Is disruptive snoring keeping either you or your partner awake at night? It may be more than a mere inconvenience. Roughly 25% of men and almost 10% of women experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a significant sleep disorder marked by loud snores, grunts, and gasps. OSA occurs when the tissue at the back of the throat temporarily obstructs the airway, causing breathing pauses (apneas) during the night. This not only leads to fatigue but also poses risks for various health issues, including high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease.
The most extensively studied and effective treatment for OSA is positive airway pressure (PAP). This involves a small bedside machine that delivers air through a mask to prevent airway collapse. However, individuals with mild or moderate OSA may find PAP challenging and often seek alternatives. Dental devices, also known as oral appliances, present a viable option for some people.
Three Main Categories of Dental Devices for OSA
- Mandibular advancement devices, crafted from molded hard plastic, securely snap over both your upper and lower teeth. Featuring metal hinges and adjustable screws, these devices can be tightened to push your lower jaw forward. While some dentists offer custom-made mandibular advancement devices, it’s important to ensure your dentist is experienced in sleep-related breathing disorders and certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine before opting for a custom device. Some non-certified dentists may simply take a mold of your teeth, send it to a manufacturer, and sell you the device at a considerable markup, sometimes exceeding $4,000. Moreover, if the device is intended for snoring, it’s unlikely to be covered by dental or medical insurance.
- Mouth guards, akin to mandibular advancement devices, assist in repositioning the lower jaw, though to a lesser extent. Products like SnoreRx, recommended by some sleep physicians, are available online for less than $100. Rather than relying on a dentist’s impression of your teeth, SnoreRx employs the “boil and bite” method. You place the device in boiling water for a minute and then bite down on the softened plastic, allowing it to mold to your teeth.
- Tongue-retaining devices, composed of a soft plastic splint encircling the tongue, work by holding it forward and preventing it from falling back into the mouth during the night. Despite their effectiveness, these devices can cause significant mouth dryness and discomfort.
Best Sleep Apnea Dentist in Rockville Maryland
If you are struggling with sleep apnea, we may be able to help. To learn more, please contact Hackley DDS today!
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.
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!
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!
Root canals save teeth by fighting infected nerves and treating deep infections. If you’re curious about the cost of root canal in Rockville, you’re in the right place. Today’s article covers what they are, how much they cost, and whether they’re right for you.
What is a Root Canal Rockville
During a root canal, a general dentist (or endodontist) removes inflamed or infected pulp on the inside of the tooth. Afterward, it’s carefully cleaned and filled; you’ll be on your way that same day! While the amount of anesthesia depends on the severity of each case, most patients only require local anesthesia depending on severity.
Who Needs a Root Canal
Your dentist may suggest a root canal if your tooth is severely damaged and has a diseased or dead nerve. Some common signs you may need one include toothaches, sensitivity to hot and cold, and swollen gums.
What is the Cost of Root Canal Rockville
The cost of a root canal in Rockville varies based on the specific case. With insurance, the charge is typically $500 to $1,000. And depending on your policy, your copayment is a fixed amount or a percentage of the total price.
Generally, root canals cost more without dental insurance. While the final price depends on the extent of the procedure, the average cost of a root canal without insurance is anywhere from $600 to $1,600.
Note that the further back in the mouth, the pricier the root canal gets. Therefore, molars usually cost more than front teeth!
The Best Place to get Root Canal in Rockville
So, what is the cost of a root canal Rockville? We hope today’s article gave you an answer. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s crucial to see a dentist to determine if a root canal is necessary. Ignoring a tooth infection can lead to complications in other parts of the body, as dental and general health are closely related.
Luckily, Dr. Hackley and her team are experts in oral surgeries. Contact our team to discover the best plan for you!
Interested in getting a tooth extraction Rockville? This dental procedure involves removing a tooth from the socket. At Hackley DDS, we perform tooth extractions to treat periodontal disease, tooth decay, overcrowding, or emergencies.
The Process
Wondering what to expect during a tooth extraction Rockville? Dr. Hackley begins by carefully examining your entire mouth. Then, she numbs the area, so the extraction is painless.
Types of Tooth Extractions Rockville
There are two different kinds of removals – simple and surgical. If you can clearly locate the tooth in your mouth, simple extractions are done with local anesthesia. But if the tooth is hard to reach, surgical extractions are performed with general anesthesia.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions Rockville
At Hackley DDS, extracting teeth is a last resort. Here are some reasons why it might be necessary:
Periodontal Disease
Removing teeth is an excellent solution for advanced periodontal disease. This gum disease worsens over time if treated improperly. And if your tooth starts to loosen, extracting it is the best option.
Severe Tooth Decay
If tooth decay progresses and reaches the root of your tooth, extraction is necessary to avoid infection. You could also get a root canal, depending on the severity.
Overcrowding
Extractions create space, which might be necessary for braces or other orthodontic procedures.
Impacted Teeth
Wisdom teeth or other impacted teeth usually require extraction.
