Dentistry For Adults
We want you to have the best dental health, and having your teeth professionally cleaned by our hygienist is an important part of healthy teeth and gums. Plaque forms on teeth even with meticulous brushing. When it hardens into tartar, cleaning with your toothbrush will not remove it. If it advances to the gums, you risk developing periodontal (gum) disease. Other, more serious health conditions have been linked to advanced or chronic gum infection. Recent research shows gum disease plays a role in the development of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. So please have your teeth cleaned regularly to stay healthy!
Specific Concerns for Seniors
Our teeth show signs of age, just like the rest of our body. Stains appear from caffeine and tobacco use. If regular professional cleanings have been missed, plaque build-up eventually leads to decay and root or gum problems. Some medications reduce the flow of saliva through the mouth, which we can address. Fillings can loosen and allow decay to set in. Gum disease and root decay are major concerns for seniors. We recommend regular check-ups to reduce the chance of small problems turning into big problems. And as always, we recommend the consumption of healthy foods and proper gum and teeth hygiene for optimum oral health at every age.
If your gums are inflamed or bleed easily from flossing or brushing, or a tooth or teeth feel loose, contact us immediately.
Teeth with Root Problems Can Be Saved
A root canal will restore a tooth with infected or damaged roots to full functionality. Our doctors are well experienced in this procedure, and with modern techniques and anesthetics, patients find it very manageable.
In the past, teeth with root problems were extracted, but today it is known a tooth should be saved whenever possible. In most cases, having a root canal will take care of the problem. During the procedure, the pulp is removed from the interior of the tooth and then filled with a special material. Sometimes a crown is placed over the tooth for additional strength.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Falling asleep during the day, snoring loudly while sleeping, or occasional halted breathing during sleep are signs you have the condition known as sleep apnea. Perhaps you have been treated for this problem with the CPAP device. It allows air to continue to flow through your lungs thanks to a mask that is worn over the nose and mouth during sleep. It takes care of the problem of interrupted breathing, but the mask is bulky and uncomfortable to wear, so people often stop using it.
If you have become unhappy with this solution, we offer one that will let you get a good night’s sleep comfortably. A small, acrylic device, similar to a retainer, fits over upper and lower teeth. It repositions your tongue and jaw to keep your air passage open, allowing consistent breathing. Patients who have tried this device have been very pleased with the results – 90 percent of users have had successful results. It is easily placed and removed and compact to take along when traveling. Let us show you how great it is to restore sound, restful sleep.