February 15th, 2010
You may not have thought to tell your dentist that you have chronic headaches or migraines, but you should! In some cases, headaches are caused by malocclusion of the jaw. Known as TMJ disorder, misalignment of the jaw joints puts stress on related nerves and muscles. This can cause pain that ranges from moderate to severe.
Besides headaches, TMJ disorder contributes to chronic earaches, popping in the jaw joints, inability to open and close the mouth fully, and tingling extremities. Overworked muscles and disgruntled nerves can lead to clenching and grinding, as well. This bad habit is called bruxism. To combat TMJ disorder and bruxism – and to eliminate painful symptoms – Dr. Stephens and Dr. Gatewood prescribe the non-invasive oral appliance known as NTI-tss. Read the rest of this entry »
January 14th, 2010
An attractive set of teeth can have a huge impact on your self-confidence and appearance, and because of that, it can 
even influence the way people perceive you. Stop hiding stained or dull teeth behind your hand when you smile—we can help! In addition to other cosmetic dentistry services, professional teeth whitening from our Houston dental practice can give you the whiter, more attractive smile you’ve always wanted.
How do Dr. Stephens and Dr. Gatewood whiten teeth? First, you’ll want to schedule a consultation so one of the dentists can assess your dental situation and discuss realistic goals and outcomes. For example, if your teeth are darkened or yellowed by age, coffee, tea, or smoking, whitening is often more effective than if your teeth are stained gray from fluorosis or tetracycline medication. Read the rest of this entry »
December 15th, 2009
Our patients lead busy lives, and at Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry, we are continually striving to deliver the exceptional care we’re known for
even more efficiently. The advanced technology of the CEREC system allows us to do just that. With this high-tech computer and milling machine, we can provide Houston area patients with custom-fabricated restorations like porcelain crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays in just one visit.
In-office CEREC restorations are:
Economical—most dental insurance providers will cover CEREC restorations just as they would for traditional lab-fabricated restorations.
Esthetic—we won’t sacrifice quality or cut corners to provide you with same-day restorations. Your crown, veneer, inlay, or onlay will be crafted from high-end dental porcelain. Dr. Gatewood and Dr. Stephens combine their experience and finely honed skills with precise three-dimensional imaging technology, providing beautiful, lifelike restorations.
Convenient—with a CEREC restoration, patients will almost never need to undergo a messy impression process. Temporary crowns are also a thing of the past, because just one visit at our Houston office yields an attractive, custom, permanent restoration.
If you’d like to learn more about the CEREC process or discover whether a one-visit restoration is right for your situation, call our office to schedule an individual consultation with Dr. Stephens or Dr. Gatewood. Our Houston-area dental practice is conveniently located in Spring, TX.
November 12th, 2009
Missing teeth can cause embarrassment and inconvenience. Do you find sharing meals with others less enjoyable, because you dread being unable to properly chew food? Has 
self-consciousness affected your inclination to smile widely or pose for pictures, because you don’t want to show the gaps in your mouth?
You feel the inconvenience and social impact acutely, but they are not the only negative effects of missing teeth. Your oral health is also compromised. The jawbone relies on natural teeth for stimulation, and without it the bone can atrophy and shrink. This alters the jaw’s structure and your appearance. Traditional tooth replacement methods like dentures and bridges don’t solve this problem, lacking a root-and-crown structure. But dental implants, which mimic natural teeth, keep the jawbone whole and healthy.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting, natural-looking tooth replacement solution that addresses your mouth’s natural function and esthetics, consider dental implants from Dr. Gatewood and Dr. Stephens. Read the rest of this entry »
October 16th, 2009
If you avoid visiting the dentist because of anxiety, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans skip regular dentist appointments and ignore dental 
problems for that very reason. At Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry, we know your health is important to you. If fear or other discomfort is keeping you from taking care of your teeth and gums, we can offer a solution with sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation is a wonderful way to stay current on oral care if you’re nervous about the dentist. It involves anti-anxiety medication administered by the dentist to keep you comfortable mentally and physically. In your consultation with one of our dentists, we’ll discus the type of sedation is right for you: nitrous oxide, oral, or IV sedation. Dr. Jack Stephens or Dr. Robert Gatewood will make sure you stay relaxed and calm during treatment. If IV sedation is needed, a certified anesthesiologist will come to our office for your scheduled procedure. Read the rest of this entry »
October 15th, 2009
Consider this blog your news resource for information about oral health, dental procedures and technology, and what’s happening at your dentist’s office. We believe communication is key to building great doctor-patient relationships, and this dental blog is intended to keep us in touch with you. The best part is, you can simply bookmark this page in your browser, then visit whenever you like! Stay tuned for regular posts that will keep you informed.
If you need to schedule an appointment or are “interviewing” us as your potential new dental provider, call today! You may also want to review information about us here.