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Coping with Dental Anxiety in Reston Virginia

Best Dentist for Dental Anxiety in Reston Virginia

Are you afraid of the dentist? Dental anxiety is a common issue for many people in Reston Virginia. 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

Dental Anxiety in Reston Virginia

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 Reston Virginia. 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 Reston Virginia

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.

Family Dentist in Rockville MD

7 Amazing Benefits of Having a Family Dentist in Rockville MD

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

Family Dentist rockville MD

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?

What Causes Bad Breath?

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?

What Causes halitosis

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.

How Can I Prevent Cavities

How Can I Prevent Cavities?

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?

How Can I Prevent 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!

Kid’s Oral Health FAQ Rockville

Kid’s Oral Health FAQ Rockville

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?

Kid’s Oral Health FAQ Rockville

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 Dentists Offer Payment Plans?

Do Dentists Offer Payment Plans?

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

Do Dentists Offer Payment Plans

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 Treatment in Rockville

Gingivitis Treatment in Rockville

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

Gingivitis Treatment in Rockville

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!

Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

Each day, your little one achieves exciting new milestones, and their first dental visit is a noteworthy addition to the baby book!

It’s recommended for your child’s first dental appointment to occur after their first tooth comes in, but no later than their first birthday. Why so early? Well, as soon as your baby has teeth, the risk of cavities emerges. Taking a proactive approach to your child’s dental health and planning for the first dental visit now can contribute to maintaining a healthy smile throughout their life.

How to Prepare For Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

Start early! To ready your child for their upcoming dental visit, engage in positive conversations with them about what to expect. Encourage your child to practice opening their mouth, helping them prepare for the dentist’s examination of their teeth. Additionally, incorporating books or videos about first dental visits can help alleviate fears and boost your child’s confidence.

Parents, too, can take proactive steps. When scheduling the appointment, consider requesting any necessary patient forms in advance. Completing these forms at home might be more convenient than doing so at the office on the day of your visit.

Don’t forget to compile a list of questions. If your child is experiencing teething, thumb-sucking, or excessive pacifier use, the dentist can provide valuable advice.

What to Expect During Baby’s First Dental Appointment

The dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your child to ensure proper development of their jaw and teeth. Throughout the visit, you’ll be comfortably seated in the dental chair with your child on your lap if they are unable or unwilling to sit alone in the chair. The dentist will carefully assess for any mouth injuries, cavities, or other dental issues. Once the examination is complete, the dentist will proceed to clean your child’s teeth and provide you with practical tips for daily care.

If your child sheds a few tears or fidgets during the examination, there’s no need for concern. It’s a common reaction, and the dental team understands that this is a new experience for your child.

Tips For a Great Visit

  • Avoid scheduling appointments during naptime; opt for a time when your child is typically well-rested and cooperative. 
  • Ensure your child has had a light meal and brushed their teeth before the appointment to prevent hunger during the visit. 
  • Save snacks for afterward to avoid any residue on your child’s teeth during the examination.
  • Approach the appointment as a positive and enjoyable experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to soothe them. Remember, you’re both on the same team!

 Baby’s First Dental Appointment in 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.

benefits of dental implants

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have revolutionized the field of dentistry, offering a host of benefits that extend beyond just restoring a missing tooth. Whether you’re considering dental implants or simply curious about their potential, in this article, we will discuss the various benefits of dental implants.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant stands as a cutting-edge replacement tooth that faithfully replicates the entire tooth structure. This innovative solution involves a titanium “root” snugly inserted into the bone, providing a sturdy foundation for supporting a crown, bridge, or denture. Functioning, looking, and feeling like a genuine tooth, a dental implant, when cared for properly, can endure a lifetime.

In the world of tooth replacement solutions, dental implant technology has emerged as the state-of-the-art choice, surpassing earlier treatments in numerous aspects. With the latest innovations in dentistry, most patients, including those previously deemed ineligible, can now reap the benefits of this advanced solution. Join us as we explore the transformative advantages that make dental implants a preferred and accessible option for many.

