Services
Our friendly and experienced dentists and team are dedicated to your oral health and smile! We are proud to provide dental care for your entire family, and happily welcome patients of all ages to our office. Our goal is provide you with high-quality care at an affordable price, and you can count on receiving our full attention each time you visit us.
We offer a full range of dental services to meet your needs, as well as same-day treatments, and will work closely with you to understand your needs, create your treatment plans and provide you with the individualized care you need to enjoy a healthy smile for life.
We welcome you to call Next Care Dental at 713-952-0522 or text us at 832-350-8776 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Harsh Patel or Dr. Thuy Vu and learn more about comprehensive dental care in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas, including Bellaire, Cypress, Katy and Missouri City, Texas. We look forward to helping you care for your smile!
Our team speaks Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi and Gujarati!
How do I know if my tooth pain is a routine cavity or a root canal emergency?
It can be tricky to tell the difference, but the nature of the pain is usually the giveaway. A routine cavity often feels like a sharp, fleeting zing when you eat something sweet or cold. In contrast, if you are experiencing a dull, persistent throb that keeps you up at night or pain that lingers long after you’ve finished eating, the infection may have reached the pulp. At our Westheimer Rd. office, we use digital X-rays to see exactly what’s happening beneath the enamel so we can relieve the pain often on the same day and determine if a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.
I have a gap in my smile; should I choose a dental bridge or an implant?
Both are excellent restorative options, but the “right” choice depends on your long-term goals and the health of your surrounding teeth. A dental bridge is often a faster solution and works well if the adjacent teeth already need crowns. However, a dental implant is considered the gold standard because it replaces the tooth root, preserving your jawbone and leaving neighboring teeth untouched. During a consultation with Dr. Patel or Dr. Vu, we’ll look at your bone density and lifestyle to help you decide which path fits your budget and health.
Will dental bonding or veneers look more natural for fixing chipped front teeth?
This is one of our most common cosmetic questions! Dental bonding is a fantastic, conservative “one-visit” fix where we sculpt resin directly onto your tooth it’s great for minor chips. However, because bonding is more porous, it can stain over time. Porcelain veneers are custom-crafted shells that cover the entire front surface. They offer a more “permanent” result and are highly resistant to coffee or tea stains. If you’re looking for a total smile transformation that lasts years, veneers are typically the preferred choice.
Is "Scaling and Root Planing" different from a regular dental cleaning?
Yes, and it’s a vital distinction for your oral health. A standard cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses on the surface of the teeth above the gum line. Scaling and root planing often called a “deep cleaning” is a specialized treatment for patients showing signs of gum disease. We gently remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and smooth the tooth roots to help the gums reattach. It’s the best way to stop gingivitis in its tracks and prevent future tooth loss.
My child’s adult molars are coming in; are dental sealants really necessary?
We highly recommend them! Even with great brushing habits, the deep grooves (pits and fissures) on the chewing surfaces of new molars are nearly impossible to keep perfectly clean. Sealants act as a thin, protective “shield” that prevents food and bacteria from settling in those grooves. It’s a quick, painless preventive step we take here at Next Care Dental to help our younger patients avoid the need for fillings later in life.
What should I do if a dental crown falls out after hours?
First, don’t panic, but do try to find the crown. If the tooth isn’t painful, you can gently clean the crown and try to slip it back over the tooth using a tiny dab of over-the-counter dental adhesive or even toothpaste to hold it temporarily. Avoid using superglue! Even if it feels secure, give us a call or text us at 832-350-8776 right away. A crown that is off for too long can allow the surrounding teeth to shift, making it difficult to re-cement later.
How long does the "graying" or sensitivity last after a professional whitening treatment?
Professional whitening at our clinic is much more controlled than over-the-counter kits, but temporary sensitivity is normal for about 24 to 48 hours. We recommend avoiding “staining” foods like red wine or Houston BBQ for the first two days while your enamel pores close back up. If you have naturally sensitive teeth, let us know we can adjust the treatment or recommend a specialized fluoride rinse to ensure your path to a brighter smile is comfortable.