Helpful Links

You can learn more about some of the organizations and topics you have seen on our site by visiting the links listed below.

American Dental Association (ADA) - The American Dental Association is the world's oldest and largest national dental association.

Discovery Science Place - Dr. Stansbury is a member of the board at the Discovery Science Place, a hands-on science museum for kids of all ages.

KaVo DIAGNOdent - For more information on DIAGNOdent, visit this website.

NTI Tension Suppression System - Dr. Stansbury uses NTI-TSS to help prevent medically diagnosed migraine pain and jaw disorders.

Texas Dental Association - The Texas Dental Association (TDA), chartered in 1871, is the third largest state dental association in the United States.

Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) - TMOM is a large multi-day dental mission that brings restorative care to underserved areas of Texas.

The Wand: Computer Controlled Anesthetic System - Our office uses the Wand®, a pain free way to administer local anesthetic injections.

Root Canal Therapy: Post Operative Instructions - Successful completion of the root canal procedure does not prevent future decay or fracture.  An endodontically treated tooth will become more brittle and may discolor.  In most cases a full crown is recommended after treatment to lessen the chances of fracture. Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and the previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.  If antibiotics have been prescribed for the infection, it's important that you take them for the full length of time indicated on the prescription, even if all signs of infection are gone. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately.

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing: Post Operative Instructions - Periodontal scaling and root planning involves the removal of calculus, bacterial plaque, bacterial toxins, diseased cementum (the outer covering of the root surface) and diseased tissue from the inner lining of the crevice surrounding the teeth.  The purpose of this procedure is to reduce some of the causes of periodontal disease to a level more manageable by your individual immune system.  Please understand that your own efforts with home care are just as important as your professional treatment.

Consequences of incomplete treatment may be, but are not limited to:

• Worsening of the disease with increased bone loss and possible eventual tooth loss
• Increased infection, systemic problems, bleeding, pain and soreness
• Reoccurrence of the disease in previously treated areas

Treatment risks may be, but are not limited to:

• Increased recession of gum tissue and exposure of root surfaces (as tissue heals, swelling decreases).
• Increased sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets.  This may require further treatment, may fade with time, or may persist no matter what is done.
• Exposed roots may acquire stain more readily.
• Food may collect between teeth.  Proper cleaning techniques will be explained in detail.
• Mobility may be present after removal of heavy calculus deposits.  If teeth were loose prior to the procedure, they may seem more loose immediately after.  Usually after healing, teeth “tighten”.
• Some pain, swelling or bruising may be experienced after treatment.

Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.  Swishing with warm salt water may help with any residual bleeding.
A subsequent scaling appointment may be necessary depending on your response to treatment since inflammation and bleeding may inhibit complete removal of calculus.
Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately.

Crown and Bridge: Post Operative Instructions - Crowns and bridges usually take two appointments to complete. In the first visit the teeth are prepared and a mold of the tooth is taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made.  Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can recement it.To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum, candy, etc.) as well as hard foods. It is important to brush normally, but do not floss since this may dislodge the temporary.The cumulative effects of cavities, fillings and cracks in the teeth may necessitate a root canal.  The need for a root canal may become apparent during a crown preparation or after a crown is made.  It is normal for the prepared tooth to be sore for a couple of days.  However, if continued sensitivity to pressure, cold or hot is an issue, please contact our office immediately to determine if root canal therapy is necessitated.