Hutto Premier Dentistry’s 7th annual Day of Caring is fast approaching!  This year’s Day of Caring will take place on Friday, September 28, from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.  The focus of our Day of Caring is to provide free dental care for those in need, especially those who may not have dental insurance, Medicaid, or access to regular dental care.

During Day of Caring we will provide one service per patient while supplies last.  Patient’s attending the Day of Caring can chose to either have one tooth removed, one tooth filled, or to receive a professional teeth cleaning.  Children will be able to receive dental sealants (a protective coating applied to teeth that helps prevent cavities). 

Our annual Day of Caring was born in 2012 from a desire to give back to our community.  We are part of an amazing community and Day of Caring is a small way to “pay it back”.  From our first Day of Caring in 2012, the event has grown each year in size and number of patients served.  In 2017, we were able to provide over $30,000 worth of free dental care to those in need. 

It’s also important to mention that our annual Day of Caring is a community effort.  Last year, we had materials and goods donated from, Wag-A-Bag, Chick-fil-A of Pflugerville, Walgreen’s, and Burkhart Dental Supply.  It’s also worth noting that none of our team members at Hutto Premier Dentistry are paid for putting on the event.  They cheerfully donate their time in making this event possible.  We have also had family members and patients donate time in helping host the event. 

As our Day of Caring 2018 approaches, we look forward to another cheerful day of service to our community!

We are excited to announce that we are in the process of building a bigger and a better Hutto Premier Dentistry! We expect to break ground in the coming weeks on our new location at 60 Chris Kelly Blvd. Our new building will feature a larger and more comfortable lobby, a larger play area for kids, additional treatment rooms, ample parking, and a larger dental lab to better support our CEREC technology (same-day crowns). We will also have the capacity to hire additional dental hygienists and other team members to better serve our patients as our practice continues to grow.

Another addition I am excited about in our new office will be 3D dental imaging. This technology, when indicated, will allow us to examine your teeth and supporting tissues in three dimensions. This will allow for more precise and predictable implant surgery and wisdom teeth removal. As well as the ability to more thoroughly explore and examine TMJ problems.

What excites me the most is the knowledge that none of this would be possible without your support of HPD! When we opened our doors in 2008, this community embraced us and supported us beyond anything I imagined. It is truly a blessing to serve this community. I look forward to another 10 years and beyond as we build a more innovative and effective Hutto Premier Dentistry!

Hutto Premier Dentistry is pleased to announce that our 6th annual Day of Caring is quickly approaching.  This year’s Day of Caring will be held on Friday, September 8, from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.  Our focus during Day of Caring is to provide free dental care for those in need, especially those without dental insurance, Medicaid, or access to regular dental care.  We will provide one service per patient while supplies last.  Patient’s attending the Day of Caring can chose to either have one tooth removed, one tooth filled, or to receive a professional teeth cleaning.  Children will also be able to receive dental sealants (a protective coating applied to teeth that helps prevent cavities). 
 
Day of Caring was born in 2012 from a desire by our team to give back to those around us and help build a healthier community.  From our first Day of Caring in 2012, the event has grown each year in size and number of patients served.  In 2016, we had the ability to provide $30,000 worth of free dental care to those in need. 
 
It is also important to mention that our Day of Caring is a community effort.  Last year, we had materials and goods donated from Wag-A-Bag of Hutto, Chick-fil-A of Pflugerville, Walgreen’s of Hutto, and Burkhart Dental Supply.  It’s also worth noting that none of our team members at Hutto Premier Dentistry are paid for putting on this event.  They cheerfully donate their time in making this event possible.  We have also had family members and patients donate time in helping host the event. 
 
As our Day of Caring 2017 approaches, we look forward to another great day of service to our community!

Hutto Premier Dentistry’s 4th annual Day of Caring is fast approaching.  Our Day of Caring will take place on Friday, September 25, from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.  The focus of our Day of Caring is to provide free dental care for those in need, especially those who may not have dental insurance, Medicaid, or regular access to dental care.  We will provide one service per patient while supplies last.  Patient’s attending the Day of Caring can chose to either have one tooth removed, one tooth filled, or to receive a professional teeth cleaning.  Children will be able to receive dental sealants (a protective coating applied to teeth that helps prevent cavities). 

