Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry can have an impact on the health of your entire body.
A dentist is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at least eight years of schooling, and received either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree, or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. If your doctor is a pediatric dentist, this means that they specialize in caring for children from infancy through their teen years. Your dentist has received the proper education and training needed to work with young kids. Other specializations include:
Your teeth may feel fine, but its still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smiles appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Todays dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:
Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush cant reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six-months-old and no later than one-year-old. During this time, your childs baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your childs first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.
Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. You doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.
A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.
A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.
According to your dentist and the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeth. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!
Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If youve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:
Yes! In fact, its even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush cant reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.
There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.
Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the last several years, not only due to the many advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available today, but also because patients are becoming more and more focused on improving their overall health. This includes dental prevention and having a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.
There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over. Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Teeth Whitening: Bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink, and smoking. Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached, but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining present.
Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: Also known as bonding, composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.
Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.
Porcelain Crowns (caps): A crown is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.
Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges, and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, giving a patient a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.
Orthodontics: Less visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients. Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with custom-made, clear, removable aligners that require no braces.
Dr. Brennan Benson was born and raised in south Louisiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans. He finds joy in being able to witness first hand how the art of dentistry can have such a significant impact on peoples lives. Dr. Benson is looking forward to providing exceptional dental care to patients in our community. Outside of the dental office, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing. He also loves cheering on the Dallas Stars hockey team as he grew up playing hockey himself.
Great smiles and healthy teeth matter to all of us.Were known for going above and beyond on all levels of customer service, and we take pride in making sure youre comfortable and safe at all times. Plus, we promise to always explain your treatment options fully and clearly so you can make decisions about your health confidently.
Dr. Cyprian Okobi attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he achieved his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then went on to obtain his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry.
Dr. Okobi chose to pursue a career in dentistry, because of the lack of overzealous involvement of private insurance companies. Which in turn, allows him to perform treatments he believes will be the best option for his patients. The one thing he loves most about practicing dentistry is recreating smiles. He is looking forward to building new connections and positively impacting the Longview community.
Reviews
Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 494 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestOscar Garcia
a year ago
It took very good care of me and did great work on my teeth, I actually can't wait to come back again
Oscar's Paint and Body In White oak Texas
a year ago
Very good service my teeth were very well taken care of
Carolyn Tate
a year ago
Today was my first visit to Fresh Dental. I called and got in the office in about 2 hours. The staff was very kind and caring. The front desk who was pleasant and organized. The xray technician carefully inserted that thing into my swollen mouth. The Dentist explained evything and answered my questions. I will be back for more visits. Everthing went GREAT.
Deborah Proctor
2 years ago
Staff is very polite. Quick service and very good dentist. Very easy to get appointments scheduled.
Seth Bishop
2 years ago
As a person who runs a business myself and try to take care of my customers as best I can, Dr. Nat goes the extra mile to take care of you he checks in on you and really cares to see you thru whatever your dental issue may be. He's a good man and I recommend his services.
S R
2 years ago
I am extremely disappointed with this place , They were trying to take x-rays on my little one on her 6 months check up without any history of having or starting cavities on her previous check up . I have been to the field for more than 9 years and I'm aware that in this case x-rays are needed only once a year not twice and when I told the dental assistant she said don't worry your insurance will pay for that and I told her that my concern is about my kid getting exposed to radiation unnecessarily not the insurance coverage. Also when they see that a kid doesn't co-operate they simply skip everything without any try and just charge the insurance. My Kid was upset so they didn't do a complete cleaning on her neither a good exam . I will definitely look for another dental office and not recommending them .
Gayle Ms. G (Ms. G)
2 years ago
I love my new dentist and hygienist!
Joseph
2 years ago
Friendly staff that answer all questions fully & I always leave satisfied
The BoSs O
2 years ago
10/7/22 UPDATE: Dr Hernandez and the entire staff rocks...always sweet and answers any concerns i have..Best customer service I've experienced. Getting braces at 54 was not an easy decision. Fresh Dental's staff has alwaysvmade me feel comfortable and cared for ..Had my teeth cleaned again...always a pleasant place. Nice people and a clean facility.
Angel Johnson
2 years ago
The staff were amazing! They were so patient and understanding with my toddler. It's not easy to do dental work on a toddler but they did fantastic with her!
Addison Cowell
2 years ago
This was my son's first dentist appointment & they were so amazing with him. They were patient and thorough all while explaining to him what they were doing. Thank you for cleaning his teeth!
Patty Rodriguez
2 years ago
Grat place !!!my son love it
Jenna Davis
2 years ago
Everyone that worked there was very friendly and professional.
Lisa Dykes
2 years ago
Once again, very pleased!
Eneida Benitez
2 years ago
The people are always super nice. They try to get you in about out.
Kathrine Henderson
2 years ago
I had a dental appointment with the new dentist on 6/21 at Fresh Dental and the next morning I woke up with a swollen and sore throat. I also ended up with a cold sore 2 days later and I called to Fresh Dental to ask for a prescription to treat the cold sore and I was told that the dentist said there was nothing she could do. I said I have had other dentists call in medications. Once again I was told there was nothing that she could do. So I had to ask for a recommendation of what to do. I was told to buy Blistex. I have never been to a dentist that had no care, concern or consideration for their patients. Since, Dr. Wright along with other dentists that have worked at Fresh Dental are no longer there services from this new dentist has been very disappointing. I am also allergic to Latex which is in my chart but I don't know if that was even taken into consideration this time. During my visit, my blood pressure was not checked and no one asked if I was on new medications in which they have normally done for the over 10 years that I have used them.
honey small
2 years ago
The staff is so friendly and very helpful, I highly recommend Fresh Dental for your perfect smile
Thalia Lopez
2 years ago
I've referred so many friends here, I hope they are not having the same experiences I've had. I lost count of the amount of times I've had to wait up to an hour+ to be seen. One instance I checked in 15 mins before my appointment and they said they call me in when they were ready for me, sat for 2hours waiting they completely forgot about me until I went up to the front desk. The most recent one, made an appointment Sept 2021 for May 13, 2022 came in and told me I was not scheduled at all. I have to make a 35minute drive up here and request time off my job, lost time and money today. As far as the doctors I've never had an issue they are very professional and nice I'm not sure why issues like this have occurred or where the problem is. I am very dissatisfied with today's experience.
Cece Brannon
2 years ago
Awesome service! They were able to get me in the same day with tooth pain and scheduled a next day appointment for a root canal. The staff is very friendly, I definitely would recommend them to others!
Blake Jones
2 years ago
I've been in and out of there many times for a root canal/bridge. And even though my situation was quite difficult they were outstanding throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend them and Dr. Okobi to anyone and everyone.