Graceful Smiles Dentistry

When Should a Person Switch Dentists?

Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the Richmond area.

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your next dental practice. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provide exceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients!

What Are Some Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Dental Practices?

  • Your dentist has retired or moved
  • You have decided to move away from the area
  • Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
  • Getting to your dentist is difficult, and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
  • The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need
  • Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a better fit
  • You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
  • Your dental insurance has changed
  • You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Making sure the new dentist is a good fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about what type of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better and if so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family. Research if the practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need that type of treatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

Do your research and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications or background. Read about the mission statement to understand the practice values, and how the practice is run. Make sure the facility is updated, and has the latest technology and advanced procedures available.

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visit to check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and if your family would benefit from joining the practice. 


When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during your visit, and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of the office to ensure the practice meets your expectations.

Schedule with Dr. Elsa Mammen in Richmond, TX!

Looking for a quality Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist near you, contact Dr. Elsa Mammen for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Dr. Mammen in Richmond, TX, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

What is Better for a Tooth Cavity? – A Dental Filling or a Root Canal?

When patients have cavities the surface of the tooth is permanently damaged, and tiny holes develop. They can be caused by bacteria, the food you eat or drink, and poor oral hygiene. The severity of the decay, and the condition of the tooth will determine what course of treatment is best. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we provide many services for our patients, and your health is our first priority. 

Our team will always try and save your tooth, and clear away any infection. Many patients enter our dental office in Richmond, TX with symptoms that something is wrong, but in some cases cavities are found during our normal dental exams.

If you have extensive decay, and the infection has reached the pulp area of the tooth, a root canal may be needed. Both fillings and root canals are great ways to save teeth, and prevent further decay or infection. We always choose the best treatment option depending on the condition of the tooth.

When is a Tooth Filling Needed?

Tooth fillings are used for smaller cavities that have not reached the pulp of the tooth. Fractured teeth that are not infected can also be saved using a filling. The area of decay is cleaned out, and then filled with a tooth-colored composite material. This material keeps the tooth intact, and helps to prevent further issues with the tooth in the future.

What Are Some Symptoms That I May Need a Dental Filling?

  • Here are some symptoms and signs that may indicate that you may need to get a dental filling in Richmond with Graceful Smiles
  • Sharp or throbbing pain in or around a tooth
  • Your tooth is changing color, or spots can be seen on the surface of the tooth
  • You experience pain while chewing or biting
  • Your tooth is cracked or injured
  • You have a cracked or missing filling

     

When is a Root Canal Needed?

Root canals may be needed if they area of decay is severe, and the infection has reached the pulp area of the tooth. If a tooth is injured or cracked, and has been left untreated, the tooth may have an infection and need root canal therapy. With root canal therapy the infected pulp area is cleaned out and sealed to restore the tooth. If needed, a dental crown may be used to fully restore the tooth’s functionality.

What Are Some Symptoms That Indicate I May Need a Root Canal?

Here are some symptoms and signs that may indicate that you may need to get a root canal in Richmond with Dr. Elsa Mammen:

  • You experience severe tooth pain
  • Gums are tender and swollen around the tooth
  • Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Chewing or putting pressure on the tooth causes severe pain
  • The tooth has changed color
  • A bump has appeared on the gum area around the tooth
Schedule with Dr. Elsa Mammen in Richmond, TX!

Looking for Root Canals and Dental Fillings Near You?

If you are looking to find an amazing dental practice in near you, consider visiting our office! We provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, and provide superior dental care in Richmond, TX. Our patients are treated like family, and your oral health is our first priority. We service your entire family, and offer many dental services using state of the art technology.

Building a relationship with our patients is important, and our goal is to give patients beautiful smiles. We welcome all new patients, and encourage each patient to tour our office and meet our amazing doctors and staff.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation visit with us please contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you!