Would You Know if You Have Sleep Apnea?

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would you know if you have sleep apneaThe first step to resolving an issue is to acknowledge that there is one. But with obstructive sleep apnea, patients often spend years not knowing that anything is wrong, and the collective effects on their health can be overwhelming by the time they seek treatment.

Yet, the problem is that patients don’t often recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea (like excessive snoring), or don’t realize that such symptoms indicate a serious problem. To know if you have sleep apnea, your best chances lie in seeking a professional diagnosis from your dentist, especially if you snore consistently. (more…)

filed under: Preventive Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment

You Need Root Canal Therapy – True or False?

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you need root canal therapy - true or falseFor many patients, the thought of needing root canal therapy isn’t exactly a pleasant one. But if you’ve been told that you do, then procrastinating may make your condition worse. The truth is that root canal therapy is vital to saving teeth that have become severely infected, or that have been damaged enough to expose their inner tissues. The more you know about root canal therapy, the more you will realize its importance, as well as the fact that you have nothing to worry about during the procedure. (more…)

filed under: Restorative Dentistry, Services

Enamel – How Teeth Protect Themselves

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enamel - how teeth protect themselvesIt’s the second-most resilient substance on earth, next to diamonds, and yet all that is needed to compromise your tooth enamel is neglect. Despite its incredible strength when healthy, tooth enamel is constantly under attack by bacteria and food particles in your mouth. As your teeth’s main line of defense against infection and damage, protecting your tooth enamel is one of the focal points of keeping your smile strong, healthy, and beautiful. (more…)

filed under: General Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry

What Makes Dental Plaque Dangerous?

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what makes dental plaque dangerousThe uncomfortable feeling of plaque building and sticking to your teeth should prompt you to brush your teeth often. However, the most disturbing thing about dental plaque isn’t how it feels, but rather what it hides—specifically, over 600 different kinds of oral bacteria. A few of these strains are particularly worrisome because they can produce harmful substances that lead to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which could lead to tooth loss, in extreme cases. Understanding plaque and oral bacteria, and the signs that they have become a threat, will help you better protect your smile from their destructive influences. (more…)

filed under: Patient Education, Preventive Dentistry

The Cosmetic Smile Quiz!

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The Cosmetic Smile QuizThere are few feelings that can compare to having pride in your smile. As you show it, and see your smile reflected in the smiles of those around you, your own self confidence can grow, which can make you even more proud of your smile.

However, if you’re unhappy with your smile’s appearance, then we can help restore the feeling with an appropriate cosmetic dentistry treatment, developed according to your specific needs and preferences. To find out how, take our short cosmetic smile quiz below! (more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentures (and Partials) Made Just for You

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dentures (and partials) made just for youAside from the embarrassment of missing teeth, the gaps left by lost teeth can negatively affect the function of your mouth. Biting, chewing, and speaking clearly can become difficult as your tooth alignment is altered, and serious oral health issues can often follow. For instance, the teeth that remain will naturally shift in an attempt to close the gap and pick up the slack, which can contribute to misaligned and damaged teeth.

Fortunately, these issues can largely be avoided by replacing missing teeth. Whether you need to replace multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, modern complete and partial dentures can be custom-crafted to specifically meet your needs. (more…)

filed under: Restorative Dentistry, Tooth Loss

Do You Really Need Tooth Extraction?

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do you really need tooth extractionWhile the goal of keeping your smile clean and healthy is, in large part, to preserve all of your natural teeth, there may come a time when you have to contemplate tooth extraction.  For many patients, the thought of losing the tooth can be daunting. However, in some cases, it may be the best option for preserving your smile.

Because losing a tooth can affect the rest of your oral health, your dentist should only recommend tooth extraction when the tooth cannot be saved with restorative treatment. Afterwards, your dentist might also suggest replacing the tooth to restore your smile, preferably with a lifelike dental implant and crown. (more…)

filed under: Restorative Dentistry, Services

How Do You Avoid Tooth Decay?

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pecantreetoothdecayAt some point, nearly all of us will experience the discomfort of a cavity. However, you may be surprised to learn how big an impact preventive dentistry can have in avoiding them. With the right steps, you can help avoid tooth decay and protect your smile from oral health complications.

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filed under: Preventive Dentistry

Causes of Tooth Loss

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Causes of Tooth LossTooth loss can mean something different to everyone. For those who still retain all of their teeth, it may seem like an obscure concept. For those who’ve lost a single tooth, it may seem important to replace them, but not so much an emergency.

Yet, for those who have lost a significant amount of teeth, the loss can prove devastating to their oral health, as well as their smile’s appearance and self-confidence. Fortunately, you have many options for replacing lost teeth, but your best bet at protecting your smile lies in understanding and possibly preventing the common causes of tooth loss. (more…)

filed under: Patient Education, Tooth Loss

Can Bruxism Damage Your Teeth?

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shutterstock_149579294Teeth grinding or clenching – medically referred to as bruxism – can be damaging to your teeth in severe cases. Although many children grind their teeth at one point or another, they typically grow out of it. But, when adults begin grinding their teeth, it’s likely due to an outside factor such as; stress, anxiety, malocclusion (misaligned bite), or even another sleep disorder (like sleep apnea). Sometimes, the habit will dissipate on its own, especially if it’s caused by an emotional factor that has been alleviated. But, since it often occurs throughout the sleep cycle, many patients are unaware of its happening – causing bruxism to become a chronic habit. (more…)

filed under: General Dentistry