- We Can Help - Call Us Today! | Holley Dental

Blog Archives

Oral Sedation

  • Sep
  • 06

Oral Sedation: Taking Fear Out of Dentistry Among the most common phobias, visiting the dentist causes many people severe anxiety and stress. Often, fearful patients forgo necessary dental care to avoid a visit to their dentist. If you find yourself feeling panicky at the thought of having your teeth worked on, you should know that a safe, comfortable relaxation method exists. Oral sedation alleviates anxiety, so you can face dental appointments with confidence. What exactly does oral sedation entail? If you fear dental appointments, call a dentist to determine if oral sedation is available for you based on your medical history and current medications. If you’re a good candidate for oral sedation, the dentist will select an appropriate anti-anxiety or sedative drug for you to take at a pre-determined time before your appointment. These safe, widely-prescribed drugs diminish anxiety and help patients relax. Your anxiety level will help the dentist determine dosage, which in turn determines your consciousness level during the appointment. Some patients become so relaxed they drift off into a restful sleep during their dental procedures. Throughout your appointment, we will closely monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety. When you choose oral sedation, you must have a responsible adult who can drive you to and from your appointment and spend some time with you after the appointment until the sedative wears off completely. Why choose oral sedation? In general, patients choose oral sedation if they: experience severe anxiety and fear when faced with dental instruments put off important dental treatment because of fear have a sensitive gag reflex have trouble feeling numb after receiving local anesthetic cannot rest comfortably in a dentist’s exam chair due to neck or back problems What risks and side effects are associated with oral sedation? The anti-anxiety medications used to achieve oral sedation have been prescribed and studied for years, so potential side effects are widely documented. These drugs are generally safe for most patients and have a low incidence of side effects, which tend to be minor. Typically, patients who receive oral sedation experience: Retrograde amnesia, in which they recall little to nothing about the dental procedure Decreased post-operative soreness Dry mouth A very small percentage of patients may temporarily have hiccups after using oral sedation drugs. Holley Dental can provide Oral Sedation at any Location, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Fredericksburg.   Portsmouth (757) 602-0792 Newport News (757) 602-0793 Virginia Beach (757) 425-1155 Fredericksburg (540) 785.5885     Topic : Oral Sedation Portsmouth

read more

Nitrous Oxide | Laughing Gas

  • Sep
  • 06

Nitrous Oxide Many people know nitrous oxide as laughing gas. In our office, Nitrous Oxidewe administer this “laughing gas” to enhance patient comfort and relieve anxiety for patients of all ages. After you’re comfortably seated in the dental chair, you’ll inhale the gas through a face mask. We will control the amount of nitrous you receive to ensure your safety. You will begin to relax and will not recognize pain, so the dentist can perform your dental work while you stay completely comfortable. The effects of the gas subside once we remove your mask, so if nitrous is the only anesthesia you receive, you will be capable of driving yourself home following the visit and can continue your daily activities as normal. Holley Dental has Nitrous Oxide at all the many Locations, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Fredericksburg   Portsmouth (757) 602-0792 Newport News (757) 602-0793 Virginia Beach (757) 425-1155 Fredericksburg (540) 785.5885 Topic: Nitrous Oxide Portsmouth    

read more

Invisalign 3D Technology And Clear Braces

  • Sep
  • 06

Invisalign 3D technology and Clear Braces Orthodontia That Will Keep You SmilingInvisalign 3D technology and Clear Braces Do you dream about having a smile full of sparkling, straight teeth, but you just can’t imagine yourself wearing traditional metal braces? You’ve probably invested in a professional, mature image, and you shouldn’t have to look like a teenager to straighten your teeth. We agree. Now Dr. Holley can make your dreams come true. Invisalign, an orthodontic treatment approved by the FDA, is the virtually invisible method to straighten your teeth without conventional metal braces. With Invisalign, a custom-molded set of transparent, removable aligners will progressively reposition your teeth. You can simply remove the aligners before eating, brushing, flossing, or special occasions. This technology is more comfortable and convenient that traditional braces. Patients do not experience the mouth abrasions caused by metal and wires, and Invisalign aligners are easy to clean. Adjustment appointments aren’t necessary, either. How does Invisalign work? First, we use 3-D computer imaging to design a comprehensive treatment plan. This allows you to preview the final positioning of your teeth before you start treatment. Yes, you will see your future smile before treatment begins. Then a lab will create a series of aligners to reposition your teeth over one to two years. You’ll change aligners every two weeks until your smile is straight and beautiful. Typically, you will visit us every six weeks for progress reports. Transparent, removable, no-hassle orthodontia - Clear Braces - now that should put a smile on your face! Topic: Invisalign 3D technology and Clear Braces    

