Antelope Dental Associates

11/10/2022

We hope your fall is off to a great start! As we approach the end of the year, we are writing to remind you to take advantage of any unused dental insurance benefits. Did you know that if you don’t use your dental insurance benefits this year, you lose them? It’s true – dental insurance benefits don’t roll over to the following year. If you don’t use them, you lose them! Make sure to use all available benefits to complete any outstanding treatment or for your all important preventive dental hygiene appointment.

If you have funds set aside in a flexible spending account (FSA) or healthcare saving account (HSA), now is the time to schedule treatment so your co-payment amounts can be applied to this year’s deductions.

We find that November and December appointment slots fill up very quickly and we are certain it is a very busy time for you too. Beat the end of year rushes and get in early, our phone number is 916-331-6288. If you prefer to text, our texting number is 916-331-0760. Please know we are here to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding your dental treatment needs and insurance benefits.

Thank you for being a patient and look forward to continuing to serve you for many years to come. If you have family, friends or colleagues who need a dental home, please do not hesitate to refer them to our office. Your continued referrals are our highest compliment!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

03/17/2022

03/13/2022

Remember to set your clocks ahead an hour tonight!

02/13/2022

It is almost game time! Are you watching? What team are you rooting for? Are you there for the game, commercials, food or halftime show?

02/11/2022

When You Have A Cavity…

What to know about the cavity filling process.

When you visit our office for a dental checkup, of course, you never want to hear the news that you have a cavity. However, it’s not the end of the world. In fact, its an excellent opportunity to realize that something is wrong with your brushing or flossing technique, and to make the appropriate changes to prevent future problems. When we diagnose the cavity, we’ll probably schedule a followup appointment for the treatment to take place. And there’s no need to worry or feel nervous; it’s one of the most common procedures to repair teeth.

At the appointment, you’ll first receive an injection. This step is usually the thing that causes the most discomfort and apprehension for patients, but don’t worry. Our team’s chairside manner will put you at ease, and it will all be over shortly. Then, you’ll be pain-free and ready for treatment!

First, we must prepare the tooth by removing the damaged or decayed material. This step is crucial to make sure we eliminate bacteria so the cavity will no longer grow. Next, we’ll apply the filling material. And nowadays, there are no dark, metallic fillings to worry about. Instead, we use composite, tooth-colored resin to repair your teeth effectively and aesthetically!

If you suspect you have a cavity, don’t delay in seeking treatment. The last thing you want is to wait for the problem to get worse. If a cavity gets bigger, the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised, and it may crack or chip. Furthermore, a tooth that has experienced significant decay may be too damaged for a filling to be effective, requiring more extensive treatments such as a dental crown. These treatments are also more costly, so do yourself a favor and don’t put off your regular dental checkup and cleaning appointments!

02/07/2022

How to Handle Dental Phobia

Although our practice is peaceful and serene, we know that some patients need a little more to get the extra comfort and security they need. For those that are nervous when it comes to dentistry, we have extensive experience working with ‘dental phobia.’ We designed our practice to provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere for our patients. And, if there’s anything we can do to make your appointment more comfortable, just let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your needs!

You will love our gentle and caring chairside manner, and we are confident that once you experience our professionalism, you won’t be afraid of the dental chair any longer!

If you have a dental phobia, here are some helpful tips and advice to keep in mind before your appointment:

Schedule a morning appointment, so you’ll have less time beforehand to worry.
Get a good night’s sleep, so you are well-rested, helping to reduce stress.
Be positive! Tell yourself that you’re in good hands, and think about the benefits of receiving dental care.
Don’t mention dental phobia others. They may share a bad experience, feeding into your stress and anxiety.
Bring a trusted friend. A friend or family member can provide reassurance as well as help occupy your mind with other thoughts.

Don’t Delay Your Treatment

One of the worst things about dental phobia is that it prevents you from getting the dental care you need. You might choose to ignore small cavities or tooth pain until it becomes a larger cavity, infection, or periodontal disease.

Don’t fall into this trap! We’re here to help you overcome your fears and improve your dental health.

So, if you are afraid or anxious about any dental procedure, call us at (916) 331-6288 to schedule a consultation. We are happy to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have before your appointment!

Antelope Dental Associates provides preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry along with Invisalign® and root canals. � 916-331-6288.

02/02/2022

How do you feel about the prediction? Do you prefer winter or are you ready for the spring?

01/25/2022

When teeth hurt, you know something is not right. It may be a minor cavity or infection, but one of the common varieties of dental pain is tooth sensitivity. And anyone who experiences it knows it isn’t fun.

