Are Dental X-Rays Ok For Children Living In Birmingham Alabama

August 23, 2025  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Are Dental X-Rays Ok For Children

Dental x-rays are a common diagnostic procedure for children going to the dentist. X-rays are extremely safe.  So, are dental x-rays ok for children living in Birmingham Alabama?

Hence, if you’re concerned about whether your child needs dental x-rays, it might be helpful to dive a little deeper into what dental x-rays involve.  Moreover, if your wondering if your child should forego this procedure its always best to consult with your personal dentist.

When x-rays are taking correctly with the necessary safety precautions in place, there’s very little cause for concern with children.

Are Dental X-Rays Ok For Children?

are dental x-rays ok for children living in Birmingham Alabama

Many parents are concerned about the impact of dental x-rays on children. Children are more sensitive to radiation. Dental research shows that the amount of radiation in a dental x-ray is considered safe for a child. As children’s jaws and teeth are continuously changing, it’s important to keep an eye on their development. These x-rays perform many important purposes for young patients. They help dentists to:

  • Make sure the mouth is large enough to accommodate incoming teeth
  • Monitor the development of wisdom teeth
  • Determine whether primary teeth are loosening properly to accommodate new permanent teeth
  • Identify decay and gum disease early

It’s important for children to visit the dentist regularly, and to get x-rays as recommended by the dentist. The exact schedule for these x-rays will vary depending on the child’s individual needs.

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Teaching Our Kids About Good Oral Hygiene In Alabama

August 20, 2025  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Teaching our Kids About Good Oral Hygiene

As parents, we are constantly teaching our children. We teach our children their colors and numbers.  Oftentimes as parents we tend to forget how important it is, with teaching our kids about good oral hygiene in Alabama.

Good healthy dental hygiene habits are about more than not having bad breath.  Good oral hygiene helps keep our children healthy and feeling more confident with their smiles.

Below are a few suggestions that you can teach your children about good oral hygiene.

  1. Make dental visits at your local dentist a part of your child’s lifestyle. Starting dental visits for your child at the earliest age recommended and continuing through out their formative years is a great way to start teaching your child about the importance of good oral hygiene. Regular dental visits starting from around the age of one start to become a habit, a natural part of a child’s life.  This continues once they reach adulthood.
  2. Make Brushing Your Child’s Teeth A Habit Before The First Tooth. You can begin making brushing your child’s teeth a habit even before they have teeth. Wiping their gums with a soft washcloth will help to remove milk build up.
  3. By serving your children raw vegetables and fresh fruits while they are young, you will be teaching them to enjoy these teeth healthy foods. You should also teach them to brush their teeth after meals and to brush their teeth after drinking sugared drinks and eating sugary foods.
  4. Teaching your child to floss at a young age is important to their oral hygiene.

Teaching Our Kids About Good Oral Hygiene In Alabama

Like everything in life, our children learn best by example. By practicing good oral habits, you will be sending the message to your children that good oral hygiene is important. If you put both your own oral hygiene and your child’s at the top of your priority list, your child will grow up understanding how important caring for their teeth and gums is and will be more likely to give oral hygiene the time and attention it needs.

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Dental Implants And Hoover AL Dentists

August 13, 2025  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Dental Implants – Birmingham Dentists

Most modern dental implants are made of titanium and look similar in size and shape to the natural root of a tooth.  Dental implants – Dental implants and Hoover AL dentists place an implant in the upper or lower jaw, they often take CT scans, or three-dimensional images of the jaw, to find existing bone and its depth along with locations of nerves and sinuses.

If a patient has broken or missing teeth due to congenital defects, or decay, a dental implant is beneficial.  Dental implants are used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or the entire upper or lower jawline.

Details of the Procedure

When dentists place an implant in the upper or lower jaw, they often take CT scans, or three-dimensional images of the jaw, to find existing bone and its depth along with locations of nerves and sinuses. When placing the implant, modern technology allows for exact positioning. Safety during the surgical procedure, ensure that the implant is placed safely and correctly.

Healing Time

The healing time for a dental implant procedure is typically at least three weeks. Some patients’ implant procedures will take months to heal. This is less common and usually caused by an underlying medical condition or tobacco use. Total healing time also depends on the condition of the bone in your jaw.

Depending on the nature, it’s now possible to place an implant along with the abutment and crown in a single sitting. There are some constraints to this procedure, as the implant wouldn’t be able to withstand strong chewing force for several weeks or longer, but for many people, this is a ideal option.

