A dentist shows a dental model to a smiling young girl and a woman, likely her mother, in a dental office.

Why Is It Better to Go to a Family Dentist?

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Going to a family dentist in Jacksonville, FL has many advantages. Family dentists are practices that offer a wide range of general services. If you’re a person with a family who would like to take your entire family to one dental practice, a family dentist may be your best option. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Family Dentist?

A family dentist is a dental professional that offers services that can help patients of all ages. Family dentists can treat patients as young as one-year-old or patients as old as 100 (and older!). When you bring your child to the family dentist, you’re bringing them to a dental professional that they may be able to continue seeing their entire life.

What Are the Advantages of a Family Dentist?

Below are some of the advantages of seeing a family dentist:

  • You can continue to see a family dentist your entire life; you do not need to switch dentists when you reach a certain age limit.
  • Your family dentist should offer enough services that you can get all of your basic care – and some specialty care – from your dentist.
  • Family dentists have excellent patient care practices that can help patients of all ages feel comfortable when they go to the dentist.

Want to Take Your Family to a Family Dentist? Call Today.

At Dr. Matt Henry, we offer family-friendly dental services for patients in Jacksonville, FL. We’re committed to helping you. If you want family-friendly dental care, call today to make a dental appointment. Find out what a difference it makes when you take your whole family to Dr. Matt Henry.

A dentist wearing a white coat and gloves talks to a smiling patient sitting in a dental chair, with certificates on the wall in the background.

Avoid These Things Before Your Next Dental Appointment

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At Dr. Matt Henry, we strive to make every visit as comfortable and productive as possible. From the moment you step into our office to the time you leave the dentist’s chair, we want your experience to be a positive one. To that end, here are some things you should avoid before your next dental visit so that your time with your Jacksonville, FL dentist is as productive as it can be.

Forgetting Needed Information

Were you referred to our office by another dentist? It’s helpful to have your records transferred to us ahead of time so that we have a chance to review them and also so we don’t have to redo exams or recent digital imaging in order to diagnose and treat you. Anything you can provide in terms of records and contact information will be very helpful as far as expediting your visit.

Making Big Plans After Major Procedures

If you’re having anything major done during your visit, such as restorative dentistry in Jacksonville, FL, you should avoid making big plans on the day of and perhaps the next couple of days after your appointment. You should go easy on yourself and give yourself time to adjust and recuperate after certain procedures; first for yourself, and second for the better outcome for what you had done.

Skipping Your Usual Oral Hygiene Routine

Even if you’re getting a professional cleaning, don’t skip brushing and flossing before your appointment. Arriving with clean teeth makes it easier for the dental team to examine your mouth and focus on areas that may need special attention.

To book your next appointment at Dr. Matt Henry, contact us today and we can get you set up for a dental visit that best suits your schedule. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Family Smiling

3 Benefits of Choosing a Family Dentist

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When many people consider dentists interchangeable, they may not understand why they would want to see a family dentist. However, the right staff can provide more than just convenience and professionalism. We’ll look at why visiting an office exclusively dedicated to your family matters.

1. Your Records Are in One Spot

Most parents know what it’s like to answer the same questions about their kids from multiple providers. With a family dentist in Jacksonville, FL, you can keep everyone’s dental records in one place. By consolidating everything, you can get everyone on the same schedule, so there are fewer chances that you miss one kid’s checkup. Plus, you get your own reminders to visit the dentist!

2. Family Dentists Can Work with Kids

There’s a fairly common trend in dental marketing these days that openly acknowledges people’s fear of the dentist and reassures patients that the practice can help. This fear often starts early, which is why it’s so important to nip the problem as quickly as possible. A pediatric dental staff can work with your kids, whether that means having a gentle touch or using sedation tactics to calm even the most nervous of kids.

3. You Can Improve the Whole Family’s Dental Health

Visiting the dentist as a family can be as important as sitting down together to have dinner. This is more than just an errand or a chore, it’s a healthy activity that everyone can benefit from.

While loading up the car to go to the dentist may not be as fun as, say, going to an amusement park, you can start building positive connotations of the dentist in Jacksonville, FL at an early age. If you’re ready to switch up your routine, contact Dr. Matt Henry to get everyone under one roof.

Family Smiling

4 Benefits of Having a Family Dentist 

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Are you exploring options for dental care for yourself and your kids? You don’t have to go to separate places for these services. At Dr. Matt Henry, our dentist in Jacksonville, FL, provides family dental care for adults and children. Here’s why seeing a family dentist can be the best option for you and your loved ones!

Convenient Appointment Scheduling

Having to find time for dental visits for everyone in your family is difficult when you go to different dental offices. But family dentistry allows you to go to the same office, making it much easier to set up appointments for yourself and your children.

Comprehensive Care for Everyone in One Place

With a family dentist, you don’t have to find and visit separate places for pediatric care, adult care, and other dental work. Your whole family can see our dental team for cleanings and other services, such as fillings or sealants.

Comfort and Familiarity for Kids

Having the entire family see the same dentist can help your children feel more at ease. They’ll get used to going to the same office each time. Knowing that our family dentist also takes care of your teeth might also help your kids feel more comfortable.

Centralized Family Dental Records

When you visit a family dentist, all dental records for yourself and your loved ones are in one spot. That makes it easy to access them if needed.

Visit Our Family Dentist for Quality Care!

Looking for a dental team to care for your whole family? We can help! At Dr. Matt Henry, we offer family dentistry in Jacksonville, FL. We provide dental exams and cleanings and other dental care for patients of all ages!

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 Is Thumb Sucking Bad?

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Babies like to suck on things and put things in their mouths. Some babies like to suck their own thumb. Doing this brings them comfort and helps them regulate their emotions.

While there’s nothing wrong with your child doing this at a very young age, eventually it can impact their physical development. Your child’s dentist in Jacksonville, FL, can provide guidance. At Dr. Matt Henry, we help parents take care of our youngest patient’s dental health.

What Is the Problem With Thumb Sucking?

When your baby is young, thumb sucking is not a problem. Many children stop this habit by the time they’re between 2 and 4 years old.

If your child sucks their thumb when they’re five years or older, this could impact the development of their palate or the formation of their teeth. They may eventually need braces.

Many experts recommend that children stop sucking their thumb by the time they’re about five years old. The severity of the problem depends on how often your child sucks their thumb, how hard they suck when they’re doing it, and other factors.

What Can I Do to Help My Child Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums?

You can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums by seeking services from a reputable family dentist in Jacksonville, FL. At Dr. Matt Henry, we can provide guidance as you learn to take care of your child’s teeth. We perform dental exams and cleanings to help little ones maintain healthy teeth.

Your child should start having dental exams by the time they’re one year old. If your child is older than one year and hasn’t yet seen the dentist, give us a call to make your child’s first appointment.

A young child with light brown hair wearing a white shirt stands near a white crib, looking at the camera while sucking their thumb.

Is Your Child Too Young for Dental Care?

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It’s never too early to start quality dental care habits. Even if your baby hasn’t even started teething yet, they will still benefit from a check-up. If your child is at least one year of age, or their baby teeth are already protruding, we are ready to provide top-grade dental care for you and your family.

The adept team at Dr. Matt Henry Dental in Jacksonville, FL, is proud to serve the local community with top-notch dental care services and pediatric and family care so that you can rest assured that we are doing everything possible to ensure that the smiles of tomorrow prosper.

Signs Your Child May Need a Dental Checkup

You might think your baby is too young for dental issues, but trust us, it happens. Keep an eye out for these signs:

  1. Teething Troubles: Sore gums, drooling, and fussiness can be signs of teething, but if it’s really bothering your little one, it’s time to chat with our pediatric dentist.
  2. White Spots on Teeth: These can be an early sign of tooth decay. Catching it early can save you a world of hurt later.
  3. Thumb-Sucking or Pacifier Habits: If your child is a big fan of sucking their thumb or pacifier, it can affect their teeth and bite.

Your Partners in Quality Dental Care

Check-ups are essential and should be done more frequently for children. During our first consultation and examination, we’ll determine the right course of action and establish a regular cadence for check-ups.

We believe pediatric care takes patience and attention to detail, which is why we look forward to helping you and your child feel at ease with your oral care.

During your next appointment with the qualified team at Dr. Matt Henry Dental in Jacksonville, FL, you can be sure you receive the utmost care and guidance you and your family deserve.

A woman with curly hair and glasses uses dental floss to clean her teeth, smiling and looking to the side against a pink background.

Floss Regularly? You Still Need a Checkup!

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This may have happened to you before. You regularly follow a schedule of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Although your teeth feel clean, perhaps you have noticed a “film” on your teeth.

You may have also noticed that your teeth could be whiter than they are, and even after many rounds of oral care routine, you just can’t achieve the level of white that you desire.

The gifted team at Dr. Matt Henry Dental in Jacksonville, FL, is proud to serve the local community with top-notch dental care services, including thorough checkups and examinations, so that we can detect any dental problems or possible issues before they grow to become more severe and costly.

Why You Still Need to See Your Dentist

Checkups and dental cleanings are essential, even with your current routine and habits.

A dental cleaning is like a deep clean for your mouth, getting rid of plaque and tartar that even your toothbrush can’t reach.

Here are some benefits you can enjoy:

  1. Catch Problems Early: Our dentist has eagle eyes for spotting tiny troublemakers like cavities or gum disease before they become big problems.
  2. Pro Tips and Tricks: The team can give personalized tips on brushing, flossing, and other oral care habits.
  3. Beyond the Basics: Dentists can check for things you can’t see, like oral cancer or jaw problems.

Your Professional Dental Care Partners

It’s time to invest in your health. Regular check-ups are essential to making sure everything is going well.

While it is essential to follow an oral care routine at home, it’s good to have the peace of mind that nothing else is going in that you (and we!) are unaware of.

