Welcome to Our Office

Welcome to Kennedy Dental Care, a leading dental care practice in Corpus Christi, Texas. We understand the importance of good dental hygiene and oral care and are committed to providing you the best care in a fun, pleasant environment.

From common problems to gum disease, we provide an array of dental services to meet your needs all in one convenient location. Using the latest technology, our experienced staff works together as a team to give you exceptional quality treatment from the time you walk in for your initial visit.

We thank you for your interest in our services and the trust you have placed in us. Please contact us if you have any questions.

About Our Doctors

Paul A. Kennedy, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.
Dr. Kennedy is a graduate of Baylor University College of Dentistry, where he earned his D.D.S. in 1967. Two years later, he received his M.S. from the University of Texas at Houston after completing his two-year residency in pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Kennedy has been active in all levels of dental organizations. He served as president of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society and has represented them as a delegate to the Texas Dental Association. He has served as vice-president of the Texas Dental Association and has represented them as a delegate to the American Dental Association.

In his specialty, pediatric dentistry, he has been active at all levels of specialty organizations serving as president of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He was named Pediatric Dentist of the Year for the year 2004 for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

He has been a strong advocate for children’s oral health and works actively in the Texas legislative arena and in the U.S. Congress on behalf of the oral health of underserved children.

Paul A. Kennedy, III, D.D.S., M.S.
Dr. Kennedy, known as “Dr. Paul,” is a graduate of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. He received his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. A native of Corpus Christi, Dr. Paul is a graduate of Mary Carroll High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Baylor University and his Master of Science degree from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi.

Dr. Paul is an avid fisherman and sportsman. He grew up fishing with his dad and enjoys all of the outdoor activities that Corpus Christi has to offer. Dr. Paul looks forward to an active participation in our community!

William B. Haley, II, D.M.D.
Dr. Haley is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He then graduated from a one-year residency in general dentistry at Fort Jackson, S.C., and received his graduate training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Missouri and Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow in both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Society of Dentistry for Children. He is an active member in the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He retired from the U.S. Army following 27 years of service with 21 years in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. Highlights of his military career include being the only military pediatric dentist for U.S. Forces – Korea, six years teaching pediatric dentistry to general dentistry residents in Ft. Hood, Texas and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and supervising the largest dental clinic in the military. Dr. Haley offers over 26 years of quality care for pediatric patients.

Dr. Haley and his wife, Linda, enjoy living in Corpus Christi. His daughter attends medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston. He is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church and frequently participates in mission trips to Mexico.

Office Policies

We are open to serve you, answer questions or schedule an appointment during the following hours:

Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Appointments
Your scheduled appointment time has been reserved specifically for you. We request 24-hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment. We are aware that unforeseen events sometimes require missing an appointment. After missing your second appointment without notifying us 24 hours in advance, you may be charged an additional fee.

Insurance
Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. Because insurance policies vary greatly, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Your estimated patient portion must be paid at the time of service. As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services and allow them 45 days to render payment. After 60 days, you are responsible for the entire balance, paid-in-full. If you have any questions, our courteous staff is always available to answer them.

Our Location

Our office is conveniently located in Corpus Christi, Texas.

6200 Saratoga Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Financial Information

Your treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered. Charges are payable at the time of treatment.

Please ask a member of our staff and we will review our payment options to accommodate your financial needs.

If special arrangements are needed, please talk to our patient coordinator prior to receiving service.

Additionally, we will submit all insurance claims for you. We will fully attempt to help you receive full insurance benefits; however, you are personally responsible for your account, and we encourage you to contact us if your policy has not paid within 30 days.

First Visit

Our office recommends that your child have their first dental visit six months after the first tooth erupts or no later than 12 months of age. This visit is designed to give you the information you need to help your child have optimal oral health in their early growing years.

We will perform a risk assessment for your child at this visit. From that information, we will design an individualized preventive dental health program that includes tips on brushing, fluorides, and proper diet. We will do anticipatory guidance about growth and development and oral habit influences. We will also provide counseling on oral emergencies.

Each year, we see many children age two and younger with beginning dental problems. We know that early intervention is the only reasonable way to insure your child starts with good oral health. Dental check ups for your children should begin at twelve months and continue every six months thereafter.

When you begin your child’s dental check ups, you are establishing a dental home for your child. We provide guidance for your growing child with periodic oral health evaluations in familiar surroundings. We also develop an invaluable knowledge about your child and are a resource of information for you at anytime. Our office is available 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. Your child’s optimal oral health development is our goal.

Dental Health

Innumerable studies and research have shown on the importance of starting children early in their lives with good dental hygiene and oral care. According to research, the most common chronic childhood disease in America is tooth decay, affecting 50 percent of first-graders and 80 percent of 17-year-olds. More than 40% of children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten. Cavities left unattended in children can affect children’s growth, result in significant pain and potentially life-threatening infection, and diminish overall quality of life.

The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimates that children will miss 52 million hours of school each year due to oral health problems and about 12.5 million days of restricted activity every year from dental symptoms. Because there is such a significant loss in their academic performance, the Surgeon General has made children’s oral health a priority.

