Why is Oral Cancer Screening So Important?

Even with your daily brushing and flossing routine, oral cancer may go unnoticed early on where symptoms tend to be less noticeable, especially if they’re in hard-to-see places.

Here are some key reasons why oral cancer screenings are a vital part of your dental visit:

• Early Detection Saves Lives: During your routine dental check-up, we can check for any suspicious areas and catch them early on. This means earlier, more effective treatment and a dramatically improved outcome.
• Non-Invasive and Quick: The screening process is quick, comfortable, and doesn’t involve any invasive procedures. In fact, it’s so naturally woven into our normal check-ups, it’d be over before you know it!
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you’ve been screened for oral cancer can provide significant reassurance about your health, and with routine checkups and cleanings, you’ll feel confident year-round.
• Comprehensive Health Approach: Oral health is connected to your overall well-being. By including oral cancer screenings, we demonstrate our commitment to your complete health.

Our dentists are trained to recognize even the slightest irregularities that might indicate oral cancer. If we see anything suspicious or concerning, we’ll discuss the next steps with you and may refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.

Take a Proactive Step for Your Health

Protecting your health is a team effort. By coming in for your regular dental check-ups, you’re already taking a proactive step. We encourage you to continue prioritizing these visits, knowing that they include this essential oral cancer screening. Call us today or schedule your visit online and ensure your smile – and your overall health – are in good hands.

Why Are Dental X-Rays So Important?

Dental X-rays offer invaluable insights into the health of each and every one of your teeth and the surrounding bone structures. Though we take great care to be as thorough as possible during our visual examinations, imperfections such as chips, cracks, and other issues may still hide out of sight. Dental X-rays allow us to see minor flaws before they become major issues.

Here are some of the crucial benefits of dental X-rays:

• Early Cavity Detection: X-rays can reveal small areas of decay between teeth or beneath existing fillings that might not be visible during a regular check-up. While a dental filling, for example, strengthens and restores your tooth, it can also trap decay and bacteria if a small hole or crack goes unnoticed.
• Identifying Bone Loss: Assessing the health of your gums and the supporting bone structure around your teeth plays a big role in understanding not just your oral health, but your overall health as well. This helps us diagnose and manage other dental issues like periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth loss if it goes unnoticed and is left untreated.
• Planning for Extractions: When a tooth extraction is necessary, X-rays provide a clear picture of the tooth’s roots and how they’re bonded to your gums. Knowing the exact shape and position of your roots is only half the solution, where Dr. Mager’s steady and experienced hands adapt and adjust to the perfect, gentle back-and-forth motion for an effective and safe extraction. This is particularly important with wisdom teeth removals, where minimizing the amount of movement needed translates to much faster healing times.
• Assessing Implant Health: For patients with dental implants, regular X-rays help us monitor the integration of the implant with the jawbone and ensure the ongoing health and stability of the restoration.
• Detecting Infections and Abscesses: Dental X-rays are also key in identifying any hidden infections down in your roots, beneath your gum line, or inside your otherwise healthy-looking natural teeth. We can spot an abscess and provide prompt and effective treatment to reduce pain and swelling right at the heart of the problem.
• Guiding Root Canal Therapy: During root canal treatment, X-rays are taken to guide the dentist in navigating the tooth’s canals and ensure the infection is completely removed.
• Evaluating Trauma and Injuries: If you’ve experienced a dental injury, X-rays can help identify fractures or other damage to the teeth and surrounding bone.
• Orthodontic Planning: Orthodontic treatment relies heavily on X-rays to assess the position of teeth and plan the most effective course of alignment.

Feel Confident With a Healthy Smile Inside and Out

Eliminate the guesswork and feel confident with your smile’s health by giving us a call or simply requesting an appointment online today. Our team is ready to provide you with a complete examination, including essential dental X-rays, to create a personalized treatment plan just for you.

At Legacy Dental, we understand that the idea of a tooth extraction can cause anxiety. Our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth, but sometimes, an extraction is the best option for your overall oral health. Dr. Magers and our team are committed to providing gentle and comfortable tooth extractions in a caring environment right here in Burleson.