During your next appointment with the skilled team at Dr. Matt Henry Dental in Jacksonville, FL, you can be sure you receive the utmost care and guidance you and your loved ones deserve.

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Root Canal Treatment vs. Tooth Extraction

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Root canals and tooth extractions are some of the most common dental treatments out there. While one is complex, the other is more straightforward.

In this post, we’ll talk more about these popular dental treatments, including how they work, their benefits, and why you may choose one over the other.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

When you experience an infection in your tooth pulp, you’ll most likely need root canal treatment. Tooth pulp is found deep within your teeth, consisting of nerves, connective tissue, blood vessels, and specialized cells. If your tooth pulp gets exposed, whether from decay or an injury, bacteria can seep its way into this area, which can lead to an infection.

Root canal treatment involves the removal of this infected or damaged tooth pulp. Dentists use special instruments to eliminate the infection before disinfecting and filling the canals. The final step involves sealing the tooth and placing a crown on top. However, dental crowns are not needed in all cases.

Think you may need a root canal? Look no further than the office of Dr. Matt Henry! We’re happy to offer the most trusted root canal treatment in Jacksonville, FL. Call us today to make an appointment!

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is when a tooth is completely removed from its socket. There are many reasons why a dentist may pull a tooth, including if you have:

  • Severe tooth decay
  • Crowded teeth
  • An impacted tooth
  • Severe gum disease
  • Fractured teeth
  • Serious dental injuries

Contact us today if you think a tooth extraction is right for you!

Which Option Is Best?

Deciding on one option over the other really depends on your oral health needs and personal preferences. While root canals are effective, it’s possible the infection can return in the future. If you choose a tooth extraction, you’ll then have to decide on a tooth replacement solution.

Whatever route you take, the office of Dr. Matt Henry is here every step of the way. Contact us today to make an appointment with the best dentist in Jacksonville, FL!

Woman sitting in a dental chair, wearing a red top and a dental bib, smiling at the camera in a modern dental clinic.

4 Benefits of Routine Dental Checkups

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Are you due for a dental checkup? It’s important to have these checkups regularly, about every six months. During these appointments, your provider will examine your teeth and gums, clean your mouth, and diagnose any oral health problems you may have.

If you want to schedule adental checkup in Jacksonville, FL, look no further than the office of Dr. Matt Henry. With several years of experience in the field, we’re the name you can trust for reliable dental care!

In this post, we’ll discuss 4 benefits of routine dental visits.

Prevent Serious Dental Issues

If you avoid dental checkups, issues can pop up in a hurry. Furthermore, they can become much worse if left untreated. During a dental checkup, your provider examines your teeth and looks for any areas of concern. If they find something, they can treat the issue right away before it gets more severe.

Diagnose Oral Health Problems

While it’s important to catch problems before they get worse, it’s even more vital to diagnose issues in the first place. Getting a diagnosis is crucial for getting the treatment you need. Dental checkups make this possible.

Saves You Money

Visiting the dentist for a checkup can also save you money in the long run! For example, if your provider finds a cavity, they can treat it with a filling before it worsens. If this problem goes undetected, it can lead to pain, severe decay, tooth loss, and very high dental bills. Preventative care like this can save you thousands!

Fewer Dental Issues

Those who visit the dentist regularly typically experience fewer dental problems overall. This is because their provider looks over their dental health every six months, allowing them to wipe away bacteria and fix any problems before they get worse.

Ready to schedule a checkup? Contact the office of Dr. Matt Henry today to work with the topdentist in Jacksonville, FL!

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Dr. Matt Henry – What to Look For in a Family Dentist

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There are lots of benefits to having a family dentist in Jacksonville, FL. But how do you go about choosing a dentist who will be ideal for all the members of your family, from your youngest child all the way up to the adults? When you’re ready to simplify and improve your family’s oral health, here are the things you should look for when choosing a family dentist.

Family-friendly Atmosphere

Since a family dentist will be welcoming all age groups to the office, a family-friendly atmosphere is a must. This means that there should be a waiting area with parts for adults to wait for and an area where youngsters can play while they are waiting to be seen. It also means that there should be reading materials like magazines for adults, teens, and little tikes to enjoy.

Equipment For All Ages

Little mouths are smaller than adult-sized mouths. As such, youngsters need a different set of instruments. A good family dentist will have equipment that’s suited for youngsters rather than trying to fit larger-sized instruments in small mouths.

Flexible Office Hours

A family dentist needs to be open and available for appointments at times where it’s possible for all members of the family to attend. Since they will be treating professional adults, teens with busy school schedules and youngsters who need plenty of sleep in the mornings, flexible office hours are very helpful.

Comprehensive Services

A good family dentist should offer a wide range of dental services to cater to different needs, including preventive care, restorative treatments, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. This ensures that all family members, from young children to adults, can receive appropriate care under one roof without the need to visit multiple specialists.

When you need a good family dentist in Jacksonville, FL, visit Dr. Matt Henry. We pride ourselves in attending to the oral health care needs of many families in the North Florida area. Contact us today to learn more.