Long Family Dental of Cleburne Blog

Wake Up to Sleep Apnea Therapy at Long Family Dental

March 15, 2015

474189791 (1) Good morning! How’d you sleep? Did you have sweet dreams or do you have memories of someone shouting, “stop snoring”? Are you refreshed and ready to start the day when the alarm goes off, or do you need to hit the snooze button a few times? If you snore and snooze, then you may have a condition called sleep apnea. Long Family Dental, with offices in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, can help you get a good night’s sleep with sleep apnea therapy.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that causes breathing to temporarily cease during sleep. This may happen 100s—yes, 100s—of times a night. In addition to snoring, other symptoms might include awakening with a gasp for breath; daytime exhaustion; morning headaches or sore throat; and compromised concentration and motor coordination. In fact, some auto accidents can be attributed to sleep apnea. And beyond these symptoms, sleep apnea has also been connected to other ailments including high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity and low infant birth weight.

Sleep Apnea Therapy from Long Family Dental

Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long treat sleep apnea with SomnoDent®. SomnoDent is an oral appliance that is custom made according to our specifications after a thorough evaluation. This comfortable and flexible oral appliance is worn at night to shift your lower jaw forward and maintain an open airway while you sleep. Our dentists work closely with your personal physician to diagnose and prescribe the proper treatment for you. If you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have tried a CPAP machine but haven’t been able to stick with it, then ask Dr. Long or Dr. Long about SomnoDent.

Call Our Office Today

If you suspect that you or a loved one might need sleep apnea therapy, then call Long Family Dental to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, as well as the surrounding communities of Waxahachie, Red Oak, Mansfield and Cedar Hill and beyond.

Children’s Dentistry for the Youngest Citizens in Midlothian and Cleburne, TX

February 15, 2015

467777161 Mother’s Day is in May, Father’s Day is in June. So when is Children’s Day? Some would answer, “Everyday!” But in fact, children do have a day and it just happens to be every single one in the month of February. The American Dental Association has designated February as National Children’s Dental Health Month. What better time to make sure your children’s oral health is optimal? Children’s dentistry at Long Family Dental in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, is practiced emphasizing professional care, preventive care and gentle care.

Dr. Robert Long, Dr. Chris Long and their team of dental hygienists and dental assistants are committed to helping you take care of your kids’ teeth and gums. With this in mind, we recommend that children’s dentistry begin at home. Have your kids watch you brush your teeth. Then, as their smiles develop, make brushing and flossing a regular family activity. There is truth in jest, so remember—monkey see, monkey do!

Children’s Dentistry at Long Family Dental

When your children are around three years old, that’s when we need to start seeing them regularly in the office. As with our adult patients, we’d like to see them every six months for dental checkups. At their first checkup, we’ll count their teeth, check on their oral development including the placement of their baby teeth, possible signs of decay—yes, baby teeth can have cavities—and if they seem ready then we’ll also clean their teeth.

For an ounce of prevention, Drs. Long may recommend a fluoride treatment or dental sealants. Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to strengthen teeth’s enamel, the first line of defense against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Dental sealants are an added layer of protection for your children’s permanent molars. Applied as a liquid, dental sealants harden to a solid, filling the nooks and crannies of deeply grooved back teeth.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’d like to make an appointment for your kids to see the children’s dentist Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, trust, then call Long Family Dental today. We also conveniently serve patients from Waxahachie, Red Oak, Mansfield and Cedar Hill and beyond.

Root Out Pain with a Root Canal from Long Family Dental

January 15, 2015

167121308 Root canal. For some people, just the words conjure up thoughts of pain and discomfort. Actually though, a root canal should initiate thoughts of eliminating pain and restoring comfort. That’s what a root canal is designed to do when you have an infected tooth that is causing a toothache. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long at Long Family Dental, with offices in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, are experienced in root canal therapy that will relieve your pain and preserve your tooth.

