Are you afraid of the dentist? Dental anxiety is a common issue for many people in Rockville. If anxiety is preventing you from going to the dentist, there are some things you can do to help cope with your fear. Here are some ways to get the care you need while being considerate of your anxiety.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Do you experience fear, anxiety, or stress in a dental setting? You may have dental anxiety. Needles, drills, or the dental setting can trigger anxiety for many people. However, if dental anxiety is severe, some people may avoid going to the dentist all together. This is classified as a dental phobia.
Signs and Symptoms
People with dental anxiety may experience the following.
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Visible distress
- Crying
- Withdrawal or using humor/aggression to mask anxiety.
While it is understandable to avoid the things that make us afraid, routine dental care is crucial to your oral health.
What Causes Dental Anxiety and Phobia?
There are many reasons why people may experience dental anxiety in Rockville. This includes:
- A traumatic dental experience or other healthcare experience
- Prior trauma to the neck or head
- Other traumatic experiences include abuse.
- General anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Trust issues
- Fear of loss of control
- Anxiety associated with other conditions like agoraphobia, claustrophobia, or obsessive compulsive disorder.
Anyone can have dental anxiety. Children who have had a bad dental experience can often overcome their fear through proper management of the situation and future support in dental visits. Adults unfortunately tend to remain anxious throughout life.
However, finding a dentist who is sympathetic and understanding of your situation can help you cope with going to the dentist.
Coping with Dental Anxiety in Rockville
There are many ways to cope and manage dental anxiety. An open discussion with your dentist about your triggers can help your provider create a management plan with you. This may include things like:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Weighted blankets
- Distraction like music
- Happy gas
- Oral anxiety medication
- Conscious sedation (IV)
- General anesthesia (for severe cases)
If you are looking for a dentist that is sympathetic and understanding of your dental anxiety, please contact Hackley DDS.
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 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!
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.
On the hunt for the best Rockville dentist? With so many out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. If you need help finding your dental match, we’re revealing how to find the best Rockville dentist in today’s blog post.
Considerations When Choosing a Dentist
Need help narrowing that list of potential dentists? Our Hackley DDS team has got you covered. Check out these considerations to keep in mind when choosing a Rockville dentist:
Are There Satisfied Patients? 
Wondering whether a dentist is right for you? Peek at their customer reviews. Not only will testimonials reveal whether customers are satisfied with their results/experience, but they offer insight into what to expect.
Do They Suit Your Needs?
Because you’ll see them twice a year, choose a dentist whose office is conveniently located near your home or work. Additionally, make sure their appointment hours work with your schedule.
Do They Offer the Services You’re Looking for?
Dental services vary from practitioner to practitioner. Therefore, it’s important to find one capable of performing the services you’re looking for! Here at Hackley DDS, we perform both cosmetic and general dentistry. And because we also offer our clients skin rejuvenation and anti-aging services, we accommodate a wide variety of needs.
Are They Continuing Their Education?
While every dentist is required to go to dental school, we recommend finding a practitioner who values continuing education. Dentistry is constantly changing, and it’s nice to have a dentist who’s following the latest procedures and technology.
Best Rockville Dentist
Trying to decide which Rockville dentist to call your own? Dr. Hackley and her team can’t be beaten. As your one-stop shop for premier dental and spa care, our qualified practitioners are here for your every need. Stop by the office or contact our team to book an appointment.
Most American families have quite a bit on their plates. Between soccer games and band practices and algebra tutoring sessions, raising a family often feels like you need to be everywhere at once. However, scheduling an appointment with a family dentist in Rockville, Maryland can help. By treating your entire family at once, family dentists prevent you from juggling four (or five, or six!) separate appointments.
Benefits of Family Dentistry in Rockville
Still aren’t sure if a family dentist in Rockville, Maryland is right for you? Here are some of the benefits of family dentistry:
Schedule Household Appointments 
Let’s be honest, it can be tough to keep up with yearly appointments, cosmetic work, and oral surgeries. However, when you see a family dentist in Rockville, Maryland, you only have to worry about one appointment. When you arrive at Hackley DDS, your son’s Invisalign, your daughter’s cavities, and your husband’s teeth whitening needs can all be treated at once.
Variety of Dental Services
Most family dentists offer a wide variety of dental services. That way, they can accommodate everyone’s dental needs. Here at Hackley DDS, we offer both general dentistry and cosmetic services to help your family achieve the smiles of their dreams.
Convenient and Flexible Hours
Family dentists have convenient and flexible hours for you to choose from. We understand that dental appointments might not fit within the traditional workday. That’s why we’ll work with you to find an appointment time that suits your family’s unique needs.
Best Family Dentist in Rockville, Maryland
If you’re desiring an experienced, versatile, and compassionate family dentist in Rockville, Maryland, Hackley DDS is the one for you. With 20+ years in the industry, our team can treat all your family’s dental needs.
From routine check-ups to dermal fillers, our qualified professionals are here to help. Book your family dentistry appointment today.
