Maintaining oral health is vital for overall well-being. Beyond fostering a radiant smile, good oral hygiene plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of infections, heart disease, and even cancer, making it an integral aspect of both your and your family’s health and wellness. While you might instinctively consider a pediatric dentist as the ideal choice for your children’s dental care, a family dentist in Rockville MD is equally equipped to provide exceptional oral health services. One of the primary advantages of choosing a family dentist is the convenience it offers. By making just one phone call, you can schedule appointments for the entire family, streamlining the process and minimizing logistical hassles associated with visiting multiple dental practitioners. Let’s delve into more benefits of family dentistry in Rockville MD.
Family Dentistry in Rockville MD
A family dentist is a dental professional who provides care to patients spanning all age groups, ranging from children to adults. Their services encompass a comprehensive range of treatments, including dental checkups, cleanings, examinations, fillings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and more.
Eliminating Dental Anxiety
Both dental phobia and dental anxiety can lead to the postponement or avoidance of dental care. If any of your family members experience these conditions, scheduling dental checkups together as a family can be beneficial.
Children, in particular, may develop dental anxiety early on, and having a family dentist can aid in overcoming it. When children observe their parents attending checkups or receiving treatment, they gain confidence and become more at ease with the dental experience. Children often mirror the behaviors and attitudes of their parents. By demonstrating the importance of regular dental visits, you establish a lasting impression.
The significant advantage of attending appointments with a family dentist together is that it helps children overcome their fears early on, fostering a lifelong comfort with dental visits.
A Family Dentist is Convenient
The convenience of having a family dentist for your entire household is undeniable. By scheduling one appointment for multiple individuals or the entire family, you streamline your life. Gone are the days of needing to take time off work on various occasions for separate appointments—one for yourself, another for your children at the pediatric dentist, and yet another for your teenagers elsewhere.
Family Dentists Know Your Dental History
One of the key benefits of lifelong family dentistry is the familiarity your dentist will have with your family’s dental history. If there have been past dental conditions, surgeries, allergies, or sensitivities, your dentist will have comprehensive records of these. This enables them to tailor suitable treatments based on your family’s specific dental needs and medical history.
Having a Family Dentist Means a Lasting Relationship
Establishing trust between you and your dentist is essential for several reasons. With trust in place, communication becomes effortless, allowing you to share information openly and honestly. When your dentist is fully informed, they can accurately diagnose symptoms, ensuring that you and your family members receive the appropriate treatment.
Regular and Consistent Services
To uphold the oral health of you and your family members, it’s recommended to schedule visits to your family dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. With a family dentist, you’ll feel assured about attending these appointments, reducing the likelihood of missing any.
Preventative Care
Family dentists are experts in a wide range of dental fields catering to individuals of all age groups. Since children’s teeth are still developing, they require specialized care. Family dentists provide guidance on preventive measures to maintain optimal dental health for children. Additionally, it’s important to act early if one of your children requires teeth alignment. In fact, it is more beneficial in children compared to adults.
Emergency Dental Services
In times of urgent dental care needs, having a trusted dentist readily available is invaluable. You can rely on them to provide immediate assistance to any member of your family. Instead of searching for an emergency dentist each time a situation arises, you can simply reach out to your family dentist and schedule an immediate appointment.
Family Dentist in Rockville MD
Dr. Hackley and our knowledgeable and compassionate staff are dedicated to helping you create and maintain a smile you love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
What causes bad breath? If you, or a loved one has bad breath that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with halitosis. So, what causes it and how can you treat it? Stick around to find out.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis, or bad breath, is typically caused by sulfur-producing bacteria. These bacteria live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, they start to break down protein at a very fast rate, creating odorous volatile sulfur compounds (VSC).
Halitosis is not contagious. Around 2.4% of adults suffer from bad breath, but fortunately, there are ways to treat this condition. But first, let’s talk about what causes it.
What causes bad breath?