read more

Intraoral Cameras And Chairside Monitors

  • Sep
  • 06

Intraoral Cameras Turn Patients into Partners People seldom have a clear idea of the actual status of their dental health. Even with lights and mirrors, a patient can’t see what the dentist can – that is, until now. We use intraoral cameras, so when you visit the dentist, you can sit comfortably back in the chair and get ready for the show. The dentist or hygienist will insert a pen-sized, camera-tipped wand into your mouth. Covered with a disposable plastic sheath for contamination prevention, the wand simply takes a video of the inside of your mouth and transmits the images via cable to a computing unit. The computing unit enlarges the full-color images and sends them to a TV screen that you can comfortably view from the dental chair. Aha! There it is – your mouth on the screen. The dentist can point out problem areas and explain his recommendations for treatment, so you’ll become an informed partner in your dental care instead of a clueless bystander. Seeing your dental problems may seem overwhelming at first, but consider the experience the first step toward a healthier, fresher smile. The camera may reveal the early stages of potentially serious problems, allowing you the opportunity to prevent small problems before they escalate. This is especially helpful with gum disease and conditions that cause damage without causing pain. The camera’s honest survey can also show you how your regular home hygiene routine is paying off. The dental hygienist or dentist can recommend ways to improve your home care based on their findings. If you want to learn more about the technologies that enhance patient care in our office, call us today. We’re always happy to explain the new innovations in dentistry and how they can improve your dental experience. Topic:Intraoral Cameras And Chairside Monitors

read more

Dental X Rays And Panorex

  • Sep
  • 06

  Dental X Rays and Panorex A Little Ray Goes a Long WayDental X Rays Despite concerns, traditional dental X rays are a safe and important part of a thorough dental evaluation. By viewing the inside of your teeth and accompanying oral structures, we can more effectively care for your smile. Concerns over radiation exposure associated with dental X-rays have no solid basis. In fact, the high-speed film we use minimizes ionizing radiation that is passed along to the patient. The amount of radiation a patient is exposed to is less than that the exposure the natural atmosphere exposes a person to over about eight weeks. Radiograph technicians step out of the room while X-rays are being taken because they see many patients and take many X-rays. Compounded, the exposure could compromise their health over the course of their dental career. Why X-Rays are Important Dental radiographs, or X-rays, provide us with valuable information because with them, we can see what’s going on beneath, between, and under your teeth and gums. We can also detect problems in existing dental work, as well as receding bone and abscesses. For instance, cavities and gum disease show up as dark places on white teeth and bone images. Not only do X-rays help us diagnose dental problems and develop customized treatment plans, but they document your dental health status, establishing a baseline from which to monitor changes over time. If you have questions or concerns about X-rays or other dental procedures, please call us or share your concerns with us at your appointment. As your preferred dental care provider, we want you to be informed and confident in the care you receive in our office. Topic: Dental X Rays and Panorex  

read more

Inlays And Onlays

  • Sep
  • 06

Inlays and Onlays You have a big filling that needs replacement. Do you have to get a full crown? Not necessarily. A more conservative option, inlays and onlays fit into a tooth similarly to a filling, yet they are milled restorations, much like a crown. The bumps on top of a tooth are called cusps. Inlays fit between cusps, while onlays fit over one or more cusps. Inlays and onlays allow a patient to retain more natural tooth structure, which is always best. Not every situation is right for an inlay or onlay, but the dentist will assess your problem and determine the best solution for you. Because they are created in a lab like a crown, inlays and onlays require two appointments. At the first visit, we will prepare your tooth by removing your tooth decay or old filling and cleaning the area.We will take a dental impression and send it to our dental lab so that a technician can create a custom inlay or onlay for you. The dentist will determine the best material to use, but in most cases, teeth that show when you smile or speak can have a white restoration. Back teeth incur extreme pressure, so a metal inlay or onlay may be indicated. You’ll wear a temporary until the lab delivers your final restoration. At the second appointment, the dentist will remove your temporary and permanently cement your final inlay or onlay into position. After polishing and modifying the restoration as necessary to ensure proper bite alignment, you’ll enjoy your stronger, healthier smile for years to come. Topic: Inlays and Onlays