When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

While we strive to save every tooth and explore every option available to do so, there are situations where extraction becomes essential:

• Severe Decay: When a tooth is too damaged by decay to be restored effectively and give you long-lasting results.
• Infection: When an infection is too advanced for root canal therapy.
• Impacted Teeth: Such as wisdom teeth that are causing pain or damage, or put you at risk of complications later on in life.
• Orthodontic Needs: To create space for proper tooth alignment for a beautiful and functional smile.
• Preparation for Restorations: To prepare your mouth for dentures or implants to give you back a smile you can love.

Our Gentle Approach to Extractions

Contrary to popular belief, tooth extractions, or better known as “pulling a tooth”, involve very little “pulling” at all. Dr. Magers uses a gentle back-and-forth motion to carefully loosen the tooth and once your tooth has sufficiently “let go” of the surrounding gum, it simply comes out!

We’ll numb the area completely beforehand, and other than the immediate relief you’ll experience once your problematic tooth is gone, you’ll only notice a slight pressure during the entire procedure.

How Does a Tooth Extraction Benefit Me?

• Pain Relief: A damaged or infected tooth not only causes sensitivity and pain, it also effects the gum and teeth around it. Once the tooth is gone, you’ll start healing right away.
• Prevents Spread of Infection: With the cause of the problem gone, we effectively stop the spread of infection.
• Prepares for Restorative Options: Creates space for dental implants, bridges, or dentures, restoring your smile’s function and appearance.

What to Expect During Your Extraction

• Numbing: We’ll ensure you’re completely comfortable by numbing the area. We’ll spend a few moments letting the local anesthetic take effect before starting your procedure, and once we’re confident you’re ready, we move on to the next step.
• Gentle Loosening: Dr. Magers will gently loosen the tooth using a controlled back-and-forth motion. In mere moments, your tooth will be ready to come out, and we can do a careful check to ensure the area is clean and ready to start healing.
• Post-Extraction Care: Now that your tooth is removed and the area clean, we immediately shift our focus to your aftercare and healing process. We’ll discuss the necessary steps you can take at home to keep the area clean and healthy, discuss pain-relief options, and give you useful tips on how to brush around the area. You’ll feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Prioritize a Healthy Smile for a Healthier You

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have concerns about a damaged tooth, give us a call at Legacy Dental today. We’ll assess your situation, determine the best course of action, and get you on your path to relief as soon as possible.

At Legacy Dental, we understand that the thought of a root canal can be a bit unnerving. But the truth is, modern root canal therapy is much more comfortable than you might think! Dr. Magers and our team are dedicated to providing gentle, effective root canal treatment to save your natural tooth and relieve your pain.

Why Might I Need a Root Canal?

Inside each of your teeth is a soft tissue called the pulp. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. A root canal is needed to clean the tooth, remove the infection, and prevent further damage. Living with dental pain? Give us a call today to get the much-needed relief you deserve.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time, especially in those hard-to-reach places we just can’t reach.

• Saves Your Natural Tooth: Whenever possible, we want to help you keep your natural teeth. Root canal therapy allows us to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
• Relieves Pain: An infected tooth can cause severe pain and discomfort. Root canal therapy effectively eliminates the source of the infection and provides much-needed relief.
• Restores Function: Once your tooth is restored, you’ll be able to chew and speak normally again.
• Prevents Further Damage: By addressing the infection, we can prevent it from spreading to surrounding teeth and bone.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

• Numbing: We’ll make sure you’re completely comfortable by numbing the area around the tooth.
• Cleaning the Infection: Dr. Magers will gently clean the infection from inside your tooth.
• Filling and Sealing: The tooth is filled with a special dental filling material and sealed to prevent reinfection, restoring the natural strength of your tooth and giving you all the functionality back!
• Restoration: In some cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to provide strength and protection. This isn’t always necessary, and Dr. Magers will discuss the best options for your individual needs.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

If you’re experiencing toothache, a pain in your jaw, or feeling a sharp pain sensation when you bite down, don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule your appointment at Legacy Dental. We’ll take the time to carefully evaluate your tooth and determine if root canal therapy is the right solution for you. We’re here to help, and saving your natural tooth is our top priority! Let us help you achieve a healthy, pain-free smile!