Other than the sulfur-producing bacteria, the other major causes of halitosis are:
- Dry mouth- caused by alcohol, stress, medications, and medical conditions
- Dental factors like periodontitis or poor oral hygiene
- Smoking, which starves the mouth of oxygen.
Other less common causes include:
- Acid and bile reflux
- Post-nasal discharge
- Kidney failure, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders.
- Certain foods like onions, garlic, and cauliflower. However, this is temporary.
Symptoms of Halitosis
Symptoms include:
- A white coating on the tongue, especially at the back
- Build up around the teeth
- Dry mouth
- Morning bad breath
- Constant sour, bitter metallic taste
- Post-nasal drip, or mucous
- Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
Treatments for Bad Breath
There is no one treatment, it will depend on what is causing your bad breath. A good first step is to make sure you are well hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can help fight bad breath.
Another important action is to clean the tongue. Gentle, but effective tongue cleaning can help fight bacteria growth. Many tongue brushes and scrapers are available. Brush gently from the back to the front of the tongue and pay special attention to the hard-to-reach areas, as those will smell the worst.
When to Get Help for Bad Breath
If at home treatments aren’t working, it may be time to speak to your dentist about your bad breath. To schedule an appointment, please contact Hackley DDS today.
What are cavities and how can we prevent them? Essentially, cavities are holes in the enamel of your tooth. They can cause pain and discomfort, and if left untreated, lead to more decay. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent cavities.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth. In the early stages, it may look like a white spot but over time it will begin to look brow or black. They can be big or small. While they can be in many places, they often form on the tops of your teeth, where you bite and in between teeth, where food gets stuck.
Cavities cause pain, sensitivity, infections, and can even cause you to lose your teeth. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to prevent cavities.
What causes cavities?
During the day, the bacteria in our mouth feed off of the foods we eat. Anytime we eat or drink sugar, the bacteria eat the sugar and turn it into acid. This acid stays on our teeth and essentially attacks the outer surface.
Over time, this acid wears down our teeth, creating a cavity. If the cavity isn’t fixed, the bacteria get inside it and travel from the outside of the tooth into the dentin and then the pulp, creating an infection.
Dental infections can be very serious. If you notice redness, pain and swelling in your face or mouth you should seek care.
Higher Risks for Cavities
Anyone can get cavities, but you may be at a higher risk if you:
- Snack between meals
- Have cracked or chipped teeth
- Eat sugar foods or drinks
- Take medications that cause dry mouth
- Have a personal and/or family history of cavities
- Have had head or neck radiation therapy
How to Prevent Cavities
The best ways to prevent cavities are to maintain good oral health and hygiene habits. This includes:
- Drink plenty of water
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste 2 times a day
- Floss
- Limit sweet snacks between meals
- Limit sugary foods and drinks like candies and soda.
- Don’t sip or snack on sugary things all day. If you are going to eat/drink them, do so at mealtimes and brush after.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
- Sealants can be placed on the back teeth to help protect them from bacteria causing cavities in hard-to-reach grooves.
For more help with your oral health, please visit Hackley DDS. Let us take care of your teeth and keep your smile healthy and beautiful!
When do children lose their baby teeth?
Most children start to lose baby teeth around age 6, however some baby teeth remain present until age 12. Baby teeth are important and should be cared for in the same way as adult teeth.
Is thumb sucking/pacifier really bad for teeth?
Thumb sucking and pacifiers are okay up to a certain age. These habits aren’t a cause for concern in infants and young toddlers.
When do I need to take away the pacifier?
It’s best for kids to stop the habit by the time they’re 3 years old. Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can affect your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite alignment.
At what age should a child start brushing?
Parents should start brushing when the first tooth appears. Use a rice-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. At age 3, move to a pea sized amount of tooth paste.
[Related: Baby’s First Dental Visit]
When can kids brush by themselves?
This is a tricky question. Parents need to supervise brushing until age 6 at least. They shouldn’t brush alone until they’re coordinated enough to brush thoroughly. We usually say if they can reliably tie their shoes, they can brush alone and have a grown up “check brush.”
