Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry

McKinney, TX

Our Services

Same Day Dentistry

With the Planmeca PlanScan, our doctors can create crowns, veneers and bridges in just hours, rather than days.

Why same day dentistry?

Same Day Dentistry allows our team to help make your perfect smile a reality in one visit! Some other benefits include:

Comfort

No gooey impressions that can oftentimes make patients feel uncomfortable and claustrophobic.

Custom

With the PlanScan, digital impressions are taken to create perfectly custom-fit and color-matched crowns, veneers and bridges.

Quick

The entire process is done in one visit and just a few hours for a hassle-free experience, and no need to wear temporary crowns or be numb twice.

How It Works

To start, the target tooth is prepared. The ultra-precise PlanScan takes digital pictures using laser technology, which is then converted into a 3D model of the tooth. Then, the crown is created using a fabrication machine. We have a large variety of ceramic blocks in multiple shades to perfectly match your other teeth. Finally, the completed crown is polished and fitted, and then cemented into place.

Preventative Dentistry

Studies have shown that roughly 25% of adults in the United States have untreated cavities, 50% have some degree of gum disease, and many of these people have no idea that there is a problem or that it can lead to a host of other more serious problems. Regular dental care helps keep your teeth in the best possible condition and contributes to your overall physical health, so it’s important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.

  • Home Care →
  • Professional Dental Care →

Home Care

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time with a toothpaste that contains fluoride (look for one with the ADA seal of approval). You can use a manual or electric toothbrush, although the latter often works better at removing food particles and plaque. Flossing your teeth once each day and using fluoridated mouthwash will also help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Professional Dental Care

The ADA also recommends that you schedule a preventative checkup and cleaning every six months. The Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team will perform several procedures at these appointments. First our hygienist will scale your teeth to remove the plaque and calculus that builds up between cleanings. Your teeth will then be polished to help remove any stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco products, and then a fluoride treatment will be applied to guard against cavities. X-rays may be taken to help the Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team examine the areas that are not visible in the mouth, and they can be used as a baseline to note any changes that occur between visits. The Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team will do a thorough oral examination to look for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other problems, and she will discuss her findings with you along with any concerns or questions you have.

Taking care of your teeth will help you avoid health problems in your mouth and throughout your body. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive visits, so make time for proper dental care now so you can enjoy good oral health throughout your life.

Preventing Mouth Cancer With VELscope

Over 50,000 North Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. There is an 83% survival rate when it’s caught early. A VELscope oral health exam takes just two minutes.

What is
VELscope?

The VELscope was created by the British Columbia Cancer Agency and MD Anderson Cancer Center. It is a handheld device that uses blue light to reveal tissue changes in the mouth. Healthy tissue appears green, while problem areas appear darker.

How is
VELscope used?

The VELscope exam is quick and painless, and can be performed during a routine hygiene exam.

What does
VELscope do?

The VELscope detects oral tissue abnormalities, such as cancer, pre-cancer, and lesions.  The VELscope assists dentists by: Diagnosing oral cancer early, Ensuring complete removal of diseased tissue, and Establishing the surgical margin for tumor excision.

Mouth Cancer Facts

  • Genetics: Inherited defects in certain genes can increase the risk of oral cancer.
  • Poor oral hygiene: Poor dental hygiene and gum disease can increase the risk of oral cancer. 
  • Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking, chewing tobacco, and vaping can increase the risk of oral cancer. 
  • Sun exposure: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds can increase the risk of lip cancer.

Bleaching & Whitening

Teeth whitening is a simple cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of your smile by restoring your teeth to their natural whiteness or lighter. At Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry, our patients can choose from laser whitening or at-home whitening kits with custom fitted trays. If you’re considering teeth whitening, we encourage you to learn about the procedures so you’ll know what to expect and you can choose the method that’s right for you.

  • ← Candidates for Teeth Whitening
  • ← When Whitening Won’t Work
  • ← The Laser Whitening Process
  • ← The Home Whitening Process
  • ← Keeping Your Smile Bright

Candidates for Teeth Whitening

Professional dental whitening is extremely effective at removing stains and discoloration from natural teeth caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco products. Coffee and tobacco are the most commonly known culprits for teeth staining, but tea, berries, wine, sports drinks, and certain sauces all cause significant staining as well. If your teeth have yellowed over the years by consuming some of these products, professional dental whitening should help you get a pearly white smile back.

