rays are recommended depends on your age, oral health history, and cavity risk. We follow clinical guidelines and won't recommend X-rays more frequently than your situation warrants. For new patients, a full set of X-rays gives us a baseline to compare against in future visits.

Yes. Most dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, and oral cancer, develop without causing pain until they've progressed significantly. A checkup is how we catch problems at the stage where they're easiest and least expensive to treat.

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, extends further below the gumline to clean the root surfaces and address the bacterial buildup associated with gum disease. We recommend it only when exam findings indicate it's clinically necessary.

For most cavities, yes. Modern composite materials bond directly to the tooth structure, require less removal of healthy tooth than metal fillings, and are well-suited to small and medium-sized restorations. For very large restorations, your doctor will advise on the most appropriate material.

A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth to eliminate pain and save the tooth from extraction. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients report that the pain before the root canal was significantly worse than the procedure itself.

A night guard is a custom-fitted appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. Signs you may need one include worn or flattened teeth, jaw soreness in the morning, frequent headaches, and sensitivity. We check for evidence of grinding at every exam and will let you know if we see it.

Persistent bad breath is most commonly caused by bacteria on the tongue, between teeth, and below the gumline. Gum disease, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions can also contribute. A professional cleaning, improved home care, and treatment of any underlying gum disease resolve most cases. If the source isn't dental, we'll let you know.

Yes, and it's more common than most people think. Let us know when you book so your doctor and hygienist can adjust their approach from the start. We explain each step before we do it, take breaks when needed, and move at your pace. Blankets, pillows, and music are available, and no one here will make you feel rushed or judged.