Our Day of Caring was born in 2012 from a desire to give back to our community.  We have an amazing community of support around our practice!  Our Day of Caring is a small way to “pay it back” to our community.  From our first Day of Caring in 2012, the event has grown each year in size and number of patients served.  In 2014, we had the ability to provide almost $30,000 worth of free dental care to those in need. 

It’s also important to mention that our Day of Caring is a community effort.  Last year, we had materials and goods donated from Walgreen’s of Hutto, Wag-A-Bag, Chick-fil-A of Pflugerville, and Burkhart Dental Supply.  It’s also worth noting that none of our team members at Hutto Premier Dentistry are paid for putting on the event.  They cheerfully donate their time in making this event possible.  We have also had family members and patients donate time in helping host the event. 

As our Day of Caring 2015 approaches, we look forward to another cheerful day of service to our community!

According to the Center’s for Disease Control, tooth decay affects nearly 70% of children by age 19. If left untreated, tooth decay can result in pain, infection, and tooth loss. The best way to treat dental problems is prevention! In addition to fluoride use and regular brushing, one highly effective method to prevent cavities is through the use of dental sealants.

A dental sealant is a plastic film (similar to a tooth-colored filling) that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. Children, with newly erupted permanent teeth, receive the greatest benefit from sealants. Studies show that the majority of cavities in children begin in the chewing surfaces of their back teeth, where food and bacteria become trapped and difficult to clean out. Sealants block these food particles and bacteria from sticking to the chewing surface and causing decay. Adults with deep grooves in the biting surfaces of their back teeth can also benefit from sealant use.

Sealants are non-invasive, safe to use, and cost-effective. They are easy to apply and anesthetic is not needed. While sealants hold up well to chewing forces, they do not last forever. Over time, a sealant can wear away from the tooth and may require replacement. During regular dental visits sealants can be checked to ensure they are intact and properly protecting the tooth.

Studies have shown that when paired with fluoride use, regular dental care, proper brushing, and a healthy diet, properly applied sealants are 100% effective at preventing cavities. Dr. McEntire, Dr. Marek, and the dental hygienists at Hutto Premier Dentistry evaluate every patient for sealant use and are always happy to further discuss the many benefits of dental sealants.

The popularity of diet drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks has increased drastically in recent years.  However, most consumers are unaware that these drinks can be highly acidic. In fact, the pH content in many of these beverages is closer to battery acid than water (neutral pH). While diet sodas are certainly healthier than sugar-laden regular sodas, the acidity is a problem. In regards to sports and diet drinks, not only are they very acidic, but also many of these drinks may contain significant amounts of sugar, making them a dual-threat to healthy teeth.  In considering the acid content of drinks, the biggest concern is how the acid levels will erode, or break down, healthy tooth structure. The acid content can also accelerate decay in teeth.  

Of course, the best way to avoid problems with acidic drinks is to avoid them all together and drink more water. However, if you like to enjoy the occasional soda, juice, or energy drink, here are some ways to help prevent problems. One great strategy is to consume these drinks over a short period or time. For example, drinking a soda in 10 minutes is better than sipping on that same soda for an hour.  With a shorter drinking time, the teeth spend less overall time exposed to the acidic environment. Another good practice is using a straw, as a straw helps keep the liquid contained in the back of the mouth. Another important practice is to use fluoridated toothpaste everyday. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and repair small areas of erosion or decay.  If you drink several of these acidic drinks in a day, then use of a fluoride rinse (such as ACT) after brushing is a great tool.

All things considered, some moderation with drinking these beverages, along with good oral care at home and regular dental visits will help keep your teeth healthy for years to come. At Hutto Premier Dentistry, Dr. McEntire, Dr. Marek, our team of dental hygienists are ready to work with you to achieve and maintain a healthy smile! Click her to schedule a dental appointment today!

Dental implants have become a very reliable and affordable way to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed below the gums. An implant offers a smile that looks and feels very natural, as it is permanent and not removed. It is also a very conservative treatment option, since it does not involved cutting adjacent teeth, which is done with a bridge and some types of partial dentures. Dental implants are used to treat various problems; they can be used to treat a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or to provide retention and support for complete dentures.