read more

Crown And Bridgework

  • Sep
  • 06

Crown and Bridgework Fixed BridgesCrown and Bridgework A Stable Solution that Renews Your Smile If you’ve lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a permanent bridge to restore your solid smile. A bridge not only fills the gap, but it also prevents repositioning of remaining teeth. It can also correct a misaligned bite, improve chewing function and speech articulation, and provide internal structure for the face to give you a more youthful appearance. What is a Fixed Bridge? First of all, a bridge is a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) that attaches on one or both sides to teeth prepared with dental crowns. A fixed bridge is permanently joined onto the neighboring abutment teeth (crowned teeth) and consists of three basic units: the false tooth or teeth (called a pontic) and two abutment crowns. The style of bridge we suggest will depend upon the strength and health the abutment teeth, as well as the location of the gap in relation to the rest of your dentition. If healthy adjacent abutment teeth aren’t available, a surgically-implanted metal post, known as a dental implant, may offer a solid alternative. For a bridge that replaces many teeth, we may recommend a removable partial denture or implant-supported prosthesis. With proper care, a fixed bridge may last at least 8 to10 years. If you have questions about crown and bridgework or any other dental prosthetic, call us. We will be happy to discuss the options and schedule your evaluation. Topic: Crown and Bridgework

read more

Dentures And Partials

  • Sep
  • 06

Dentures and Partials Full and Partial Dentures A smile just isn’t a smile if it’s incomplete. Missing teeth cause a host of problems, from difficulty speaking and eating to low self-confidence to jawbone deterioration. Don’t give up on your smile. Advances in dental materials and technology have made full and partial dentures more life-like and comfortable than ever. What is a Partial? A partial denture, commonly referred to as simply a partial, consists of multiple teeth on a gum colored base. The teeth are not in a row, but rather spread across the base to fit like a puzzle with your existing teeth. A partial is normally secured with clips or brackets, but unlike a bridge, a partial is removable. What is a Denture? A full denture is a complete top or bottom row of teeth mounted on a gum-colored base. Dentures can be closed or open palate, and they require denture adhesive to hold them in place. Implant-Supported Dentures and Partials Dental implants are small titanium posts anchored into the jawbone. If you prefer a secure full or partial denture and do not want clips or adhesive, then consider implant-supported dentures. In a brief surgery, an implant dentist can secure a few dental implant posts to hold your dentures in place. With implant-supported dentures, you won’t have to worry about slippage, and your prosthetic will feel safe and sound.   We Have Many Locations - Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Fredericksburg       Topic: Dentures and Partials

read more

Dental Implants

  • Sep
  • 06

Dental Implants: Nature’s Rival Dental Implants Now patients who are missing teeth have a strong, beautiful alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. Dental implants will improve your smile and your lifestyle. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Implants can also anchor bridges, partials, or full dentures to eliminate slipping. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Holley, a fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Misch Implant Institute, can tell you whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. They require adequate bone structure for placement. The first stage of the procedure involves oral surgery in which a titanium post is implanted into the jawbone for each missing tooth or for the new teeth that will anchor a bridge or denture. Nature will take its course, allowing your bone tissue to fuse with the titanium post. This creates a solid foundation. Once the implants are secured, your dentist will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. By imitating an entire natural tooth, from the root up, dental implants offer a prosthetic that closely mimics nature. The result? Dental implant patients enjoy restored function, which allows a healthy diet of hard-to-chew foods. Speech may also improve. Strong and secure, your new smile will boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and improve your quality of life. Topic: Dental Implants

read more

Extractions And Wisdom Teeth

  • Sep
  • 06

Extractions and Wisdom Teeth Somewhere between the ages of 15 to 25 years, most people’s third molars begin to erupt through the gum line at the very back of their mouths. However, the modern jaw shape often can’t accommodate wisdom teeth, leading to either of two unhealthy conditions: crowding of existing permanent teeth, or impaction-the incoming molars get stuck in place. Since few people’s jaws can accommodate these large third molars, we typically examine our 11 and 12-year-old patients to predict the upcoming developmental positioning of the wisdom teeth, recommending extraction prior to 17 to 19 years of age. That’s Smart! While extractions may not sound like a lot of fun, it’s far better than the typical alternatives. Crowded teeth can misalign your bite, cause jaw pain, and lead to gum disease, causing dental problems for the rest of your life. Partially-erupted wisdom teeth allow bacteria and germs to multiply, leading to infection or cyst formation; tumors may even grow on a trapped wisdom tooth. Impacted or partially-erupted wisdom teeth may force entry, pushing up in whichever direction they find the most give: sideways, vertically, backward, forward. They can become stuck while still fully encased in the jawbone (called a bony impaction), or prior to erupting through the gums (called a soft tissue impaction). Such impaction can cause pain, swelling, and infection. The good news is that extraction is a simple, routine surgical procedure that can usually be performed comfortably in one office visit. Topic: Extractions and Wisdom Teeth

read more

Main Menu

Social Links
[email protected]
757-602=0792
Our Portsmouth Location
Our Virginia Beach Location
Our Newport News Location
Our Fredericksburg Location

It's your smile only brighter!