Dental Implants And Hoover AL Dentists

Dental Implants – Birmingham Dentists

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants come with a number of benefits. A dental implant can protect the healthy bone within your jaw. Leaving spaces due to tooth loss or decay can lead to additional health concerns, such as additional bone loss, but a dental implant procedure can actually preserve and stimulate your bone to keep growing, preventing loss over time.

A dental implant will fuse with your bone and create a tooth that fits and feels like a natural tooth. With proper care, a dental implant can last for many years without failing or causing other issues. In fact, your implant could last for your entire lifetime. It may require some periodic adjustments but typically won’t need replacement.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Services In Hoover Alabama

August 8, 2025  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry Services Hoover Alabama

Dr. Sampson provides full cosmetic dentistry services in Hoover Alabama  Procedures can be completed in just one or two visits.  Dr. Sampson’s approach to cosmetic dentistry is completely customized, based on what each patient wants. Every patient is unique and has different needs and goals for their smile.

Same Day Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment 

First of all, at Sampson Dentistry, a smile makeover doesn’t have to take a long time to complete.  Cosmetic makeovers are often completed in just one or two visits, without skimping on quality.  Furthermore, veneers are often done in the office in one visit, or if  an external lab is needed, just two visits.

Experienced Cosmetic Dentist In Hoover, AL

In addition, Dr. Sampson has years of experience in cosmetic dentistry and has completed many smile makeovers.  Dr. Sampson has extensive cosmetic training and have a wide variety of procedures at his disposal, including veneers, crowns, implants, teeth whitening and gum recontouring.

Cosmetic Dentistry Services In Hoover Alabama

Nothing on your face makes a greater contribution to how you look than your smile. This is why so many patients embrace opportunities provided by cosmetic dentistry procedures to enhance their smiles.

Cosmetic Dentistry Services In Hoover Alabama

Most noteworthy, cosmetic dental procedures can offer several advantages, including brighter, whiter teeth, straighter teeth and correction of broken teeth, among many others. Most of all, we will replace missing teeth. When coupled with restorative procedures, you will have stronger teeth.

However, even if you are such a person, it may be difficult to understand and choose exactly what treatment options are right for you, but with assistance from a dental practitioner, you can get the way forward and select from a number of available avenues for improvement.

As a result, there are many forms of cosmetic treatments for your teeth to help you get a better looking smile over time, which is why you need the help of a professional to determine which options are healthy and safe for you depending on the state of your current smile.

Unfortunately, there are cases when individuals may still experience dental problems that can affect their oral health.  So to deal with dental issues properly, the best option is to visit Sampson Dentistry. Dr. Sampson can also provide you with the best cosmetic dentistry services you are looking for.

Cosmetic Dentistry Services In Hoover Alabama

  • smile analysis
  • detailed oral exam
  • consultation with the doctor
  • review before-and-after photos
  • we answer all your questions
  • written treatment plan

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Dental Restorations Hoover AL

August 5, 2025  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Full Mouth Dental Restoration Hoover Alabama

Sampson Dentistry specializes in dental implants in Hoover, AL. As a trusted partner in your commitment to oral health, our practice provides only optimum treatments to enhance and restore smiles.

If you have broken down, decayed or missing teeth, we offer full mouth dental restorations in Hoover AL. Dr. Sampson is highly experienced in performing full mouth dental restorations.

Dental Restorations Hoover AL

Dr. Sampson meticulously plans and prepares for each dental treatment, he will ensure that the resulting smile is beautiful, as well as healthy and well-functioning.

Custom Full Mouth Treatment Plan

Our Patients come see Dr. Sampson with a complex set of conditions. These conditions are missing teeth, a poorly aligned bite or broken-down teeth. After thorough diagnostics and a consultation, Dr. Sampson will provide treatment options that take into account his patient’s desires, circumstances, and budget.

In addition, he will take the time to make sure the patient understands the recommendations and help them decide which treatment would be best for them.

Comfortable Mouth Restoration Treatment

Dr. Sampson ensures all his patients are comfortable during a dental restorations treatment. Our practice has many comfort amenities. If you need extra help with anxiety during a dental restorations treatment, oral sedation is available.

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Hoover Dentist Treating Sensitive Teeth

August 1, 2025  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Treating Sensitive Teeth, Hoover Dental Clinics

So what causes sensitive teeth? 

Hoover dentists treating sensitive teeth. Inside of our teeth are made up of dentin, which has microscopic tubules that contain nerve endings similar to a sponge, or a sea sponge.

It’s covered by a hard layer of enamel and cementum, but if this layer is lost (some people have thicker layers of enamel than others) then the nerve endings are exposed and you’ll feel sensitive to cold, sweet, hot, things like that. And it sends a pain signal to your brain.

this is especially true, this time of year during summer when you’re having ice cream and cold beverages, which normally cause brain freezes, along with tooth pain.

Is there anything we can do to reduce tooth sensitivity?

A Dentist in Hoover Alabama can describe the symptoms of treating sensitive teeth. They can treat the underlying cause of the pain. Sometimes they’ll recommend a sensitivity toothpaste. And with those, you brush twice a day, just like a regular toothpaste, and it can take 2-4 weeks to see effects of it. It basically blocks up those little nerve endings from being sensitive.

If you need quick relief, there is a varnish that the dentist can place professionally, and that’s a lot stronger concentration and it lasts about 6 months. So it seals it up really well, even better than the toothpaste. But sometimes it’s due to clenching or grinding your teeth, so you might need a night guard.

What food should you stay away from.

Acidic foods can increase the sensitivity in your teeth because the acid erodes the enamel and makes it thinner. Acidic foods are wine, orange juice, oranges, lemon, pop especially because of the carbonic acid in the pop, and vinegars, things that are acidic will erode your tooth and make it more sensitive.

Sometimes the toothpaste for whitening teeth can cause sensitivity, so you might want to go between your sensitivity toothpaste and your whitening. You can use both of them.

Hoover Dentist Treating Sensitive Teeth

Hoover Dentist Treating Sensitive Teeth

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Energy, Health, Smiles, & White Peach Tea

November 3, 2024  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Hoover Alabama Dental Clinic

Energy, Health, Smiles, & White Peach Tea.  Sodas, energy drinks, and coffee are being consumed in record-breaking numbers. Our society absolutely craves energy boosts to get us through our “lives on the go”. Let’s face it…most of us are addicted to caffeine and will consume it in one way or another at some point every day!

So here’s the question: Is there a way to obtain your caffeine fix that’s actually good for you?

Actually….Yes. Ever thought about a good cup ah’ tea?

Energy, Health, Smiles, & White Peach Tea

Tea typically contains more caffeine than a coke, but less than a brew of coffee. It is also sugar-free, unless you choose to add some. Tea has long been known to have many systemic health benefits including: decreasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and boosting your immune system. More recently though, tea has been linked to GREATER ORAL HEALTH.

White tea is the least processed form of tea. Basically, the leaves are picked, dried, and that’s it. Because of this, it is the most antioxidant-rich tea there is, even more antioxidants than green tea. Recent research has found that consuming white tea can help prevent cavities and periodontal disease by suppressing the growth of cavity causing microbes and interfering with the bacteria’s ability to stick to teeth. People who drank a cup of tea or two between meals were found to have lower bacterial counts and less plaque than those who did not. A caffeine fix that promotes oral health….a dentist’s dream! The other great news is that white tea is not going to cause erosion of the teeth and unlike coffee and darker teas, white tea will cause minimal to no staining of those pearly whites.

There are many options for obtaining that small boost throughout your day. Consider replacing some of your other options with a nice cup of white tea. Not only will it give you a dose of caffeine, it will promote overall systemic and oral health.

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Dental Cavities Fillings And Hoover AL Dentists

October 30, 2024  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Hoover Alabama Dental Clinic

Your dental insurance will dictate the type of Dental Cavities fillings you can get.  Teeth fillings are made out of either white composite or metal. Dental cavities fillings and Hoover AL dentists are giving hoover dental patients something to smile about.

Metal fillings are a popular choice because they take less time to put in.  Metal fillings are also less expensive than composite fillings.

Dental Cavities fillings

Your dentist will remove the tooth decay from your mouth as necessary. Depending on how much damage the cavity has caused, the dentist will then fill the tooth or create a crown.

Dental Cavities Fillings And Hoover AL Dentists

Can Decay Recur With A Filling?

Teeth with cavities between them, even with decay removal and fillings, have a better chance of cavity recurrence than teeth with cavities on exposed surfaces. When decay comes back, the dentist will need to replace the filling to take care of the new decay and re-fill the tooth.

Trauma and Other Issues Also Require Fillings and Crowns

If trauma has happened to the tooth to cause a crack, a filling is necessary as well.  Dentists often opt for crowns on both front and back teeth instead of fillings in these instances, as the crown can provide more complete correction to the damaged or misshapen tooth than a filling could.

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Halloween Safety Tips Hoover AL

October 27, 2024  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
Halloween Safety Tips From Birmingham Dental

Halloween night is full of fun frights, but you absolutely do not want any scares where your child’s safety is concerned. Below are some halloween safety tips Hoover AL.

Halloween night sees twice as many accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles than any other night of the year.