When Whitening Won’t Work

Teeth whitening will not normally restore discolored teeth caused from damage on the inside of the teeth such as fluorosis, traumatic injuries or medications. Similarly, whitening normally does not work on crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, bonding or other artificial hardware. It is important to consider this because after bleaching, the color of your teeth may not match your existing dental work and replacing some of it may be necessary in order to achieve your ideal smile.

The Laser Whitening Process

Laser whitening procedures begin with a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth. Laser whitening is the quickest option, taking an hour or two to complete, and the results are immediate. The Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team will carefully protect your eyes, face and gums, leaving only the teeth that will be bleached exposed. Your teeth will be coated with a special gel and a laser beam will activate the solution. Oxidation begins to work instantly, whitening your teeth up to five or six shades lighter than before.

Patients should be aware that whitening may result in sensitivity, possibly lasting for several hours after treatment. We recommend the use of a simple desensitizing procedure to lessen or eliminate post-treatment discomfort. Although this procedure offers incredible immediate results, it is a little more costly than home bleaching kits, and results may not last as long as the at-home method.

The Home Whitening Process

Home whitening kits are a slower acting but longer lasting option. The process begins with an impression taken of your teeth so that our lab technicians can create custom fitted trays. The trays fit snugly so that the bleaching solution is held right next to your teeth, which is one advantage over store-bought whitening kits. The other advantage is that the carbamide peroxide solution you get from us is much stronger than what you can buy at the store.

Depending on the stains, you will wear the trays with the solution every day for differing amounts of time. Some people may need to wear the tray thirty minutes at a time while others will need to wear it overnight. Treatment times range from five to 14 days to reach the desired results, and the kits are less expensive than laser whitening.

Keeping Your Smile Bright

Whitening can last as long as five years with proper care. To keep teeth looking their best, you will occasionally need a touch up. A laser light procedure followed up periodically with a home kit procedure is usually the best solution to maintaining whiter teeth over a long period. Regular brushing, flossing and routine cleanings will extend the life of a cosmetic whitening treatment while keeping teeth healthy and functional.

Porcelain Veneers

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recently found that having an attractive smile makes you appear more intelligent, friendly, interesting, and successful. One very effective and popular way to improve your smile is with porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are placed on the surface of your existing teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that have become unsightly for a variety of reasons. Some veneer candidates have teeth that have become discolored due to their diet, oral habits, previous dental work, or prescription drugs. Others have chipped or uneven teeth, and some have alignment problems and distracting gaps between their teeth. In all of these cases, porcelain veneers can be a fantastic solution, and they are undetectable when placed in your mouth.

Before We Begin

Before the veneer process begins, you will have a thorough examination and consult with the Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team about your goals and what results you can expect. You may receive x-rays and dental impressions at this visit, and our staff will provide you with a treatment plan and cost estimate.

The Veneer Process

The first thing we will do is remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth to prepare the surfaces for the veneers. Another impression of the tooth will be made at this time and sent to the dental lab, and your permanent veneers will be made from that model. In the interim, you will have temporary acrylic veneers that will look and function just like your normal teeth.

At the next and final visit, your permanent veneers will be custom fitted to your teeth. We will put the teeth in place and check for proper fit and color. Your natural teeth will be cleaned and slightly roughened to allow the veneers to bond strongly. After the veneers are attached permanently, we will adjust your bite and make any final tweaks.

Caring For Veneers

Porcelain veneers require the same care as your other teeth. Good dental hygiene includes brushing twice a day and flossing. You should avoid beverages that can stain your teeth. Eating hard objects such as ice is discouraged. With proper care, your veneers can last ten years or more.

If you feel self-conscious when you smile, make an appointment to consult with the Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team about porcelain veneers. A beautiful smile is only a few steps away!

Crowns & Bridges

A crown is used to repair a tooth that is structurally weak. This can happen when the tooth develops a crack, has a large cavity, or needs a large filling replaced. When a tooth has a great deal of damage it must be strengthened to avoid the possibility of losing it completely. Other times a crown is recommended when preparing for bridge work and may also be used to repair teeth that have become discolored or otherwise distracting visually.