Who are Good Candidates For Dental Implants?

For those dealing with one or more missing teeth, or dealing with broken or severely decayed teeth beyond repair, dental implants often emerge as the optimal solution. If discomfort accompanies dentures, a partial denture, or a bridge, the transformative technology of dental implants might be the answer.

In earlier times, individuals with insufficient bone structure or specific health conditions or habits were typically deemed ineligible for implants. However, advancements in diagnostics and bone reconstruction techniques have expanded the eligibility criteria, making it possible for the majority of patients to now benefit from the advantages of dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many different benefits of dental implants including:

  • Dental implants emulate the behavior of natural teeth, offering a significant advantage by restoring full chewing power. In most cases, patients can hardly discern a difference between their natural teeth and the implanted tooth. They can eat, brush, and floss with it just as they would with their natural teeth.
  • Dental Implants can last forever.  In contrast to a dental bridge, which may have a lifespan of around 10 years, dental implants exhibit remarkable longevity. 
  • Dental Implants prevent bone loss. In the absence of a tooth, the jaw bone in the vacant space undergoes deterioration due to a lack of stimulation. Should no implant be inserted within the initial year of tooth loss, the bone area experiences a 25% reduction in volume, and this process of bone loss persists over the subsequent years.
  • Dental implants play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of adjacent teeth. The space left by a missing tooth can lead to neighboring teeth shifting unevenly toward the gap. This displacement can disrupt the alignment of your teeth, impacting your bite, chewing ability, and overall appearance.
  • Opting for dental implants can contribute to staying gum disease-free. The gap left by a missing tooth can create a space where food and bacteria accumulate, potentially leading to the development of gum disease.
  • Dental implants have the potential to stop facial sagging and premature aging that may occur due to bone loss resulting from missing teeth. The process of bone loss can lead to the undesirable effect of the lower third of the face collapsing, gradually reducing the distance between the tip of the nose and the chin.

Dental Implants in Maryland

Dental, Spa, and Cosmetic Surgery has a compassionate and knowledgeable team dedicated to providing the best aesthetic service for you. If you are interested in learning more about Botox cosmetics, contact us today to schedule your consultation!

5 Tips for Choosing a Black Dentist Near Me

Selecting a new dentist can arise from various situations, such as relocation, insurance concerns, or dissatisfaction with your current dental care. Regardless of the reason, finding a new dentist can feel overwhelming. Ease the process with these five tips for a straightforward and stress-free search.

Understand Your Dental Plan

Your selection of a dentist may be influenced by your dental health plan. For instance, a closed-network plan may restrict you to an in-network dentist. With a PPO plan, you have the option to choose an out-of-network dentist, although you typically enjoy greater savings with an in-network provider.

Ask Others for Recommendations

Seek recommendations from family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues about their positive experiences with their dentists. Additionally, consider asking your physician for a referral. You may also request a list of local dentists affiliated with professional associations, such as the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry.

Factor in Accessibility

Determine whether you prefer a dentist near your workplace or residence. Evaluate your flexibility in scheduling appointments and assess the importance of Saturday office hours. If you have uncertainties, feel free to contact the practice directly to inquire about specific details.

Ask Questions

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential dentists, reach out to their offices via phone or email to address any lingering questions. Feel free to inquire about essential matters and eliminate practices that don’t align with your preferences.

Evaluate the Dentist After Your First Visit

During your initial visit, assess the cleanliness and organization of the office. Observe the courtesy of the staff and how they handle your confidential medical and dental history. Consider the office’s child-friendliness.

After leaving, reflect on these questions: Was the office location and schedule convenient? Would you feel at ease posing questions to this dentist? Can you trust their recommendations or referrals?

Choosing a Black Dentist Near Me

Your oral health is essential, and finding the right dentist can make all the difference. For some people, having a black dentist near me is important. Hackley DDS has a compassionate and knowledgeable team dedicated to providing the best dental care for you. If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Rochelle Hackley, contact us today to schedule your consultation!