Preventative Dentistry in Lansdale

Posted: August 10, 2018

Are you a parent in Lansdale? Do you want your children to develop better oral hygiene habits than you did when you were young? Perhaps you have a beautiful smile yourself and want to prevent tooth decay. Many Lansdale patients have a mouth full of fillings and don’t want to add another one to their collection.

At Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we have a prevention-oriented philosophy of dental care. Your first step toward dental health begins with a consultation with Dr. Kevin Bass and Lawrence Black regarding preventative dentistry in Lansdale.

Quakertown dental patients of all ages need to start with an exam to determine their current status. Your dental condition is influenced by your dietary habits, previous dental work, physical health, medications, lifestyle and family history. After a comprehensive analysis, Kevin Bass and Lawrence Black can establish a personalized plan of preventative dentistry in Lansdale just for you.

A prevention plan is a multi-faceted approach designed to maintain optimum dental health. It involves an affordable and effective strategy for preventative dentistry in Lansdale. Twice-yearly exams reveal early problems before they progress. Deep cleanings prevent a multitude of serious dental issues for our Harleysville and North Penn patients who faithfully keep their regular cleaning appointments.

Oral health cannot be maintained solely in our office. Daily brushing and flossing are essential. A healthy diet is also necessary and will deliver benefits to your whole body – not just your teeth.

If you suspect you have a cavity or gum disease, call us at 267-498-5297 before it gets worse. We can successfully treat your current problems and restore your dental health. In addition, we will set you on the path toward a healthier future with services such as emergency dental care and anxiety-free dentistry.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-498-5297

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Anxiety-free dentistry, Emergency Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

General Dentistry in Lansdale: Is Your Mouth Sore Something Serious?

Posted: August 3, 2018

If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; it is vital to come in for an exam. Mouth sores can be an indicator of a disease, and an early assessment assists in preventing more serious issues down the line. If required, important treatment and pain relief can be offered. In extreme cases, we will refer you to a medical professional who specializes in ailments that can cause mouth sores.

Identifying a Mouth Sore

There are two types of mouth sores; canker sores and cold sores. Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Canker sores usually heal in a week or two. Antimicrobial mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods assists in temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations include a cut on the inside of the mouth, a reaction to extreme temperatures, acids from food or drink, fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or a virus, or a combination of these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but generally heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics furnish relief.

Hope on the Horizon

There are unprecedented antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in curtailing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often transpires before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause periodic cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

General Dentistry in Lansdale to the Rescue

In some cases, a change in the way you care for your mouth can affect the frequency of mouth sores. If you are in the area and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores or general dentistry in Lansdale, give us a call at Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry to schedule an examination. Along with general dentistry in Lansdale, we offer cosmetic dentistry services such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. Call us at 267-498-5297 to schedule your appointment with us.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-498-5297

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Overcoming Dental Anxiety in Lansdale with Anxiety-Free Dentistry

Posted: July 27, 2018

Dental anxiety and dental phobia impact many Lansdale people, including some Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry patients. Today’s post answers some questions we are commonly asked about dental anxiety in Lansdale.

What are the long-term consequences of dental anxiety in Lansdale?

The most harmful consequence is when a patient delays dental care until the pain becomes excruciating. At this point, the trouble is usually extremely advanced and requires extensive treatment.

Furthermore, there are usually many other dental issues in varying stages of progression. Too many oral conditions eventually cause severe issues in other vital systems risking general health and well-being.

If I have dental anxiety in Lansdale, what should I do to improve my oral health?

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Bass and Lawrence Black of Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale. There are several individual fears associated with dental phobia and dental anxiety in Lansdale. Fear of pain, fear of the unknown, fear of loss of control, and extreme embarrassment because of poor dental health are the most common concerns. During your consultation, we will address each of your distinct fears and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

We have helped many patients manage their anxiety during dental exams and treatment. First off, we explain exactly what is going to happen before each procedure. If the patient is embarrassed about their lack of daily oral hygiene or dental cleanings in the past, we assure the patient that we have treated many people who have neglected their teeth and nothing going on in their mouth will shock the dentist. We never, ever give stern lectures on proper oral care – though we do give friendly instruction if requested.

Anxiety Free Dentistry at Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

If local anesthetic is needed, we employ our finely-honed procedures which cause zero to minimal discomfort. We agree upon a nonverbal signal, such as raising a hand, to cue the dentist to remove the instrument from the patient’s mouth. Then he/she can take a break, breathe deeply, regain composure, ask questions, and learn the status of the procedure.

