At Affordable Smiles, we recognize that many of our potential patients have neglected their dental health due to fear of dentistry. Many people will not set foot in dental office until something has gone very wrong. Sedation dentistry offers an excellent way of providing safe, anxiety-free dental experience to those who are afraid of “the dentist”.

We offer a variety of methods to treat patient with dental anxiety to dental phobia. We offer laughing gas and oral medication to calm those who only need a little bit of anxiety relief to moderate conscious sedation administered in an IV drip. Our goal is to accomplish every procedure in a safe and comfortable environment. You will be conscious and able to respond to commands at will, but no longer feeling anxious or scared. Before any medication is dispensed for any type of sedation, we will need to evaluate your medical history, and a list of current medications. For IV sedation or oral sedation, you will need to have someone drive you to and from the office. You will be given ample time to ask questions and voice your concern prior to the procedure. There are only a few general dentists in Houston that have had the proper training and certification for offering IV sedation in their office.

Dental exams are an essential piece of preventative dentistry. Since most oral health problems are preventable and best treated as early as possible, it’s vital to see your dentist for regular evaluations and x-rays. That way, you can intervene early with dental problems, while they’re smaller (less damaging to your tooth) and more affordable to treat. At Affordable Smiles, our dentists will check every tooth, and your gums, cheek and tongue. This includes every structure and surface in your mouth for cavities, signs of gum disease, infections or other possible health issues. 

Digital X-rays are one of the advanced diagnostic tools we use to provide you with the best possible care. Digital radiography has changed the way we take dental X-rays by making the process faster, more comfortable and more convenient than ever before. Our dentist can then instantly view the high-quality images on monitors right in the treatment room to provide you with efficient, accurate diagnoses and care. Affordable Smiles uses high-definition digital radiography to identify and diagnose several types of dental problems, such as:

• Decay in between teeth
• Developmental abnormalities
• Improper tooth root positioning
• Cysts and abscesses
• Fractures in existing fillings
• Tumors
• Infection in the tooth nerves
• Bone loss

Digital dental X-rays are used to plan many kinds of dental treatment, such as oral surgery procedures, root canal treatment, dental implants, orthodontics and more.

A dental filling is a treatment for tooth damaged by decay that restores back to its normal function and shape while preventing further decay. Our dentists will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. Fillings are more often required in the molar (back) teeth where decay rates are higher. The need for fillings due to tooth decay can be eliminated by correctly cleaning your teeth and maintaining a healthy diet. Regular dental health check-ups will make sure any problems are identified and treated early.

When considering tooth fillings, one of the options available are composite fillings which are made from durable plastics that are similar in color to natural teeth. Because the composite fillings are tooth-colored, they look more natural and are less noticeable compared to other types of fillings.

Another benefit of tooth-colored fillings is that they are compatible with sealants allowing our dentists to perform both procedures in a single sitting preventing further decay. There are other advantages to composite, tooth-colored fillings, most importantly the capability of bonding to tooth structure. Also in many cases they can be repaired by addition of more composite material.

When left long enough, plaque and tartar will build-up and begin decaying your teeth, causing cavities. Our dentists and dental assistants use professional tools to remove any excess plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup. You’ll then have your teeth professionally polished and flossed, and you can have fluoride applied, should you choose.

Regular cleanings offer multiple benefits. You’ll stop tooth loss, prevent cavities, and save money in the long run by intervening before you have a dental emergency. Good oral health boosts your overall wellbeing, too. Regular dental cleanings can also help lower your risk for disease, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Mouth guards are dental appliances that cover your teeth. Dentists recommend them for a number of reasons, and there are many different types. Children and adults alike can benefit from mouth guards. Most mouth guards fit over your upper teeth. In some instances, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard for your lower teeth, as well.

Our dentists recommend mouth guards for many different reasons. You might need one if you:

• Grind or clench your teeth (bruxism)
• Play contact sports such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer or boxing
• Participate in activities with a high fall risk, such as gymnastics, biking or ice skating
• Snore
• Have obstructive sleep apnea
• Have TMJ disorder

Early detection of oral cancer can improve a patient’s chances of successful treatment. That’s why many dentists recommend having regular oral cancer screenings that examine the entire mouth. Adults over the age of 20 should have a screening every three years while those over 40 should have annual screenings. People with risk factors – such as adults who use tobacco, are heavy alcohol drinkers, have human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or have a family history of cancer – should request an annual oral cancer screening.

An oral cancer screening begins with a clinical exam of a patient’s mouth and throat. Our dentists will look for any type of abnormality, such as bumps, patches of color, ulcerations and swelling. All areas of the mouth will be examined, including the roof of the mouth, tonsils, inner cheeks, gums and tongue. They will also palpate the jaw, the neck, under the chin and the outside cheeks to feel for any unusual masses or firm nodules.

If any abnormalities are detected, our dentists will use VELscope technology to examine the oral mucosa and screen for tissue abnormalities by enhancing the visualization of pre-cancers, cancer, and other disease processes.