A healthy and complete smile is not only visually appealing but also essential for optimal oral health and overall well-being. However, when one or more teeth are missing, it can significantly impact both the look and functionality of your smile. This is where dental bridges come into play, offering a reliable and effective solution to bridge the gap caused by missing teeth. Dental bridges in Rockville are custom-made prosthetic devices that literally “bridge” the empty space between natural teeth. This creates a seamless and natural-looking smile. There are several different benefits of dental bridges.
Dental Bridges Can Restore Your Smile
Dental bridges offer a wonderful solution to restoring your smile and helping you regain your confidence. Whether you have one missing tooth or several gabs, dental bridges are designed to fill those spaces, giving you a complete and natural-looking set of teeth. Dental bridges can have a major impact on your self-esteem. Having a restored smile can make you feel more confident and comfortable in social and professional settings. With dental bridges, you can reclaim your smile.
Improved Chewing
Dental bridges play a crucial role in improving chewing functionality for individuals with missing teeth. When teeth are lost, it can lead to difficulties in properly biting and chewing food or even pain. Dental bridges act as a replacement for missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent healthy teeth. By restoring the missing teeth, bridges provide stability and support for chewing, which enables individuals to bite and chew their food more effectively. With a dental bridge in place, the pressure of chewing is evenly distributed across the bridge and neighboring teeth, allowing for a more balanced and efficient chewing process.
Dental Bridges Can Improve Speaking 
Dental bridges can help improve speaking abilities for individuals with missing teeth. When teeth are absent, it can affect speech clarity and pronunciation, leading to difficulties in enunciating certain sounds and words or even create an involuntary lisp. Dental bridges allow individuals to regain control over their speech, eliminating any slurring or mumbling that may have been caused by tooth loss.
Maintain Your Face’s Natural Shape
Another benefit of dental bridges is that they can help maintain your face’s natural shape. When individuals have teeth missing, your jawbone can start to deteriorate which can lead to a sunken or collapsed appearance in the surrounding facial structures. By filling in the gaps with dental bridges, the bridge can provide support and stability to the jawbone and facial muscles.
Dental Bridges Prevent Teeth From Shifting
When a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth may start to shift and move into the empty space. This can cause misalignment and bite problems. Dental bridges help fill the gap left by the missing tooth, anchoring to the adjacent healthy teeth on either side. They also help maintain the proper spacing and alignment of the surrounding teeth, which keeps them from shifting out of position. This stability provided by the bridge helps preserve the integrity of the dental arch, ensuring that the remaining teeth maintain their natural position. If teeth start to shift, they can become loose which will cause further tooth loss over time.
Best Dental Bridges 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 dental bridges, contact us today to schedule your consultation!
Root canals have long been surrounded by myths and misconceptions, often giving dental patients anxiety and fear. However, there’s no need to fret! In the capable hands of a root canal specialist in Rockville, you have nothing to worry about. These dental professionals possess the knowledge, experience, and expertise to save your smile and alleviate your dental woes.
What is a Root Canal Specialist?
A root canal specialist is a dental professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions that affect the tooth pulp and the surrounding tissues of the teeth. Much like the roots of a tree, the root of the tooth is the part that is below your gums and holds your tooth in place. While general dentists are trained in a wide range of dental procedures, root canal specialists undergo additional years of advanced education and clinical training specifically focused on endodontics. A root canal specialist is going to focus on relieving any tooth and mouth pain while also trying to save your natural tooth whenever they can.
What Does a Root Canal Specialist Do?
Root canal specialists are highly skilled in performing root canal therapy. This procedure involves removing the infected or damaged dental pulp from the inner part of the tooth, known as the root canal, and sealing it to prevent further infection. They are experts in utilizing advanced techniques and specialized tools to ensure the efficient and effective treatment of root canal infections.
What Kind of Training Does a Root Canal Specialist Receive?
Dental school takes about four years to complete. Once a dentist finishes school, a root canal specialist receives at least two more years of focused dental training. During this time, they study various techniques to diagnose and treat tooth pain that affects tissues and roots inside your teeth.
Common Reasons to See a Root Canal Specialist Rockville Maryland 
Because Root Canal Specialists focus mainly on fixing damaged tooth pulp or roots, the following are common causes for these issues:
- Tooth decay: this destruction of a tooth is caused by poor teeth and gum care. You may need to see a root canal specialist if a cavity that goes untreated damages your tooth’s root tissue. Tooth decay can cause inflammation (pulpitis), infection in the pulp tissue, or even death (necrosis).
- Tooth injuries: Trauma affecting your tooth (such as from a hard fall or accident).
- Tooth abscess: An abscess happens when bacteria gets inside your tooth or gums and causes a buildup of pus.
- Cracked tooth: Damage to your tooth to the point that there is an opening for bacteria to get inside.
What Kind of Procedures Does a Root Canal Specialist Do?
Root canal specialist can perform a variety of procedures including:
- Root canal: This procedure will remove damaged or infected tooth pulp and then reseals the tooth to prevent infection.
- Endodontic retreatment: If a root canal didn’t heal properly, this procedure removes and replaces materials.
- Endodontic surgery: This is any specialized surgery, such as apicoectomy (the removal of the end, or tip, of a tooth’s root).
- Emergency dental surgery: This procedure could extend from repairing difficult dental injuries to severe tooth infections.
- Tooth extraction (removal) surgery: Pulling a tooth because there’s too much tissue damage for a provider to save it.
- Dental implant surgery: Surgical placement of a dental implant. A specialist can use an implant to restore the function of your teeth and repair the appearance after you’ve had or have a tooth removed.
Root canal specialists are still dentists. So, they can perform the same common procedures such as cleanings, whitenings, crowns, and veneers.
When Should You Call a Root Canal Specialist?
It is important to call a dental provider you trust any time you have tooth pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse. Waiting could cause further damage and put you at higher risk of not being able to save the natural tooth.
You may need a root canal specialist if you have
- Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Unexplained mouth or jaw pain
- Sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods
- The area around the affected tooth and gums is inflamed
Seek immediate treatment if you have an abscess, you’ve had a tooth injury or there are signs of infection like fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or redness or swelling in your mouth.
Root Canal Specialists 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 experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, contact us today to schedule your consultation!
Invisalign has been changing the game in the orthodontist world for quite some time now. An Invisalign specialist in Rockville can help you understand all the advantages of Invisalign vs traditional braces. This article will discuss everything you need to know about Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary transparent aligners system that uses a series of custom-made aligners to straighten your teeth. It is a great option for people who want to improve their smile without having to wear traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, so you can wear them comfortably and discreetly while you go about your daily life. They are also removable, so you can eat, drink, and brush your teeth as usual.
What Are The Benefits of Invisalign?
Wearing Invisalign aligners can offer the following benefits:
- Straighter teeth
- No brackets or wires
- Fewer teeth crowding
- Fewer gaps
- Easy brushing and flossing
- No adjustment appointments
- Freedom to eat what you want
- More self-confidence
- Clearer speech
- A better quality of life
What Problems Can Invisalign Help With? 
Invisalign can help with a variety of problems, including:
- Aligning teeth that are crooked or crowded
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Fixing overbites and underbites
- Rotating misaligned teeth
- Leveling teeth that are uneven
Is Invisalign Right For Me?
During your consultation, you and your Invisalign specialist will discuss your desired outcome. Your provider will also review your medical and dental history and will also examine your teeth and gums. Determining whether Invisalign is right for you really depends on your comfort and finances. Luckily, Invisalign is covered by most insurances.
How Do I Take Care of My Aligners?
The best way to take care of your aligners is to make sure you are keeping them clean to avoid bacteria, staining, and plaque buildup. Brush your aligners after meals with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. To prevent damage, avoid hot water. Brush your teeth and floss before putting your aligners back in as well. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Invisalign aligners last as long as possible and that you get the best possible results from your treatment.
Invisalign Specialists in Rockville
Invisalign is a great choice for people of all ages, and it is often covered by insurance. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
On the hunt for the best Rockville dentistry office? You’ve found it at Hackley DDS. With 25+ years of experience, our qualified practitioners are more than equipped to help you along your dental journey.
What Is Routine Dental Care?
General guidelines suggest visiting your dentist for routine care every six months. And routine dental care is nothing more than seeing your dentist on a regular basis. Many people only visit the dentist when they have oral problems. However, many of those problems can be prevented by routine dental care.
Importance of Regular Dentist Visits
We can’t stress enough the importance of visiting your dentist regularly. When you make regular appointments with the best Rockville dentistry office, you’re far less likely to experience dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. Additionally, it’s easier to address dental issues when they’re diagnosed early.
What Does Routine Dental Care Include? 
Generally, routine dental care includes professional teeth cleaning – which is one of the best ways for patients to prevent oral problems. And while most dentists recommend getting your teeth cleaned every six months, many regular dental patients only need to clean their teeth once per year. That’s because routine trips to the dentist support oral health and healthy mouths overall.
Best Rockville Dentistry Office
Hackley DDS is the best Rockville dentistry office for both general and cosmetic services. With 25+ years of experience, our dedicated team specializes in state-of-the-art dental care including conscious sedation dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign, and sleep apnea appliances.
