General Dentistry

Five Things About Gum Disease in Friendswood

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Sleep apnea, Snoring

gum disease exam Friendswood

Gum disease is an inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, it is preventable. This condition is so pervasive in the US that it has been called a ‘health crisis’ by the ADA. At David C. Montz DDS in Friendswood, we have effective treatment for gum disease.

Some facts about gum disease, formally known as periodontal disease:

  1. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Practicing daily dental hygiene and having 6-month dental exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
  3. It can be present where there is no tooth decay.
  4. Almost half of all adults over thirty in the United States have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, it produces no noticeable symptoms.

Your gums influence your overall health, so keeping them in good shape is essential. Even if you don’t feel any pain, it is important to have a dental checkup twice a year.

At David C. Montz DDS in Friendswood, we treat gum disease. We also treat sleep apnea and snoring, and provide general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Dental Anxiety? Sedation Dentistry in Friendswood

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry Manviel

Does your heart start pounding at the thought of having a cavity filled? Do you get sweaty palms when you pass a dental practice? With sedation dentistry in Friendswood, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Many of our patients at David C. Montz DDS, PA and Associates struggle with dental anxiety. And many of them have found a solution in sedation dentistry.

Let’s define our terms and set the parameters. ‘Sleep dentistry’ and ‘oral conscious sedation’ are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. There are three main types of sedation used in dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide
The first is nitrous oxide, commonly known as ‘laughing gas.’ Nitrous oxide has been used in cosmetic dentistry for decades because it is safe and effective. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the procedure, and wears off quickly. If you need a little help getting through dental procedures, but don’t want to be out cold, nitrous may be the best choice.

Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation doesn’t start working as quickly as nitrous oxide, but it helps most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications don’t usually lead to complete unconsciousness. Most patients are able to answer any questions put to them by the dentist, but they’ll have no memory of the procedure when it’s over. If you elect oral conscious sedation, you’ll need a ride home afterward.

IV Sedation
IV sedation uses medications similar to those used in surgery. Most patients are unaware to what is going on in their mouths. IV sedation is often used for procedures such as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and multi-procedure smile makeovers. The sedation will wear off shortly after the procedure, but you’ll be groggy and will need a ride home.

When you’re a patient at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates, your comfort is a top priority. And we always put safety first. We have long experience in treating patients with dental anxiety.

For more information about sedation dentistry, call David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates. We also practice general and family dentistry.

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Canted Midline: Your Dentist in Friendswood TX Explains

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implant, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Smile Makeover

Houston Cosmetic DentistsAt Dr. David Montz DDS, PA & Associates, your dentist in Friendswood TX, we consider many factors when designing a smile for any smile makeover patient.

One of the smile design elements involved is the facial midline. The facial midline can be established by drawing an imaginary line from the center of the eyebrows to the center of the two peaks in the top lip, known as Cupid’s bow.

A proficient cosmetic dentist considers the length and angle of the facial midline to accurately position the elements of a particular smile makeover, such as porcelain veneers or dental implants. When front teeth restorations do not line up with the facial midline, it is called a canted midline. This is a common mistake found in the cosmetic work of inexperienced cosmetic dentists.

Many individuals don’t realize the extent of 3-D engineering required in cosmetic dentistry. In addition to the orientation in relation to the facial midline, there is also the angle and size of the teeth in relation to each other and in relation to the size and shape of the lips and gums.

If you are considering an extensive smile makeover, you want to entrust your smile to an experienced cosmetic dentist. When you have a smile design consultation with us, feel free to ask probing questions about our experience and technical design procedures. Look at the pictures of some of our smile makeover patients.

David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates, your dentist in Friendswood TX, offers a full range of general and cosmetic dental procedures. We look forward to meeting you.

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Not Happy With Your Dentist?

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Categories: General Dentistry

Pearland cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Hello friends! Welcome to David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Friendswood. We provide general dentistry, restorative dentistry, and unprecedented cosmetic dentistry for the whole family. Our services include:

  • sedation dentistry
  • CEREC dental crowns
  • procelain veneers
  • teeth whitening
  • Immediate care for dental emergencies
  • Strong, natural looking restorations
  • A clean, comfortable, and friendly dental atmosphere to make your experience as pleasant as possible

I am Dr. David Montz. We are located at 820 S Friendswood Ste 100 in Friendswood, Texas. I have been practicing advanced dentistry since 1997 and am a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. By working with an experienced dentist, anyone can have a smile they want to show off.

Perhaps your smile is healthy and you only need a cleaning. Our talented dental hygienists perform thorough deep cleanings to remove plaque and tartar and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

If you don’t currently have a dentist, or are not satisfied with your current dentist, we invite you to visit David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry for an informative consultation and examination.

 

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry: 832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

The David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry Guide To Wisdom Teeth

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Categories: General Dentistry

Wisdom Teeth And Your Friendswood Dentist

Wisdom are the last of the molars (grinding teeth) to erupt from the gum. They usually appear in the late teens and early twenties. Not all people develop these teeth while some have from one to four.

Though some dental patients never experience any problems with these extra molars, many times wisdom teeth can create serious dental complications. If the wisdom teeth do not have the room to develop and erupt normally, they are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth may never emerge from the bone and gum, emerge only partially, or come in sideways.

Impacted teeth can damage the adjacent molar, cause infection or trigger gum disease. Sometimes these problems cause no noticeable symptoms for a period of time. To prevent these serious complications, wisdom teeth are often removed.

Wisdom teeth symptoms include pain when opening mouth, gum swelling, bad breath, and pain when chewing. These indicators can be constant or intermittent.

To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, call 832-895-5120 to schedule an exam at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. Our friendly dental team can recommend the best course of treatment.

