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Whether you need a routine exam, a cleaning, or a full-mouth restoration, we promise exceptional care to enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Below are some of the many procedures we offer with a gentle touch and stunning results. Your smile is our top priority, and we’ll give you every reason to smile. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

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Happy patients showing beautiful smiles after dental care at Terry Haskin, DDS, family dentistry in Freedom, CA.

Why is flossing important?

While brushing effectively cleans the visible surfaces of your teeth, it can’t reach the tight spaces between them areas where plaque and food particles often accumulate, and where tooth decay and gum disease typically begin.

This is why daily flossing is essential. Flossing is the most reliable way to clean between your teeth and just beneath the gumline. It not only removes leftover food but also disrupts plaque buildup before it hardens and leads to damage such as gum irritation, tooth decay, or even bone loss.

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms from bacteria, leftover food, and saliva. If not removed, the bacteria in plaque release toxins that can inflame your gums and cause cavities. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, a mineralized substance that worsens inflammation and can result in periodontal disease, a condition that may eventually affect the bone supporting your teeth.

Proper Flossing Technique

Cut about 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) of dental floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between your hands to work with.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently guide it between your teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion.
Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, making sure to slide it just beneath the gumline.
Move the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth to thoroughly remove plaque and debris.
If standard floss is difficult to use, try floss picks or interdental brushes for a more convenient option.

By making flossing a daily habit, you’re doing more than just cleaning between your teeth you’re taking a crucial step to protect your gum health, prevent cavities, and preserve the strength of your teeth. This simple routine can go a long way toward maintaining a healthy, confident smile for life.

What can I do if I'm missing teeth?

Thanks to modern dental advancements and preventive care, tooth extractions are less common than ever before. When dental problems occur, the focus is on restoring the natural tooth’s function and health. Extraction is only recommended as a last resort, as losing a tooth without replacement can lead to serious oral health and cosmetic concerns.

Tooth loss whether due to trauma, injury, fractures, advanced decay, or gum disease can be a difficult experience. Promptly replacing a missing tooth is critical to maintaining your oral health, bite alignment, and smile aesthetics.

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding jawbone begins to shrink from lack of stimulation. Nearby teeth can shift into the empty space, while the opposing tooth may start to drift up or down due to lack of contact. Over time, these changes can cause complications such as tooth decay, gum disease, uneven tooth wear, and TMJ (jaw joint) disorders. Although these effects may not be immediately noticeable, they can impact your chewing ability, facial balance, and overall oral function.

Tooth Replacement Options

Removable Bridges
An affordable choice for replacing one or more missing teeth, removable bridges use tooth-colored artificial teeth held in place by metal clasps that attach to neighboring natural teeth. While functional and cost-effective, the visible metal may affect aesthetics.

Fixed Bridges
Made from durable porcelain or composite, fixed bridges are permanently anchored to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. While they offer strength and a natural look, this option requires crowning two adjacent teeth, which may involve removing some healthy tooth structure.

Dentures
For patients missing most or all teeth in an arch, full or partial dentures provide a removable solution that mimics the look and function of natural teeth. They are custom-designed for comfort and appearance but may require adjustment over time as the jawbone changes.

Dental Implants
Regarded as one of the most advanced and effective tooth replacement methods, implants involve placing a titanium post into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root. A crown is then attached, creating a secure, long-lasting, and natural-looking tooth. Implants can also anchor loose dentures, significantly improving stability and comfort.

If you’re dealing with missing teeth, don’t wait talk to your dentist about whether replacement is necessary and which treatment options are right for you. Early intervention is key to avoiding more complex (and costly) problems in the future. With the right care, you can restore both the function and beauty of your smile.

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?

Tooth injuries can happen in an instant and they’re more common than you might think. Each year, over 5 million teeth are knocked out due to accidents or injuries. But acting quickly and correctly can significantly increase the chances of saving the tooth. In fact, with the right steps, a knocked-out tooth can often be successfully reimplanted.

What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Is Knocked Out

Handle the tooth gently: Pick it up only by the crown (the chewing surface). Avoid touching the root, as this can damage delicate tissues necessary for reattachment.
Do not scrub or use chemicals: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with saliva or whole milk. If those aren’t available, use a small amount of clean water but only if necessary.
Seek dental care within 30 minutes: The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances of successful reinsertion.

How to Safely Transport the Tooth

Try placing the tooth back in the socket immediately: Gently reposition the tooth in its original place, and bite down on gauze, a moist tea bag, or your own teeth to hold it steady. Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce pain or swelling.
If reinserting isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist at all times. Place it in a container with saliva or whole milk, or hold it carefully in your mouth between the cheek and gums. Be careful not to swallow it.
Never store the tooth dry or wrapped in a tissue or cloth this can damage the root and reduce the chance of saving it.
For peace of mind, consider keeping a Save-A-Tooth kit in your home or sports first aid kit. These kits, available at most pharmacies, contain a special solution designed to preserve knocked-out teeth during transport.

Time is of the essence. The quicker a tooth is placed back into the socket, the better its chances of long-term survival.

Tips to Prevent Knocked-Out Teeth

Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact or high-impact sports.
Always use your seatbelt when driving or riding in a vehicle.
Avoid physical altercations that could result in facial injury.
Refrain from chewing hard objects like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or hard bread these can crack or break your teeth.

By understanding how to respond in a dental emergency and taking smart preventive steps, you can protect your smile and possibly save a tooth when every second counts.

We’ve got your dental health covered.

General Dentistry

A preventive dental program is a collaborative effort between Dr. Haskin, Dr. Goldstine, our team, and you to maintain healthy teeth and gums. The goal is to prevent the onset, progression, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions, helping to preserve your natural smile for years to come.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentists Dr. Terry Haskin and Dr. Gordon G. Goldstine understand how precious a healthy and attractive smile is. Each of them is committed to finding the right solution to address your specific dental concerns.

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Bright, confident smile enhanced through cosmetic dentistry by Terry Haskin DDS in Freedom, CA with personalized aesthetic treatments"

Dental crown placement by Terry Haskin, DDS in Freedom, CA to restore damaged or weakened teeth and enhance smile strength. Professional teeth whitening treatment at Terry Haskin, DDS serving patients in Watsonville and Freedom, CA for brighter smiles. "Bright, confident smile enhanced through cosmetic dentistry by Terry Haskin DDS in Freedom, CA with personalized aesthetic treatments"

Periodontics

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, and research indicates a possible connection between gum disease and other health conditions, including stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and complications during pregnancy.

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Restorative Dentistry

With advancements in techniques and modern technology, we can now offer a wider range of options to restore a tooth to its natural shape, appearance, and function. If your teeth need any restorative treatment, Dr. Haskin and Dr. Goldstine are available to discuss your treatment options.

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Restorative dental treatment by Terry Haskin DDS in Freedom, CA helping patients regain strong, healthy, and functional smiles"

Dental Implants

Dr. Terry F. Haskin and Dr. Gordon G. Goldstine provide high-quality restorations for dental implants in Watsonville. If you are considering replacing one or more missing teeth with dental implants, our dentists are here to assess, coordinate, and restore your complete implant process.

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Family Dentistry

Dr. Terry Haskin provides compassionate family dentistry for Watsonville and the surrounding areas. He is adept at earning his youngest patients’ trust by instilling confidence while educating them on the importance of their smile.

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