Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our friendly team wants our patients to receive the exceptional dental care they deserve, and we are always here to help you. Palms Dental is in-network with several insurance companies, including:

• Aetna
• Florida Blue Dental
• Cigna
• Delta Dental
• GEHA
• Guardian
• Humana
• Metlife
• Principal

Dental insurance can be complex and challenging to navigate, but we are always available to assist you throughout the process. Our front desk staff has been with Dr. Christopher Stock for over a decade and is very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of dental insurance. 

If your dental insurance is not in our network, we will submit your claim electronically. We also accept various forms of payment, including credit cards and checks.  

Dr. Stock Accepts Dental Insurance in Bradenton 

At Palms Dental, we offer various services to promote excellent oral health and attractive aesthetics, including general and restorative dentistry. 

Whether you have a broken tooth, require a dental implant, or need preventive treatment, Dr. Stock is the dentist you can count on for precise and comfortable care. 

Palms Dental proudly serves individuals from Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Pirate City, and surrounding areas in Manatee County and beyond. 

Contact us today for assistance with dental insurance, payment information, or to schedule an appointment. 

Teeth whitening is safe when provided by a dental professional. Over-the-counter bleaching products have been around for decades, and many people use them without any issues. However, professional teeth whitening is the safest and most effective method for removing stains and improving the color and luster of your teeth. Your Bradenton dentist will create a personalized treatment plan for you, considering your whitening goals, oral health needs, overall comfort, tooth and gum sensitivity, and more.

We Offer In-Office and At-Home Teeth Whitening

At Palms Dental, Dr. Stock offers UltraDent as an in-office teeth whitening treatment to instantly remove stains and whiten teeth. He also supplies patients with Opalescence Go, a take-home teeth whitening kit that contains prescription-strength whitening agents that are gentle on sensitive teeth. With Opalescence Go, patients can whiten and brighten their teeth in the comfort of their homes and at their own pace. This take-home kit is also great for touch-ups and maintaining a white smile. 

Get a Whiter, Brighter Smile in Bradenton, FL 

If you have yellow or dark stains on your teeth, call us today to schedule a teeth whitening consultation with Dr. Stock. We can provide you with the personalized and high-quality care you need to attain the stunning smile of your dreams. Depending on your needs and preferences, we can offer in-office whitening, take-home whitening, or a combination of the two. 

Whitening strips are safe for most people if used correctly. Whitening strips are flexible plastic strips coated in whitening gel containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. You wear whitening strips over the teeth, allowing the gel to penetrate the enamel and remove stains. However, whitening strips require several treatments to get results. 

Over-the-counter whiteners, like whitening strips, also contain bleaching agents that are too potent or too highly concentrated to remove stains safely. If used incorrectly or too often, whitening strips can damage the teeth and gums, such as enamel erosion, dentin damage, and chemical burns. 

The Downsides of Whitening Strips 

There are some downsides to whitening strips, which is why we recommend in-office or take-home professional teeth whitening from your dentist. Here are some of the risks of whitening strips:

• An uneven whitening job
• Gum problems or inflammation
• Chemical burns on soft tissues in the mouth
• Enamel erosion and dentin damage 
• Tooth sensitivity 

Professional Teeth Whitening Is Safe and Effective 

Unlike whitening strips, professional teeth whitening removes stains while protecting the enamel, dentin, and soft oral tissues. Your dentist can expertly perform the teeth whitening, or they can prescribe a professional-grade whitening kit to use at home. It's better to be safe than sorry, so professional teeth whitening is the golden ticket to a stunning smile. 

What Do Dentists Recommend for Whiter, Brighter Teeth?

Dr. Stock recommends professional teeth whitening for long-term, effective, and safe results. At Palms Dental, we offer in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening, so you can always have a gorgeous, bright smile. We also offer other cosmetic dental services, such as veneers, invisible braces, and much more. 

Call us today to schedule your cosmetic dental consultation at our Bradenton, FL, dental office. 

Professional teeth whitening from your dentist is far superior to anything you can purchase independently. However, some tooth stains may not respond to even professional teeth whitening.

Fortunately, your cosmetic dentist in Bradenton, FL, can assess your tooth enamel and predict whether our teeth whitening systems will work for you. This initial consultation also determines your candidacy for whitening.

If professional teeth whitening won’t remove your tooth stains—or you have one tooth with a stubborn stain—your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment, such as a veneer or tooth crown.

About Professional Teeth Whitening in Bradenton, FL

We offer in-chair teeth whitening and a take-home option. In some cases, we combine these treatments for optimal results.

UltraDent® is our in-chair treatment, but we will likely still send you home with Opalescence GO®. This allows you to continue whitening to the desired shade. You can also use your at-home system to touch up your smile as needed. Just be sure to follow the instructions provided by our dental office team.

Looking for Professional Teeth Whitening Near Me?

To schedule your teeth whitening consultation with the dentist or if you would like more information about our cosmetic dentistry options, contact a friendly dental team member today.

The effects of professional teeth whitening can last up to two to three years or as little as six months. The results vary from person to person, depending on their oral hygiene, diet, habits, and other factors.

Tips for Maintaining a White, Bright Smile 

Here are seven ways you can keep your teeth white and bright after teeth whitening:

1. Stop smoking and using tobacco products that stain your teeth. 
2. Avoid or limit consuming dark liquids, like coffee, red wine, and tea.
3. Avoid or limit consuming pigmented foods, like berries, tomato sauce, and beetroot. 
4. Drink liquid through a straw, so it doesn’t come in contact with your teeth. 
5. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily to remove food particles, stains, and plaque. 
6. Visit your dentist for routine dental exams and cleanings. 
7. Get touch-up teeth whitening in-office or using a professional at-home whitening kit from your dentist. 

Doing these things can help limit stains and discoloration, though staining is inevitable to some degree.  

Professional Teeth Whitening in Bradenton, FL 

Many people desire a brighter, healthy-looking smile, which is why professional teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry treatment. At Palms Dental, we offer personalized teeth whitening of the highest quality that instantly removes stains and whitens teeth. Please call us today to schedule a teeth whitening consultation with Dr. Stock and our team. 

If you don’t like your smile, cosmetic dentistry can change that. Cosmetic dentistry in Bradenton, FL, is any treatment or group of procedures designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Some treatments also promote better oral health.

Cosmetic dentistry starts with a dental visit to discuss the options and ensure you’re a suitable candidate for the procedures you’re considering. At this dental appointment, we typically take x-rays and a health history and talk to you about your smile goals.

Our cosmetic dentistry options include:

• Tooth replacement, including bridges and dental implants
• Invisalign clear aligners for straight teeth
• Dental veneers for a symmetrical and beautiful smile
• Tooth-colored restorations, including same-day dental crowns
• Dental bonding to conceal smile flaws on a budget
• Teeth whitening for a brighter smile
• Smile makeovers to address multiple cosmetic issues

Options like tooth replacement, dental crowns, and Invisalign give you a beautiful smile, but these treatments also promote excellent oral health.

Talk to Your Cosmetic Dentist in Bradenton, FL

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, choosing the best options for your goals can be tricky. Fortunately, our no-pressure dental team can help. We can let you know which options will give you the smile you’ve been looking for.

Reach out today to arrange your consultation with the dentist.

Dental crowns in Bradenton, FL, do not require special care. However, it’s best to practice good habits. For example, brush and floss your crown and unrestored teeth regularly and continue seeing your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.

Also, don’t bite directly into sticky taffy with your crowned tooth, and never use your treated or untreated teeth as tools to twist off caps or carry packages.

Same-Day Dental Crowns in Bradenton, FL

We offer same-day crowns, so you don’t have to wait weeks for your restoration and spend time wearing a temporary.

To create your same-day crown, we take an impression and send the specs to our computer, where the restoration is designed. Then, it is off to our 3-D printer. Once the crown is printed, your dentist makes any necessary adjustments before cementing it onto your tooth.

Same-day crowns are just as durable as those made in an outside lab. Additionally, they are fabricated from a single block of quality ceramic for a natural-looking finish.

Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Bradenton, FL

Crowns are a vital part of dentistry and work in many capacities to keep your smile functional and beautiful. Call our dental office today to learn more about our tooth crowns or book a consultation with the dentist.

In many cases, your Bradenton dentist can repair a broken tooth by restoring it with a tooth-colored restoration.

If your tooth has been knocked out, we may also be able to reset it into the gum. The key is getting to the dentist promptly!

Restoring Broken Teeth

Dental crowns are among the most popular options for restoring broken or damaged teeth. The crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the tooth after the dentist has treated it. Dental crowns in Bradenton, FL, are made of quality porcelain for a natural-looking finish.

Veneers are also an excellent choice for concealing chips and cracks that are merely cosmetic. Veneers in Bradenton, FL, fit across the forward-facing teeth.

Dental bonding with tooth-colored filling material is also an option for minor chips and cracks. Bonding fills, conceals, and blends naturally with your tooth color.

Your dentist will evaluate your broken tooth and discuss the treatment options, including the one that will work best for your break.

Tooth Repair in Bradenton, FL

If you have a broken or damaged tooth—or if you have questions about our treatments and services—give us a call today. A helpful team member can arrange your consultation with our restoration dentist.

A dental crown can loosen and fall off eventually. However, you can take steps to keep your dental crowns functional for longer.

For example, don’t bite directly into sticky candy (or similarly textured foods) with your crowned tooth. Additionally, it would be best never to use your teeth or crowns to twist off a bottle cap or as tools. Treated and untreated teeth are strictly for chewing.

You’ll also want to visit your dentist in Bradenton, FL, every six months. Checkups allow your dentist to check the integrity of your restorations, and teeth cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease, which can mean crown (and tooth) loss.

Finally, wear a fitted nightguard if you grind your teeth during sleep and a mouthguard if you compete in sports.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can cover a treated tooth or a dental implant post. A custom crown can connect a dental bridge to healthy teeth and conceal tooth flaws and damage.

Tooth crowns are always customized to match neighboring teeth.

For Dental Crowns in Bradenton, FL, Contact Us

If you have a loose or damaged crown—or a tooth that may need a crown—contact a member of our dental team today to schedule a consultation with the dentist.

Many of our patients are candidates for same-day dental crowns. However, some patients may require a traditional crown fabricated by our state-of-the-art dental laboratory partners. 

Your Initial Consultation

Before treatment begins, Dr. Stock reviews your medical history, and you have a chance to discuss your oral health and cosmetic concerns, as well as your goals regarding your new smile.

As with same-day crowns, Dr. Stock digitally scans your tooth using advanced dental technology. Often, we can send your case to our trusted dental lab on the same day. 

The Dental Laboratory 

The dental laboratory we collaborate with is one of the most advanced in the country. A restoration lab specialist uses the provided case information to create a fully customized dental crown of the precise size, shape, and color desired. While your final crown is being made, we supply you with a temporary crown so you can chew, eat, speak, and smile with ease. 

The Final Product

Once the crown is complete, the lab sends it to us, and we call you in for an appointment to place it on your tooth. During this appointment, we make sure the crown looks and feels perfect for you, and we will make any adjustments necessary at this time. Finally, we secure the crown in place, polish it, and send you on your way with a new and improved smile. 

Contact us today to schedule your dental crown consultation. 

Dental implants are an investment in your smile future. While they may be more expensive upfront than other tooth replacement options, the tradeoff is that they can last for decades and sometimes for life. They don’t require added steps to your oral hygiene routine and special cleansers and brushes. You’ll never need adhesives or adjustments.

To promote dental implant longevity, keep up with dental visits, seeing your Bradenton, FL, dentist every six months. It would be best to brush and floss after eating or at least twice daily.

With regular dental care and healthy habits, most patients enjoy dental implants through the decades. Some even forget which tooth is the implant!

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots connected to replacement teeth or prosthetics like retained dentures. You can have a single implant, several singles, or an implant-retained prosthetic. The latter usually calls for up to six artificial tooth roots for stability.

Implants look and feel natural, and they are known for their longevity and user-friendliness.

Are You Considering Dental Implants in Bradenton, FL?

If you want to learn more about our tooth replacement options, including dental implants, call our dental office today, and a team member will get you started.

Dental implants are one of the best tooth replacements available. If you are missing teeth and think you’ll never be able to smile with confidence again, you should talk to your Bradenton dentist about whether dental implants can work for you. You might be curious about the implant procedure and how long it takes, so keep reading to learn more.

The Dental Implant Procedure and Timeline

It’s important to realize that every dental patient is different, so the following timeline for dental implants can vary. With that being said, here is roughly what you can expect from traditional dental implants:

Consultation – Your initial consultation will include a complete oral examination. This will take place during one trip to the dentist.

Pre-treatment surgeries – If your dentist determines that you need a bone graft or tooth extractions before you get dental implants, this process can take three to twelve months, depending on your dental condition.

Implant placement – Your dentist will place your implants directly into your jaw approximately one to two weeks after your consultation if you don’t require pre-treatment surgeries.

Implant healing – Once your implants are in place, it will take three to six months or longer for your jawbone and the implant to bond. During this time, your prosthetic restorations will be created.

Abutment placement – Approximately one to two weeks before your last appointment, your dentist will place abutments on your implants. These abutments will serve to connect your implants to your new teeth.

Final implant restoration – At your last appointment, we will complete your implant procedure by adding a crown or other prosthetic teeth and giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Are You Interested in Dental Implants in Bradenton, FL?

We welcome your call if you would like more information about dental implants or any of our other dental services! At Palms Dental, our goal is for you to achieve the best oral health possible. You can reach us at (941) 748-7017.

When tooth decay is so severe that restoration is impossible, the damaged tooth must be extracted. In these instances, dental implants are considered the most effective, natural feeling, and longest-lasting treatment option.

The cost of dental implants varies depending on several factors, including:

• The complexity of the procedure
• Type of implant used
• The number of teeth being replaced
• The need for associated procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts

A dental implant is a small post implanted into the jawbone following tooth loss. These posts fuse permanently with the jawbone to create an anchoring point for a new tooth or fixed prosthetic like a dental bridge. Dental implants are popular because they replace a tooth’s crown (the part above the gum line) and its root.

Root replacement helps stabilize surrounding teeth and guards against jawbone loss. 

As with any medical procedure, consultation with a dentist is recommended before getting dental implants to assess a patient’s specific needs and accurately calculate costs. Prices will vary based on complexity and potential pretreatments.

Dental Implants in Bradenton, FL

If you are in the Bradenton, FL, area and want to know if dental implants are right for you, contact Dr. Stock for a consultation appointment.

Do you have missing teeth but don’t want to endure the mess and hassle of removable dentures? If so, dental implants may be the ideal option for you. 

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution that is surgically placed in the jaw below the gumline. A dental crown is then attached to the implant, resulting in a stable bite. 

At Palms Dental, we place and restore dental implants for patients in Bradenton and beyond. 

The Dental Implant Process

At Palm Dental, Dr. Stock collaborates with a local dental implant specialist (periodontist) to surgically place the implant. The titanium implant post establishes a stable foundation for the prosthetic, and it can take several months for the jawbone to fuse to the base naturally.

During this time, we supply the patient with a temporary restoration to still eat, chew, and speak with comfort and ease. 

Once the patient’s gums and jaw fully heal, Dr. Stock places the final, lab-fabricated crown in position. This final restoration matches the size, shape, and color of your natural smile. 

The dental implant in the jaw is permanent, so it doesn’t require replacement. However, the crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years when properly cared for properly. Dr. Stock can quickly and efficiently adjust or restore your smile if the crown needs repair or replacement. 

Contact Us About Dental Implants in Bradenton

Dr. Stock has significant training and experience with dental implants, making it a fast and easy procedure. Please feel free to contact us today to learn more about our dental implants or schedule a no-commitment consultation with Dr. Stock. 

If you break a tooth, you’re probably upset and scared. You may hesitate to call your dentist because you don’t want to bother them, especially at night or on the weekend. However, a broken tooth may be a dental emergency that needs immediate attention, so it’s best to contact your Bradenton dental office for advice.

Once we alleviate your pain and make sure you’re calm and comfortable, we can discuss your treatment options.

Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

Depending on the severity and location of your broken tooth, your dentist may suggest any of the following treatment options:

Dental Crown

A dental crown can completely cover and protect a broken tooth while making it look and function like your natural tooth.

Dental Veneer

If your tooth isn’t severely broken, your dentist may be able to place a thin layer of porcelain over the front of your tooth to restore it.

Dental Implant

If your tooth needs to be removed after you break it, you may opt for a dental implant. Your dentist can place the implant in your jaw and then attach a crown to complete the look.

Dental Bonding

If the break is minor, composite resin material can be placed on the area to improve your tooth’s appearance.

Dental Filling

Your dentist may recommend a dental filling to fix your broken tooth.

Root Canal

If your broken tooth gets infected, you may need a root canal to remove the infection before a dental crown is added.

Are You Suffering from Broken Teeth in Bradenton, FL?

If you have sustained an injury and need emergency dental treatment, the dental team at Palms Dental can help! Our experienced staff can ease your pain and offer stress-free emergency dentistry. Call our dental office at (941) 748-7017 to schedule an emergency dental appointment.

Clenching and grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, usually happens unconsciously during sleep, though stressful days can also lead to daytime bruxism. Jaw muscles are so powerful, you can actually damage your own teeth and jaw joints. Bruxism can lead to headaches, facial muscle tension, painful jaws, ringing in the ears, and exhaustion.

If you wake up with sensitive teeth or feel like your jaws just did a marathon workout, you could be grinding your teeth.

At Palms Dental, we create custom nightguards, which place a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to avoid tooth fractures and wear. Your nightguard can also help to relax your jaws, reducing inflammation.

Contact our West Bradenton dental office to learn more about custom nightguards. We are here to help you get a good night’s sleep and have a pain-free day.

We won’t take it personally! We understand that fear of the unknown or a negative past experience may mean that the dental office is not your idea of a good time. Our caring team makes heroic efforts to make dentistry extremely comfortable, even for our most fearful patients. 

However, we understand that a smiling face and charming personality might not be enough to put you at ease, which is why we also offer sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide. So, if you have difficulty getting numb, experience a fear of the dentist, or you want to relax an overactive gag reflex, just let us know, and we will help you drift off to relaxation land with nitrous oxide.

Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide won’t make us any funnier, but it will safely take the edge off your treatment. Since it enters and leaves your system quickly, you can even drive after your appointment.

General dentistry is the field of dentistry that aims to help you and your family maintain good oral health over the course of your lifetime. At Palms Dental, located in West Bradenton, Florida, our team focuses on patient education and preventive dental care to help you avoid many of the pitfalls people experience when it comes to your oral health.

Dental exams (checkups), dental cleanings, and diagnostic x-rays are the best insurance when it comes to caring for your smile. We customize your exam and cleanings schedule to help you achieve optimum oral health and wellness.

When the need for tooth repairs, such as dental fillings and tooth crowns occurs, we are here for a painless and stress-free experience to repair, protect, and prolong the life of your natural teeth.

Your general dentist will also be the one who handles any emergencies, such as an abscess or the need for a tooth extraction. We will also work with you to avoid future dental emergencies and the stress that comes with them.

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your smile, your West Bradenton dentist is also your cosmetic dentist! Treatments such as teeth whitening, Invisalign®, and smile-improving teeth veneers are all options right here with Dr. Christopher Stock.

Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, can effectively correct various orthodontic issues, including crowded or spaced teeth, crossbites, and relapses among patients who’ve previously had braces, underbites, and, yes, overbites.

Overbite occurs when a person’s upper front teeth excessively overlap their lower front teeth. This can lead to problems, including jaw pain and difficulty biting, chewing, and speaking.

Invisible braces, also known as “clear aligners,” are an orthodontic treatment in which clear plastic trays are worn over the teeth to gradually align the wearer’s smile. Over the weeks, you'll notice your teeth coming into position. 

Clear aligners, custom-made for each wearer, apply gentle pressure to move teeth into the desired position. As the teeth shift, an overbite can be corrected.

It is important to note that the extent to which clear aligners can correct an overbite ultimately comes down to the severity of the overbite itself.

In some cases, traditional braces or other treatments may be more effective. It’s, therefore, important to consult an orthodontist for a personalized evaluation and recommendation.

Are You Considering Invisible Braces in Bradenton, FL

If you are in the Bradenton, FL, area and considering invisible braces, contact Dr. Stock for a consultation appointment or reach out if you have questions. 

Whether Invisalign, which uses "clear aligners" to gradually align teeth, is better than traditional braces depends on various factors, including the extent of a patient's orthodontic needs and their treatment goals and lifestyle preferences. However, it is worth noting that Invisalign does offer some significant advantages over traditional braces.

For starters, the fact that clear aligners are virtually invisible offers an aesthetic advantage. Additionally, that they're removable makes cleaning, care, and maintaining good oral hygiene easier while allowing the patient to eat without restriction.