Unfortunately, only one out of three parents have a talk with their kids about being safe during Halloween, despite being concerned about their child’s safety. Whether your child will be accompanied by an adult or they will be joining their friends to trick or treat, we want you and your family to have a fun-filled and safe Halloween.

Halloween Safety Tips Hoover AL

Talk about safety with your children before you head out for an fun evening of tricks and treats.

Can your Child See Properly?

Masks are a major safety concern for both children and adults as they greatly restrict the ability to see everything. Full coverage masks restrict how much you can hear. This makes it difficult to see obstacles and uneven walking surfaces in front of you.

Instead of using masks in costumes, consider using face paint or makeup to complete yours or your child’s costume.

Flashlights are also important to bring during your Halloween walk. Areas that are not well lit, flashlights make it easier to see.

Can They be Seen by Others?

Wearing dark colours at night while walking near traffic and roadways is an obvious danger that many overlook.

The best way to ensure that you and your family can be seen while walking around on Halloween night is to choose brightly coloured costumes and trick or treating bags, as well as using reflective tape. Reflective tape can be bought from most hardware stores for around $5 a roll and can make all the difference in making your family as visible as possible.

Putting a strip along your shoulders on your back and across your hips, chest, or down your legs, will ensure that you can be seen both coming and going.

Glow sticks and flashlights are another great way to make your family seen at night, and the variations in types of glow sticks and glow jewelry can make them a fun thing to wear.

 

Do They Have a Walking Buddy?

The general consensus is that children 12 years of age and younger should always be accompanied by an adult when out on Halloween night. Those who are older and choose not to be accompanied by an adult should have at least one walking budding with whom they go out on Halloween night and stick with for the entire evening.

Safety comes in groups since the little goblins and witches are easier to see, and less likely to be overlooked, compared to a single person. In general, groups of three to six are ideal.

 

Do They Know the Route?

If your child is going out on Halloween, have a conversation with them about the route they plan on walking. Planning out where they are going ensures that they don’t get lost.

Be sure that you discuss how to cross streets, and that they know to use pedestrian crosswalks (“look both ways!”), making sure that the drivers are stopped before trying to cross.

Can They Get in Contact With You?

Know who your children are going out on Halloween with.   Doesn’t matter if its with another adult or with their friends.  Be sure your children know how to get in contact with you.

Will They be Enjoying Treats?

Tell your children to only eating candy that is completely sealed.  Inform them only to eat the candy, while they are home.

Two main reasons: First, if your child has any allergies you can monitor what exactly they are eating.  Second, you can check for any hazards that can pose a potential threat to your child’s health.

Happy Halloween!

Is It Painful to Get a Crown Replaced?

October 25, 2024  |  by James Sampson  |  Blog
what causes tooth decay?

Replacing a crown generally involves some level of discomfort, but it should not be excessively painful. The procedure is usually carried out with the use of local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring minimal pain.

You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort as the dentist prepares the tooth and removes the old crown. Additionally, there might be sensitivity or soreness in the treated area after the anesthesia wears off.

If you experience any pain during the crown replacement or if the discomfort worsens, it is important to inform your dentist. The Dentist can make any necessary adjustments or provide appropriate pain relief measures.

When replacing a crown, the process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Evaluation: The dentist will examine the condition of the existing crown and the underlying tooth structure. They will assess whether a replacement is necessary and discuss the options with you.
  2. Numbing the area: Local anesthesia is administered to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. The dentist will wait for the anesthesia to take effect before proceeding.
  3. Removal of the old crown: Using dental tools, the dentist will carefully remove the old crown from the tooth. This may involve cutting and removing any cement or adhesive that was used to secure the crown in place.
  4. Impression: An impression of the prepared tooth is taken to create a custom-made crown that matches the shape and alignment of your other teeth. The impression may be done using a putty-like material or digitally scanned.
  5. Temporary crown: While waiting for the permanent crown to be created, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth. Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic or composite materials and are less durable than the final crown.
  6. Crown placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office for its placement. The dentist will remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of the new crown, and make any necessary adjustments. Once satisfied, the permanent crown is bonded or cemented onto the tooth.
  7. Bite adjustment and polishing: The dentist will ensure that your bite is properly aligned with the new crown. They may make minor adjustments to ensure a comfortable and functional bite. Finally, the crown is polished to give it a smooth and natural appearance.

Throughout the process, you may experience some discomfort or pressure, but it should not be overly painful. If you have concerns about pain or if you experience significant discomfort during or after the procedure, it’s important to communicate with your dentist so that they can address your needs.  Schedule an appointment with Sampson Dentistry if you are in need of a crown.

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