What Happens During a Checkup?

• Comprehensive Examination: Dr. Magers will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
• Oral Cancer Screening: We conduct thorough oral cancer screenings to detect any signs of abnormalities early on.
• Dental X-Rays: X-rays allow us to see what’s happening beneath the surface, showing us everything from the integrity of your roots to spotting hidden infections that could lead to painful toothaches when you least expect it.
• Personalized Consultation: We’ll discuss your oral health goals, address any concerns you may have, and answer your questions in a relaxed and friendly manner. We’d love to get to know you!

Why Are Professional Cleanings So Important?

Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time, especially in those hard-to-reach places we just can’t reach. Our skilled hygienists will:

• Remove Plaque and Tartar: We’ll gently remove plaque and tartar buildup which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, including any harmful bacteria. Your smile will thank you for it!
• Polish Your Teeth: A professional polish leaves your teeth feeling smooth and looking their best. In fact, many of our patients can’t help but comment on how fresh their smiles feel.
• Provide Personalized Oral Hygiene Tips: We’ll share tips and techniques to improve your at-home oral care routine, filling in any gaps, recommending a toothbrush, and even proper flossing techniques that work for your smile.

Benefits of Regular Checkups & Cleanings

• Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Early detection and treatment of dental issues can help you avoid more extensive and costly procedures down the road.
• Maintain a Healthy Smile: Regular cleanings and checkups help keep your teeth and gums healthy, contributing to a beautiful and confident smile.
• Detect Oral Cancer Early: Oral cancer screenings can help identify signs of oral cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.
• Freshen Your Breath: Professional cleanings remove bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.

Schedule Your Checkup & Cleaning Today!

Ready to prioritize your oral health and give yourself the gift of peace of mind? Give us a call or schedule your appointment online to experience dental care the Legacy Dental way!

At Legacy Dental Texas in Burleson, TX, we believe everyone deserves a smile they love. Dr. Magers and our team are passionate about helping you achieve the confident, radiant smile you’ve always dreamed of. We offer a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services to enhance your natural beauty and improve your oral health.

Our Cosmetic Dental Services

• Veneers: Achieve a flawless smile with custom-made veneers that correct imperfections and enhance your teeth’ appearance. They can address issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment.
• Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile and remove stains with our professional teeth whitening treatments. We offer both in-office and take-home whitening options to fit your needs and lifestyle.
• Porcelain Crowns: Restore a damaged tooth to its full function and beauty with a natural-looking porcelain crown. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
• Dental Bonding: Repair chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth with tooth-colored bonding material. Bonding is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that can significantly enhance your smile.
• Clear Aligners: Straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably with clear aligners. Aligner therapy is a popular alternative to traditional braces for achieving a straighter smile.
• Dental Implants: Replace missing teeth with dental implants, a long-lasting and natural-looking solution. Implants not only restore your smile but also improve your oral health and function.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. It involves a variety of procedures that can correct imperfections such as discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, our experienced team can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Give us a call today to start your journey to your perfect smile.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

• Enhanced Appearance: Improve your smile and boost your self-confidence.
• Improved Oral Health: Some cosmetic procedures can also improve your oral health, such as straightening teeth for better bite alignment.
• Increased Self-Esteem: A beautiful smile can make you feel more confident and positive about yourself.
• Long-Lasting Results: Enjoy your beautiful new smile for years to come with proper care and maintenance.

Why Choose Legacy Dental Texas?