In addition to providing premier dental care for the entire family, our spa creates the ultimate relaxation and skincare experience with ample therapeutic and cosmetic services to choose from. If you’re interested in learning more about what we can do for you, browse the services on our website or contact our team today.
Do you have a missing tooth? Or several missing teeth? If so, getting dental implants Rockville, MD might be an ideal solution. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you why.
Reasons to Get Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to improve both the function and appearance of your mouth. And like natural teeth, they’re made of a crown and a root holding the tooth in place. At Hackley DDS, we recommend dental implants to anyone with loose or missing teeth due to tooth decay, root fractures, clenching or grinding, gum disease, or facial injuries. Additionally, dental implants are a terrific option for people born without teeth or a cleft lip.
Dental Implant Candidates
You’re eligible for dental implants Rockville, MD if you: 
- Are an adult
- Don’t smoke
- Have healthy gum tissues
- Are in good overall health
- Are an adolescent whose face and jawbone have finished growing (often around 16 years old for girls and 18 years old for boys)
- Have enough bone in your jawbone to secure implants – or your jawbone can handle a bone graft
What Doctors Look For
Your doctor will help you understand whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Here are some of the things they look for:
- Bone density. As you can probably imagine, your jawbone needs to be strong and sturdy enough to hold and bind with the base of the dental implant.
- Healthy gums. Your gums need to be in good enough shape to support surgery.
- Good overall health. Some dental implant surgeries require anesthesia, and anesthesia requires your being in good overall health.
Dental Implants Rockville, MD
If you’re considering getting dental implants Rockville, MD, Dr. Hackley and her team can help determine if this dental procedure is for you. Contact our team to set up a consultation.
Are you aware of the differences between general dentistry vs. cosmetic dentistry? While cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing a patient’s facial appearance, general dentistry prioritizes the prevention and treatment of dental disorders.
What Do General Dentists Do?
General dentists treat problems causing dental discomfort with procedures like:
Additionally, preventative dental care involves routine dental exams, professional cleanings, and oral cancer screenings. A general dentist might also fit mouthguards and sealants and provide fluoride treatments.
What Do Cosmetic Dentists Do?
Because their primary concern is appearance, cosmetic dentists usually offer teeth whitening services in addition to:
- Dental veneers
- Composite bonding
- Inlays and Onlays
Overlap in General Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry
There are several areas where the line between general and cosmetic blurs. Dental veneers, for instance, are both cosmetic and general because they mask cracked or stained teeth while protecting a tooth’s surface from damage. Similarly, dental bridges restore one’s smile while simultaneously enabling a correct bite function and preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
Should I See a General or Cosmetic Dentist?
Both general and cosmetic dentists have the necessary expertise to perform a variety of dental procedures. However, most patients suspecting dental health problems should visit a general dentist first. And those looking to improve or enhance their smile should see a cosmetic dentist.
Best General and Cosmetic Dentist in Rockville
Can’t decide between general dentistry vs. cosmetic dentistry? Dr. Hackley offers the best of both. As your one-stop shop for premier dental and spa care, Hackley DDS provides exceptional care that combines the latest in technology and training with an artistic eye for detail.
Whether you’re looking to schedule family dentistry appointments or achieve the aesthetically pleasing smile of your dreams, our qualified practitioners are here for you. Contact our team to schedule an appointment today.
Many people know Botox injections as a cosmetic procedure designed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And while that may be true, Botox also treats a myriad of other conditions. In dentistry, we prescribe Botox for TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders). Keep reading, and we’ll explain.
What is Botox for TMJ?
Believe it or not – Botox treats 20+ medical conditions that affect the muscles, TMJ being one of them. If you’re not already aware, TMJ is a painful muscle disorder that causes the muscles to tighten from stress and strain, causing:
- Jaw stiffness
- Pain when chewing
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Painful clicking and/or popping when opening the jaw
Because Botox prevents our muscles from contracting, it’s highly effective in relieving pain in the jaw, face, and general head area. And in addition to using Botox for TMJ, this injection treats: 
- Bruxism
- Mandibular spasms
- Trismus (aka Lockjaw)
- Denture discomfort
Where Is It Injected?
Botox is carefully injected into the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. And the recommended dosage is a diluted 200 units/4 mL or 100 units/2 mL for chronic migraine pain also associated with TMJ.
Is Botox for TMJ Worth It?
Wondering if it is worth it? A 2003 study demonstrates a 90% improvement in pain from chronic headaches and face pain in patients who weren’t responding to other forms of pain management. By forcing the jaw muscles to relax, many patients experienced pain relief, as well as lessened anxiety, better sleep, and less tooth sensitivity.
Dentist Who Does Botox Near Me
Looking for a dentist who administers Botox for TMJ? With ample experience in both general dentistry and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Hackley is the one for the job. Contact our team to set up an appointment.
