Family Dentistry

Parents who want their children to develop healthy habits know that they need to set a good example. Part of that is bringing them in for regular family dentistry checkups at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT.

Tooth decay is an increasingly common childhood health problem. There are strategies that any parent can use, to get their kids to brush and floss their teeth every day. Whatever you do, try not to make it a struggle!

When taking care of their teeth is fun, kids are more likely to practice dental hygiene well into adulthood. Just like adults, they should brush for at least two minutes. Two minutes is a long time for a kid. You can make that time go by quickly by singing a silly song while they brush. You can also offer incentives, like letting them stay up half an hour past bedtime if they do a good job. Positive reinforcement like that works wonders.

The dental care aisle at the grocery store has a lot of toothbrush options. Let your child pick out a fun brush – one with a favorite cartoon character, for example. Let them choose their own toothpaste, too. There are plenty of choices here, too, and at this age, the important thing is to establish healthy habits.

Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT provides general and family dentistry to patients of all ages. We also provide cosmetic dentistry, and for those coping with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Millions of Americans are enjoying the benefits of dental implants, many of them here in Murray UT.  Salt Lake Dental Care is a provider of these dental marvels.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into a patient’s jaw. They replace the missing tooth’s root, which helps the jawbone maintain its density and prevents bone recession. An artificial tooth is fitted on top of the titanium post.

One of the things that make dental implants so popular is that they blend in so easily with the patient’s remaining teeth. They look and function like natural teeth, and are therefore an excellent long-term solution.

For patients missing all of their teeth, implants can be used to anchor dentures, providing a much firmer, more secure fit. Many patients say they have renewed confidence in  themselves, after years of embarrassment caused by missing teeth.

To find out more about dental implants from Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, contact our office. We also provide general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

At Salt Lake Dental Care, we are passionate about success. Our experience, ability, and commitment to excellence results in positive outcomes every day. Each team member at Salt Lake Dental Care this passion for success.

What does dental success mean to you?

For many our patients, success is a routine check-up that reveals healthy teeth and no cavities. For others, success is a stunning smile makeover using porcelain veneers or teeth whitening.

We also enjoy completing successful teeth-straightening procedures for youth and adults. Though these transformations are usually longer-term, the results are no less extraordinary. We provide Invisalign clear braces, and Six Month Smiles clear braces.

Sometimes, success is as simple as helping a nervous patient feel relaxed during their appointment. We provide sedation dentistry for those coping with dental anxiety.

At Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, our success depends on your complete smile satisfaction. We provide general and family dentistry to patients of all ages. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

If you have a toddler who has not yet had that first trip to the dentist, we invite you to make an appointment with us at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT. Our family dentistry is for people of all ages.

The the best time to start dental check-ups for young children is when their teeth first come in, or by their first birthday. This may seem a bit early, but it’s the best way to get them started on the path to lifelong oral health.

National studies show that more and more preschool-aged children are getting cavities. Some are showing signs of tooth decay as early as age two. Children with an increased risk of dental problems should receive a dental examination as early as possible. Here are some of the risk factors:

• Sleeping with a bottle
• Drinking juice repeatedly during the day
• Abnormal tooth development
• Thumb sucking
• Tooth grinding
• A mother with significant tooth decay
• Other physical problems

When you bring your toddler in, we’ll analyze the condition of his or her teeth and identify potential problems. It’s helpful for parents to get a review of proper oral hygiene for young children. You can also learn about preventative measures, such as dental sealants and fluoride supplements.

Make an appointment, and bring your questions, too. Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT provides general and family dentistry, as well as popular cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Give us a call today!

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Too many people see a dentist’s office as a painful place. At Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, we dispel that with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Even so, when patients hear they need a root canal, a lot of them can’t help getting tense.

It doesn’t need to be that way. Patients need to get a root canal because of an infected tooth. That tooth is usually giving them pain, sometimes a lot of pain. A root canal relieves it, and saves the tooth. The procedure itself is painless.

The term “root canal” comes from the fact that we clean out the canals inside the tooth’s root. We remove bacteria, soft tissue, decayed nerve tissue, and any debris. The tooth is then sealed, and a crown is put in place.

Most root canals are successful, and result in the infected tooth being saved. The only alternative is to have the tooth extracted. As worrisome as it might be to hear you need a root canal, the alternative is worse.

We want root canals, and all other procedures, to be as comfortable as possible. We have several sedation dentistry options: nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, which involves taking a sedative beforehand, and IV sedation, which is administered intravenously.

Nitrous oxide wears off quickly. But those who get oral conscious sedation or IV sedation will need a ride home afterward.

In addition to root canals, Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT provides general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

At Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, it’s not uncommon to see patients with stress-related dental issues. You might not realize it, but stress can do a number on your oral health and your perfect smile.

Mouth sores, clenching and grinding, gum disease, and poor oral hygiene can all be exacerbated by stress.

People who have difficulty managing stress need to realize it can increase the risk of getting mouth sores such as cankers and cold sores. Most canker sores only last 7-10 days, but for relief from the irritation, we recommend an over-the-counter topical anesthetic.