How often should kids brush?
Twice a day, just like adults. They should also be flossing.
Are cavities common in kids?
Yes. Tooth decay is the most common illness in children. It’s five times more common in children than asthma! But it’s also one of the most preventable diseases.
Is it necessary to fill cavities in baby teeth?
Yes! Many people think it’s unnecessary because these teeth will fall out. However, baby teeth are important for the development of adult teeth and untreated cavities can lead to further dental disease.
Besides brushing, how can I prevent cavities?
- Only offer clean pacifiers. Don’t dip them in sugary drinks.
- Don’t lick a child’s spoon or pacifier to clean it. Sharing utensils also shares bacteria that cause cavities.
- Don’t put juice of soda in baby’s bottle.
- Never put a child to bed with a bottle of anything other than water- that means no milk either.
- Limit your kid’s intake of sugary foods, juices, soda, and sports drinks.
- Make sure your child’s teeth are brushed twice a day with an ADA accepted toothpaste.
Have more questions? Contact Hackley DDS to speak to a dentist!
Do you want to turn back the clock without going under the knife? Opus Plasma skin tightening in Bethesda can give you the results you want without any need for surgery. This treatment is an innovative resurfacing treatment that combines plasma and radiofrequency to heal the skin’s surface and deeper levels.
How It Works
Once we turn 20, we lose around 1% of our collagen production each year. That’s why we start to develop wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging. Opus Plasma works to reinvigorate our natural collagen production. This rejuvenates skin from the inside out.
The device uses fractionated plasma energy to create effects similar to a deep resurfacing treatment, without the downtime. As the handpiece passes over your skin, the unipolar RF energy reacts with the air and generates plasma. This plasma creates microinjuries, or tiny channels, in your skin. This stimulates the body’s natural wound healing process and triggers the production of new collagen and elastin. You get smoother, more elastic, younger looking skin.
What Opus Plasma Treats
Opus Plasma is popular for everything form acne scar treatments to skin tightening and more, including:
- Uneven skin texture
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dull skin
- Large pores
- Lax skin
- Stretch marks
- Crow’s feet
- Scars from injury or surgery
- Pigmentation and dark spots
The device is customizable and tailored to suit a wide range of concerns on the body, neck, face, and chest.
What Makes Opus Different?
What really sets Opus Plasma apart from other skin resurfacing and plasma fibroblasting treatments is the unique combination of RF energy and plasma. RF reaches deeper into the skin, heating the deeper layers of the dermis to boost collagen production and tighten skin. Simultaneously, the plasma treats superficial layers of skin, minimizing damage and downtime.
This combination of radiofrequency energy and plasma makes Opus Plasma extremely versatile and effective for larger concerns (think stretch marks on the abdomen or buttocks) and delicate areas like the eyelids.
Opus Plasma Skin Tightening in Bethesda
Opus Plasma is safe for all skin types and tones. If you are ready to see what it can do for you, please contact Hackley DDS to schedule a consultation today.
If you need dental care but the budget is too tight, you may be wondering if dentists offer payment plans. The answer is most of them do. If you are struggling with the cost of dental care, you’re not alone. Over half of U.S. adults say they have skipped or delayed dental care due to the cost. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Let’s talk about them.
What are dental payment plans?
Dental payment plans are financial options for dental work. Instead of paying the cost of dental care upfront, patients can make payments over time. Depending on your dentist, the payment plans available may differ.
Where can you get a dental payment plan?
Your dentist office will provide dental payment plans. Typically, dentists offer these plans to help make care more affordable for all patients. However, not all dentists offer payment plans. Some only accept insurance or full payment upfront.
Cost of Dental Treatment without Insurance
An estimated 76.5 million adults don’t have dental insurance. So, let’s look at some of the average costs of dental work when paying out of pocket.
- Oral exam and cleaning: up to $200
- Oral X-rays: $300 on up
- Root canal: up to $2,700
- Tooth extraction: between $75 and $4,000, depending on damage and need for anesthesia.
