Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, TX: What You Need to Know

July 29, 2023

Are you looking for family and cosmetic dentistry services in Arlington, TX? You can read about your available options and more in this valuable guide

Stats show that Arlington residents are the fourth biggest procrastinators when it comes to oral health.

Have you been putting off going to the dentist?

If so, the answer might be to find a practice that offers both family and cosmetic dentistry. Using a dentist that offers a 360 solution to your oral health makes dental visits more convenient.

You should also look for a dentist that focuses on comfort. The less painful and uncomfortable your dental visits are, the less likely you'll be to procrastinate about appointments.

Stay with us as we outline the benefits and what to look for when choosing family and cosmetic dentistry services in Arlington, TX.

Why Choose a Practice That Offers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry?

One of the biggest reasons to choose a family and cosmetic dentistry practice is convenience.

If a practice says they do family and cosmetic dentistry, this means that they do dental procedures for both adults and children and handle cosmetic dental work, such as:

Veneers
Whitening
Fluoride treatments

Instead of having to choose multiple dentists for different needs, families can get all of their oral health issues attended to in one place. This can streamline the time and effort it takes to book and keep dental appointments.

If you have kids, you can schedule their dental checkups at the same time as your own, instead of having to disrupt your schedule multiple times.

Even if you don't have a family, choosing a practice that offers both cosmetic dentistry and regular dental services can be more convenient. You can relax knowing that your dentist can address all of your needs.

Having a dentist that specializes in cosmetics and general dentistry can also yield more holistic outcomes. They will be able to advise you on the best solutions for both your oral health and cosmetic needs.

A cosmetic dentist who doesn't offer general dental services might be less likely to take your overall oral health into consideration. Splitting your care between cosmetic dentists and a general dentist can lead to gaps in your care.

What to Look For in a Family and Cosmetic Dentist

Family and cosmetic dentistry services offer an all-around, comprehensive approach to oral care, making it the ideal choice if you:

Have a family
Want to treat your oral health and cosmetic issues at the same time
Want a holistic approach
Don't want to drive all over town for multiple appointment

But before you book an appointment with the first family and cosmetic dentistry you see, here are a few tips for choosing the right one.

Commitment to Comfort

Do you or one of your family members have dental anxiety? Even if you aren't "afraid" of the dentist, oral appointments can still be uncomfortable. This is one of the reasons why so many people push their oral health under the rug and postpone checkups.

The answer? Find a family and cosmetic dentistry practice that is committed to your comfort.

Here at Heather E. Martinson, your comfort is our priority. We take multiple measures to ensure you experience the absolute minimum of discomfort.

For patients who don't want to be awake for a dental procedure, we offer sedation dentistry. We have a special license that allows us to offer general anesthesia. We also offer nitrous oxide sedation, or laughing gas, which allows you to remain awake but helps to ease anxiety. Our chairs are some of the best in the industry. We like to call them "dental zen chairs." Not only are they superbly comfortable, but they also incorporate a gentle massage to relax the body.

We also give every patient noise-canceling headphones so you don't have to endure the whining sound of a dental drill.

A Welcoming Atmosphere

Besides a commitment to comfort, we'd also recommend looking for a dentist that provides a welcoming atmosphere. If you're feeling nervous about your appointment, the last thing you need is to be treated abruptly or discourteously.

When you arrive at our practice, you will be greeted with concierge-like service in a fresh, relaxing, and inviting area. Our offices don't feel clinical, and you won't be greeted by a nurse in scrubs.

Instead, you'll be greeted by name by one of our friendly staff, and provided with a hot or cold beverage to enjoy while you wait.

Good Reviews

Before you try out a new dentist, make sure to take a look at their online reviews. Do they have a lot of positive, four- and five-star reviews?

What are their past clients saying about them? Reviews can give you a good idea of common themes, either good or bad!

We are very proud of our near 5-star rating on Google Reviews, and the positive feedback we get from clients.

A Convenient Location

Another important factor when choosing any kind of dental service is the location. Arlington is relatively easy to get around, even if you don't have a car.

But having to travel from one end of the city to the other just for a dental appointment isn't ideal.

We are situated in South Arlington. If you're located in the surroundings, come and visit.

A Focus on Overall Health

Finally, we'd also recommend you pick an Arlington cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry practice that focuses on overall health.

The dentist you choose shouldn't just be concerned with the health of your teeth. They should view oral care from a systemic health perspective.

Your oral health can play a big role in your overall well-being. For example, gum disease has a huge link to heart disease. In a lot of cases, patients with gum disease and abscessed teeth will have atypical bloodwork panels.

Our Dr. Martinson can work with your physician to identify the underlying causes of medical conditions. Instead of operating in isolation, she can team up with your doctor to take a 360-degree approach to your health.

Are You Looking for a Caring Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Practice in Arlington, TX?

If you have kids or want to address oral health and aesthetics at the same time, family and cosmetic dentistry services could be the most convenient option.

Are you looking for a caring family and cosmetic dentistry practice in Arlington, TX? You've come to the right place.

With us, your comfort is our top priority. We take every measure to ensure that your appointments are relaxing and comfortable. We also take a holistic approach to your oral health.

If you would like to book an appointment, contact us today.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

A dentist is looking at an x-ray of a person 's teeth.

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The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.