• Experienced Cosmetic Dentist: Dr. Magers is a skilled cosmetic dentist with years of experience creating beautiful, healthy smiles with a passion for providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
• Advanced Technology: We’re committed to providing you with the best possible care, and that includes using the latest technology and techniques to achieve outstanding results.
• Comfortable and Relaxed Atmosphere: Our friendly team is committed to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: We’ll work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation Today

Are you ready to transform your smile and enhance your confidence? Contact Legacy Dental Texas today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Magers. We’ll discuss your concerns, assess your oral health, and recommend the best cosmetic dentistry options for you. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

As the tissues around your teeth get infected, they detach from the tooth, creating a deeper pocket between the gum tissues and the root. Consequently, bone support is also lost. Without adequate professional treatment, teeth gradually loosen and fall out.

You may experience:

• Bleeding gums
• Swelling
• Gum recession (“long teeth”)
• Bad breath
• Tooth mobility

If you smoke, you may not notice the traditional symptoms of bleeding and swelling.

To determine how advanced the disease has progressed, our experts will record multiple measurements around each tooth, comparing them to digital images that show where bone levels and tissue attachment levels compare to one another.

Health Risks

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your smile, it can also impair your overall wellness. Research shows that active gum disease allows pathogens to spread directly into the airway and cardiovascular system, significantly increasing the risk of multiple health conditions. Some of them include pneumonia, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and infertility.

By combatting active oral infections, you improve your dental health as well as your immune system, benefiting your body as a whole.

Our mission is to help you retain your natural teeth for as long as possible, improving their health and integrity along the way. Contact Legacy Dental in Burleson, TX, today to request a new patient appointment.

Our superior diagnostics equipment and materials detect any changes to your teeth, tissues, or bone, including cracks, decay, gum disease, or the breakdown of dental restorations. Educating our patients on effective hygiene is the heart of our practice.

Frequent and proper brushing and flossing, along with your regular professional dental cleaning, will help reduce and remove plaque- a contributing factor to tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless bacterial film that grows on the hard surfaces of teeth. These bacteria use the sugar and starch from food particles in the mouth to produce acid. Left to accumulate, this acid produces foul breath, destroys the outer enamel of the tooth, and irritates gums to the point of bleeding.

How to Brush Your Teeth?

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, but preferably after every meal. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush, and replace it every 3-4 months or as soon as the bristles begin to fray.

• Start by choosing your toothpaste carefully, ensuring that you buy one that contains fluoride.
• Place a pea-sized amount on your toothbrush.
• Use gentle, circular, short strokes (about the width of a tooth) against the teeth and gums.
• For the outer tooth surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line.
• To clean the chewing and inner tooth surfaces, use a gentle back-and-forth motion.
• To clean the inner front tooth surfaces hold the brush upright and use gentle up and down strokes with the tip of the brush.
• Don’t forget to brush along the gum line. Do not brush too vigorously as this may cause damage to the gum tissue.
• It is recommended that you spend two minutes each time you brush your teeth. You should spend 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left).
• The tongue should also be brushed using a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove any food particles and bacteria that may sour the breath.
• Thoroughly rinse the toothbrush to remove debris and toothpaste. Do not routinely store your toothbrush in a closed container, as the moist environment is more conducive than the open air to the growth of microorganisms.

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Wisdom Teeth

Few people look forward to surgery, and although it might feel overwhelming at first, we’d love to be the gentle guide that helps demystify what that entails and what you have to look forward to.

Your wisdom teeth, often referred to as third molars, can start to cause trouble as early as your mid-teens. When there’s nowhere for them to go, or they don’t develop and emerge properly, it can silently impact the alignment of your bite and the rest of your oral health.

Planning Ahead For A Healthy Smile

We use advanced digital imaging to see beneath the surface and get a clear view of how your wisdom teeth are positioned and how their roots have developed. This allows us to plan ahead, give you precise and effective care, and minimize the surgical procedure itself to shorten your healing time.

• Protecting Your Alignment: When your wisdom teeth are trapped or impacted, the pressure can push and crowd the rest of your teeth, potentially undoing years of orthodontic work or even causing some in the future. Removing them safeguards your beautiful, existing smile, without the surprises.
• Preventing Pain and Infection: When wisdom teeth only partially emerge, they create a spot that’s nearly impossible for you to clean. This means they’re highly prone to painful infections and cavities that can easily spread, threatening the health of your surrounding teeth and your overall oral health.
• Safeguarding Your Jawbone Health: With your wisdom teeth removed and the chance of infection eliminated, you’re allowing your jaw to heal fully and maintain a stable foundation for the rest of your smile.