These methods go a long way to ease anxious dental patients. At the very least, they help the patient get through the treatment that is required. With each subsequent visit, the patient is comforted by increased familiarity, greater confidence, and a strengthened relationship with our outstanding team.

To learn more about overcoming dental anxiety, root canals, restorative dentistry, or any other dental topic, call Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at 267-498-5297.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-498-5297

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Anxiety-free dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Family Dentist in Lansdale: Does My Dentist Care About My Diet?

Posted: July 20, 2018

When people in the Lansdale area think of diet and oral health, they commonly think about the damage sweet drinks can cause to teeth. While it’s true that these detrimental sugars cause increased acidity in the mouth and lead to tooth decay, soda and sugary-fruit drinks are not the only problems.

The typical American diet tends to be high in calories and low in nutrition, even here in Lansdale and Harleysville. If your body is lacking in critical nutrients, the tissues in the mouth may have trouble resisting infection. According to your family dentist in Lansdale, these detrimental infections can lead to gum disease.

A few years ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled the MyPlate graphic to illustrate a healthy diet. Half of our meals should be composed of fruits and vegetables and the rest should be equally divided between lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

While this is an excellent resource, vital dietary needs change throughout our lives, so it’s a good idea to call your family dentist in Lansdale at 267-498-5297 and schedule a check-up with Dr. Kevin Bass and Lawrence Black to see if your diet is affecting your overall health and your teeth.

When you eat a balanced diet and feel your best, you’ll want to look your best, so be sure to ask our calm and comfortable staff about revolutionary cosmetic dentistry procedures such as cosmetic dental smile makeovers, teeth whitening, and same day restorations.

At Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, our menu of services includes crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, dental implants, tooth colored fillings, sealants, and clear braces. Come visit our family dentist in Lansdale to see what all the buzz is about.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-498-5297

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Diet, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

Keeping Patients Calm With Conscious Sedation in Lansdale Since 1989

Posted: July 13, 2018

Are you or a family member apprehensive about going to the dentist? Has a past experience with pain or discomfort caused you to start panicking when you think about having your teeth worked on? Have you neglected going to the dentist due to fear the amount of work that might need to be performed?

If your past or current situation is causing a lot of uneasiness, there are options available to calm your fear and reduce or completely eliminate your pain with the needed care. Conscious sedation in Lansdale, sometimes called sleep dentistry, has helped countless dental patients calmly undergo dental treatment. Conscious sedation in Lansdale is not an experimental procedure. It has been used safely in various forms since the 1800’s.

To discuss conscious sedation in Lansdale, call Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at 267-498-5297 to schedule a no-pressure consultation. Dr. Lawrence Black will explain your sedation options and answer any questions you might have.

Sedation Options

It is important to understand the difference between topical analgesics and sedation which can be used alone or simultaneously. Analgesics help numb the gums and nerves connected with your teeth so you don’t feel the pain. Sedation medications impact the nervous system and deliver a feeling of peace and relaxation. You may choose to be minimally sedated, where you are quiet but still awake, or choose general anesthesia which renders you completely unconscious. Together, these two solutions dramatically improve the treatment experience for patients suffering from dental anxiety, a very common condition.

Regardless of the type and level of sedation you decide to use, we will proceed with patience and understanding. Oral sedation aids in making your dental visit relaxed so you can treat all of your dental issues and restore your health. Taking care of dental cavities, infections, and other urgent problems brings peace of mind and reduces the risk of further damage including tooth loss.

Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale is passionate about oral health and complete patient satisfaction from the first visit through completion of treatment. We offer first-rate dental care including cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and dental implants.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-498-5297

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Anxiety-free dentistry, Oral Health, Sedation Dentistry

Teeth Whitening in Lansdale: In-Office Or At Home?

Posted: July 6, 2018

If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the critical first step is to select a whitening method. It may seem like there is a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger. Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening in Lansdale.

Advantages to At-Home Teeth Whitening in Lansdale

Generally less expensive
Doesn’t require a trip to your Lansdale dentist
May cause less tooth sensitivity and pain

Disadvantages to At-Home Teeth Whitening in Lansdale

Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightning
Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks

Advantages to In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening in Lansdale

Same day results
Administered by a dental professional
Gum tissue is protected from chemicals

Disadvantages to In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening in Lansdale

More expensive at at-home teeth whitening

Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.

Non-Professional Teeth Bleaching Kiosks

A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth whitening kiosks starting popping up in Lansdale area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. We urge patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is vital to only trust your smile to dental professionals.

Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry advises patients to meet with their Lansdale dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially critical when you have tetracycline stains or multiple restorations.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-498-5297

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Health, Teeth Whitening

Getting Rid of Dental Anxiety in Lansdale

Posted: June 15, 2018

Dental anxiety in Lansdale can get so intense for some patients that they avoid the dentist at all costs. At Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, that concerns us, because we don’t want anyone putting their dental health at risk or skipping regular checkups and cleanings.

There are lots of reasons why someone might have dental anxiety in Lansdale or even dental phobia. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. That’s why we make a serious effort to help our patients be comfortable.

1. We help you with your dental anxiety in Lansdale. Fear of the dentist is far more prevalent than you might realize. The perceived loss of control, sharp instruments in your mouth, and teeth being worked on is not pleasant. Some people get claustrophobic because they need to lie still in the chair for treatment.

2. We protect you from pain. We provide anxiety-free dentistry. It includes nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas. It may not make you laugh, but it will make you very relaxed. It’s been used in dentistry for over one hundred years.

3. We don’t judge you. Our understanding dental team is here to help you, regardless of the state of your teeth. We have treated patients with every imaginable dental issue. We understand and empathize with our patients.

4. We communicate with you. Procedures are thoroughly explained and all your questions are answered prior to the treatment. If you are not sure you want to initiate treatment, we are happy to let you think about it for a while. There is no rush.

If you have postponed dental treatment for any reason, we encourage you to give Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale a try. Neglecting your oral health has serious consequences. We also provide professional teeth whitening, and general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling our office.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-644-3189

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Anxiety-free dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Sedation Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Light Up A Room: Teeth Whitening in Lansdale

Posted: June 8, 2018

Some people have smiles so white and dazzling, they can light up a room. Brightening your smile is as easy as scheduling an appointment with Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale, for professional teeth whitening.

Teeth have a way of yellowing with time. And so much of what we eat and drink can leave stains and discolorations. Now you can do something about it.

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry. It’s easy to see why. A bright set of teeth conveys confidence and personality, and helps you make a positive first impression on other people.

We offer our patients Zoom! teeth whitening, a treatment that can dramatically whiten your teeth in a single office visit. A special bleaching agent is applied to your teeth and activated by LED lamps to penetrate deep into the tooth enamel. The results are quite dramatic: far superior to any over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

For those patients who prefer to do whitening themselves, we have the Nite White at-home whitening system. Whitening gels go into custom-made trays that you wear at night. Within two weeks, your smile has been transformed.

Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale offers additional cosmetic dentistry services, such as porcelain and prepless veneers, and dental implants. We also provide general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-644-3189

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Prepless veneers, Teeth Whitening

Seal Your Teeth in Lansdale PA

Posted: June 1, 2018

Regular brushing and flossing are essential for optimal oral health. However, Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale reminds you that the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach into every small groove and depression in your teeth, especially the really bumpy back teeth.

That’s where dental sealants can be invaluable. Sealants are a plastic material applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars, providing an extra layer of protection. By covering the pits and fissures in your teeth, sealants act as a shield against acids and plaque that cause cavities.

Some people think that sealants are only for children and teenagers, but they can be good for adult teeth, too. Applying sealants is a simple procedure that can improve your dental health by protecting the surfaces that are most vulnerable to decay.

Getting dental sealants applied to your teeth does not, of course, mean you no longer need to brush. Consider them extra protection, along with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist every six months.

Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale can apply dental sealants to your teeth. We provide general and family dentistry, along with popular cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Call our office today to schedule a consultation or an appointment.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-644-3189

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health, Dental Procedures, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Teeth Whitening

Here’s To Your Dental Health!

Posted: May 25, 2018

The team at Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale is committed to providing outstanding dental health care to each of its patients. Good dental health leads to good general health, so it’s essential to establish a daily teeth cleaning routine you can stick to.

Teeth may seem like lifeless bone, but they are living structures. Within that hard exterior is an inner chamber filled with dentin, a mesh of mineralized, connective tissue. At the core of each tooth are nerves encased in a pulpy sheath. The teeth are anchored to the jaw by ligaments, and a material called cementum.

We like to see you for a cleaning and checkup every six months. One of our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque, tartar, and stains. Even if you brush and floss religiously, tartar can develop, and it’s important to get it off.

Every year, researchers seem to find new evidence that strengthens the connection between good dental health and good overall health. Oral bacteria and inflammation is associated with heart disease, premature birth, and low birth weights.

That’s why we stress the importance of coming in to Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Lansdale twice a year. We want you to protect your dental health. We provide general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and professional teeth whitening, among many other services. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Black & Bass Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

267-644-3189

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Teeth Whitening