Experts recommend visiting a Rockville dentist every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Therefore, finding a dentist you can trust is essential to maintaining your oral health.
If you don’t yet have a dentist to call your own, here are some tips for finding one:
Ask for Dental Recommendations
The first step to finding a Rockville dentist is to ask your friends and family for their recommendations. You could also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist, as members of the medical community often know each other.
Cover the Basics 
Once you have a few dentists in mind, you’ll want to make sure they are a good fit for you. Below are some questions that will help you do just that:
- Do they have office hours? Will they fit your schedule?
- Is their office close to your home or workplace?
- How do they handle after-hour emergencies?
- What does a common procedure typically cost?
- How do they approach preventative dentistry?
Research Their Credentials
Once you’ve determined that the Rockville dentist is a good match for you, you need to verify their credentials. Research the dentist’s education, experience, and whether they engage in continuous training. Additionally, figure out whether they’re a member of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Read Their Reviews
Before booking an appointment, you’ll want to read through the dentist’s customer testimonials. As you can imagine, these offer a real-life glimpse into their dental practice. Make note of any low ratings and try to figure out why those complaints were made.
Best Rockville Dentist Near Me
Want to find the best Rockville dentist near you? Look no further than Hackley DDS. With 20+ years of experience, we offer premier dental and spa care covering a wide variety of procedures and treatments. Contact our team to learn more about how we can serve you.
Are you considering whitening your teeth? If so, you probably have a few questions about the cost of teeth whitening Rockville. Stay tuned, as our Hackley DDS team is revealing everything you need to know about teeth whitening down below.
Average Cost of Teeth Whitening Rockville
The cost of teeth whitening Rockville depends on which whitening method you choose. Generally, at-home teeth whitening kits are less expensive than professional whitening services. However, the results won’t last as long.
Other factors impacting the cost of teeth whitening include:
- Technology
- Geographic location
- Frequency of treatment
- Additional procedures that need to be performed
Laser whitening treatment is the most effective — and therefore the most expensive — method of teeth whitening. On average, people pay about $1,000 for this procedure. On the other hand, take-home kits or DIY whitening products (like gels, gums, or whitening toothpaste) range from $5 to $50.
If you’re looking for an effective, yet affordable, teeth whitening option, we recommend having your teeth whitened in-office. While this procedure costs about $600 on average, the results are immediate and long-lasting.
Stain Prevention for a Brighter Smile
Poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and excessive consumption of certain foods and beverages stain our teeth. And as you can probably imagine, stained teeth require more extensive whitening procedures. Here are some tips for creating a naturally brighter smile:
- Stop using tobacco.
- Practice good oral hygiene.
- Schedule routine dental check-ups.
- Avoid staining foods like soda, tea, and wine.
Best Teeth Whitening in Rockville
If you were previously wondering about the cost of teeth whitening Rockville, we hope today’s article gave you an answer. And if you or a friend are searching for a cosmetic dentist to brighten your smile, Dr. Hackley and her team are here to bring your dream smile to life. Contact us to get started.
When you’re looking to improve your smile, there are many types of cosmetic dentistry procedures Rockville available for you to try. Keep reading to learn which one(s) is right for you.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Rockville
Unsure which of the cosmetic dentistry procedures Rockville is right for you? Here’s a brief overview of the most common:
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Sometimes called “teeth bleaching,” cosmetic teeth whitening is exactly what it sounds like. Essentially, this procedure brightens and whitens teeth from discoloration and/or staining. And it can be done in a dental office (for optimal results) or at home (for less optimal results).
Cosmetic Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composite material. They’re custom-made and cemented to the teeth as a solution to crookedness, discoloration, chipped teeth, and the like.
Cosmetic Dental Crowns 
Crowns are designed to fit over the entire tooth. Generally, they’re made by fusing acrylic or porcelain with metal (doing so allows it to withstand biting pressure). Here at Hackley DDS, we use dental crowns to correct teeth that are misshapen, decayed, broken, chipped, or have had large fillings.
Cosmetic Dental Implants
Dental implants are metal devices used to replace missing teeth. Essentially, the titanium device is surgically placed into the jawbone. Therefore, it anchors artificial teeth if needed.
Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
Bonding is the process of securing tooth-colored materials to the teeth. As you can probably guess, it improves the appearance of teeth that have been badly stained, broken, or chipped.
Cosmetic Teeth Shaping
Cosmetic dentists reshape teeth by filling — or removing — the enamel. And contrary to how it sounds, this treatment isn’t at all painful.
Best Cosmetic Dentist in Rockville
Interested in any of these cosmetic dentistry procedures Rockville? Contact our team here at Hackley DDS to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services and procedures.
