Shannon Stokes DDS Blog

Your dentist in Plano has always made it a priority to provide a clean and safe treatment environment to patients. When COVID-19 emerged, they increased their efforts to do so, implementing new techniques and policies to provide patients with additional levels of protection. What follows are just some of the ways your dentist is trying to keep you safe when you come in for treatment.

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Can better oral hygiene keep you safe from the coronavirus? We know that COVID-19 is transmitted when infected respiratory droplets come in contact with our face. Since our hands can easily transfer these droplets to our mouth, it’s especially important to keep our smiles clean without accidentally infecting them. Here are seven at-home dental habits from your Plano dentist that can keep your smile healthy and lower your risk of COVID-19.

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You’ve probably heard before that visiting a dentist in Plano regularly is vital to your oral health, but maybe it’s never been explained what these appointments can accomplish. What do you stand to gain from them, and why shouldn’t you just wait until you have an emerging dental problem before seeking care? Find out the answers as you continue reading, and also learn how much more enjoyable life can be when you prevent problems from happening!

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If you accidentally chipped your tooth, there’s no need to panic. Call up your local emergency dentist and they will walk you through any necessary first aid care while you’re on your way to their office. Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times, making them even more stressful than they already are. When you visit your dentist, they’ll help ease your worries and provide you with the necessary treatment to help protect your mouth from any additional damage. Read on for how to handle a chipped tooth and what treatments your dentist may suggest to repair your smile. (more…)

Buying new notebooks, pencils, and backpacks? Check. Meeting the teachers? Check. Making sure your little one is up to date on their immunizations? Check. Isn’t there something else missing? That’s right, it’s time for your child to see their dentist in Plano before school starts! Read on to learn why you should add “see your dentist” to your back to school checklist.

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Root canal. The mere mention of the phrase can inspire fear and dread. But did you know that root canals are actually a good thing? Without this procedure, at least 15 million more teeth would be lost each year. The truth is that root canals spare natural teeth from needing to be extracted completely, which every good dentist wants to avoid at all costs. But where did the negative association with root canals come from? Why would you need to have a root canal in Plano? What is the procedure like? And why is it so critical to keep your natural teeth as long as possible? Below, you’ll find out the answers to these important questions to honor National Save Your Tooth Month this May. (more…)

Tooth sensitivity can be a miserable feeling. Not only does it keep you from enjoying some of your most beloved foods, but it can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you’re unsure as to why your teeth have become so sensitive to temperature and touch, let a dentist in Houston explain the causes of tooth sensitivity as well as possible treatment options.

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If you’re missing one or more teeth in a non-consecutive fashion, then you’re in need of porcelain crowns in Plano. This will prevent the shifting of your surrounding digits that leads to bite issues and possible infection. Additionally, your new restorations will improve your smile. As you read on, your dentist explains why this type of crown is the best option for restoring the oral function that you’ve been missing.

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Visiting the dentist for complex treatments may be costly, but you aren’t only paying for the materials used to complete treatment. Patients should know that by visiting the dentist, they’re getting the opportunity to work with a medical professional, which is something you always want when it comes to your oral and overall health. Even if you think you can save money with the DIY route, you’re always better off getting your braces in Plano.

Here are the dangers you can expect from DIY braces.

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