Saturday 3 November 2018

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Tuesday 30 October 2018

Porcelain Dental Veneers

‘Smile Makeovers’ in as Little as Two Visits!

If you have oddly formed teeth, strange gaps, or dark discolorations, our porcelain veneers may be your best solution. Applying veneers can quickly and painlessly change the look of crooked teeth, so they appear as though they’ve had years of straightening. Made from thin, but very hard, sheets of the most cutting-edge dental ceramic available, veneers are bonded to natural teeth in a way that makes the teeth appear straight and uniform, producing an attractive smile. In addition, veneers can be used to completely hide chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. Created to match the color of the surrounding teeth, veneers look completely natural.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Saturday 27 October 2018

Dental Check-ups

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental check-ups!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Tuesday 23 October 2018

Dental Tooth Extractions

In-House Tooth Extractions

When teeth are infected or extensively damaged, extraction is the necessary solution. We are able to perform most extractions in our office, so you won’t be inconvenienced by referral to another office. We can even offer bone grafting at the time of extraction to help preserve vital underlying bone. Dr. Brent’s years of experience allow her to perform this procedure with a gentle approach and minimal discomfort.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Saturday 20 October 2018

Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Tuesday 16 October 2018

Gum Lifts for a Smile Makeover

Do You Have a Gummy Smile?

Dr. Brent uses a dental laser to cosmetically treat uneven gummy smile lines, perform gingivectomies (treating deep pockets in the gums), and lengthen crowns so you show more teeth, less gum. These small adjustments can have amazing results with your smile, and healing after laser treatment is typically quick and comfortable.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Thursday 11 October 2018

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive to Sugar?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com 

Do you have a sweet tooth, but cringe in pain every time you enjoy a sweet treat? If you have teeth sensitive to sugar, you may wonder if there’s any way to get relief. This likely means that the enamel of your teeth is damaged, and is making your teeth sensitive to sweets and other foods. Fortunately, for those whose teeth are sensitive to sugar, there are solutions to help you enjoy your favorite foods and avoid discomfort. 

To read the entire article visit Crest.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:


KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Thursday 4 October 2018

What are Wisdom Teeth? Purpose, Symptoms & When They Come In

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com

Wisdom teeth grow in at the back of the mouth, behind your molars. There is a set on the bottom as well as the top. Wisdom teeth often grow in crooked, sideways, or otherwise misaligned. As they grow in, they can push on other teeth, causing problems of overcrowding and misalignment for them as well.

Function and Purpose of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are believed to be "evolutionary relics," and were helpful to our distant ancestors who ate diets that consisted of rougher foods like sticks and reed plants. As teeth wore down or fell out, wisdom teeth provided replacements. Nowadays, with modern advancements in oral hygiene and softer diets, we don’t need these replacement teeth, but they still grow in. Essentially, our mouths can hold 28 teeth, but including wisdom teeth, we have about 32 teeth all vying for space. Wisdom teeth symptoms such as overcrowding, bone and nerve damage, infection, etc. can all result.

To read the entire article visit Crest.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:


KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Dental Assistant

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Sunday 30 September 2018

Dental Gum Disease

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about gum disease:


What’s the best way to prevent gum disease?

The best way is to maintain healthy dental habits throughout your lifetime, including brushing and flossing, making healthy food and beverage choices, and seeing the dentist regularly. But don’t worry. Effective treatment exists for every stage of gum disease, too.

Will getting my teeth cleaned hurt? 
Our goal is to make sure every patient is completely comfortable throughout their care. Dr. Brent and our hygienists have a very gentle touch, and they communicate with you and listen to you every step of the way as they remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, and floss between your teeth.


How do I know if I have gum disease?

The American Dental Association has reported that nearly 80% of Americans have some form of periodontal (gum) disease; evaluation by dental professionals will help you find out if you’re one of them! Early gum disease may not be obvious to you, but common symptoms may include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or dark buildup between teeth.


How is gum disease treated?

Dr. Brent will evaluate your gum health and help choose the right treatment for you. Mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, can be treated and even reversed with regular routine cleanings. The longer you may have gone without addressing the condition, the harder we may have to work to treat it, but we have the techniques and expertise to do so and get you healthy again. More advanced periodontal disease may call for scaling and root planing with more regular maintenance visits. In some cases, a laser may be used or an antibiotic therapy called ARESTIN™, which eradicates the bacteria that cause gum disease. And it works painlessly!

KC Family Dental
 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Thursday 27 September 2018

Toothache: Home Remedies, Causes, Relief for Sore Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com

Common Toothache Causes
Are you wondering why your teeth hurt? If you have aching teeth, it may be due to a dental problem such as cavities, gum disease, bruxism, TMJ or a non-dental problem, such as a sinus infection or even stress.

