Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cavities don't arrive fully formed—they develop quietly, often without symptoms until they've already caused significant damage. We provide expert tooth fillings, but understanding a cavity’s progression can help you avoid decay in the first place.

How Tooth Cavities Develop

Typically, cavities progress in the following sequence: 

• Bacteria in plaque produce acids that begin dissolving tooth enamel
• A small, often undetectable soft spot forms on the tooth surface
• The decay penetrates deeper into the tooth's softer dentin layer
• Without treatment, bacteria reach the inner pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels
• Infection develops, potentially leading to abscess, severe pain, and tooth loss

This progression explains why regular dental checkups are crucial—they allow Dr. Abed to detect decay in its earliest stages when treatment is simpler, less expensive, and more conservative. Waiting until pain strikes often means the decay has already caused significant damage.

What You Can Do to Avoid Cavities

For most people, cavities are completely avoidable with a few simple steps. 

• Brush at least twice daily and floss once.
• Visit the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings
• Eat healthy, nutritious foods low in carbs, acid, and sugar.

If you suspect you have tooth decay or are due for your next dental checkup, call Smiles Art Dentistry in Houston, TX, to schedule an appointment.

Several effective cosmetic dental treatments can close gaps between teeth without traditional metal braces. At Smiles Art Dentistry in Houston, Dr. Abed offers multiple solutions to address tooth spacing issues.

Closing Tooth Gaps without Braces

• Invisalign® Clear Aligners — These transparent, removable aligners gradually shift teeth into the proper position without metal brackets or wires. This option is ideal for moderate spacing issues and a discreet appearance during treatment.
• Porcelain Veneers — Custom-designed thin ceramic shells can instantly transform your smile by covering gaps. Perfect for front teeth with spacing issues, we can usually complete veneers in just two appointments.
• Dental Bonding — This cost-effective solution uses tooth-colored composite resin expertly shaped to extend the edges of teeth and close small to medium gaps. This single-visit procedure requires no removal of healthy tooth structure.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The ideal treatment depends on the size of the gaps, your timeline, budget, and long-term goals. Dr. Abed will evaluate these factors during your consultation and recommend the most appropriate solution for your unique situation.

Transform Your Smile without Metal Braces

Ready to close those pesky gaps for a more confident smile? Call Smiles Art Dentistry at (713) 266-2265 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Abed and discover your options for a seamless, beautiful smile.

Dental crowns typically last between 5 and 15 years, though they can last 20 years or even longer with proper care. The lifespan of your crown depends on several factors, including the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and wear and tear on the crown.

Factors That Affect Crown Longevity

• Material Used— All-ceramic, zirconia, and gold crowns have varying durability.
• Oral Hygiene — Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help prevent decay to keep underlying teeth healthy. 
• Bite and Teeth Grinding — Clenching or grinding can put excessive pressure on a crown, shortening its lifespan.
• Location in the Mouth — Crowns on molars undergo more pressure from chewing and may wear faster than front teeth.
• Routine Dental Care — Regular dental checkups allow our dentist to monitor the crown’s condition and address issues early.

Maximize Your Crown's Lifespan

At Smiles Art Dentistry, high-quality materials and precise techniques ensure crowns fit perfectly and function comfortably. To extend your crown’s lifespan, we recommend the following steps:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth during sleep
• Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite hard objects
• Attend regular check-ups so we can monitor your crown's condition

If you think you need a dental crown in Houston or have questions about an existing one, call Smiles Art Dentistry at (713) 266-2265 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Abed.

Getting a dental implant at Smiles Art Dentistry is straightforward and efficient, thanks to advanced technology and Dr. Abed’s skill and expertise.

Steps for Getting a Dental Implant

You can expect multiple steps that occur over several months, including: 

1. Comprehensive Consultation — Dr. Abed evaluates your oral health, discusses your goals, and uses advanced imaging to assess bone structure and plan optimal implant positioning.
2. Preparation Phase — If needed, we will perform preliminary procedures like extractions, bone grafting, or sinus lifts to create the ideal foundation for the implant. 
3. Implant Placement — Dr. Abed positions the titanium implant post precisely in the jawbone during a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia for comfort
4. Healing Period — Over several months, the implants undergo osseointegration—a remarkable process in which they fuse with your jawbone, creating permanent anchors for your new teeth.
5. Final Restoration — Once integration is complete, Dr. Abed places your custom-designed crowns, bridges, or dentures, completing your smile transformation.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

Dr. Abed would love to meet with you to discuss your goals, evaluate your needs, and see if a dental implant in Houston is the best choice for you. Call us today at (713) 266-2265 to schedule an appointment to get started.

Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for emergency dental treatments, though benefits vary widely. Insurance companies typically recognize the urgent nature of dental emergencies and will cover procedures necessary to relieve severe pain, control bleeding, or treat acute infections.

Emergency Dental Insurance Coverage

Coverage varies significantly between insurance providers and individual plans. While emergency exams may be covered by as much as 100 percent, procedures resulting from the exam—fillings, extractions, and root canals—may be covered anywhere from 50 to 80 percent. We recommend contacting your insurance provider so you know what to expect if a dental emergency does arise.

How Our Team Can Help

At Smiles Art Dentistry, we understand that dealing with insurance during a dental emergency is the last thing you want to worry about. Our experienced team will:

• Verify your insurance benefits quickly 
• Explain what portion of emergency treatment your plan will likely cover
• Provide cost estimates for any out-of-pocket expenses before beginning treatment
• Help file your insurance claims accurately to maximize your benefits
• Assist with financing options like CareCredit if needed

Don't Delay Emergency Dental Treatment

If you're experiencing a dental emergency, call Smiles Art Dentistry at (713) 266-2265. We offer same-day emergency appointments at our Houston office and will work with your insurance to make treatment as affordable as possible.

Even with excellent home care habits, professional dental cleanings are essential for optimal oral health. While at-home oral hygiene is crucial, even the most dedicated brushers and flossers can't reach all areas where bacteria hide and cannot remove hardened tartar that forms over time.

The Importance of Routine Teeth Cleanings 

Preventing dental issues is always easier than treating them after they develop. Our hygienists can identify potential conditions during your six-month cleaning before they become painful or expensive problems. 

• Professional dental tools can reach areas between teeth and below the gumline that a toothbrush and floss can't.
• Only professional cleaning can remove tartar (calcified plaque) once it has hardened on teeth.
• Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease, which is linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes
• Professional polishing removes surface stains that regular brushing cannot eliminate.

The Smiles Art Dentistry Difference

At Smiles Art Dentistry, our skilled hygienists provide thorough, gentle cleanings customized to your needs. Dr. Abed recommends that most patients visit every six months for professional cleanings, though some patients with gum disease or other conditions may benefit from more frequent visits.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today

Don't compromise your oral health by skipping professional cleanings. Call Smiles Art Dentistry at (713) 266-2265 to schedule your appointment at our comfortable Houston dental office, where we make preventive care a positive, relaxing experience.

The benefits of a straight smile extend beyond appearance. There are several reasons why straightening your teeth with clear aligners contributes to overall oral health, including:

• Make brushing and flossing more effective, reducing decay and gum disease
• Create proper bite function that prevents excessive wear on teeth
• Reduce strain on jaw joints that can lead to TMJ issues
• Decrease the risk of chips and cracks from improper bite force
• Improve speech and chewing function

Whether you've lived with crooked teeth your entire life or experienced shifting after previous orthodontic treatment, Invisalign® is an effective, nearly-invisible solution that won't disrupt your lifestyle. 

Social Benefits of a Straight Smile

Beyond the physical health advantages, straight teeth can significantly impact your quality of life in other ways. You'll notice a confidence boost and feel more at ease showing off your smile. In turn, you'll experience more comfortable social interactions and create more positive first impressions.

Clear Aligner Treatment at Smiles Art Dentistry

Dr. Abed offers Invisalign® clear aligner therapy, so you can straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably. Unlike traditional metal braces, these custom-made removable aligners fit your lifestyle without dietary restrictions or complicated cleaning routines.

Transform Your Smile and Health

Ready to experience the benefits of properly aligned teeth? Contact Smiles Art Dentistry at (713) 266-2265 to schedule your Invisalign consultation with Dr. Abed at our Houston dental practice.

Transforming your smile with porcelain veneers at Smiles Art Dentistry typically involves just two to three appointments:

• Consultation and Planning — Dr. Abed examines your teeth, discusses your goals, and determines if veneers are right for you.
• Preparation Visit — We remove minimal enamel from the front surface of your teeth (typically less than a millimeter) to create space for the veneers. Next, we take precise impressions and place temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them. 
• Placement Appointment — Your custom veneers arrive from the dental laboratory, and Dr. Abed checks them for perfect fit and appearance before permanently bonding them to your teeth. Minor adjustments ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable.

Caring for Dental Veneers

Veneers in Houston are not fragile but can be damaged with the wrong type of force. Biting down on something hard or crunchy, biting fingernails, chewing on ice or pens, or using teeth to open packages are all habits that can chip or crack a veneer.

Follow proper oral hygiene, brushing at least twice daily, flossing once, and visiting Smiles Art Dentistry for routine checkups to ensure your teeth and gums are in good condition to support the veneer.

Ready to Get Started with Veneers?

You could be just two appointments away from a stunning smile transformation. Call Dr. Abed at (713) 266-2265 to schedule an appointment to see if veneers are right for you!

It’s good to be aware of the symptoms of an infected or abscessed tooth, as prompt treatment is the key to saving the tooth and protecting your overall health. Review the following list and call Smiles Art Dentistry right away at (713) 266-2265 if you experience any of them.

Symptoms of a Tooth Root Infection

• Severe, throbbing toothache
• Extreme sensitivity to touch 
• Swollen or tender gums in the affected area 
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Tooth discoloration or darkening
• A bump or "pimple" on the gums near the affected tooth
• Facial swelling on the side of the affected tooth

Dr. Abed will take x-rays and use digital imaging technology to expertly evaluate the tooth and let you know if he recommends root canal treatment in Houston.

Don’t Postpone a Root Canal

It may be tempting to put off a root canal, especially if you have dental anxiety. You can have peace of mind knowing that our team understands and offers many ways to help you have a stress-free experience. From strong numbing to gentle sedation and expert techniques, our team will take great care of you from start to finish.  

Don't delay seeking treatment if you notice these warning signs. Smiles Art Dentistry offers same-day emergency care at our Houston dental office and will see you promptly to relieve your pain. 

We commonly recommend wisdom teeth extraction if they are causing problems or are likely to cause problems in the future. Dr. Abed can evaluate your situation with a thorough examination and digital x-rays to determine if extraction is necessary for oral health.

Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

• Pain and discomfort — Persistent pain or tenderness around the back of your mouth
• Infection or swelling — Redness, swelling, or infection in the gum tissue surrounding wisdom teeth
• Damage to adjacent teeth — Wisdom teeth pushing against second molars, causing damage or increasing decay risk
• Cysts or tumors — Development of cysts around impacted wisdom teeth that can damage bone and nerve tissue
• Crowding issues — Limited space causing wisdom teeth to become impacted or emerge at problematic angles
• Sinus problems — Upper wisdom teeth roots developing close to the sinuses, causing congestion, pressure, or pain

When We Recommend Preventive Extraction

Even if you're not currently experiencing symptoms, Dr. Abed might recommend preventive wisdom tooth extraction if:

• X-rays show the teeth are impacted or developing incorrectly.
• Your jaw doesn't have adequate space to accommodate additional molars.
• You've completed orthodontic treatment, and wisdom teeth could cause the alignment to shift. 

Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Consultation

Every case is unique. If you're experiencing wisdom tooth discomfort or want to know if extraction is necessary, call Smiles Art Dentistry at (713) 266-2265. Our Houston dental team will thoroughly evaluate your best treatment options for long-term oral health.