With all the whitening products and services available, having a bright, white smile seems like a very achievable goal. However, not if you have sensitive teeth. If your smile is already sensitive, the thought of undergoing teeth whitening might make you cringe. While many at-home options can cause additional tooth sensitivity, in-office teeth whitening in El Paso at 915 Smile Studio is different. Read on to learn why you should try our ZOOM whitening. 

#1: Controlled Application

ZOOM teeth whitening involves applying a strong whitening gel to your teeth and then activating it with an LED light. This is performed by our trained and experienced cosmetic dentistry professionals. That means that we have the knowledge and skills to apply the whitening gel with expert control, minimizing your risk of irritation or sensitivity. We also monitor your teeth throughout the treatment to ensure that they are not getting overly sensitive.

#2: Customized Treatment

One of the main benefits of professional, in-office teeth whitening is its flexibility. Treatment can be customized to fit both your specific aesthetics and your specific dental needs. Our dentist can assess your level of sensitivity and adjust the treatment accordingly. This means that you can still achieve a bright, white smile without unnecessary discomfort.

#3: Stronger Whitening Solution

At-home teeth whitening kits often contain a lower concentration of whitening solution, which can take longer to achieve desired results. By contrast, teeth whitening in El Paso at our office involves a stronger gel. You get more noticeable results in a shorter amount of time. What does this have to do with sensitive teeth? More effective whitening means you won’t have to undergo multiple treatments, which can be uncomfortable for sensitive teeth.

#4: Post-Treatment Care

After your ZOOM teeth whitening treatment, 915 Smile Studio provides you with aftercare instructions. For delicate dental patients, we can recommend desensitizing gel or toothpaste. We can also guide you on which foods and drinks to avoid that might make your teeth more sensitive post-whitening, like hot or cold beverages. By following these instructions, you can maintain your bright, white smile without pain.

When Tooth Sensitivity Is a Sign You Need TLC

While some people have more sensitive smiles than others, if you’ve been plagued with discomfort for a while, you may need additional treatment. As the Mayo Clinic points out, sensitivity can be a sign of anything from worn enamel to gum disease. Check in with our El Paso dentist if experience:

• Chronic Sensitivity: This includes ongoing issues with hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
• Sensitivity After Dental Procedures: It’s normal to feel a little delicate after treatment, but sensitivity that doesn’t subside means you need more attention.
• Sensitivity with Pain: Severe pain could indicate a more serious dental issue like tooth cracks, infection, or decay.
• Worsening Sensitivity: A gradual increase in tooth sensitivity over time could mean your enamel is eroding or gums are receding. 

Tender Teeth Whitening in El Paso, TX

With benefits like customized treatment and expert care both during and after treatment, 915 Smile Studio’s ZOOM teeth whitening can give you a dazzling smile without dental sensitivity. Contact our cosmetic dentist today to take advantage of gentle but powerful professional teeth whitening.

The warm weather marks the arrival of spring. This change in season often means you’re traveling, attending social gatherings, and posing for pictures with friends and family—and a bright, radiant smile is an essential accessory for these memorable moments. If you’ve been thinking of ways to improve your look, 915 Smile Studio can give you a headstart with these accessible dental treatments. 

1. Teeth Whitening

Don’t underestimate the transformational power of teeth whitening. Our ZOOM whitening treatment can lift years of stains and blemishes off your smile. In a single, one-hour treatment, your teeth will become several shades brighter. Quick and non-invasive but with a noticeable change to your appearance, whitening offers a high return on your investment. 

2. Porcelain Veneers

If you’re seeking a complete overhaul of your smile, porcelain veneers are a versatile and effective solution. These thin, custom-made shells cover the front surface of your teeth. Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry staple because they can simultaneously address multiple issues, such as:

• Stains that resist whitening
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Uneven spaces or gaps
• Minor misalignments

Many people incorrectly assume that getting veneers is a long process. However, you can get veneers in just two appointments after a consultation at 915 Smile Studio. We prepare your teeth and fit you with temporary veneers during the first appointment. Once your custom ones are completed, you come back for a follow-up to make your new smile permanent—just in time for spring. 

3. Dental Bridges

If you’re nervous about spring break pictures because you’re missing teeth, consider a dental bridge. This dental restoration is used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between two adjacent teeth. We’ll place a crown on the teeth you have on either side of the space. An artificial tooth that sits in that space is supported by those crowns.

A dental bridge can be a game-changer for smiles in El Paso, especially if you’re missing teeth in visible areas of your mouth. In as little as two dental visits, you can say goodbye to gaps in your smile and replace them with a realistic prosthesis that restores both appearance and function.

