Dentist Maryville, TN

Fear and anxiety can sometimes cause patients to skip or reschedule dental appointments. We don’t want the thought of dental treatment to cause you stress. If you find that you can’t stop worrying about pain, embarrassment, or loss or control when you sit down in the dental examination chair, we want you to know two very important things: You are not alone and We can help.

You are not alone. Studies show that a vast majority of people experience some amount of nervousness when going to the dentist. About 10-20% of the population, though, find that going to the dentist can cause such high levels of stress, anxiety, and fear that they avoid appointments and leave dental issues untreated for months or even longer. When this happens, these patients have increased risk of experiencing additional dental health issues and may even suffer negative effects on their overall health and self-esteem.

For most people, dental fear is caused by one of two things. First, any patient who has had previous negative dental care experiences may be overcome by worry that they will suffer the same type of problem again. Second, children are influenced through indirect experience by watching parents with dental anxiety dread, delay, or avoid dental care appointments. Whether or not this fear is ever explicitly vocalized, children will often internalize and repeat this cycle of self-reinforcing anxiety long into adulthood.

We can help. The first step to overcoming dental anxiety is to let our caring team know you have this problem. We have a variety of effective techniques to help you relax and feel comfortable and reassured during your visit. At Elite Dental, our whole compassionate team is happy to speak with you about all of your concerns and anxieties so you can have more control over your individual treatment plan.

We will start with a short, easy consultation and work together to ensure your progress moves at a pace that feels right to you. When you feel comfortable and safe, your body can relax more during treatment. When you’re more relaxed you receive greater benefit from anesthesia and experience quicker healing times and reduced discomfort following the treatment.

If dental anxiety has forced you to delay treatments, call Elite Dental. Let our caring team show you how we can help you overcome dental anxiety and regain the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.

Dentist in Maryville

About 1 in 4 adults experience tooth loss between the ages of 21 and 30. Dental implants are a safe and long-term option for tooth replacement that improve the appearance and functionality of your smile.

A dental implant can be paired with a replacement crown for single tooth replacement or can be used in small groups to anchor a denture or dental bridge. Dental implants are a strong, long-lasting solution for tooth loss and serve to prevent jaw bone loss in the same manner as a natural tooth root.

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants as a tooth-replacement solution. Some of these include:

• Natural looking smile: Dental implants are crafted to closely resemble your natural teeth, restoring a natural-looking smile.
• Improved oral health: Since there is no need to alter surrounding teeth to anchor implants, more of your natural teeth are preserved intact, improving long-term oral health.
• Improved speech: With removable, non-anchored dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech. Dental Implants remove that concern.
• Improved comfort: Dental Implants avoid the slipping and discomfort of removable dentures.
• Improved function: Dental Implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain.
• Durability: Dental implants are stable, strong, and stain-resistant.
• Protect healthy bone structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can, over time, lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Since Dental Implants function like tooth roots, they are able to prevent this type of deterioration, just as natural teeth do.
• Long-term solution: Dentures must be replaced about every 5-7 years. Dental Implants, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime.

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be right for you. We will consider your oral and overall health prior to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Some considerations include:

• Adequate bone support to anchor the implant
• Healthy gum tissue
• Sinus and nerve location
• Overall health, including any chronic illnesses

In some cases, we may recommend advance treatment for your upper or lower jaw to enable you to have the bone support needed for implantation. As always, your treatment plan is created based on your specific needs and goals for your healthy smile.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our office today for an appointment. We’re here to help restore the health and beauty of your smile.

Maryville, TN Dentist

As a parent, the best way to help ensure your child has a lifetime of healthy teeth is to help them establish great dental hygiene habits as they grow.

Here are some useful tips for keeping your child engaged by making dental hygiene fun:

Pick out a special toothbrush.
One great way to keep your child excited about brushing is to allow him or her to choose their own toothbrush in a favorite color or branded with a favorite cartoon character. Child-size soft-bristled brushes come in a wide variety of options designed to make your child like their toothbrush.

Choose children’s toothpaste.
Another great option is to use a toothpaste that is designed for kids. While adults generally prefer the fresh mouth taste of a minty toothpaste, many children find mint to be too powerful a flavor. This can make brushing unpleasant or even painful to sensitive taste buds. Instead, let your child choose a children’s toothpaste. There are many options available in a variety of soft mint, fruity, and bubble gum flavors. It is much easier to keep your child brushing for a full two minutes when their toothpaste tastes good.

Use a timer.
Two minutes can seem like a long time to a child. It can be very difficult for your child to try to estimate or count how long to brush without some kind of visual aid. You can help your child stay more engaged and ensure a full two minutes of brushing by using a timer. Choices range from a small sand timer your child can flip over, to a manual stopwatch with buttons to press, or even an app on a phone or tablet to time digitally (if your child is old enough). By letting your child take control of the timer, they can be more confident and more engaged in their brushing.

Brush together.
A parent is the first and strongest role model for their child. Brushing together can help your child model your great brushing technique, which will improve their own. Additionally, brushing together emphasizes to your child that brushing is important. When your child sees that you take dental hygiene seriously, they are likely to follow suit.

For more tips on making dental hygiene fun for your child, contact our office.