When several teeth in a row are either missing or need to be replaced, a bridge may be recommended. Replacement teeth on a small metal bar are attached to the healthy teeth on either side of the space and permanently cemented into the mouth. Aesthetically speaking, the results are very similar to porcelain veneers or crowns.

What one is right for me?

When you come in for a consultation, the Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team will evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals and options with you. Crowns and bridges are appropriate in different situations, and we will help you decide what’s right for you. We will also help you decide the best material for your crown or bridge. Porcelain is what we use most often because it is extremely durable and stain resistant, feels comfortable, and is the most aesthetically appealing.

Getting Crowns

Crowns typically take two visits to complete. During the first visit, the dental team will make an impression of the tooth and surrounding area. We will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and prepare it for the temporary crown. This temporary crown is usually made of acrylic and will be cemented into place at the first visit.

At the second visit, we will remove the temporary crown and thoroughly clean and prepare the area for the permanent crown. After seating the crown in place, she will adjust it along with the surrounding teeth to make it completely comfortable.

Getting a Bridge

Bridges also take a minimum of two visits to complete. At the first visit, we will begin by altering the teeth on either side to accommodate the bridge. This is usually done with crowns. Impressions will also be made of the area to receive the bridge. Once the surrounding teeth are ready, a temporary bridge will be attached.

At the next visit, the permanent bridge will be adjusted to fit comfortably and then it will be permanently cemented into place. It may take a few weeks to get used to the bridge, but it should soon feel just as comfortable as your natural teeth.

The Results

Bridges and crowns can make a big difference in your overall appearance and your oral health, and they can both last for 10-15 years with proper care. Sometimes brushing and flossing can be difficult at first, especially with a bridge, but the Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team will show you step-by-step what you need to do to keep your new teeth clean and healthy.

Root Canal Therapy

Most people cringe upon hearing the words “root canal” as the term has become synonymous with serious pain. Root canal therapy has earned a misleading reputation of being extremely painful. The reality is that root canal therapy is not a painful procedure and it can actually provide immediate relief from any pain and discomfort you’re currently feeling.

  • What is a Root Canal? →
  • The Root Canal Procedure →
  • After Care →

What is a Root Canal?

The term “root canal” refers to the cleaning of the canals that are inside the root of a tooth as an alternative to tooth extraction to repair a tooth that is infected or badly damaged. If your tooth has a deep cavity or is cracked, bacteria can enter the pulp and multiply. If left untreated, the decaying material and bacteria can cause a dangerous infection or a tooth abscess to occur. This can lead to bone loss, pulp death or loss of the tooth.

If you’re in need of root canal therapy, you may be in pain or having difficulties eating or sleeping. Sensitivity to hot or cold and swollen or tender gums are also common signs that you may need a root canal. Experiencing these symptoms indicates that you may need professional dental treatment to help save your tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure

Once you are numb and comfortable, we will use small tools to remove any damaged areas of the tooth and create an access point to the pulp. Next the diseased pulp is removed and the root canals and pulp chamber are cleaned and flushed. The tooth is disinfected to clear any infection, and then a sealer paste and rubber compound called gutta percha is placed into the canal. Finally, the tooth will be repaired with a permanent filling, and a crown will often need to be placed to restore the tooth to its full function and prevent it from breaking.

After Care

You will be numb for a few hours following your procedure, but you should be able to resume most normal activity right away. We do not recommend eating while you are numb due to the risk of biting your lip, cheek or tongue. Over the counter pain medications and prescription antibiotics may be recommended depending on the extent of your infection.

If you’re in pain or think you may need a root canal, we encourage you to come in for an evaluation so that we can discuss treatment options with you. There really is nothing to fear!

Tooth Colored Fillings

At Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry, we practice metal free and mercury free dentistry and only use biocompatible materials for our dental restorations. We use porcelain and composite resin to create our fillings, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns, giving you the best aesthetic results while protecting your overall health.

Why We Are A Mercury-Free Dentist Office

Amalgam fillings contain significant amounts of mercury – about 50%. While this has not been proven to cause direct harm to your overall health, there are many studies that show a relationship between dental mercury and a host of health problems, so many people agree that it’s not worth the risk. Additionally, amalgam fillings are large and require us to remove more of your natural tooth structure. That’s why we exclusively use composite resin and porcelain, which are completely mercury free and a healthy alternative to amalgam and other metals.

At Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry, we care about the health and wellbeing of our patients and are committed to using the best mercury-free restoration materials available. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, call us or fill out our online form.

Dentures & Partials

Dentures and partials are natural looking removable prosthetics that can be taken in and out of the mouth. Their purpose is to replace missing teeth in order to restore a person’s function and aesthetics, and to help maintain the health of the oral tissues and any remaining teeth.

  • ← Full Vs. Partial Dentures
  • ← How Dentures and Partials Are Made
  • ← The Adjustment Phase
  • ← Care and Maintenance
  • ← Ongoing Adjustments

Full Vs. Partial Dentures

Full dentures are used to replace a complete set of teeth. The top denture covers the palate and has a flesh colored base that fits over the gums. The bottom denture also has a flesh colored base and is contoured to allow the tongue to move naturally.

Partial dentures are often used when not all of the teeth are missing. They typically consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework.

How Dentures and Partials Are Made

Both partials and dentures are custom made in our lab. Before we begin, we will consult with you about your color and shape options. Then the Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team will take impressions of your mouth, and the mold will be used to create prosthetics that are the perfect size, shape and fit for your mouth. Most dentures and partials require two or three appointments to complete, and we will discuss the timing during your consultation.

Sometimes extractions are necessary before the denture process can begin, and you can read about that process on this page by using the navigation on the left and clicking on Minor Oral Surgery.

The Adjustment Phase

It may take several weeks to adjust to your new dentures or partials. You may experience some slight discomfort as the gums adjust, or the dentures may feel loose. This is because the tongue and cheek muscles must get used to holding them in place. Other normal issues during the adjustment phase are excess saliva and feeling that your tongue doesn’t have enough room in your mouth. All of this is normal and expected, and your dentures or partials will feel comfortable to you in no time.

Care and Maintenance

Like natural teeth, dentures and partials should be brushed twice a day to remove food and plaque and prevent stains. Choose a soft bristle brush to prevent damaging or wearing them down, and in between brushings, rinse them after each meal. Prosthetic teeth should never be allowed to dry out, so they should be placed in a cleaning solution or in water when they are not being worn. They are breakable, so be careful when handling them.

You should also brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush every morning before you put your dentures in. This will remove plaque and stimulate circulation in your mouth.

Finally, don’t skip your professional cleanings and check-ups every six months so that we can deep clean your dentures and check for signs of other oral diseases like cancer.

Ongoing Adjustments

Over time, your dentures will need to be adjusted, rebased, or remade due to normal wear and tear and natural age-related changes to your mouth. The Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team will check your fit and make recommendations when you come in for your check-ups. Everybody is different, but usually complete dentures will last five to seven years before they need to be replaced. Practicing good oral hygiene and coming in for your routine cleanings and check-ups will help them last as long as possible.

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal or gum disease is a progressive and widespread condition that affects the gums and other tissues that support the teeth. More than half the adults in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease, and if left untreated, it can increase a person’s risk of diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. This is because the bacteria that infect the gums can enter the bloodstream, travel to distant parts of the body and damage them as well.

Periodontal disease happens when a sticky layer of bacteria called plaque develops on the teeth and starts to destroy the gums. If allowed to progress, it will also start to destroy the underlying structures that hold a tooth in place and even the bone. This can lead to the loss of teeth that were otherwise healthy.

young woman with a dentist looking at her x-ray teeth on a computer.

Types of Gum Disease and Their Symptoms

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. In gingivitis, plaque inflames the gums and makes them red and swollen. The gums might bleed when a person brushes or flosses, but because the bleeding may be slight and painless, they might overlook it. However, if gingivitis isn’t treated it can lead to periodontitis which is much more severe.

Periodontitis has early, moderate, and advanced stages. In the early stage, tartar (i.e. hardened plaque) is found as far down as the roots of the teeth. This causes pockets to be formed as the gums pull away from the teeth. In the moderate stage, the gums are swollen and easily bleed. The pockets deepen around the tooth and pus may develop. In this stage of the disease, the bacteria start to destroy the bone and supportive tissue. Eventually the pockets can deepen to the point where the roots of the teeth can be seen and the proliferating bacteria cause an infection. It’s at this advanced stage that even healthy teeth can be lost.