4. Invisalign

Crooked teeth affect your smile’s appearance, but did you know that how your teeth are aligned and how you hold your mouth affects your face as well? Your teeth and jaw contribute to your facial shape and structure, so too much tension or misalignment can have an adverse effect. Invisalign® can treat these and other issues, straightening your teeth, realigning your bite, and even easing TMJ disorder symptoms. It’s not too late to get started; some patients see results in just a couple of months!

Rejuvenate Your Smile in El Paso

If you’re ready to upgrade your smile, consult 915 Smile Studio in El Paso, TX, today. Our team can walk you through the best options for your needs. Remember, a healthy, radiant smile is not just a cosmetic asset—it’s a lifelong investment in your well-being and self-assurance. Make an appointment today, update your look, and step into the season with your head held high and your spring break smile at its very best!

Our teeth bear the brunt of our indulgences, from a morning cup of coffee to an evening glass of red wine. Over time, these indulgences, along with natural pigmentation and aging, can cause once-lustrous grins to discolor. Fortunately, understanding the different tooth stains can empower you to restore your smile’s radiance. In this guide, 915 Smile Studio explores the various types of discoloration and your options for the most effective tooth whitening in El Paso, TX.

Stains and What They Mean

Beyond aesthetics, the color of your teeth can be an indicator of your oral health, signaling poor dental hygiene, inadequate nutrition, or even an underlying medical condition. Below are the types of tooth stains we often encounter at our cosmetic dentist office and what they can indicate about your health or lifestyle.

Extrinsic Stains

These appear on the tooth’s outer layer, the enamel, and are typically caused by pigmented particles from food and drink sticking to your teeth’s surface. Common culprits include coffee, red wine, tea, and tobacco. 

Intrinsic Stains 

These occur in the underlying dentin, within the tooth’s structure. Internal tooth stains are caused by certain medications, excessive fluoride during tooth development, lack of key vitamins or calcium, and trauma.

Age-Related Stains

Stains accumulate over the years, leading to the yellowing of our teeth. As we age, the enamel layer thins, allowing the yellow dentin to show through.

Professional Teeth Whitening Is One Solution

ZOOM teeth whitening in El Paso, TX, at our office is the most effective method for removing extrinsic stains. We apply a high-concentration bleaching gel to your teeth and activate it with an LED light. The advantage of professional teeth whitening is its ability to significantly lighten your smile in just one visit. Our cosmetic dentist also minimizes tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, which are risks of at-home kits. 

915 Smile Studio’s Other Cosmetic Options

If you have intrinsic or aging stains on your teeth that don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments, you aren’t out of luck. Brightening your smile is still possible with other procedures:

• Porcelain Veneers: We can attach thin shells made of stain-resistant, tooth-colored material to the front of discolored teeth. This not only brightens them but also covers up other imperfections like chips or cracks. 
• Dental Bonding: Our cosmetic dentist applies a resin to your teeth in the shade you want, shapes it, and then hardens it with a special light. Like veneers, bonding can also cover up flaws in your smile in addition to covering up stains. 
• Smile Makeovers: You can combine several cosmetic services to completely overhaul your smile, including whitening, veneers, bonding, and Invisalign®. 

Put Your Tooth Stain Knowledge to Use

Now that you know the types of tooth stains, reach out to the dental professionals at 915 Smile Studio. We can discuss whether you’re a candidate for ZOOM teeth whitening in El Paso, TX, or if you could benefit from our other cosmetic dentistry options. Whatever the reason for your tooth discoloration, we can find a solution. Contact us today for an appointment!

Sedation dentistry is mostly associated with people who have anxiety about seeing the dentist. While this is true, you can ask for sedation like nitrous oxide and oral sedation for other reasons too. Below are some situations where sedation could make the process easier, explained by 915 Smile Studio’s sedation dentist in El Paso, TX.

Stiff Muscles or Other Physical Limitations

Some dental procedures take a long time, and there’s no way around it. Sitting still for an hour or more is a struggle for some people, especially if you have pre-existing neck or back problems. Some people who are a little afraid of dentists can get over it mentally but still experience shaking. Even without a dental phobia, it’s natural for you to feel tense, which can fatigue your muscles over time. Sedation dentistry options can help your muscles relax.

Similarly, sedation can help patients with medical conditions or special needs. For instance, conditions that cause shaking or muscle movements can make dental work more challenging, and nitrous oxide or oral sedation can help. 

Long Procedures

Stiff muscles are just one concern for patients undergoing more extensive dental work. Sometimes, it’s just hard to sit for that long. We can employ sedation tactics to make long procedures like root canals or wisdom teeth extractions feel like they take less time. This can also cut down on the number of visits to the office—we can knock out more work when you’re relaxed and comfortable.

Strong Gag Reflex

If you have an overactive gag reflex, it may interfere with your treatment. You can’t control this response, and that’s okay. Our dentist may just recommend sedation to help your throat relax and allow us to perform your procedure as quickly as possible. This is especially important in cases where we need to work on your back teeth. 