Mandatory After an Incident
Removal might be necessary if dental treatment can’t save the tooth. However, preservation is always our priority.
Preserving Smiles is Our Priority
As you can see, getting a tooth extraction Rockville is necessary for various reasons. However, we always try to avoid it if we can. At Hackley DDS, we prioritize crowns, bridges, bonding, and veneers before extractions.
Want to know if this procedure is right for you? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hackley today!
Did you know that the American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 90 percent of all people who have no teeth wear dentures. Dentures have long been a reliable and popular solution for restoring smiles and improving oral health. These custom-made prosthetic devices offer numerous advantages to individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. If you’re considering options to replace missing teeth, read on to learn about dentures and our dentures services in Rockville.
Restored Chewing Function
One of the most significant benefits of dentures is the restoration of chewing function. Missing teeth can make it challenging to bite and chew properly, leading to difficulty in eating certain foods. Dentures enable you to enjoy a more varied and nutritious diet, promoting better digestion and overall health.
Enhanced Speech
Missing teeth can affect speech clarity, causing speech impediments and a lack of confidence when speaking. Dentures fill in the gaps, helping to improve pronunciation and restoring your ability to communicate clearly and comfortably.
Improved Aesthetics
Dentures not only replace missing teeth but also enhance the aesthetics of your smile. A complete set of dentures can give you a natural-looking smile, boosting your self-esteem and allowing you to smile confidently in social and professional settings.
Prevents Shifting of Teeth
When there are gaps in your smile due to missing teeth, the surrounding teeth may gradually shift and move into the empty spaces. This can lead to misalignment and bite problems. Dentures help maintain the proper alignment of remaining teeth, preventing potential dental issues in the future.
Facial Support and Youthful Appearance 
Losing teeth can lead to a sunken appearance in the face, making you appear older than your actual age. Dentures provide support to the facial muscles, helping to restore a more youthful and fuller appearance to your cheeks and lips.
Cost-Effective Solution
Compared to some other tooth replacement options, dentures are a more cost-effective solution. They offer an affordable way to regain oral function and aesthetics without breaking the bank.
Customizable and Comfortable
Dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably. With advances in dental technology and materials, modern dentures are designed to be more natural-looking, lightweight, and well-fitted, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or slipping.
Easy Maintenance
Caring for dentures is relatively simple. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance can help prolong their lifespan and keep them looking and functioning at their best.
Versatility
Dentures are versatile and can be tailored to suit different degrees of tooth loss. Whether you need partial dentures to replace a few missing teeth or complete dentures for full tooth replacement, this option can accommodate your specific needs.
Where to Get Dentures in Rockville
Dentures offer a host of benefits, from restoring oral function and aesthetics to promoting better speech and overall confidence. If you’re considering tooth replacement options, dentures provide a time-tested and effective solution to help you regain your smile and improve your quality of life. Contact our Rockville office today to explore the possibilities of dentures and find the best fit for your dental needs and lifestyle.
Wisdom tooth extraction in Rockville is a common dental procedure aimed at removing the third set of molars located at the back of the mouth. These molars, also known as wisdom teeth, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While some individuals may experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, many face complications due to the limited space in the jaw, leading to problems such as impaction, crowding, and misalignment. As a result, wisdom teeth extraction becomes necessary to prevent potential oral health complications and alleviate discomfort.
Why Do You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
You may need to have a wisdom tooth extraction procedure if:
- Have one or more impacted wisdom teeth. (“Impacted” means partially or fully trapped in your gums or jawbone.)
- Have wisdom teeth that grew crooked or sideways.
- Develop pain near the back of your mouth.
- Trap food and debris around your wisdom teeth.
- Develop gum disease, particularly around your molars.
- Have tooth decay (cavities) in a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
- Develop a cyst (fluid-filled sac) around one or more wisdom teeth.
- Have damage to nearby teeth or surrounding bone.
Most of the time, dentists will recommend wisdom teeth extraction as a preventative procedure, even if you don’t have any symptoms. This can help alleviate the risks of future problems, including tooth decay or infection.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Extraction? 
During a wisdom tooth extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will carefully remove one or more of the third molars from the patient’s mouth. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia. Before starting the extraction, the patient will be administered anesthesia to ensure they do not feel any pain during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used can vary, ranging from local anesthesia to numb only the extraction site, to general anesthesia so that the patient will be unconscious during the procedure.
- Incision and Access. If the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and is visible in the mouth, the dentist may proceed with a simple extraction. They will use dental instruments to loosen the tooth from its socket and then carefully lift it out.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth. In cases where the wisdom tooth has not fully emerged or is growing at an angle, a more complex surgical extraction may be necessary. The dentist will create an incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth and may need to remove a small portion of the bone that covers the tooth.
- Tooth Removal. Using specialized dental instruments, the dentist will remove the wisdom tooth from its socket. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
- Cleaning and Stitches. After the tooth is removed, the extraction site will be cleaned to remove any debris or remaining tooth fragments. If an incision was made, the dentist may place dissolvable stitches to help the gum tissue heal properly.
