EXPERT
Thien-kim Thi Pham, D.D.S.
Dentist
Dr. Kim Pham is a Houston-area general dentist with extensive training in family, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry. A native Texan originally from Austin, she was the salutatorian of her high school class and attended the University of Texas at Austin as a National Merit Scholarship recipient. She was an early graduate from college with honors, earning her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biochemistry. She then received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry.
Dedicated to pursuing the highest standards in dental care, Dr. Pham continues to train in the latest clinical techniques and implements the most current technology and methods. She is proficient in all aspects of general and pediatric dentistry and basic orthodontics. She maintains additional certifications in moderate enteral sedation, which allow her to provide a comfortable dental experience for anxious patients. This, along with her soft touch and calming bedside manner, makes her one of the best dentists for children or nervous adults.
Dedicated to pursuing the highest standards in dental care, Dr. Pham continues to train in the latest clinical techniques and implements the most current technology and methods. She is proficient in all aspects of general and pediatric dentistry and basic orthodontics. She maintains additional certifications in moderate enteral sedation, which allow her to provide a comfortable dental experience for anxious patients. This, along with her soft touch and calming bedside manner, makes her one of the best dentists for children or nervous adults.
16 years
Experience
Thien-kim Thi Pham, D.D.S.
- League City, TX
- University of Texas at Austin
- Accepting new patients
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Are braces the only way to fix buck teeth?
Braces may be able to move teeth into a more ideal alignment, but are not the only technique available. Surgery may also be required, along with restorative prosthodontic treatment READ MORE
Braces may be able to move teeth into a more ideal alignment, but are not the only technique available. Surgery may also be required, along with restorative prosthodontic treatment such as crowns and veneers, or a combination of the techniques. The only way to get a sure answer is to schedule a dental consultation and have the necessary X-rays, dental models, and workup.
The tooth where I need a root canal isn't bothering me. Why do I need it?
Even if the tooth doesn't hurt, that doesn't mean that it's healthy. There may still be an infection, fracture, or other issues. Root canals may be recommended for teeth that have READ MORE
Even if the tooth doesn't hurt, that doesn't mean that it's healthy. There may still be an infection, fracture, or other issues. Root canals may be recommended for teeth that have don't have any symptoms such as a necrotic nerve (dead nerve that no longer has any sensation). It is important to have the recommended treatment completed to prevent further complications later down the road, such as having to extract the tooth.
Should I go to the dentist if my gums are swollen?
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Some possible causes of red, swollen gums are gingivitis, trauma to the tissues, oral pathology such as disease or cancers, and medication-induced READ MORE
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Some possible causes of red, swollen gums are gingivitis, trauma to the tissues, oral pathology such as disease or cancers, and medication-induced issues. Talk to your dentist to find out the specific cause of your condition and how to treat it before it progresses.
Can you sleep with dentures?
It is NOT recommended to sleep with dentures. Remove them, clean them, and soak them in denture solution as recommended by your dentist. This also allows the gums to "breathe" READ MORE
It is NOT recommended to sleep with dentures. Remove them, clean them, and soak them in denture solution as recommended by your dentist. This also allows the gums to "breathe" at night and helps prevent infections in the mouth.
Do new dentures hurt?
New dentures do require some getting used to, and it is recommended that you see your dentist for the necessary adjustments if you are having pain. It may require several visits READ MORE
New dentures do require some getting used to, and it is recommended that you see your dentist for the necessary adjustments if you are having pain. It may require several visits of adjustments over the course of several months until the dentures feel comfortable.
Can a decaying wisdom tooth cause headaches?
It is indeed possible for wisdom tooth pain to radiate to other areas of the face and skull. Left untreated, infection may also spread and cause issues. Schedule an appointment READ MORE
It is indeed possible for wisdom tooth pain to radiate to other areas of the face and skull. Left untreated, infection may also spread and cause issues. Schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP to be evaluated and treated.
How do you clean a removable dental bridge?
Removable prosthetics may be taken out of the mouth and cleaned with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Talk to your dentist about demonstrating the proper technique.
How long should my child be brushing their teeth?
It is recommended to brush the teeth for 2 minutes. Make sure that all surfaces of all teeth are being brushed, especially back molar teeth and the area along the gumline. Use READ MORE
It is recommended to brush the teeth for 2 minutes. Make sure that all surfaces of all teeth are being brushed, especially back molar teeth and the area along the gumline. Use soft bristled toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste. It is sometimes helpful to use a timer when brushing, such as an hourglass or cell phone timer. Some electric toothbrushes also have built-in timers that shut off the toothbrush when the proper amount of brushing time has been reached.
How long does it take for wisdom teeth holes to heal?
It generally takes up to 2 weeks for the gums to heal over the extraction site. There will still be a "hole" or "dip" in the gums for several weeks. It takes about 6 months for READ MORE
It generally takes up to 2 weeks for the gums to heal over the extraction site. There will still be a "hole" or "dip" in the gums for several weeks. It takes about 6 months for the underlying bone to be healed after an extraction. Continue to follow all post-operative instructions given by your dentist, and schedule a follow-up visit if you continue to have concerns.
Should I seek a periodontal consultation for my bleeding gums?
Yes, normal healthy gums do not bleed easily. Bleeding gums is a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis and should be addressed quickly to avoid further progression of disease. Untreated READ MORE
Yes, normal healthy gums do not bleed easily. Bleeding gums is a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis and should be addressed quickly to avoid further progression of disease. Untreated gum disease results in painful, bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, and eventual loosening of teeth.
Does novocaine have any side effects?
Novocaine is no longer used in most dental settings. Modern anesthetics such as lidocaine and septocaine temporarily numb the areas being worked on in the mouth and wear off within READ MORE
Novocaine is no longer used in most dental settings. Modern anesthetics such as lidocaine and septocaine temporarily numb the areas being worked on in the mouth and wear off within a few hours with very few side effects. Occasionally, the epinephrine used in the anesthetic may inadvertently enter the small blood vessels in the tissues and cause a temporary "adrenaline rush" feeling of increased heart rate and anxiety, but this is very rare and subsides quickly. There may also be bruising of the tissues where the needle is injected. Local anesthesia is considered a very safe and necessary component of dental treatment. Ask your dentist for more detailed discussion regarding the risks versus benefit of anesthetic with treatment.
What is the difference between full upper dentures and implants?
Full upper dentures are not locked in and rely on saliva or adhesives to sit on the roof of the mouth. Implants are surgically anchored into the bone allow the prosthetic to be READ MORE
Full upper dentures are not locked in and rely on saliva or adhesives to sit on the roof of the mouth. Implants are surgically anchored into the bone allow the prosthetic to be "locked in" and not move around in the mouth when eating or talking.
Would anesthesia be used during my root canal?
Yes, local anesthesia will most likely be used to numb the area to be treated. If you require sedation such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation, you should also clarify with your dentist READ MORE
Yes, local anesthesia will most likely be used to numb the area to be treated. If you require sedation such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation, you should also clarify with your dentist prior to the appointment.
Is it okay to take ibuprofen before oral surgery?
It is important to speak with your dentist before you self-medicate with anything, even ibuprofen. Depending on your specific health circumstances, your dentist will make the proper READ MORE
It is important to speak with your dentist before you self-medicate with anything, even ibuprofen. Depending on your specific health circumstances, your dentist will make the proper recommendations for pain control.
What should I do if my permanent crown is not feeling right?
Call your dentist right away. They will evaluate and make the necessary adjustments. A permanent crown should not be feeling loose.