- Dental implants: between $1,750 and $8,270 a tooth
- Braces: $5,500 on up to $10,000
- Dentures: $1400 to $2800
Things to Consider
There are a few things to consider before you commit to a dental payment plan. First, if you struggle with poor credit, you may not be able to secure a payment plan. Some companies do waive credit checks though. Additionally, you need to consider interest rates, though some dental plans come with a 0% interest rate to sweeten the offer. Finally, make sure you can handle the ongoing payments.
Dental Payment Plan at Hackley DDS
Our team is proud to offer Sunbit as a monthly payment option at ROCHELLE E HACKLEY DDS ,LLC. Sunbit approves 85% of patients with no hard credit check and no late fees. Click here to see how much you are pre-qualified for! To schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease and should not be left untreated. If you are looking for gingivitis treatment in Rockville, please contact Hackley DDS. We proudly offer this, and many other services to help keep your smile healthy and happy!
What is Gingivitis?
Also known as periodontal disease, gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease. It causes redness, swelling, irritation, and bleeding of your gingiva. This is the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. It’s important to treat gingivitis promptly because it can lead to more serious gum disease and tooth loss.
Symptoms
Healthy gums look pale pink and are firm. They fit firmly around the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Tender gums
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bright red or dark red gums
- Gums that are darker than usual
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
Causes
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. This allows plaque to form on teeth which causes swelling of the surrounding gum tissues. If plaque isn’t removed everyday by brushing, it turns to tartar. This can happen below the gumline as well.
If tartar stays on the teeth, it can trap bacteria and irritate the gumline. Tartar is also harder to remove and requires a professional cleaning. The longer the plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva. In time, the gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis.
Am I at a Higher Risk?
Anyone can get gingivitis, but factors that increase your risk include:
- Poor oral care habits
- Crooked teeth that are hard to clean
- Dry mouth
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Older age
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, birth control pills, menstrual cycles
- Medical conditions like viral and fungal infections
- Certain genes
Gingivitis Treatment in Rockville
If you see symptoms of gingivitis, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of reversing damage from gingivitis and preventing periodontitis. Contact Hackley DDS today for an appointment!
If you have considered dental implants, you were likely put off by learning that the process can take several months. With new SAME DAY dental implants in Bethesda, you can get the implants you want without the wait! Here’s what you should know.
Same Day vs Traditional
The convenience of same day dental implants in Bethesda is undeniable. Traditional implants can take months to complete but now, we can do it in one visit. How, you may ask.
Well, with traditional implants you must first extract the tooth and wait 2-4 months for it to heal. Then, insert the implant and wait 3-6 months for osseointegration. Finally, you can place the crown into the implant. That’s a 5-10 month timeline!
On the other hand, with same day implants you get the implant in a single visit. It is fast and effective.
Benefits of Same Day Dental Implants
Some of the benefits include:
- Immediate restoration
- Patient leaves the office with a full mouth of teeth
- The implant fuses to the bone better
- Soft tissues and gums heal more quickly and are less likely to recede.
- The healing process is helped along since the implants keep contaminants away from the tooth extraction socket.
Since there are fewer surgical steps, the procedure is much faster. Additionally, since the implant is immediate, patients get peace of mind regarding the implant’s appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate?
As with most procedures, not everyone is a good candidate for same day dental implants. A good candidate is:
- Overall healthy
- A non-smoker or willing to quit before the implantation
The following would mean you are not a good candidate:
However, the jawbone is what’s most important. It can’t be too thin, or soft. It wouldn’t be able to take the implant without bone grafting.
Same day Dental Implants in Bethesda Maryland
As with anything, there are benefits and drawbacks to same day dental implants. But, if you think this might be something that interests you, talk to your dentist and find out if it’s right for you. Contact Hackley DDS today to schedule an appointment.
Have you heard of Morpheus8 for cellulite treatment? This new treatment in Bethesda is a fantastic way to tighten and firm your skin. If you are looking for a way to reduce the appearance of cellulite, Morpheus8 may be right for you!
