Teen's Dentistry
In Richardson, TX
Help your teen build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Dr. Morgan provides dental care designed for the unique challenges teenagers face in Richardson, from wisdom teeth to sports injuries.
DENTAL HEALTH DURING THE TEEN YEARS
The teen years bring a unique set of dental challenges. Rapid physical changes, increasing independence, busy schedules, and shifting priorities can all affect your teen's oral health. For most parents, this doesn't come as a big surprise.
Teens are more prone to cavities during these years. Diets heavy in soda and energy drinks, irregular brushing habits, and late-night snacking all take a toll on teeth. Add in orthodontic appliances that make cleaning harder, and you've got a recipe for dental problems.
Dr. Morgan understands the challenges teens and parents face. Our approach combines professional care with coaching that actually resonates with teenagers. We treat your teen with respect, explain things clearly, and help them understand why their oral health matters now and in the future.
COMMON TEEN DENTAL ISSUES
Dr. Morgan sees these issues frequently in teenage patients at our Richardson office.
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Cavities from Diet
Sugary drinks and snacks cause more cavities in teens than any other age group. Energy drinks, soda, sports drinks, and frequent snacking keep teeth bathed in sugar and acid throughout the day.
Gum Inflammation
Teens often skip brushing and flossing, which leads to swollen, bleeding gums. Left untreated, this develops into gum disease that can cause permanent damage.
Wisdom Teeth
Deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, and ongoing maintenance help control gum disease and prevent tooth loss.
Sports Injuries
Teens active in sports are at risk for knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and jaw injuries. A custom mouthguard from Dr. Morgan provides much better protection than store-bought versions.
Orthodontic Care
Many teens have braces or Invisalign during these years. Keeping teeth clean with orthodontic appliances requires extra effort and technique.
THE benefits OF REGULAR TEEN DENTAL VISITS
Regular visits to Ellem Dental give your teen the best chance for a healthy smile that lasts into adulthood.
Early Problem Detection
Dr. Morgan catches cavities and gum issues early when they're simple to fix. This prevents pain, missed school, and expensive emergency treatment later.
Professional Coaching
Sometimes teens listen better to their dentist than their parents. Dr. Morgan reinforces good habits and explains consequences in ways that resonate with teenagers.
Building Independence
Regular dental visits help teens take ownership of their oral health. We teach proper brushing and flossing techniques and show them the direct results of their efforts.
HELPING YOUR TEEN AT HOME
Teens listen more than we realize. Your constant reminders about oral health do sink in, even if it doesn't seem like it. Here are Dr. Morgan's recommendations for Richardson parents.
Limit sodas and energy drinks.
Sugary carbonated drinks are the number one cause of tooth decay in adolescents. Many 20-ounce bottles of soda contain 18 teaspoons of sugar in an extremely acidic liquid. The combination can be devastating for teeth as well as overall health. Encourage water instead, especially during and after sports.
Encourage brushing before bedtime.
The hours spent sleeping can be especially harmful as the mouth dries out and bacterial plaque flourishes. Make sure your teen brushes right before bed, not an hour before.
Slip dental floss or toothpicks into their lunch or backpack
Make it easy for them to clean their teeth during the day, especially if they have braces.
What Happens at Teen Dental Appointments
Preventive visits every six months give Dr. Morgan an opportunity to coach your teen and reinforce the efforts you're making at home.
Sometimes the rapport we establish in a professional yet friendly setting proves especially effective. Dr. Morgan treats teenagers with respect and talks to them directly about their oral health, not just to their parents.
We use visual aids to show teens exactly what's happening in their mouth. Seeing a cavity on the X-ray or bleeding gums in the mirror makes the consequences real. When we catch them doing something right, we make sure to praise those efforts.
During the exam, Dr. Morgan checks for cavities, gum disease, wisdom teeth development, bite issues, and signs of grinding or clenching. We also screen for oral cancer and check the jaw joints.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing miss, especially around braces. We'll demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques specific to your teen's needs.