  1. Sensitive Teeth: Some types of toothache pain occur if you are using dental care products like peroxide-based whitening agents that penetrate into your teeth causing tooth sensitivity.
  2. Bruxism: If you have aching teeth with no signs of tooth decay or gum disease, you may be experiencing bruxism. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding your teeth. Bruxism is a common cause of aching teeth that affects millions of people of all ages in the United States. If you experience aching teeth and other symptoms of bruxism, see a dental professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, chronic tooth grinding can damage crowns and fillings, and wear away tooth enamel, putting your teeth at increased risk for infection or decay. Causes of bruxism that lead to aching teeth include crooked teeth, poor jaw alignment, and stress or anxiety. If bruxism is due to misaligned teeth, straightening your bite with orthodontia could help solve the problem. But if bruxism is due to chronic stress, stress management techniques may be needed to help relieve your aching teeth. Your dental professional may recommend a mouth guard to wear at night to help prevent tooth pain associated with bruxism.
  3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction: If you're stressed to the point of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, you can develop tooth pain associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the joint that hinges the lower jaw to the skull, enabling you to eat and talk. Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth put additional stress on the muscles of the jaw, which can cause tooth pain. If your tooth pain is caused by TMJ syndrome, your dentist may recommend a TMJ dental splint to reposition the lower jaw. But in less serious cases, warm compresses applied to the jaw, eating soft foods, and taking measures to reduce stress can help.
  4. Damaged Teeth: Your toothache pain could be caused by a cracked or broken tooth. If this is the cause of your pain, see your dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth can contribute to tooth decay.
  5. Decayed Teeth: Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothache pain. Tooth decay occurs when acids from plaque bacteria penetrate into the tooth enamel causing a loss of tooth mineral which, if it progresses, can ultimately cause pain in the tooth’s inner layer, the pulp.

To read the entire article visit Crest.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:


KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Dental Hygienist

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Hygienist!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Sunday 23 September 2018

Improve your Dental Health with a Intra Oral Camera

Intra-Oral Camera Makes You a Part of the Team

You want to make the most informed decisions possible in order to improve your dental health. Dr. Brent is making this easier with the intra-oral camera. This high-tech device is a small-scale video camera that presents a close-up picture of the interior of your mouth. You can now see for yourself what work needs to be accomplished and which teeth are in great shape. You’ll love how this works to make you an active participant in every dental decision.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Thursday 20 September 2018

Dentist: Doctors of Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by Dentists!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Sunday 16 September 2018

Cosmetic Dentistry for Imperfect Smiles

Quick Fixes for Imperfect Smiles

Perhaps you already have a great smile, but don’t like a small imperfection like a discolored tooth or a chip. Dr. Brent can use composite bonding to quickly and easily improve your smile! This material can be made to match your natural tooth color, so it looks great. It can fill gaps, too!

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Tuesday 11 September 2018

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 3 of 3)

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old 












When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Tuesday 4 September 2018

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 2 of 3)

Ask about all the options for calming your child during dental procedures 












Dental work can be scary for some kids. Talk with your dentist about ways to help your child stay calm. Tips for a successful dental visit can include making sure your child is not hungry before their dental appointment and scheduling an appointment at the proper time of day.

For jaw pain, try conservative treatments first 












Jaw pain can be caused by stress, arthritis or an injury. A treatment plan for jaw pain should first consist of actions like exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Monday 3 September 2018

Diet & Your Teeth

Learn more about the connection between your teeth and what you eat.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Thursday 30 August 2018

Orthodontic Care for Children

Prevention Now…or Braces Later

A lot of us recall the embarrassment and challenge of wearing braces as a child. There are times when braces are necessary in order to correct serious malocclusion (bite disorder). However, for many patients, early treatment by a qualified and knowledgeable dentist can diminish the level of orthodontics required or very possibly remove the need altogether! 

Younger children have the benefit of growth to their advantage. Their teeth and bones are more malleable than those of adults. Understanding that a child has a malocclusion at an early age can assist in understanding how the permanent teeth will come together. The sooner the detection, the more planning and prevention we can propose for your child.


KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Tuesday 28 August 2018

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 1 of 3)

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children 












For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth 












Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Monday 27 August 2018

Lifestyle & Your Oral Health

Learn more about how your lifestyle can affect your oral health.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Thursday 23 August 2018

Prevent Headaches and Jaw Pain with an Oral Night Guard

TMJ/TMD – Proper Bite Alignment Treatment Helps You Say ‘Goodbye’ to Headaches and Jaw Pain!

Do you recognize that dental occlusion (i.e. your bite) is sometimes the reason behind frequent headaches, aching or popping jaws, or shoulder and neck pain? If your teeth have been worn down over the years or are missing due to accident or dental disease, your jaw is not capable of returning to its intended relaxed position. This creates tension in the muscles of your jaw and can cause a variety of pain that you may have already grown accustomed to enduring. By reestablishing your dental occlusion, your jaw can be returned to the comfortable position that nature intended. Relieving TMJ-related pain can sometimes be as simple as creating a removable night guard to be worn while you sleep. Depending on the cause of symptoms, some may need a full mouth rehabilitation to reestablish natural alignment.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Monday 20 August 2018

Thursday 16 August 2018

Oral Health Linked to Overall Health

Biofilm: The Culprit to Keep at Bay

Have you heard the word “biofilm” before? This is something created by bacteria adhering to surfaces in a watery environment. Where is it found? Clogged drains and slippery rocks are good examples. It can also be found on your teeth! This yellowish plaque build-up is believed to be the big culprit when it comes to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. But the KC Dental team is your ally in the fight against gum disease.