What is Morpheus8
This device by InMode uses radiofrequency thermal energy and microneedling simultaneously to stimulate collagen production. It penetrates deep into the skin with a microneedle to remodel the collagen structure and rejuvenate the forehead, cheeks, eyelids, jowls and neck, tighten the skin and tissue and give you a more youthful appearance.
Morpheus8 for Cellulite
While it is well known for its skin tightening abilities, Morpheus8 can do more. It is also an effective way to remodel subdermal fat, which reduces the appearance of cellulite. The RF energy and microneedling can provide firming of the skin and muscle fibers to smooth areas with cellulite such as the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Morpheus8 gives the skin a firmer, more toned appearance and reduces the appearance of dimples.
What to Expect
Morpheus8 treatments are non-invasive and well tolerated. So, you don’t have to worry about any incisions, scars, recovery or major downtime. Most treatments take less than an hour and you are free to return to your normal daily activities after. You may experience mild redness or swelling but this typically only lasts a day or two.
Another thing that contributes to Morhpeus8’s popularity is that it is safe for ALL skin tones. It is an inclusive, non-surgical skin treatment that can tighten skin, reduce scars and stretch marks, remove cellulite and much more.
Morpheus8 for Cellulite in Bethesda
If you are ready to say goodbye to your cellulite, explore a nonsurgical face or neck lift, or reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks, it’s time to talk to your provider about Morpheus8. This radiofrequency microneedling treatment is truly remarkable. To find out what it can do for you, please contact Hackley DDS today to schedule an appointment with a qualified aesthetic professional!
The cost of dental implants is a crucial consideration for individuals seeking restorative dental procedures. Dental implants have become a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. However, the financial aspect of undergoing dental implant treatment is a significant factor that influences decision-making. Understanding the various components contributing to the cost, as well as potential factors affecting pricing, is essential for anyone contemplating this transformative dental procedure.
Types of Dental Implants
There are several different types of dental implants that an individual could get including the following
Full dental implants stand as a popular smile replacement solution for individuals facing total tooth loss in either the upper or lower jaw. These implants are meticulously crafted ensuring a customized fit and appearance. Tailored to replace an entire row of missing teeth, whether in the upper or lower arch, full dental implants are designed with durable, high-grade materials. The custom-made nature of these implants ensures not only a snug fit but also an aesthetically pleasing result. A notable feature is their full removability, providing flexibility and convenience for maintenance and cleaning. This comprehensive tooth replacement option combines expertise in design with quality materials, offering a reliable solution for those seeking a complete restoration of their smile.
Partial dental implants offer a fully removable smile solution for individuals experiencing partial tooth loss. This innovative dental option is designed to seamlessly integrate with your natural teeth, providing a harmonious and natural-looking fit. Crafted with durable, high-grade materials, partial dental implants prioritize comfort and longevity, ensuring a reliable and robust tooth replacement solution. What sets them apart is the meticulous customization. Tailored to meet individual needs, these partial dental implants are precisely crafted to blend seamlessly with existing natural teeth, delivering a restored and aesthetically pleasing smile. Hackley Dentistry ensures that each partial dental implant aligns perfectly with the unique characteristics of the patient, combining functionality with personalized aesthetics.
The Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants can vary, and it’s essential for individuals considering this transformative dental procedure to be aware of the potential expenses. Specifically, when opting for arch implants, the price typically falls within the range of $8,500 to $13,000. This cost encompasses various factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of implants required, the type of materials used, and any additional procedures such as bone grafting or extractions. While dental implants represent a significant investment, it’s important to recognize that they offer long-term benefits, including improved oral function, aesthetics, and overall oral health. Consulting with a dental professional is key to obtaining a personalized cost estimate based on individual needs and circumstances.
Affordable Dental Implants Near Rockville, Maryland
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or scheduling a consultation, we are here to help. To learn more, please contact Hackley DDS today!