Are you on the hunt for the best family dentist Rockville, Maryland? Dr. Hackley and her team have the knowledge and expertise to treat every member of your family. Keep reading to learn why we’re the best option for you:
Benefits of Family Dentistry
From pediatric dentistry to denture work, our team can handle it all. Here are some benefits of working with the best family dentist Rockville, Maryland:
It’s Convenient and Easy 
Scheduling individual dental appointments for every family member can be stressful (and time-consuming). But when you visit a family dentist, you’re able to schedule a single appointment for your entire family.
You Form Lasting Relationships
Regular visits to a family dentist provide a unique opportunity to develop a lasting relationship with your practitioner. The result? Both you and your child will view your dentist as someone trustworthy.
You Avoid Dental Anxiety
Did you know that 9% of children have dental anxiety? However, developing a personal relationship with your dentist can ease some of those feelings.
You Prevent Tooth Decay and Gingivitis
Routine dental visits are key to keeping your family’s teeth cavity-free. Scheduling biannual appointments prevents tooth decay (which otherwise causes discomfort, pain, and potential tooth loss).
Your Family’s Smiles Improve
Do you struggle with yellowing or discolored teeth? Regular dental cleanings are the solution. Additionally, family dentists ensure that your oral health routine is in tip-top shop, and they can prevent problems from developing.
Who Is the Best Family Dentist Rockville, Maryland?
To summarize, Dr. Hackley and her team are the best family dentist Rockville, Maryland. With over 35+ years of experience and 20 years in business, we have earned our reputation for a caring and effective approach.
If you would like to see if we’re a good fit for your family, schedule an initial consultation today.
Does your child have a fear of the dentist? Or do you avoid the dentist’s office like the plague? If so, sedation dentistry Rockville, Maryland might be the perfect solution. ease some of your anxiety. Used for everything from invasive procedures to routine cleanings, sedation dentistry is a great way to ease dental anxiety. Keep ready to learn whether it’s right for you.
What Is Sedation Dentistry? 
As the name suggests, sedation dentistry uses medication to relax dental patients during their procedures. When it comes to dentistry, there are four levels of sedation that are used:
- Minimal sedation. The patient is awake, yet relaxed.
- Moderate sedation. The patient might slur their words, and they probably won’t remember much about the procedure.
- Deep sedation. The patient is on the edge of consciousness, but they can be woken up if needed.
- General anesthesia. The patient is completely unconscious.
Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry
Interested in getting sedation dentistry Rockville, Maryland? Your practitioner will likely use one of the following:
- Inhaled minimal sedation. Essentially, this requires inhaling a combination of nitrous oxide (aka “laughing gas”) and oxygen.
- Oral sedation. Depending on the dosage, this kind of sedation ranges from minimal to moderate. Most patients are given a pill called Halcion (which belongs to the same family as Valium), which is one of the most common forms of sedation dentistry.
- IV moderate sedation. The patient receives the sedative drug through a vein.
- Deep sedation/general anesthesia. Just like in surgical offices, general anesthesia administers medications that make the patient almost or totally unconscious.
Best Sedation Dentistry Rockville, Maryland
To summarize, sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who fear the dentist. Additionally, it’s great for people who have low pain thresholds, sensitive teeth, bad gag reflexes, or are unable to sit still for long periods of time.
If you’re looking for the best sedation dentistry in Rockville, Maryland, you’ve found it at Hackley DDS. Schedule a consult today.
Are you searching for a top Rockville dental center? Here at Hackley DDS and Dental Spa, we have the experience and knowledge to treat a wide range of dental issues, including smile makeovers. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a top Rockville Dental Center.
What is a Rockville Dental Center?
A Rockville Dental Center is a place where a dentist performs oral health treatments, dental procedures, and more. They typically provide basic dental services like cleanings, checkups, fillings, and root canals. However, they may also provide additionally services like cosmetic treatments and emergency after-hours care.
Choosing a Dental Center in Rockville
Whether you are looking for a new dentist for routine cleanings and checkups or interested in more advanced treatments like smile makeovers or dental implants, its important to choose the right dental center for you. Here are some things to consider.
Back to Basics
Regular visits are a key component of oral health. So, it’s important to choose a dentist that fits with your schedule and location. Consider the following.
- Is the office easy to get to from your job or home?
- Are the office hours convenient?
- Does the dentist accept your insurance?
- Is the dentist a member of the ADA?
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with the dentist before making your first appointment. We recommend making a list of questions to bring to your appointment. This is a good time to access the dentist’s communication and decide if you are comfortable. A few questions you may want to ask include:
- Is the office staff familiar with your insurance plan?
- Does the office offer financial options for treatment costs?
- Will the dentist explain ways to help prevent dental health problems or provided health instructions?
- How does the dentist handle emergencies after hours?
Services Offered
Here are Hackley DDS and Dental Spa, we offer a wide variety of dental services as well as cosmetic procedures. Some of these include:
We also offer many cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, body contouring, skin tightening, skin rejuvenation and much more in our spa.
Top Rockville Dental Center
We take oral health seriously. We aim to provide exceptional care to our patients using the latest technology and training, while enhancing your natural beauty. Contact Hackley DDS and Dental Spa and Dental Spa today to schedule an appointment.
