- Dental Examination
- X-raysA panoramic x-ray provides a very broad view of teeth, jaws, sinuses, jaw joints and nasal areas. They are not designed to find cavities like other x-rays. Rather, they reveal problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities and fractures, infections, and cysts or tumors. Because of this, they are a staple technology in any oral or maxillofacial practice. Panoramic x-rays provide an accurate and trusted diagnosis so that the most viable treatment plans can be executed.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningWe have a genuine concern for your overall health and well-being. It’s because of this that we invest in state-of-the-art oral cancer screening technology to ensure your health for life.
- Teeth CleaningOur office is equipped with ultrasonic tooth cleaning technology to accompany scaling and root planing. This equipment is simply a scaler with a special tip that vibrates at a high rate and flushes out bacteria below the gum with water. As the tip glides over the tooth surface it is much more effective at removing hard buildup and calcium deposits than hand scaling alone. It will smooth out bumps and divots in the surface to prevent buildup. Surface stains can also be lifted during the process leaving your teeth whiter than before.
- Fluoride TreatmentBrushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are helpful to get rid of a lot of this plaque, but fluoride treatments help prevent plaque and can repair teeth in the earliest stages of tooth decay.
- Dental SealantsSealants are a common preventive treatment in dentistry. Some teeth have fine grooves or pits that accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because the grooves are too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. When plaque accumulates, it can lead to cavities and other types of tooth decay. To apply sealants, a plastic material is brushed onto the tooth, filling these narrow grooves and preventing the cavity-causing buildup. Sealants make healthy teeth possible.
- FillingsBonding can also be used in place of regular amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings, because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver of the amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.
- Resin CompositeThe direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. Because of that, the direct technique is usually referred to as bonding.
- VeneersVeneers are a cosmetic dental procedure in which a thin layer of porcelain or composite material is placed over the outside of the tooth. They are used to improve esthetics or help with tooth damage. Veneers are usually only performed on the front part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
- CrownsCrowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to replace missing teeth. A crown, also called a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens the tooth, but it can also dramatically improve the tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.
- BridgesWhether you have experienced damaged, stained or missing teeth, Dr. Horacio Lucero offers high-quality restoration services, including implants, whitening, crowns and bridges, that will restore function and beauty to your smile.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryIt’s true that every smile will likely encounter a little damage at some point in life. Regular oral hygiene and trips to a general dentist can help keep tooth decay, damage, infection and tooth loss at bay, but so many factors affect the health of your smile – you can’t control all of them. That’s why you shouldn’t be embarrassed if you find yourself needing restorative dental care.
- Root Canal TreatmentCustomer service at its finest. I was nervous about having to get a new dentist when I relocated to TX. Dr. Lucero and the entire team explain procedures before any dental work starts and ensure you understand everything. I thought I had issues with a tooth/possible root canal, but after x-rays Dr. Lucero explained how it could be sinus related...got sinuses checked and voila!
- Deep CleaningPeriodontal treatment typically involves containing the infection through a deep cleaning like scaling and root planing, clearing buildup at the root of the teeth. We may also suggest specific toothpastes and mouth rinses or prescribe antibiotics to fight infections. Surgery is required for the most severe cases.
- DenturesFor patients missing a majority of their teeth, implant-supported dentures are commonly used. Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are secured in place using implants in the jaw. They are often used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Implant-supported dentures snap into place on top of implants but can be removed for cleaning.
- Dental ImplantsIn order to provide the highest quality of implant placement results, we use a CBCT Scan — a cutting-edge alternative to the traditional CT scan and an incredible improvement on the traditional x-ray.
- Oral SurgeryDental implants are an oral surgery procedure that typically require multiple visits to the dentist. The implant process involves removal of the damaged tooth, preparation of the jawbone, and placement of the implant, abutment and artificial tooth with healing time in between. Knowing what to expect for each procedure is paramount to your comfort and confidence, and our team will explain the entire timeline before treatment begins.
- Tooth ExtractionsA wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in the mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so that the patient is asleep during the procedure.
- OrthodonticsFrom simple essentials to more complex restorative or cosmetic treatments, Mission Hill Family Dental offers a comprehensive variety of dental services including tooth replacement, teeth whitening, sleep apnea treatment, sedation dentistry, dental implants, orthodontics, veneers, crowns, bridges and dentures, aided by some of the latest state-of-the-art technologies. Our blend of technology, experience, expertise through our continuing education, and our stress-free office environment is why patients from all walks of life consistently choose our practice! Are you struggling with a painful cracked or broken tooth? Would you like a new beautiful and natural-looking confident smile? Whatever your needs and goals are, our exceptional team is here to help you smile.
- Invisalign Orthodontics
- BracesClear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth, which means they're more comfortable and effective than one-size-fits-all braces.
- Teeth WhiteningAre you embarrassed by stains? Are you simply hoping to restore your smile’s brilliance? No matter your reasoning, it’s widely known that a beautiful smile can mean everything for your confidence and the impression you make. You deserve to be proud of the way you look. Today’s technologies provide a wide variety of whitening options to fit every need and every budget. Our practice offers the following options...
- Cosmetic DentistryYou can say so much with a smile, but your smile says so much about you as well. If your smile is bright, white, straight, and whole, it conveys good health and that youthful appeal everyone is searching for. If it’s discolored, chipped, cracked, or crooked, it can be impossible to want to smile under any circumstances. That’s why Dr. Horacio Lucero takes such great pleasure in providing cosmetic dentistry services to patients from New Braunfels and the surrounding communities. You will be able to smile with pride and self-confidence, even if you’ve suffered with a less-than-perfect smile for years.
- General DentistryOur ultimate goal is your lasting oral health and wellness. Our general dentistry services include preventing oral problems through regular dental visits, education, and proper oral hygiene. This leads to optimum oral health and avoiding costly issues. No matter the current condition of your smile, we happily welcome you to our practice and look forward to our journey together.