These visits are about more than just cleaning teeth. They're about building a relationship with your teen and giving them the tools and motivation to take care of their oral health independently.
WISDOM TEETH EVALUATION
Most wisdom teeth issues develop during the teenage years. Dr. Morgan monitors their development and recommends removal when necessary.
Wisdom teeth typically start coming in between ages 17 and 21. Dr. Morgan can see them developing on X-rays years before they erupt, which helps her plan the best timing for evaluation and possible removal.
Many teens don't have enough room in their jaws for wisdom teeth. When there isn't enough space, the teeth can become impacted (stuck under the gums), come in sideways, or push other teeth out of alignment.
Dr. Morgan will monitor your teen's wisdom teeth and let you know if and when they should be removed. Removing wisdom teeth in the late teens or early twenties is easier than waiting until the mid-twenties or later because the roots aren't fully formed yet and healing is faster.
For straightforward wisdom teeth, Dr. Morgan can perform the extraction right here in our Richardson office. For more complex cases, she'll refer you to a trusted oral surgeon.
Protect Your Teen's Smile
If your teen plays sports, a custom mouthguard from Ellem Dental provides the best protection against dental injuries.
Sports injuries are one of the most common causes of dental damage in teenagers. A knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, or jaw injury can happen in any sport, from football and basketball to soccer and skateboarding.
Store-bought mouthguards often don't fit well, which makes them uncomfortable and less protective. Many teens don't wear them consistently because they're bulky and make it hard to breathe or talk.
Custom mouthguards made by Dr. Morgan fit your teen's teeth perfectly. They're more comfortable, easier to breathe and speak with, and provide superior protection. Teens are much more likely to actually wear them.
The investment in a custom mouthguard is small compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a knocked-out tooth. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing your teen is protected.
DENTISTRY THAT feels different
At Ellem Dental, exceptional care is our standard. Discover how Dr. Morgan's advanced expertise, personalized service, and commitment to your comfort can transform not just your smile, but your entire dental experience.
We use advanced digital X rays and intraoral cameras with comprehensive screening protocols to detect problems early. This preventive approach helps identify issues before they become painful, complex, or costly.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
Diagnostic Precision
We use digital imaging and comprehensive screening protocols that catch problems early. Think of it as preventive intelligence, identifying issues before they become painful or expensive.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
faqs
Common questions about teen's dentistry in Richardson, TX
Teens should have checkups every six months at Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX. Dr. Lily Morgan uses these visits for coaching that teens actually listen to, early detection of issues like cavities or gum problems, wisdom teeth monitoring via X-rays, and building habits that last. Call (972) 231-7104 to schedule.
Don't worry. Dr. Morgan is here to help, not judge. We'll do a thorough exam, address any urgent issues first, and create a treatment plan to get your mouth healthy again.
Routine teen exams and cleanings at Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX typically range from $150 to $300 without insurance (average $200–$250, including exam, cleaning, X-rays, and coaching). Wisdom teeth evaluation is often included; removal costs $225–$600 per tooth depending on complexity. With insurance, preventive care is frequently $0–$100 out-of-pocket. We offer affordable plans starting at $49/month and CareCredit. Call (972) 231-7104 for a personalized estimate.
It's best to wait until all permanent teeth have fully erupted and the enamel has matured, usually around age 16 or older. Dr. Morgan can evaluate whether your teen is ready for whitening.
Find the tooth, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that's not possible, put it in milk and get to our office or an emergency room immediately. Time is critical for saving the tooth.
Have more questions?
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Morgan .
Don’t Wait to Feel Your Best
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Simple secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
Phone
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Address
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702 West Arapaho Road Ste. 100
Richardson, TX, 75080
Hours
Mon
7:30am - 4:30pm
Tue
7:30am - 4:30pm
Wed
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thu
7:30am - 4:30pm