Each one of your teeth is actually made up of three layers. The strong outer layer that people see when you smile is the enamel. Next is the dentin, the sensitive middle layer. And the deepest layer is called the pulp, which is comprised of nerve and lymph tissue as well as blood vessels. If this layer is exposed to infection causing bacteria, then a root canal becomes necessary in order to preserve the life of the tooth. Bacteria can spread to the pulp by way of excessive tooth decay, a deep fracture or serious blow to the face.

Symptoms you may notice that would indicate the need for a root canal include:

Moderate to severe tooth pain
Swelling around the tooth
A tooth that is newly discolored
Sensitivity to hot or cold
A foul taste in your mouth

The Root Canal Procedure

The first step is making sure you are comfortable and the site is adequately anesthetized. Then, one of our dentists will access the pulp in order to clean and disinfect this chamber and its associated canals. Once the infection and any associated debris are removed, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible, anti-bacterial material. The tooth is then sealed and usually topped with a crown for added protection and strength.

Call Our Office Today

If you have a toothache or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please call Long Family Dental today. We proudly serve patients in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, as well as the surrounding communities of Waxahachie, Red Oak, Mansfield and Cedar Hill and beyond.

General Dentist Waxahachie Advice: The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

December 23, 2014

Have you had your oral cancer screening yet? Over 30,000 new oral cancer cases are discovered each year. Unfortunately, many of these cases have already progressed into the dangerous late stages of the disease. Far too many oral cancer patients skip out on the routine dental exams that could have caught the disease in its early stages, when it’s most treatable. Oral cancer screenings are short, painless exams. During the exam, Dr. Long will look for physical warning signs inside of your mouth, and around your face and neck. He will check for abnormalities such as: red or white patches, mouth sores, and lumps. As with other cancers, early detection is critical to successful treatment outcomes. Semi-annual oral cancer screenings are the most effective method for finding the disease in its highly curable stages. Protect your oral and overall health; make an appointment with Dr. Robert Long or Dr. Chris Long for your oral cancer screening today. Long Family Dental is the leading Waxahachie general dentist office. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long proudly serve families daily throughout Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cleburne, and the surrounding communities.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. By far, tobacco use is the leading risk factor for oral cancer. However, contraction of the human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is quickly closing the gap as a leading cause of the disease. While there is still a higher incidence of the disease among older people, this shift has increased the number of oral cancer cases among people under 50, making younger people the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients. HPV in oral cancer patients tends to reside in the back of the mouth, in the tonsils, or at the base of the tongue, making it that much more difficult to detect without an oral cancer screening. Excessive alcohol use and excessive sun exposure can also heighten your risk for developing the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment for an oral cancer screening with your general dentist Waxahachie:

A mouth sore that doesn’t heal after a few weeks
White or red patches anywhere in or around the mouth
Unexplained swelling in the mouth that won’t go away

General Dentist Waxahachie Appointments

Remember, your health is your wealth. Make an investment in your long term wellbeing and schedule an oral cancer screening appointment with Dr. Robert Long or Dr. Chris Long at Long Family Dental today. Long Family Dental is a trusted Waxahachie general dentist office. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long proudly restore smiles daily throughout Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cleburne, and nearby areas.

Maintain Good Oral Health and Repair Your Smile with Dental Implants

November 15, 2014

184898853 Just one missing tooth can spell trouble with a capital T. Obviously, there is the consequence to your smile. In fact, for many people a missing tooth can keep them from smiling. But beyond your smile, one or more missing teeth can lead to oral and general health problems. Thankfully, there are dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long at Long Family Dental have restored oral health and many smiles around Midlothian, TX, with the help of dental implants.

To more precisely place dental implants and reduce recovery time, Drs. Long and Long use computer-assisted technology during the procedure. First, a small titanium post is implanted into the bone below the space of the missing tooth. This is allowed to heal for six to 12 weeks during which time the bone grows around the post. Thus, a dental implant has the added advantage of slowing or even stopping bone loss that may occur when the root of a tooth is missing. Once healed, the doctor places an abutment on top of the post. This abutment then holds the dental crown which has the look, feel and function of a real tooth.