Oral Health is Part of Overall Health

Understanding of the risks of gum disease has greatly increased in the last few years. We now know that gum disease can contribute to systemic diseases including strokes, heart disease, and premature labor. With advanced periodontal disease, treatment may require surgery. But mild cases of periodontal disease have effective NON-surgical options that, coupled with improved dental hygiene, can effectively stop the spread of the disease.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Saturday 11 August 2018

How Safe Is Tooth Whitening?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com 

Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professional.

In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped.

If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it:

  • If using a tray applicator, wear the tray for a shorter period
  • Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate to help soothe tooth nerve ending
  • Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a product with fluoride, which helps re-mineralize your teeth. Brush-on or wear in your trays four minutes prior to and after whitening your teeth
  • Stop whitening your teeth for several days to allow you teeth to adapt to the whitening process. Within 24 hours, the sensitivity will cease. The longer you whiten your teeth, the less sensitivity you will experience

In a few cases, your dentist may discourage dental bleaching:

  • If you have gum disease, teeth with worn enamel, cavities or particularly sensitive teeth
  • If you're pregnant or breast-feeding
  • If you have tooth-colored crowns, caps or other dental work in your front teeth, which can't be bleached

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Saturday 4 August 2018

Bruxism: Signs And Symptoms

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com 

What is Bruxism?
If you find yourself waking up with sore jaw muscles or a headache, you may be suffering from bruxism - the grinding and clenching of teeth. Bruxism can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and sometimes parts of the teeth are literally ground away. Eventually, bruxism can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue. It can also lead to problems involving the jaw joint, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).

How do I Know if I Have Bruxism?
For many people, bruxism is an unconscious habit. They may not even realize they're doing it until someone comments that they make a horrible grinding sound while sleeping. For others, a routine dental checkup is when they discover their teeth are worn or their tooth enamel is fractured.
Other potential signs of bruxism include aching in the face, head and neck. Your dentist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine if the source of facial pain is a result from bruxism.

How is Bruxism Treated?
The appropriate treatment for you will depend on what is causing the problem. By asking careful questions and thoroughly examining your teeth, your dentist can help you determine the potential source of your bruxism. Based on the amount of tooth damage and its likely cause, your dentist may suggest:

  • Wearing an appliance while sleeping - custom-made by your dentist to fit your teeth, the appliance slips over the upper teeth and protects them from grinding against the lower teeth. While an appliance is a good way to manage bruxism, it is not a cure.
  • Finding ways to relax - Because everyday stress seems to be a major cause of bruxism, anything that reduces stress can help-listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk or a bath. It may help to seek counseling to learn effective ways for handling stressful situations. Also, applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of your face can help relax muscles sore from clenching.
  • Reducing the "high spots" of one or more teeth to even your bite - An abnormal bite, one in which teeth do not fit well together, may also be corrected with new fillings, crowns or orthodontics.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Friday 3 August 2018

Monday 30 July 2018

A New Smile With A Dental Crown

A Crown Restores a Damaged Tooth

A crown will not only save but will even enhance the strength of your damaged tooth. Sometimes when a tooth has been broken or worn-down, a simple filling will not restore it to full functionality. It’s then that a crown may become necessary. At KC Family Dental, we use the most innovative materials to make our crowns look and feel natural.

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com 

Saturday 28 July 2018

The Value Of A Teeth X-Ray

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Steve Auger

When you hear the word "X-ray," there's a tendency to envision a youngster sitting around an ER waiting to see if he or she has a broken bone incurred playing sports or just horsing around. But X-rays are just as important to dentists' offices as they are to those of orthopedists. A teeth X-ray is invaluable to any dentist in the maintenance of good oral health when treating a patient. Here's exactly what they are and how dentists incorporate them into their practices.

X-RAYS
Your dentist visually examines all aspects of your teeth and gums during a typical checkup. A teeth X-ray, however, is a diagnostic tool that allows your dentist to gauge your mouth health through factors he can't see with the naked eye, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Also called radiographs, X-rays can reveal common issues such as cavities, tooth decay and periodontal disease, all the way to more complex problems such as jaw infections and oral cysts. X-rays aren't just for adults though. Dentists take x-rays of children's teeth for some of the same reasons as adults but also some different reasons.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Children and the dentist
  • Reasons for child teeth x-rays
  • X-ray safety for children

KC Family Dental 
Sarah Brent, DDS
4034 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Fairway, KS 66205
Kansas City
(913) 220-2209
KCFamilyDental.com