Sensitivity may occur when drinking or eating hot or cold liquids or foods, or whenever pressure is applied when chewing. This recurring pain may be a minor annoyance or a major distraction. Whatever level of pain you are experiencing, don’t let tooth sensitivity keep you from enjoying the foods you love. Call our office today at (916) 331-6288 to schedule a consultation.

What Causes Sensitivity?
Several things can cause teeth to be sensitive. Damage, such as a cavity, can be a definite cause as the inner portions of the tooth become exposed.

Additionally, enamel erosion may similarly cause teeth to be sensitive. When we lose tooth enamel, the protective outer layer isn’t there to do its job. The interior dentin is much more porous and vulnerable to temperature changes. Enamel erosion may be due to too much acidic food or drink, tooth grinding (bruxism), even by brushing teeth with too much force.

Another possibility is gum recession due to periodontal disease or other causes, which can leave tooth roots exposed. Roots do not have the protective layer of enamel, so these affected teeth may become sensitive.

How Is It Treated?
Depending on the exact cause of your tooth sensitivity, there may be several treatment options available. We can repair any damaged or decaying teeth with restorative dentistry options such as fillings, crowns, bonding, dental sealants, or others. If gum recession is the problem, we will, of course, do whatever possible to treat your periodontal disease and other issues.

To alleviate the immediate symptoms, you may try using a toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity and promote remineralization. This natural healing process may reverse the early stages of enamel erosion, however only a dentist can treat more severe enamel loss. Call us today at (916) 331-6288 for a consultation.

01/19/2022

New year, fresh start!

Most dental insurance plans run on a calendar year, so your benefits probably renewed on January 1. This means that your annual benefits maximum has been reset and you may be eligible again for a regular cleaning and exam as well.

If you used all of your dental benefits last year and had been holding off on scheduling dental work, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment and start off the New Year with a healthy smile!

01/18/2022

Modern Dentistry Can Replace Missing Teeth

When you have one or more missing teeth, you may experience difficulty eating, chewing, or even speaking properly. And (if you’re missing one of the front teeth), it can detract from your appearance as well, affecting your confidence and self-esteem! Instead, choose one of the options made available by modern dentistry.

What Are My Options?
Dental Bridge – A dental bridge is one of the most common options to replace a single missing tooth. And, the method has proven effective time and again. First, we fit crowns that cover the two adjacent teeth (surrounding the gap) in a way that will hold a replacement tooth in position. After the fabrication is complete, we then bond the entire restoration into place.
Partial Dentures – For one or several missing teeth, we can create a partial denture that seamlessly complements the surrounding natural teeth. With a wire framework mouthpiece that functions much like an orthodontic retainer, the replacement teeth are securely held in place.
Complete Dentures – Dentures are the replacement option when all or most of the natural teeth are missing or failing. After a careful fitting to ensure stability and comfort, dentures provide an effective replacement for the entire arch of teeth.
Dental Implants – Dental implants are the strongest, most permanent solution to missing teeth. By anchoring a biocompatible titanium screw securely into the jawbone, the implant functions as an artificial root. An implant can support an individual crown when needed for a single-tooth restoration, or multiple implants used to support a bridge, partial, or full set of dentures.
Whatever treatment option you desire, the first step is scheduling a consultation and then receiving a professional evaluation. Contact us today by calling (916) 331-6288.

Antelope Dental Associates provides preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry along with Invisalign® and root canals. � 916-331-6288.

01/12/2022

A Dental Abscess Means Severe Infection and A Serious Periodontal Problem

A dental abscess is an infection, typically affecting the root of a tooth and the surrounding gums. What may start as a tooth fracture or an infection of the tooth interior (root) can quickly progress into a more severe problem. Furthermore, when periodontal disease is a factor, the pocket that surrounds each tooth is often compromised, becoming loosened and more prone to trapping bacteria.

If you have a dental abscess, you probably already knew that something wasn’t quite right. You may have experienced a toothache that has gone untreated for an extended period, and you may now feel a buildup of pressure in your cheek, jaw, or the surrounding area. You also might notice a bulge or blister on your gums around the affected tooth.

When a dental abscess develops, it won’t go away on its own. Most often, your dental team will need to extract the tooth or perform a root canal to remove the problem. You may also receive a prescription for antibiotics to help control the infection.

After treatment, make sure to maintain your oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. We may also recommend that you receive additional checkups to maintain your periodontal health, and so that we can monitor the progress of your healing.

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, don’t wait any longer for the problem to get worse. You may be risking the health of your surrounding teeth. Call us today at (916) 331-6288 to schedule an appointment.