- Gauze Placement. Gauze pads will be placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and promote blood clot formation, which is crucial for proper healing.
The entire procedure lasts about an hour depending on how complex the procedure is.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Rockville Maryland
Dental, Spa, and Cosmetic Surgery has a compassionate and knowledgeable team dedicated to providing the best dental care for you. If you are in need of wisdom tooth extraction, contact us today to schedule your consultation!
When should you visit a Rockville cosmetic dentist? Cosmetic dentistry is a dynamic and transformative field within dentistry that focuses on enhancing the appearance of a person’s smile. Far beyond traditional dental care, cosmetic dentistry employs a range of specialized treatments and procedures to correct dental imperfections, improve the color, shape, size, and alignment of teeth, and create a confident and radiant smile.
A Rockville Cosmetic Dentist Can Remove Stains and Brighten Your Smile
One of the most common procedures a cosmetic dentist will perform is in-office teeth whitening. Over time, various factors such as consumption of colored foods and beverages, tobacco use, aging, and poor oral hygiene can cause teeth to become stained or discolored. Teeth whitening procedures utilize different techniques to remove these stains and discolorations, resulting in a brighter and more attractive smile. The results of this procedure can usually last for a year or more as long as the patient is practicing good oral hygiene.
Restore the Size, Shape, and Function of Damaged Teeth
Poor oral hygiene, trauma to the face, grinding teeth at night, and other various situations can cause damage to the teeth. Fortunately, there are effective cosmetic dental procedures that can help. These include dental veneers, crowns, fillings, teeth replacement and more.
For damaged or chipped teeth, dental bonding is a common cosmetic procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and shaped to restore the tooth’s original form. Dental veneers, thin porcelain shells, are another option to cover and correct chipped or damaged teeth, providing a natural-looking and durable solution
In cases where a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, dental crowns can be employed to completely cover the affected tooth, restoring its size, shape, and function while providing protection and strength. Dental implants are also utilized to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance by integrating a prosthetic tooth into the jawbone.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Improve the Alignment of Teeth 
Cosmetic dentistry offers several effective methods to improve the alignment of teeth. This helps individuals achieve a straighter and more harmonious smile. These orthodontic devices apply gentle pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into their desired positions. Providers often recommend braces and Invisalign for individuals with various alignment issues like crowded teeth, gaps, and malocclusions (misaligned bites). This type of procedure can help improve a patient’s smile and confidence.
Lengthen Teeth That are Too Short
Sometimes, people have naturally short teeth. Other times, grinding can cause weak or short teeth. There are several different procedures that can treat the issue including dental veneers and crowns. These procedures can not only help strengthen overall oral health but it can also make a patient’s smile more appeasing.
Best Rockville Cosmetic Dentist Office
Dental, Spa, and Cosmetic Surgery has a compassionate and knowledgeable team dedicated to providing the best dental care for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Dental anxiety and fear of pain have long been a significant reason as to why some individuals put off much-needed treatments and essential oral healthcare. However, with the development of sedation dentistry, these obstacles have been addressed. Sedation dentistry offers a safe and comfortable solution for patients of all ages. By using various levels of sedation, dentists are able to create a relaxed and calm environment.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry’s purpose is to help remove stress and pain for patients during oral procedures. There are three different types of sedation therapy: laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Depending on your medical history, your provider should be able to find the one that best suits your needs.
Laughing Gas 
Laughing gas (also known as nitrous oxide) is safe for children and adults. The reason is because patients are both awake and aware during the procedure. When inhaled, laughing gas induces feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which is why it is often referred to as “laughing gas” because it can cause some patients to experience giggling or laughter. However, its main purpose is not to induce laughter but rather to create a sense of calmness and ease for the patient. One of the advantages of laughing gas is that its effects wear off quickly after the gas supply is stopped which allowing patients to recover rapidly and resume their daily activities without any lasting side effects.
Laughing gas is great for different kinds of procedures, from a teeth cleaning to a root canal. This is also fairly popular among pediatric dentists because it is a low risk sedation and typically allows children to relax and remain still during their procedures.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves medications in the form of pills or liquid. These are taken orally before the dental appointment. This option is particularly beneficial for patients undergoing longer or more complex dental procedures. When preparing for your appointment that uses oral sedation, you will need to fast several hours prior to your appointment. After your procedure, patients are usually still very drowsy so it is important to have someone that can drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation
If a patient’s anxiety and fear of pain is extremely high, IV sedation may be a choice to consider. The provider administers IV sedation directly into the bloodstream through a small needle. This allows for a more rapid and precise control of the sedative’s effects. This will also cause the patient to be unconscious for the entire procedure.
During the procedure, your provider will closely monitor your vitals and make sure you are breathing properly with the use of an oxygen mask. This is so that you can feel safe and secure in the dentist’s chair throughout the entire process.
Best Sedation Dentist in Maryland
Dental, Spa, and Cosmetic Surgery has a compassionate and knowledgeable team dedicated to providing the best dental care for you while making sure you feel safe and comfortable. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