David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care for Houston area families since 1997.

 

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry: 832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Trust Dr. Montz For Accurate Dental Info

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Categories: General Dentistry

Friendswood family dentistry

Dental patients are more informed than ever before and it’s not surprising that much of their knowledge about oral health and dental treatment is gleaned from online sources. Proactive self-education can be beneficial for you and your family, especially if it aids in living a healthy lifestyle. We caution our friends and neighbors in the Houston area, however, not to count on online dental information until their dentist verifies its accuracy.

Misconceptions about medical treatment in general and dentistry in particular began circulating long before personal computers became ubiquitous but the web has exponentially accelerated the speed and distance they can travel.

Some of the most frequent dental myths are focused on the safety of x-rays, the risk of root canals, the facts about fluoride, and the effectiveness of alternative practices such as oil pulling.

In worst-case scenarios, patients delay or avoid necessary dental treatment because of something they encounter online. We encourage our patients to discuss all areas of concern with Dr. Montz. You can depend on us for accurate information and quality care.

At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we are passionate about keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for life. Our motives are straightforward and transparent. You can’t always determine who operates and funds online dental sites, so be careful out there!

Since 1997, we have provided exceptional general and cosmetic dental services including procelain veneers, sleep apnea, sedation dentistry, teeth whitening, and CEREC dental crowns.

 

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry: 832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry Patients Have A Choice In Dental Fillings

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Categories: General Dentistry

Houston Dental Patients Want A Choice In Dental Fillings

If a cavity progresses no further than a filling, dental patients can avoid more extensive and invasive treatments. Let’s talk about dental fillings.

Most dental patients have a few fillings in their mouth. A dental filling is the most common way dentists restore the damaged, decayed tooth to its previous, intact condition.

Used for over a hundred years, dental fillings have come a long way from the silvery amalgam fillings many of us remember.

 

Today, a composite of plastic resin with glass or quartz filler. Referred to as composite fillings, dental patients love the fact that they can be matched to their natural tooth color, making them practically invisible. This is particularly important when the filling needs to be in a conspicuous part of the mouth, such as the front teeth.

Despite the popularity of tooth-colored fillings, many dentists still find amalgam fillings appropriate in some cases. Dental amalgam is made from a metal alloy, making it durable even when the chewing load is great.

I’m Dr. David Montz and I work hard to make sure each patient feels comfortable during their dental visit. I’ve practiced dentistry since 1997, and I find it especially rewarding when my patients experience renewed confidence after a smile makeover.

If you are interested in replacing metal fillings, or want to discuss tooth whitening and veneers, our staff is happy to answer any questions you have.

Call 832-895-5120 today to schedule an appointment with David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry!

 

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry: 832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Suspect A Bite Problem?

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Categories: General Dentistry

malocclusion examination Friendswood

Hello! I’m David Montz, DDS, of David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Friendswood. Thanks for visiting my dental blog. The topic of today’s post is malocclusion – literally – “bad bite”.

Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics invented the term malocclusion. Malocclusion is fairly common in the population as a whole but, fortunately, in most cases the misalignment is so slight that it causes no issues.

When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people – allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.

There are many causes of malocclusion – some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth can impact the bite. Injury to the jaw can also cause malocclusion as well as improperly fitting restorations and other dental appliances.

Children with a normal bite can develop bite troubles with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Orthodontics can move teeth into alignment to correct bite problems. Overcrowding often requires extraction of one or more teeth. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be corrected with crowns or dental bonding.

If the jawbone is significantly misshapen or misaligned, maxillofacial surgery may be necessary. Jaw surgery is a serious undertaking with significant risks and a long, painful recovery. While the jaw heals, it is secured with wires and screws. Ouch!

If your jaw hurts or you see unusual wear to your teeth, it is vital that you are examined by a professional. Call 832-895-5120 to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Montz.

Our friendly dental team has been serving patients at our comfortable Friendswood office since 1997. We can give you more specifics about malocclusion, procelain veneers sedation dentistry, or teeth whitening.

Dr. Montz also advises Friendswood parents about vital issues such as tooth development, thumb-sucking, water fluoridation, dental sealants, oral sports protection, and orthodontia. If you suspect that your child has any degree of malocclusion, schedule an exam ASAP. Untreated bite troubles can inhibit proper nutrition, breathing, tooth development, and speech development.

 

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Tooth Brushing Basics For Healthy Smiles In Friendswood

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Categories: General Dentistry

Why should everyone in Friendswood brush at least twice a day? Let’s take a look at why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent decay.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and inhibits the build up of plaque. If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will mix with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bone healthy. If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose teeth that are cavity-free!

The progression of gum disease (gingivitis) goes like this:
1. Plaque build-up irritates gums.
2. Irritated gums pull away from teeth.
3. Bacteria multiplies in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.
5. Say goodbye to the tooth.
The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed if detected early.

Call David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at 832-895-5120 to schedule a gum disease evaluation at our office in Friendswood.

Multiprocedural Dental Visits in Friendswood

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Categories: General Dentistry

multiprocedural dental visits in friendswoodIf you are planning extensive cosmetic dental work, you may be wondering whether to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost
In the long run, It is less expensive to do it all at once. At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Pearland, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most people. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us at 832-895-5120 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

Time
With the latest materials and cosmetic dental techniques, healing times are shorter than in the past. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants may require a healing period.

It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Friendswood dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and necessary healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less down time if you receive several procedures at once.

Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Sedation Dentistry
When you come in for a smile analysis, we can discuss oral sedation dentistry. Many Friendswood and Alvin cosmetic dental patients benefit from this safe and effective solution for pain and anxiety management. Conscious sedation is especially helpful for procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.

David C. Montz
David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry