Is It Safe to See the Dentist While I’m Pregnant?

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Pregnancy can be an exciting time in your life! One question that many women ask is whether it’s safe to see the dentist in Gilbert, AZ during pregnancy. This is a good question, and one we’re happy to answer. If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, here’s what you need to know about pregnancy and going to the dentist.

Going to the Dentist Is Safe During Pregnancy

Going to the dentist is safe during pregnancy. Be sure to tell the dentist that you’re pregnant, as the dentist may put off some procedures (like taking dental X-rays). Keeping your dentist informed helps ensure that you’ll have a safe and comfortable visit to the dentist.

When is the best time to go to the dentist during pregnancy? For many people, this is the second trimester. During the first trimester, moms-to-be must grapple with problems like nausea. During the third trimester, it can be hard to stay comfortable in the dental chair for an entire dental appointment. The second trimester is a time when many women feel comfortable and energized, and that makes going to the dentist easier overall.

Why You Should Go to the Dentist While You’re Pregnant

Women are at higher risk for problems like gum disease when they experience hormone changes. Going to the dentist during pregnancy can help take care of your teeth.

Are you ready to schedule your next dental exam in Gilbert, AZ? Call the dental professionals at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry today. If you’re pregnant, mention it to the person who performs your intake. This can help ensure you’ll have a good experience in the dental chair.

What Is Nitrous Oxide? Do I Need It For My Dental Exam?

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Some people feel very uncomfortable at the dentist’s office. For some people, this anxiety is strong enough to prevent them from going to the dentist at all. If you have dental anxiety, nitrous oxide can help you get through dental exams and procedures. Your dentist in Gilbert, AZ can help.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas used to calm patients during dental appointments. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask. The effects of nitrous oxide start quickly after it’s inhaled.

Once the nitrous oxide is discontinued, the effects wear off just as quickly. Nitrous oxide does not do much to relieve pain, but patients who inhale nitrous experience feelings of euphoria that can make the experience of visiting the dentist overall more relaxing.

Who Needs Nitrous Oxide?

You may be able to benefit from nitrous oxide if you have dental anxiety that makes going to the dentist very unpleasant, or if you sometimes avoid going to the dentist altogether.

If I Have Dental Anxiety, Should I Ask for Nitrous Oxide?

If you have dental anxiety, talk to your dentist at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry about sedation dentistry. We can help you determine whether sedation dentistry is right for you. There are other strategies that can help make your trip to the dentist less stressful. We can discuss those strategies with you as well.

Contact Your Dentist at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry

Do you need sedation dentistry in Gilbert, AZ? If so, call your dentist at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry. We provide this important service to patients who can benefit from it.

Virtual Consultation — A New Experience in Dental Care

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Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, is a thoroughly modern dental practice that puts each patient’s comfort and convenience at the top of the treatment ladder. It is this highly personalized approach that makes the practice unique.

Patient Care Comes First, but Creativity Counts

Our commitment to the best practices of general and family dentistry has proved that placing the emphasis on parent care pays dividends in terms of effective treatment and loyalty. We understand that most of our patients have far better things to do with their time than waiting their turn in a dental practice waiting room.

That’s why we developed some creative alternative options for patients who have questions and concerns about treatment protocols. Schedule a virtual consultation to discuss the next step of treatment for a child, ask about the relative merits of a root canal vs. extraction, or inquire about the cost of braces for your teenager.

Need Answers? We’ll Provide Them

Know that we will do our best to answer your questions, detail treatment options, and allay any fears you may have, but also know that a virtual consult cannot take the place of an actual examination. It can, however, be an important first step toward scheduling the services that are necessary. Talking with one of our doctors from the comfort and privacy of your own home is a service that we offer both to prospective patients and to our established family of patients. It can save us both time and should contribute to ongoing trust and mutual respect.

In addition to this innovative service, we at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry employ modern dental technologies to provide you with the highest level of dental services available today. Our emphasis on knowledge and care is top-notch, and we invite you to schedule your appointment today.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

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When you go to the dentist in Gilbert, AZ, you may get dental X-rays. The professionals at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry use dental X-rays to catch dental problems that the dentist can’t see during your examination. Dental X-rays are a part of standard dental care.

Many patients have questions about dental X-rays, including questions about their safety and why they’re important. In this article, we’ll help answer those questions, so you can feel safe and comfortable while getting x-rays during dental examinations.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental X-rays are considered safe for patients. Although X-rays emit a small amount of radiation, that amount is comparable to the amount of radiation you might absorb from certain building materials or your cell phone.

To help ensure that your dental X-rays are safe, your dentist will cover you with a lead apron while giving you the X-ray. In addition, your dentist will likely not give you an X-ray every time you come into the office. Most people only need X-rays once per year.

What Are the Benefits of Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays help your dentist catch problems like cavities between teeth, infections deep down in the tooth, and wisdom teeth coming in the wrong way. Dental X-rays help dentists diagnose problems and choose the appropriate treatment for those problems. Without an x-ray, your dentist may not be able to catch some dental problems until they become far worse.

Do you have concerns about the safety of dental x-rays in Gilbert, AZ? Do you need to know more about why dental X-rays are important? Ask your dentist at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry during your next dental appointment. Call today to get your next visit on the schedule.

4 Reasons to Bring the Whole Brood to A Family Dentist

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When you’re choosing a dental provider, selecting a family dentist in Gilbert, AZ can improve your dental experience. Family dentists have many benefits over other types of dentists.

If you’ve never been to a family dentist before, it’s helpful to understand the benefits. Below, we’ve listed the many advantages of taking your family to a family dental practice.

1. Family Dentists Serve Patients of All Ages

Family dentists service patients of all ages, from the very young to the very old. If you bring your young children to a family dentist, they can continue to visit that dentist into their old age if they wish. This enables your children to develop a life-long relationship with a dental provider they trust.

2. Taking Everyone to One Dentist Is Convenient

It’s easy to take everyone in the family to the same dentist. When you visit the dentist regularly, it’s easier to remember their location, what their waiting room looks like, and what to expect during the appointment. This information can help you plan your dental visits to make them go smoothly.

3. The More You Visit the Dentist, the More You’ll Trust Your Dental Provider

It’s important to have trust in your dental provider. When you bring your kids to the same dentist you visit, there are many opportunities to develop trust in that dental provider.

4. Family Dentists Offer a Range of Services

Family dentists offer most of the dental services that people need throughout their lifetime. This means you can get most or all of your dental needs addressed by the dental provider that you’re already comfortable with.

Ready to schedule a dental exam in Gilbert, AZ? Call Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry today.

3 Top Reasons to Choose a General Dentistry Practice

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In an age of increasing specialization, it may be the intuitive choice to select a practice specializing in pediatric dentistry for your child or to seek out a specialist in crowns, implants, and dentures as you age. However, at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, we believe in the continuity of care that provides you and your family with a lifetime of dental expertise.

We strive to establish lasting relationships that last from childhood through adulthood. We believe there’s value in tapping into the familial history of oral care and solutions.

Our family practice extends from assuring new parents that a baby’s first teeth are emerging properly and at the right time to assessing the need for teenage orthodontics, middle-age whitening or tooth straightening, and senior implants.

Decades of Experience

Dr. Kathy Jacobsen is a board-certified dentist dedicated to building lasting relationships. Not only has she built a highly-successful practice in general dentistry but she has also established a team of dental professionals and staff that are tops in their individual specialties and subscribe to her principles of service to the family and to the community.

Virtual Consultations

We understand that every family is busy these days, so at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we keep pace by offering virtual chat opportunities for our clients to discuss their dental concerns from the privacy of their own homes.

Not only does it save time, but it also allows the dental team to assess patient needs better and schedule services at minimally disruptive times.

Advanced Dental Technologies

The improvements in dental care and modern technology mean that we can more easily identify dental problems and ensure lasting oral health. It makes good sense to place the care of your teeth, gums, and mouth on a continuum from childhood to senior status, doesn’t it?

We certainly believe it does. And that’s something to smile about!

Contact us to request a consultation or schedule a first appointment.

4 Dangers of Losing a Natural Tooth

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When you lose a natural tooth, it’s traumatizing. No one wants to lose a permanent tooth, even thoughdental implants in Gilbert, AZ, are available at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry. But if you do lose a natural tooth, it’s imperative that you act quickly to avoid additional problems. Losing a natural tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue. The loss can increase even if you don’t visit your dentist immediately. Here are four dangers to be aware of:

1. Bone Loss

When a tooth is missing, there is no pressure on the bone immediately above the gap. Without that pressure, the bone will atrophy, decreasing bone density and volume. This condition can even change the structure and appearance of your face. This complicates any future plans for a dental implant, too.

2. Shifting of Teeth

Each tooth is a placeholder in addition to its other functions. Without that placeholder, the other teeth will begin to shift. Over time, this can lead to a larger misalignment of the teeth and can even cause TMJ to develop.

3. Speech Impairments

The loss of certain teeth—particularly the front teeth—can cause speech impairments, such as lisps. It can also affect the ability to sing, whistle, and make other common sounds.

4. Increased Risk of Infections

Gaps caused by losing a natural tooth can act like traps for food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of oral infections, gum disease, and tooth decay in adjacent teeth. Periodontal disease, which is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues, can also be exacerbated by tooth loss.

If you’ve lost a natural tooth or have a permanent tooth in danger of falling out, please visit yourGilbert, AZ, dentist as soon as possible for treatment.

What to Expect At Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

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Your child will likely start growing their first teeth by the time they turn one year old. When they do, it’s important to bring your child to the dentist for the first time. Getting early dental care is important because it can help thedentist in Gilbert, AZ, identify any dental problems your child may have. If your child needs intervention or treatment, then they’ll get that dental care they need.

Bringing your baby to the dentist for the first time can be a great experience, but it helps to know more about what to expect during the appointment. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help patients have a good experience when they bring their child to the dentist for the first time. Here’s what you need to know.

Examination

During your baby’s first dental examination, the dentist will look inside their mouth to see that everything is developing normally. They’ll inspect your child’s teeth, but it won’t take very long. The examination will not take as long as the dental examinations you experience when you go to the dentist because your baby will not have the same kind of tolerance that you do.

Talk With the Dentist

The dentist will invite you to ask any questions that you may have about taking care of your baby’s teeth. Your baby will need you to brush their teeth for them. Brushing a baby’s teeth differs from brushing your own, so the dentist may need to advise you on how this is done.

Ready to Bring Your Baby to the Dentist? Call Today

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help children maintain healthy teeth and gums from an early age. To bring your child for adental examination in Gilbert, AZ, call today to make an appointment.

3 Steps to a Better Smile

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We live in a time when you have lots of options for improving your smile. Your dentist in Gilbert, AZ can help you have a better smile in a very short time, so there’s no reason for you to put it off any longer. Here is your path of three steps to a better smile.

Step 1: Consultation and Assessment

A consultation and assessment is needed in order for your dentist to ascertain a baseline. This is when you can tell your dentist what your goals are. Then you and the dentist can discuss your various options, depending upon your current oral health situation. You’ll also be able to get an idea of how long it will take to achieve the smile you desire.

Step 2: Choose Your Cosmetic Services

There are many cosmetic dentistry services in Gilbert, AZ for you to choose from. They include:

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening can lighten your teeth by several shades in just one session, offering immediate and long-lasting results. This is a great way to kick off your smile transformation, letting you see firsthand just how great the benefits can be.

Porcelain Veneers

Custom-made porcelain shells are crafted to mimic the natural appearance of your teeth, providing a lifelike and long-lasting transformation. Only a handful of dental visits are needed to get veneers.

Dental Crowns

Made from porcelain, ceramic, or even gold, dental crowns are designed to encase the entire visible portion of a tooth, improving its shape, size, and color. Crowns are especially useful for teeth that are too discolored for whitening or too damaged for veneers.

Dental Bridges

Unlike removable dentures, bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are anchored to adjacent teeth. They fill the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance.

Step 3: Contact Us!

Contact your dentist in Gilbert, AZ today to learn about all the possibilities for improving your smile. We look forward to hearing from you!