But dental implants aren’t only for single missing teeth. Implants are also used to comfortably secure and support implant bridges. Once again, a bridge that is supported by implants has the added advantage of discouraging bone loss. And unlike partial dentures which are usually noticeable—especially when chewing—a bridge with implants feels natural almost immediately.

Caring for implants is much like caring for your other teeth. Brush and floss them as usual and your dental implants will last for years and years.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you or someone you care for has been dealing with the effects of missing teeth, call the office of Long Family to learn more about dental implants. We proudly serve patients in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne.

Experience Total Oral Health with Gum Disease Therapy

October 15, 2014

Many people may not know this, but having healthy gums is absolutely crucial to you having a healthy, beautiful smile. Your gums are the foundation to your smile, and if they are compromised in any sort of negative way, the effects can be detrimental. Gum disease plagues over 80 percent of Americans, and many of them do not know that they are living with the disease. Because Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long understand the importance of excellent gum health, they are able to offer gum disease therapy to their patients at their Midlothian, TX dental office.

Though many people may be unaware of this fact, if you are living with gum disease, you are not only putting your oral health at risk, but also risking the health of your body as a whole. Untreated gum disease puts you more at risk to heart disease, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s, bone loss, tooth loss, and much more. If you are unaware as to whether or not you are living with gum disease, a few symptoms include gums that are discolored, gums that are sensitive to the touch, red or swollen gums, and gums that bleed whenever you brush or floss. It is very important to contact our office if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

A couple of ways we are able to treat your gum disease is through scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing the harmful bacteria from below the gum line, allowing you to have a healthier smile. Root planing is where we smooth out the rough areas on your tooth’s root, promoting your gum’s reattachment to the tooth itself. We will also reinforce healthy oral care routines, ensuring your gums stay healthy for as long as possible. If you would like Drs. Long to help you with gum disease therapy, contact our office today!

At Long Family Dental, we provide quality general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services in Cleburne and Midlothian. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Bob Long and Dr. Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Recharge Your Smile with Cosmetic Bonding

September 10, 2014

With everything in life, things go through wear and tear. Whether your favorite shirt has a hole in it or you car has a scratch, life definitely has a way of leaving evidence. Unfortunately, the same logic is applied to your smile. Throughout the years, your smile may have dulled in color, gotten chipped, stained, and cracked. Over the course of the time, the hard knocks that seemed small in the beginning can really alter the overall aesthetic of your smile. Thankfully, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long are able to restore the vitality in your smile using cosmetic bonding.

One of the wonderful things about cosmetic bonding is that it is able to completely give you a new smile in single appointment. Aside from being able to cover cracks and chips, if your smile is slightly misaligned or gapped, cosmetic bonding is able to clear it right up! We will be able to mix the composite resin to match your tooth color exactly, making your smile transformation look as natural as possible. Being able to cover up dark spots on your smile, repair your tooth damaged by tooth decay, and improve the general look of your smile, cosmetic bonding is definitely a wonderful option for our patients wanting a new smile in a little amount of time.

The process to improving your smile with cosmetic bonding is simple, as we will have to first prepare your natural tooth by roughening the surface to make sure the bonding sticks. When the bonding is placed on your smile, we will harden it with a light. After that, we will sculpt your new smile, keeping your wants and facial features in mind, as to make sure everything blends in seamlessly. At the end, we will polish the bonded area, making it shine bright! If you are curious as to how cosmetic bonding can help improve your smile, and would like the help of Drs. Long, contact our office today!

Shine Bright with Teeth Whitening!