There are two steps involved with dental implants. First, surgery is performed to place the implant. This surgery is performed with local anesthetic and most patients choose to undergo sedation as well. Following placement of the implant, two to six months (depending on many factors) of healing is typically required for the bone to integrate with the implant and firmly hold it in place. Once healing is complete the necessary crowns, bridges, or dentures are fabricated to fit the implants and restore function.

While many people can benefit from dental implants, there are certain factors that must be considered to qualify for this type of treatment.  Because implants require surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy gums, have adequate bone to support the implant, and be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits.  If you are considering implants, a thorough evaluation by Dr. McEntire at Hutto Premier Dentistry will help determine if you are a good candidate.  Because Dr. McEntire both places and restores implants, he can provide continuity between the surgical and restorative phases of care, allowing for the implant to be placed with the final restorative outcome in mind.

At Hutto Premier Dentistry, our practice philosophy regarding children is in step with the recommendations of multiple professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.  We recommend that parents bring their children for a first dental visit no later than age one. 

It is well established that early dental care is the best way to prevent decay and guide your child into a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.

Many dental problems often start early, so the sooner that first visit occurs, the better.  If there are concerns, we can provide or recommend special preventive care to safeguard against problems, such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking.  The most common problem found in children is tooth decay.  While decay in small children is found in baby teeth, it is very important to maintain baby teeth!  Baby teeth help children to speak clearly, chew correctly, and hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth.  If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent tooth can be lost and then must be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth also harm the development of permanent teeth.

As general dentists, we can refer children to a pediatric dentist if needed.  Pediatric dentists are specially trained to handle problems particular to children, such as dental developmental difficulties, deep sedation of children, and treatment of special needs children. However, most children can be treated by a general dentist and at Hutto Premier Dentistry, most children are treated in our office without referral to another location.  As general dentists, we often have a relationship with the entire family and therefore have a great deal of family history knowledge, which may apply to your child.  We can also guide your child from the early years, through adolescence, and into a lifetime of healthy teeth as an adult.  Also, unlike some dental offices, at Hutto Premier Dentistry parents are always welcome to join us and watch us perform treatment on their child!

At Hutto Premier Dentistry, Dr. McEntire, Dr. Marek, and the entire team cater to kids.  With cartoons above our dental chairs, computer games, balloons, stickers, Mojo the Monkey, prizes, and a kid-friendly team, children find our office FUN! 

At Hutto Premier Dentistry, we offer surgical services including routine extractions, placement of dental implants, and removal of wisdom teeth. In regards to wisdom teeth, it is very common to not have enough space in one's mouth for all 32 permanent teeth. When this is the case, extraction is typically the best treatment to prevent future problems.  There are many reasons removing these teeth is beneficial. 
When there is limited space for wisdom teeth to erupt they may obtain partial eruption.  When a wisdom tooth is only partially erupted the surrounding gums are difficult to keep clean. Infection and inflammation are common even when there are no apparent symptoms.  Once inflammation takes hold, it becomes very difficult to eliminate and may spread to other teeth, or result in periodontal disease.  Gum disease and inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may led to receding gum tissues, deterioration of the jawbone, and tooth loss.

When space is even further limited, the wisdom teeth may remain impacted (surrounded by bone).  The most serious risk of an impacted wisdom tooth is the development of an associated cyst and/or tumor.  Removal of such lesions can require extensive surgical procedures to repair and restore jaw function and appearance.  

Even wisdom teeth that fully erupt and seem to be problem-free (asymptomatic) can remain a breeding ground for oral infection and inflammation.  Research supports the concept that such inflammation may enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development of a variety of diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.  Research also suggests that oral inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may contribute to pre-term or low birth weight infants.  When wisdom teeth erupt through the gum tissues, they rarely provide any meaningful function and are always difficult to keep clean.

Once it has been determined that a wisdom tooth will not successfully erupt into your mouth and be maintained in a healthy state, early removal of wisdom teeth is associated with faster and easier recovery.  With age, the chance for complications related to the removal of wisdom teeth increases.  At Hutto Premier Dentistry, Dr. McEntire and Dr. Marek can assist in evaluating wisdom tooth concerns.  We routinely provide removal of wisdom teeth with conscious sedation to allow for ultimate comfort.