Clenching and grinding the teeth is common, and many people do it unconsciously. We can determine whether a night guard or other dental appliance is appropriate to reduce grinding.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is exacerbated by stress because stress can result in an increase in dental plaque.

As a final note, many people are more likely to neglect their dental health routine when they are under stress. They also tend to eat more sugary snacks when they’re under stress.

Protect your perfect smile! If you’re concerned about the effect stress is having on your teeth, schedule an appointment at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT. We offer general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Make an appointment today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Every health-conscious parent in Salt Lake City knows that sugar is the number one cause of cavities. And cavities are a central concern of family dentistry.

The jury is still out on whether sugar has much nutritional value. But there is little doubt that sugar is a villain when it comes to tooth decay.

Because of cavity risks and high calorie content, many parents want to limit the sugar in their children’s diets. Obviously, there is a lot of sugar in a vast array of readily-available sweets, like bubble gum, lollipops, and gummy candy. But there is also hidden sugar a lot of processed foods.

The following snacks may have more sugar than you think:

• yogurt (and yogurt-covered raisins)
• fruit snacks including the roll-up and syrup-filled varieties
• rice cakes
• juice drinks
• flavored milk
• barbecue sauce
• fruit smoothies
• cereal bars

Controlling sugar intake in your child’s diet is essential for lifelong oral health. When choosing lunchbox or after-school snacks, read the labels. Sugar content varies among brands.

Sugar is not the only thing to watch out for. If your child’s diet is lacking key vitamins and minerals, the tissues in their mouth may have trouble fighting infection. These infections can lead to gum disease.

At Salt Lake Dental Care, services include cosmetic dentistry for Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. We also provide high-quality general and family dentistry. If you have a toddler who has not yet visited a dentist, call us today to schedule a first-time dental check-up.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Have you been searching for the right way to fix your damaged, unsightly teeth? At Salt Lake Dental Care, we specialize in porcelain veneers, a minimally-invasive solution for cracked, stained, or chipped teeth.

Porcelain veneers are custom-fitted porcelain shells that are permanently attached to the surface of your teeth. They can mask a host of imperfections and give you the sort of smile you might not have thought possible.

A veneer can perfect a tooth’s color, shape, size, or length. The porcelain closely resembles real life tooth enamel, so you will look like you were born with a perfect smile. They are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth – naturally perfect teeth, that is.

Because veneers are custom-fitted to your teeth, you can fix chips and crack in a single procedure, all without compromising healthy tooth structure.

At Salt Lake Dental Care, we also provide cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and dental implants. Visit our smile gallery to see what we can do for you. We also provide comprehensive dental care with general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Q: For Salt Lake City residents: When is the least expensive dental implant really the most expensive?

A: When it ends up costing more in the long run.

Too often, people who lose a tooth don’t understand the importance of replacing it with a dental implant. They believe that one missing tooth is not a significant problem. In fact, some people who have an abscessed tooth extracted are so glad the pain is gone, they forget that the extraction is not the solution. When a tooth is lost, the risk of losing the adjacent teeth increases dramatically.

Dr. David Scharf, a Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon and a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University College of Dentistry says:

“Many times consumers will choose to replace a missing tooth with a removable partial denture because it is the least expensive option. In the long run, however, removable partial dentures may be more costly due the loss of adjacent teeth and the need for future replacements. Many people opt to replace teeth with dental implants because they do not compromise the survival of the adjacent teeth.”

Dr. Scharf continues:

“With the price of gasoline and food soaring, people try to cut back wherever they can. Unfortunately, choosing the least expensive options for tooth replacement can have some very costly ramifications down the road.”

If you are missing a tooth, you may be able to save the adjacent teeth if receive an implant soon. An implant bonds with the jaw bone and helps maintain its stability.

To schedule a dental implant consultation, call Salt Lake Dental Care. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we provide comprehensive general dentistry.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin said that long ago, but at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT, we know it still applies to many aspects of modern life, like keeping your smile beautiful and healthy.

Keeping your teeth healthy is done most effectively with preventative measures. Some of the most important guidelines are highlighted here.

1. Make a habit of brushing your teeth. Do it twice a day for 2 minutes. Be sure to use an ADA approved toothpaste and toothbrush.

2. Don’t forget to floss! Flossing between your teeth daily will do wonders for your smile, and keep your gums healthy too.

3. Wear a protective mouthguard whenever you play sports, or are engaged in an activity where your mouth could be damaged.

4. Don’t smoke. As if you needed yet another reason not to!

5. Avoid piercing your lips, tongue, cheek, or any other part of your mouth. Piercings put you at greater risk for chipped teeth, infection and nerve damage. It’s a dubious fashion that you should avoid.

6. Stay away from snacks that have a lot of sugar or starch.

7. Schedule regular dental visits, of course!

At Salt lake Dental Care, helping our patients establish good habits is important. So is helping them achieve the smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107