Other Phobias 

You may have no conscious problems with dentists, but your procedure could bring up other anxieties. You may experience claustrophobia in the chair, especially if you’re triggered by people being in your space. Having hands and tools in your mouth can also make your claustrophobic brain think you won’t be able to breathe. If this sounds familiar, talk to our sedation dentist, and we can arrange for nitrous or oral sedation for your appointment at our El Paso, TX, office.

Another phobia that can be triggered by working on your teeth is fear of needles. We may need to use them to inject local anesthetic to numb you before treatment. Let us know if this makes you anxious. It’s a very common phobia, and we’re more than willing to accommodate you. Sedation can make you less worried about or even unaware of an injection. 

Ask About Our Sedation Dentistry Options

Sedation dentistry is not just for those with dental anxiety, so don’t hesitate to ask our team if you could benefit from it for your procedure. We won’t rush you into getting work done but will take the time to create the best environment for your dental care. Contact 915 Smile Studio today to schedule with our sedation dentist in El Paso, TX.

Five Things to Know Before Undergoing Sedation Dentistry

At 915 Smile Studio, we prioritize the comfort and well-being of our patients. We understand that dental anxiety is a common concern among many people. To help ease these concerns, a dentist with sedation in El Paso, TX might be just what you need. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during their dental appointments. However, before undergoing sedation dentistry, there are a few things you should know. Our El Paso sedation dentist is here to go over five of them to help you feel prepared and confident before your treatment.

1. The Types of Sedation Dentistry Offered by 915 Smile Studio

At 915 Smile Studio, we offer various types of sedation dentistry to cater to the different needs of our patients. Our El Paso sedation dentist will help you choose the best option for your needs and preferences. Our options include nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) and oral sedation.

• Nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation and is administered through a small mask placed over your nose. The sedation dentist can freely adjust the amount of gas for your comfort. Patients are awake during the entire procedure, but are able to relax with less awareness of dental pain and anxiety.
• Oral sedation involves taking a pill before your appointment to help you relax. Patients remain awake during their treatment, but with a calming effect that makes lengthy treatments less stressful and more enjoyable. Patients may feel lingering grogginess after their visit, so it’s important to arrange a ride home beforehand.

2. Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Dental Anxiety Patients

One of the most significant benefits of sedation dentistry is that it helps patients with dental anxiety feel more relaxed and comfortable during their appointments. It can also help patients who have a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, or need a lengthy procedure. Sedation dentistry can make dental appointments feel shorter and less stressful, which can encourage patients to keep up with their oral health.

3. How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Before your sedation dentistry appointment, it’s essential to follow some essential steps to ensure a smooth and safe procedure. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare. Nitrous oxide typically doesn’t require any special preparation, but with oral sedation there are some things you should keep in mind. The sedation medication may require fasting for a certain number of hours before your appointment and arranging transportation to and from our office. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothing and using the restroom before your procedure begins.

4. What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at our office for your sedation dentistry appointment, we’ll take some time to go over your medical history and address any questions or concerns you may have. Once you feel comfortable and ready, we’ll administer the sedation, and you’ll feel relaxed and calm throughout the procedure. After your treatment, we’ll monitor you and ensure that you’re recovering well before allowing you to leave.

5. What to Expect After Your Sedation Dental Visit

After your sedation dentistry appointment, it’s crucial to follow some aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. With oral conscious sedation, you may experience some grogginess, drowsiness, or dizziness, so it’s important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after your appointment. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off completely.

Ready to Meet Your El Paso Sedation Dentist?

More and more of our local patients are seeking the care of an experienced dentist with sedation options in El Paso, TX. At 915 Smile Studio, we have exactly what they need for a better dental appointment. Our El Paso sedation dentists are committed to providing our patients with safe, effective, and comfortable dental care. If you have any questions about how sedation can improve your next dental visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you feel confident and relaxed before your appointment.

Tooth extractions are a common treatment for a variety of conditions, including overcrowding, tooth decay, or a tooth injury. Many adolescents have their wisdom teeth extracted as a preventative measure to avoid dental and oral health issues. Whether your tooth extraction is preventative or therapeutic, you should follow a few simple rules to keep your gums healthy while they heal.

Do: Rinse With Saltwater Every Day

Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. They may recommend that you wait until the first 24 hours have passed to begin using saltwater rinses. To make a saltwater rinse, mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt in about 8 ounces of warm water.

Using mouthwash can cause healing sockets to dry out, so stick to your salt water rinse after meals or right before bed. Your dentist can advise you on a safe frequency, but many advise 3 to 4 rinses a day.

Don’t: Drink Out of a Straw

Drinking out of a straw (as well as sucking drinks, soups, or candies) can dislodge the blood clot that forms over your gums as it heals. The purpose of the blood clot is to protect the exposed bone and nerves while new tissue develops. If the clot dissolves or dislodges, it can cause intense, radiating pain. Food can also get stuck in the socket resulting in discomfort and a higher risk of infection. So, sip gently after a tooth extraction.