Parents are responsible for ensuring their children practice good dental hygiene. Parents must introduce proper oral care early in a child’s life-as early as infancy.

An oral health risk assessment by a qualified health professional by age one allows institution of appropriate preventive strategies as the primary dentition begins to erupt.

FAQs

Q. How often should I see a dentist?
A. The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.

Q. What should I expect during my appointment?
A. One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, make X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and fee payment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.

During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you may be experiencing and answer any questions you may have.

Q. What does “painless dentistry” mean?
A. Painless dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment options that may require no local anesthetic and whenever possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you.

Q. What if I have an emergency?
A. Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you in to our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office for the doctor's emergency contact number.

Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes. We accept many types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment. We offer a low interest rate payment plan and also accept most major credit cards, including MasterCard and Visa.

Q. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
A. There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth: in office, overnight or daily. Brite Smile bleaching is done in our office. One session generally lasts one and a half to two hours, and you can read or relax during the treatment. For overnight bleaching, we make an impression of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits your bite. Each day you fill the mouthguard with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it overnight or for a few hours during the day. The overnight bleaching process takes approximately two weeks.

Other over-the-counter daily bleaching products are available, but it is important to use any bleaching product only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the ADA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any bleaching program.

Q. What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?
A. Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing
The parent should accept the responsibility of properly cleaning the teeth and gums of their child. This is no different from any other behaviors or skills your child develops. The parent is responsible until the child demonstrates the necessary skill and motivation.

The act of cleaning your children’s teeth can be a pleasant one and time for parent-child bonding. The parent of the young child should begin cleaning the gums of the infant several times daily with a soft moist rag or washcloth. As the child develops teeth, the teeth can be gently brushed with a small soft bristle brush at least two times a day. This brushing can be accomplished near a sink where a small smear of fluoride containing toothpaste can be used. An alternative can be on a sofa or bed. When brushing on these, no toothpaste should be used. Remember, you are brushing to remove bacterial plaque on teeth and accumulated food. Use gentle motions to clean these young and delicate structures.

Flossing
Flossing is an essential part of removal of bacteria and food particles between teeth. On young children, the flossing is begun when teeth are in contact with adjacent teeth. Care must be exercised to avoid damage to the delicate gum tissue. You will be given an explanation and demonstration at our office.

Common Problems

Tooth Decay
Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, they may negatively impact your quality of life.

When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.

Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.

Gum Disease
Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.

Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.

Orthodontic Problems
A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.

Emergencies

What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is one which may be causing considerable pain, swelling or bleeding. It may be from a laceration or trauma to the facial area. There may be teeth or other oral structures damaged. In all cases, early intervention is critical. A phone call to our office to describe the emergency is the first action to be taken in most cases. Some emergencies may be handled over the telephone and some require office interventions.

Broken tooth
First, clean the mouth in the area of the broken tooth and control any hemorrhage. Identify the extent of the problem and then call our office for instructions. Be prepared to bring your child immediately to our office if requested to do so. Bring any broken teeth fragments with you.

Knocked out tooth
A baby tooth that has been knocked out has little chance to survive if re-implanted. It is still important to call our office for advice and recommendations.

A knocked out or damaged permanent tooth does need immediate attention. If possible, recover the tooth and clean gently with tap water. Reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible. Call our office to inform us of the accident and we will make provisions to see you immediately.

If the tooth cannot be reinserted, place it in a small cup of milk for transportation to our office. Time is critical to the health of an avulsed tooth. Get help as soon as possible.

Broken Braces or Wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, check or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.

Toothache
Toothache in children is rare unless the child has untreated cavities. If your child has no apparent reason for a toothache and is seeing the dentist regularly, use warm water rinses and pain medication to comfort the child. The pain should subside in an hour or so.

If your child has an obvious cavity in the area of pain, bring the child as soon as possible to our office for evaluation. A toothache from a decayed tooth is a serious problem and needs prompt attention.

Any dental pain that persists more than two hours needs evaluation. Our office is available to help you at any time.

Prevention

Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Nerve damage can result from severe decay and may require a crown (a crown is like a large filling that can cap a tooth, making it stronger or covering it). Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.

Sealants
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.

Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.

Fluoride
Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Dentists can evaluate the level of fluoride in a primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements (usually in tablets or drops), if necessary.

Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children usually cease thumb sucking when the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Typically, children stop between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of primary teeth can cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth. If you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, talk to your dentist.

Here are some ways to help your child outgrow thumb sucking:

• Don’t scold a child when they exhibit thumb sucking behavior; instead, praise them when they don’t thumb suck.
• Focus on eliminating the cause of anxiety—thumb sucking is a comfort device that helps children cope with stress or discomfort.
• Praise them when they refrain from the habit during difficult periods.
• Place a bandage on the thumb or a sock on their hand at night.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic.

Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.

Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.

"Laughing Gas"
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre- and post-sedation instructions.

Contact Us

Address:
6200 Saratoga Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Phone:
361.992.9500

Email: