Friendly Dental Tips and Guidance

At Pickett Family Dental, we often encounter patients concerned about gum health, particularly when it comes to the painful and worrisome issue of gum abscesses. Understanding the seriousness of gum abscesses, how they develop, and the importance of timely treatment can not only alleviate your discomfort but also prevent potentially severe health complications. What is a Gum Abscess? A gum abscess, also known as a periodontal abscess, is a painful condition that occurs when a pocket of pus forms in the tissues of the gums. This is typically the result of an infection caused by bacteria build-up between the teeth and gums, often due to poor dental hygiene, gum disease, or an injury that causes gum tissue damage. [...]

Partial Dentures are dentures that replace some of your teeth. When you need partial dentures for the front teeth, our team at Pickett Family Dental can provide new false teeth or "partial dentures" that either clip around the existing teeth or via suction as long as it covers the palate. When can you have partial dentures? If you have teeth missing on one side of the mouth or on both sides. You can use temporary or permanent partial dentures depending on your specific case and how your gums and teeth adjust once the dentures have been placed. Are partial dentures good? Partial dentures are a great option to be used when you have one [...]

More than one third of all Americans will experience tooth loss, with nearly 40 million losing all of their original teeth due to poor oral health, disease, and other systemic issues. As tooth loss becomes more and more widespread with the added sugars and unhealthy foods in our diets, dental technology has been progressing rapidly to be able to address the problem of missing teeth. The two main solutions are dentures and dental implants. But, the question many people want to know is which is better, dentures or dental implants? How do dental implants and dentures compare? Is one better than the other or is it situational? Dentures VS. Dental Implants [...]

At Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX, we work with many patients dealing with the problems associated with missing teeth. For many, the journey begins with everyday difficulties such as chewing and speaking clearly, which can significantly impact nutritional health and social interactions. Beyond functionality, there’s also an emotional toll—many patients express feelings of self-consciousness about their smiles, impacting their social confidence and overall quality of life.The loss of teeth can lead to more than just aesthetic concerns; it can cause structural changes to the facial profile. Without the support of teeth, facial muscles can sag, accelerating the appearance of aging and sometimes leading to further oral health issues. This complex mix of functional impairment and cosmetic concern drives many [...]

Snap-on dentures, also known as overdentures, are an innovative solution for individuals missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums, snap-on dentures are anchored onto dental implants, providing a secure and stable fit. This modern dental solution is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant bone loss, making regular dentures uncomfortable or impractical. How Snap-On Dentures Work The process begins with the surgical placement of implants in the jawbone. Typically, two to four implants are sufficient, which are strategically positioned to offer maximum support. Once these implants are placed and have integrated with the bone—a process known as osseointegration—they serve as a solid foundation for the dentures. The snap-on dentures are then fitted with [...]

Implant-supported dentures are one of the best options for replacing teeth. While we typically recommend the all-on-4 dental implants where available, implant supported dentures provide many benefits associated with implants while reducing the cost closer to that of dentures. Dentures are usually the most affordable way to replace missing teeth, especially when most, if not all of the patients teeth are missing. However, there are a lot of disadvantages of traditional dentures. Implant-supported dentures, also known as overdentures, are an advanced dental solution that merges the stability of dental implants with the comprehensive replacement capability of dentures. This combination provides a reliable and functional option for individuals missing several or all of their teeth, [...]

Multiple Missing Teeth If you have multiple missing teeth, it can feel quite daunting to face the dentist. At Pickett Family Dental we've seen plenty of patients that suffer from dental anxiety and some are even just uncomfortable with the way their teeth look after years without dental cleanings, exams, and regular dental care. With multiple missing teeth however, there are repercussions to not being seen by a trusted dentist. The bony structures within the face can undergo quite a few changes, causing slight disfigurements and sagging faces. If you have missing teeth and you want to feel like yourself again, then Dr. Tyson Pickett, DDS FAGD is the expert to trust in cosmetic dentistry in Keller, TX. [...]

Do you have sore, swollen or bleeding gums while flossing? When we think about dental health, our minds usually go straight to teeth, cavities, whiteness vs. yellowness, and sometimes finally gum health. Gums however, are usually the first indicator of oral health and can have an impact on your overall well-being. If you notice that your gums begin to bleed while brushing or flossing your teeth, then that's a sign of gum disease and possibly other gum problems. If you notice your gums are bleeding early on before the damage worsens, then you can prevent periodontitis and gum recession. How to Brush Your Teeth In order to properly brush your teeth, it's important to avoid [...]

If you want a whiter smile that looks natural and lasts, professional teeth whitening at the dentist is the safest, most effective way to get noticeable results. At Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX, we use the KoR Whitening System—widely known for delivering powerful whitening with little to no sensitivity. Unlike over-the-counter products that can be unpredictable or cause discomfort, our professional approach uses scientifically advanced techniques and personalized care to brighten your teeth safely and quickly. Here’s how teeth whitening works at the dentist—and why KoR Whitening is our trusted method. Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening? Teeth can become discolored over time due to: Coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use Certain medications Natural aging and [...]

Good oral hygiene encompasses more than the routine brushing and flossing; it also involves being mindful of our daily habits. At Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX, we recognize that some habits can significantly impact your dental health without you even realizing it. Here, we outline five common bad dental habits and provide detailed advice on how to avoid them, ensuring your smile stays healthy and bright. Bad dental habits are a dime a dozen, and most people are unaware that they do them or of the consequences they have to their overall dental health. Some of them are common nervous habits, such as biting your nails. If you want to know if you have any [...]