Treatment

Severe cases of gum disease must be treated by a periodontist, but in the early and moderate stages, we can do an effective non-surgical treatment in the office called scaling and root planing. During the procedure, you will be numbed for your comfort, and then the Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team will remove the plaque and calculus on the crowns of your teeth and the roots below your gumline with a traditional scaling tool or an ultrasonic tool. Then she will place fibers impregnated with antibiotics between the gums and the teeth to help the area heal and guard against infection, and you may need to take some oral antibiotics as well.

Root planing and scaling is very effective, but it’s not for everyone. Before the procedure, we will take a medical history to see if you have any heart conditions, if you’ve had recent surgery, or if you have an autoimmune condition. These conditions might make you ineligible for root planing and scaling.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss or if you have a family history of gum disease, please call our office to schedule an evaluation. When it’s caught early, gum disease can be healed and reversed to help you have a lifetime of good oral health.

Minor Oral Surgery

Although permanent teeth normally last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why an adult tooth may need to be extracted including trauma, decay, infection, periodontal disease or overcrowding. In those circumstances, the Stonebridge Ranch Dentistry team can perform safe and comfortable extractions in the office using local anesthetic and conscious sedation.

What to Expect During the Extraction

Once you are brought back to the dental chair, a topical cream will be applied to your gums to begin the numbing process. After a few minutes, the doctor will administer injections of local anesthetic to numb the area of the mouth that will be worked on. Once you are completely numb, we will loosen and remove the tooth. You will feel some pressure as she works in the area, but there will be no pain during the removal.

Sedation Methods

The most common type of sedation used during an extraction is nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas. It is a sedating gas that is inhaled through the nose, and it will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your extraction. It is our preferred method of sedation because the effects wear off very quickly and most patients are able to drive themselves home after the procedure.

If you are particularly anxious about your procedure, let us know so that we can talk to you about other sedation options including prescription medications that can be taken prior to your visit. The effects of oral sedation last much longer than nitrous oxide, and most patients will need to arrange for a ride home and someone to help take care of them for a few hours.

After Surgery Care

Your mouth will remain numb for several hours after the extraction, and you should avoid eating during that time to prevent accidental damage to your mouth or tongue. Some extractions cause mild pain and swelling, and you may need to use over the counter pain medications for a day or two. To ease the swelling, you can use ice packs or heated compresses. It is usually best to eat only soft foods and avoid using a straw for the first few days to help prevent bleeding at the surgical site. Our staff will give you any other post-operative instructions before you go home.

Implants

dentist and her assistant looking in a patients mouth in an office with the image of a tooth X-ray on the computer

Dental implants are a proven and predictable option if you are missing one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, decay or injury. A dental implant is a titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone as a foundation, similar to a tooth root. To replace the visible portion of the tooth, a dental crown or bridge is connected to the implant by an abutment. After placement, dental implants undergo a process that fuses the implant with the bone known as osseointegration. If proper healing occurs, and regular maintenance visits are kept, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental implants can replace one, several or all missing teeth. Dental implants involve three steps:

  • Surgery to place the implant into the jaw bone
  • Impression using special parts to fabricate an abutment and crown
  • Attachment of the crown and abutment to the implant

If your jawbone lacks adequate bone for dental implants, you may require bone grafting before implant placement can take place. A bone graft creates a more solid base for the implant and can ensure the long-term health of an implant after it has healed.

Bone grafting involves the surgical placement of bone from your own jaw bone, another bone in your body or cadaver bone into the missing tooth site to create a more stable foundation. The type of graft used will depend on the situation and the amount of bone needed to optimize the missing tooth site for a dental implant.

Dental implant surgery is usually performed using local anesthetic and oral/IV sedation in multi-appointment stages as an outpatient procedure. The number of appointments and time frame will vary, depending on the number of implants being placed and the condition of your jawbone before surgery. It typically takes anywhere from 3-18 months to complete the process, and most of the time is spent waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw and healing time between procedures.

We encourage you to ask any of our staff about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, a proven and predictable solution to restore your smile and function to optimal health!

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