Also, clear aligners are considered to be more comfortable than braces. Finally, Invisalign requires fewer visits to the orthodontist, freeing up more of the patient's time.

On the other hand, braces are generally considered more precise and effective in treating more complex issues. They're also considered the more reliable treatment, as there is no risk of a patient losing, misplacing, or forgetting to put on their braces.

Ultimately, the best course of action depends on an individual's specific needs and preferences. Thus, meeting with an orthodontist for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan is important.

Contact Our Team for Invisalign in Bradenton, FL

If you're in the Bradenton, FL, area and want to know if Invisalign is right for you, contact Dr. Stock for a consultation appointment.

The cost of braces or Invisalign in Bradenton, FL, varies by patient. So, in a lot of cases, Invisalign is cheaper. But it is impossible to know for sure unless you visit our dental office for a consultation with the dentist.

At your orthodontic consultation, your dentist lets you know how long you’ll be in treatment and how much it will cost.

At Palms Dental, we use Invisalign because our patients prefer a discreet orthodontic system over metal and wire braces. Invisalign also means fewer trips to the dentist during treatment because you can change your aligners at home—no guidewires for your dentist to adjust!

Other benefits of Invisalign include removability. You can take your aligners out for brief periods to eat and clean your teeth. However, the longer you leave in your aligner, the more predictable the result; shoot for 22 hours per day.  

Additional benefits include treatment discretion and a more comfortable appliance than wire braces that scratch the mouth and feel weighty.

For More on Invisalign, Contact Your Bradenton, FL, Dentist

Straight teeth promote excellent oral health and confidence. To arrange your orthodontic consultation with the dentist, we encourage you to contact our dental team today to get started.

One of the most common oral health diseases is periodontal disease. In its early stages (gingivitis), it may be asymptomatic. As it progresses, you may notice bleeding, painful gums, or bad breath. Once gum disease advances into periodontitis, we can still help you manage the condition, but it is no longer reversible. Specialized dental cleanings and routine maintenance will help your gums stay healthy and infection-free.

For gum disease treatment and more information, give our West Bradenton dental office a call.

The goal of preventive dentistry is to keep your smile healthy for life. Through prevention, you lower your risks for cavities, oral infections, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Ideally, regular preventive dentistry in Bradenton, FL, means fewer dental treatments for repair and restoration.

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

In most cases, you only visit the dentist every six months for dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings. However, the dentist may recommend a custom schedule if you have an oral health condition.

Your preventive dental visit includes:

• Thorough oral exam to check the state of your oral health
• Occasional x-rays to ensure there are no emerging issues
• Teeth cleaning to rid your teeth and gums of plaque and bacteria
• Oral cancer screening to detect oral cancers early
• Periodontal check to measure your gum health

If your dentist finds issues, we create a custom treatment plan. The dentist or hygienist can also share tips and strategies for improved at-home care.

Remember, brushing and flossing efficiently and regularly also play an important role in prevention.

Contact Your Dentist in Bradenton, FL

If you want more information about treatments and services or are ready to schedule an appointment with the dentist, call us today.

Our Palms Dental team does not perform a dental cleaning at a patient’s first dental appointment. The initial appointment allows Dr. Stock to meet the patient, perform a thorough oral health evaluation, and develop a treatment plan. 

Our Comfortable Treatment Rooms

When you arrive at our Bradenton dental office, we will offer you complimentary comforts, including a blanket or neck pillow. It’s important for us to make sure you are relaxed and at ease during your visit. Our treatment rooms are equipped with modern, adjustable dental chairs and large-screen TVs.

Your First Dental Exam

The oral health evaluation includes a visual exam, digital dental x-rays, and intraoral images of the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. These images give your dentist a detailed view of your mouth, allowing us to identify any underlying signs of decay or disease. 

Using our digital monitors, Dr. Stock can show you images of your teeth and gums, enlarging or adjusting the images to highlight specific characteristics of your smile. Throughout the dental exam, Dr. Stock screens for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other concerns. 

Are You Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

Whether you are a routine visitor or it’s been a while since your last dental exam, Dr. Stock is here to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Palms Dental welcomes new and familiar faces to our dental office, and we serve individuals from across Manatee County. 

Contact us today to schedule your dental exam. 

The timeline for root canals in Bradenton, FL, varies by the complexity of the canal infection. In other words, it can take half an hour or almost two hours, depending on severity, location, and more.

Your dentist can provide a reasonable time estimate after evaluating your case.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that eliminates infection in the tooth canal. These infections are typically painful and cause swelling. We consider a canal infection a dental emergency because of the pain and potential risks to your other teeth.

Without treatment, you risk tooth loss and infection spread.

Fortunately, root canal treatment is not painful. Instead, it eliminates pain, swelling, and infection.

Lowering Your Infection Risks

Root infections may result from injury or untreated decay, welcoming bacteria deep inside the tooth. To lower your risks, visit the dentist regularly for checkups and teeth cleanings. And always brush and floss at least twice daily.

Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Bradenton, FL

If you have a toothache, you must contact the dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency dental appointment.

Call today to speak with a friendly dental team member to learn more about our treatments and services, including root canal therapy.

Dr. Christopher Stock is skilled and experienced in performing gentle root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment. With over 20 years of experience completing these treatments, root canal therapy at Palms Dental is a quick and easy process. 

Comfortable, Stress-Free Care

Before treatment, Dr. Stock ensures you feel comfortable and at ease. You can sit back and relax in our new, luxurious dental chairs and enjoy watching your favorite series or movie on one of our TVs. 

We can also play music for you and offer a blanket and neck pillow to provide a more pleasant experience. For additional relaxation, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation. These mild sedatives relieve feelings of anxiety, discomfort, and pain. 

The Root Canal Therapy Process

When you are comfortable, Dr. Stock begins by administering a strong local anesthetic to numb the area where he will be working. He then gently cleans the tooth, removing all signs of internal disease and decay.

Once Dr. Stock thoroughly disinfects the tooth, he fills and seals it to protect it from future infection. Most times, we will make your dental crown the same day using PlanScan® technology. 

We Welcome Your Call

Do you need root canal treatment in Bradenton? If so, please get in touch with us at Palms Dental. One of our friendly team members can tell you more about our gentle approach to endodontic therapy or schedule your consultation.

If you’ve had a tooth extraction in Bradenton, FL, your dentist provides customized aftercare instructions based on your unique case. But as a rule, we recommend the following foods for the first few days:

• Mashed potatoes
• Pudding
• Yogurt
• Soup

Any soft food that doesn’t require chewing is a safe bet. You also want to be sure to eat foods at room temperature if the anesthesia has not worn off. Eating hot foods—or drinking hot tea and coffee—can burn your mouth, and you will not feel it immediately.

Other helpful tips to promote a quick recovery include:

• No drinking through straws for a few days, as the sucking action can dislodge healing blood clots
• No smoking, as this can slow down healing and interfere with natural blood clotting
• Get plenty of rest on the day of your tooth extraction

If you’re recovering from tooth extraction and you notice any issues, like prolonged bleeding or ongoing discomfort, be sure to contact a member of our dental team.

For Tooth Extractions, Contact Your Bradenton, FL, Dentist Today

Tooth extractions can save your oral health or make way for advanced dental treatments like dental implants or restorations. If you have a damaged tooth or suspect you might need a tooth extraction, give us a call to arrange your consultation.

You usually only need gauze for approximately 45 minutes or less after tooth extraction. By placing the gauze over the extraction site and applying gentle pressure, you should notice that mild bleeding diminishes or stops.

Sometimes, your dentist will recommend gauze for longer if you have more bleeding than is typical or undergo multiple extractions.

Your time using gauze can vary.

Reasons You May Need Tooth Extraction in Bradenton, FL

Extraction may be due to severe tooth decay or injury. In these cases, we recommend tooth replacement to keep your smile healthy and intact.

Your dentist also performs extraction before tooth replacement and sometimes as an invisible braces pretreatment if your teeth are overcrowded.

Another reason for extraction can be troublesome wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are third molars that tend to erupt in the late teens or during early adulthood. Sometimes they come in without incident, but your dentist may recommend extraction if they encroach on other teeth and don’t have the space to erupt properly. Failure to extract problematic wisdom teeth can result in pain and infection.

Contact Your Dentist in Bradenton, FL

Call today for more information about dental extractions, tooth replacement, or our other services. And if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with the dentist, a team member is standing by to speak with you.