Your Comfort & Peace Of Mind

We provide your surgical care right here in our office, surrounded by the professionals you know and trust, and an environment close to home. We’re always ready to help, and if you’re still feeling unsure or anxious, we can help with that, too.

Our Sedation Options for a Gentle Experience

We offer oral conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed and ready for your procedure. You simply take it a few moments before your wisdom teeth removal procedure starts, and you will drift into a deeply relaxed and dream-like state. Most of our patients have very little or no memory of the procedure itself, so you’ll feel like you traded mere moments for a lifetime of peace of mind.

Because of the strong relaxing effects, you must have a trusted family member or friend drive you safely to and from our Burleson office. The medication wears off gradually, and you will need to take it easy for a few hours to get the rest you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the procedure painful?
The short answer is no. We prioritize your comfort, numbing the area thoroughly with local anesthesia. You’ll feel nothing more than a slight pressure!

How long is recovery?
Recovery is different for everyone, but most patients feel comfortable resuming their normal activities after about one week. You will have some swelling around the area while it heals, and with a cold compress and your usual over-the-counter pain medication, it’ll be nothing more than a slight hindrance.

Are there risks?
All surgical procedures have minimal risks, but these are rare. Our experienced team takes every precaution, plan your procedure with expert care, and give you a complete walk-through of what your aftercare steps involve. You’ll leave our office feeling well-prepared for the healing days ahead.

Ready to Discuss Your Oral Surgery Needs?

If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or your recent visit to our office showed signs of wisdom teeth problems down the road, don’t put off getting the care you need. We invite you to experience the Legacy Dental difference: expert care delivered with heartfelt attention.

Give us a call today to schedule your consultation and discuss your options.
Call us at 817-447-6040 to find your peace of mind.

Urgent Pain or a Sudden Problem?

When you are in pain or discomfort, you want relief as quickly as possible.  Call us right away at 817-934-7131. We do our best to offer same-day emergency appointments to get you the care you need.

An Emergency You May Be Experiencing

• Severe Toothache: Ongoing, throbbing pain that may signal infection or damage.
• Chipped or Broken Tooth: Painful damage that should be treated quickly to avoid infection.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: A tooth that’s come out completely and needs immediate care.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Exposed tooth causing sensitivity or discomfort.
• Dental Abscess: A painful infection that requires urgent treatment.
• Gum, Tongue, or Cheek Injury: Cuts or injuries in your mouth that may need attention.

How We Can Help

We know that dental emergencies require immediate attention, which is why our goal is to provide fast and effective relief and address your urgent needs as efficiently as possible. With an experienced emergency dentist like Dr. Magers, you can trust that your situation will be handled with skill and care. Our team understands that dental emergencies can be stressful, and we are dedicated to offering compassionate support to ensure you feel comfortable and cared for throughout your visit.

I Have an Emergency. What Should I do?

Contact our office immediately and explain your situation. We will do our best to assist you as soon as possible. In the meantime, we suggest that you:

• Manage Pain and Swelling: Use a cold compress on the affected area to ease swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help until you receive professional care.
• Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean. A cold compress and pain medication can provide temporary relief until you’re seen.
• Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Tooth: Rinse gently with warm water and apply a cold compress to minimize swelling. If you’re able to save any pieces of the tooth, keep them moist and bring them with you to your appointment.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle the tooth carefully by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water and try to place it back in its socket. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva and bring it with you right away.
• Injuries to the Lip or Tongue: Rinse the area gently with warm water and apply a cold compress to control swelling. If bleeding is severe or does not stop, seek immediate medical help.

Need Care Now?

There is no need to spend more time in pain or discomfort than you have to. Contact our practice right away, and our team will provide the care you need.