Do: Eat Soft Foods

You can continue eating somewhat normally after a tooth extraction, but your diet may be a bit more limited. Stick to foods that don’t require a great deal of chewing and that aren’t a threat to your exposed socket. Some foods that should be safe include:

• Rice
• Cooked pasta
• Yogurt
• Eggs
• Applesauce
• Oatmeal
• Mashed potatoes
• Cottage cheese
• Soup

Definitely avoid things like chips, popcorn, nuts, or spicy and acidic foods that can irritate the gums.

Don’t: Exercise Within the First 48 Hours

Your dentist can give you a more detailed timeline about when it will be safe to resume normal activity. However, the first two days after your surgery are important to your healing and recovery. Rest! When you increase your heart rate and strain your body, you increase the risk of negative health outcomes like increased bleeding.

Do: Take Your Prescribed Medications

Pain relievers and antibiotics may be among the prescribed medications after your surgery. If your dentist prescribed them, it’s best to take them as directed. The last thing you want is an infected extraction site that draws out your recovery and endangers the health of your gums.

Don’t: Drink Alcohol or Smoke

Both smoking and alcohol can cause dry socket, but they can also inflame your gums and draw out your healing time. Your dentist may advise you to wait anywhere from 24 hours to five days after the extraction to indulge in either.

Visit 915 Smile Studio for Tooth Extraction in El Paso

At 915 Smile Studio, we perform routine and emergency extractions. We know how stressful it can be to undergo a procedure like this, so we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind from the moment you walk in the door. After your extraction, we can talk next steps for restoring your smile and maintaining your dental health. Call 915-265-4821 to schedule your appointment.

Everyone knows someone with a fear of the dentist. If that person is you–you’re not alone. A study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that around 36 percent of people suffer from dental anxiety. Researchers found that patient anxiety is often rooted in trauma or is learned from others. It may even be your personality to have dental anxiety. Whatever the cause, you deserve a dentist who is understanding of your fear.

If you have a trustworthy dentist, they will do everything in their power to accommodate you. For some, that may mean offering sedation. You don’t have to feel embarrassed about asking what’s available. Here are some tips to help you start the conversation.

Determine if Your Dentist Even Offers Sedation

Some dentists don’t offer sedation, or they may go through an outside contractor. If your dentist doesn’t offer it, you may have other options to explore. If you don’t have a dentist that you know and love, it wouldn’t hurt to research sedation dentists in El Paso who can meet your needs.

Ask About What Kinds of Sedation They Offer

So, your dentist offers sedation. That’s great! There are several different types of sedation, and each comes with unique benefits and disadvantages. For example, oral sedation:

• Is administered in pill form
• Takes up to an hour to come into effect
• Is great for moderate to severe anxiety
• Won’t completely wear off for around 8 hours
• Can make you sleepy
• Allows you to remain conscious and take commands

While oral sedation is more effective than more traditional methods (such as laughing gas) in controlling anxiety, it does require you to get a ride to and from your appointment. It may also negatively interact with existing anxiety medication.

Some Sedation Allows You to Remain Conscious

Many methods of sedation allow you to remain awake with significantly reduced anxiety levels. Even though you are conscious and able to take orders, you may not remember the appointment. If you don’t want to take the risk of waking up or remembering the appointment, conscious sedation may not be right for you.

Be sure to express your desired outcome to your dentist, so they can choose the right kind of sedation for your needs.

Ask About Prices Before You Agree to Sedation

While it may be more than worth the price to forget your appointment ever happened, the cost of sedation may be a stumbling block for some. Services like sedation often come with an added price, so bring this up with your dentist before agreeing to anything. It definitely won’t help your dental anxiety to be hit with a surprise bill.

Practice Phrases for Anxious Patients

If you’re really struggling to initiate the conversation, feel free to take some of these ideas to introduce the topic with your El Paso sedation dentist:

• “I tend to get so anxious before a dental appointment that I cancel at the last minute, do you think sedation would help me feel more at ease?”
• “I’m wondering if sedation dentistry will help me be more consistent with my check-ups and oral health. Can you tell me more about what you offer?”
• “I’ve heard that sedation can make me feel less anxious about coming to the dentist. Could I have some information about what’s available?”

For a Dentist with Sedation in El Paso, Call 915 Smile Studio

If you’re looking for a sedation dentist in El Paso, TX, look no further than 915 Smile Studio. We want to redefine what it’s like to go to the dentist so that each generation looks forward to their visits. We understand that other dentists may have contributed to your fears, so we hope to counteract that with patient, compassionate care. To learn more about how we’re different from other dentists or to schedule your appointment, call 915-881-3860. You can also fill out our contact form to get started