August 9, 2014

One of the things people really strive for is a bright, beautiful smile. When you have an amazingly radiant smile, it gives the impression of health and vitality. When you are not confident in the way your smile looks because of its lackluster appearance, it can be disheartening. Though you may think there is nothing you can do to make your smile shine bright, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long are able to give their patients the smile they have always wanted by offering teeth whitening!

There are many things that can affect the luminosity of your smile. Coffee, tea, wine, certain medications, tobacco use, and even genetics all play a role in your dulling smile. If you have tried over the counter methods in whitening your smile, you may have gotten results that were less than excitable. Our doctors are able to whiten your smile with ease and convenience! We offer our patients take-home teeth whitening. With this, we are able to take impressions of your smile and have custom whitening trays made just for you. We will also be able to supply you with the whitening gel, which is professional-grade, ensuring amazing results.

All you have to do is fill the tray with the whitening gel and wear the tray between 30 to 60 minutes twice a day. Your smile will gradually whiten, and in about two weeks, you will see the full results. Also, this form of whitening is less expensive than conventional teeth whitening processes, which makes this a wonderful choice for our patients! If you are curious as to how our doctors can help give you the radiant smile you have always wanted, contact our office today!

How To Get Your Kids Excited About Oral Care!

July 11, 2014

Almost every parent can agree that getting their children to do what they want them to do is a very difficult task. Whether it is eating healthy foods or going to bed at the same time every night, having your children do what is necessary for their health can be a daunting task. One of those things may be getting them to brush their teeth. Getting children to brush their teeth has been a notoriously difficult task for many parents, and they may be wondering how they can make the experience enjoyable for their kids. Luckily, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long have some recommendations as to how a daily chore can become a fun activity!

One of the ways you can get your children excited about brushing their teeth is by joining them in the fun! If you children see the way you brush your teeth, they will want to mimic your movements, making it a team effort that is a lot of fun! This is also a great bonding experience between you and your child, as it builds trust and confidence between the both of you.

Another thing parents can do to make oral care fun for their kids is by making it a musical time. Children tend to respond better to music than words alone, so when you make a fun sing along or jingle to coincide with brushing their teeth, it can create a fun, exciting environment. If your child has a favorite cartoon character or superhero, having their toothbrushes match is an easy way to get them to enjoy brushing their teeth. Along with their favorite toothbrush, having tasty toothpaste can also make oral care more enjoyable for your children. There are many types of toothpaste that are specially made for children, so a yummy bubblegum flavor alongside their favorite character on their toothbrush can make all the difference in the world to your child in making sure they take care of their smile!

Have A Seamless Smile for Summer with Tooth-Colored Fillings

June 9, 2014

With summer right around the corner, one of the things many people are doing is making sure they look their summer best! Whether it is getting your beach body ready or getting their hair done in time for the backyard barbecue, many people want to make sure they are in tip top shape in order to fully enjoy their summer vacation! One thing that may not get as much attention is your smile. There is no doubt you will be meeting and reconnecting with tons of people this summer, and your smile is the first thing they are going to see. If you want to make sure you have a seamless, flawless smile, Drs. Robert and Chris Long are able to give that to their patients by offering tooth-colored fillings.

There are many reasons why people choose tooth-colored fillings. The most popular reason is that people get tooth-colored fillings is because they want to avoid the look of having a mouth full of metal. Many people want a more natural look when it comes to their dental work, and tooth-colored fillings are able to provide that look. The important aspect about fillings is the fact that it saves your tooth. When there is a cavity or a serious infection, we remove the decay and fill the space with your desired filling. If not treated in the proper amount of time, the problem can worsen, even leading toward bone loss.

One of the benefits of having tooth-colored fillings is that it gives you back your confidence. If you aren’t confident in your smile, it can completely alter the way you interact with people and yourself. There is no doubt our experience team is able to restore your confidence and bring your smile to the next level. If you’re interested in tooth-colored fillings, contact our office and will be happy to help you create the perfect smile you have always wanted, just in time for summer!