Impact of Cosmetic and General Dentistry on Oral Health

the benefits of Minimally Invasive Restorative Dentistry

. LESS DISCOMFORT When you undergo a minimally-invasive procedure, you may not need to schedule a follow-up appointment for six months! Imagine getting a crown in one day instead of taking multiple visits and waiting weeks for your permanent crown to arrive. There’s a much lower risk of discomfort with minimally invasive restorations, too. Traditional processes often require the numbing of your gums. However, for no-prep procedures like direct fillings, you won’t need numbing—so you don’t have to worry about having an uncomfortable experience. To learn about our treatment options, schedule your appointment at [practice name]. Our team is happy to answer questions and help find an appointment time that works for you. ]]> This above excerpt is from a blog post titled “The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Restorative Dentistry.” The blog discusses the benefits of dental implants and composite resin fillings. Find more information on these and other dental procedures by visiting the [blog]( page on the website. Author Bio: Dr. Karen Larson graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1993 before completing a general practice residency at the VA hospital in San Francisco, CA and a pediatric dentistry specialty residency at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. After practicing as a general dentist and teaching part-time at her alma mater, Dr. Larson now focuses on educating patients about oral health through her writing. You can learn more about her education here: [ Improved Aesthetics First, minimally invasive restorative dentistry eliminates unsightly silver amalgam fillings and restores teeth to a beautiful, natural appearance. You and your patients can smile with confidence! Second, it’s easier for your patients to maintain their oral health after treatment. After all, with minimally invasive techniques, you won’t need to prepare your patient’s mouth for the placement of bulky porcelain restorations. Instead, you can preserve tooth structure and avoid the need for extensive repair later on. FASTER RECOVERY TIME Patients can typically recover from their procedure in a day or two, which is ideal for those who work full-time or are unable to take time off of work. Because our procedures are minimally invasive and require less time in the chair, patients may save both time and money compared to traditional procedures such as dental crowns. Additionally, because the procedure is less invasive and does not require the cutting of tissue or the suturing of gums, the procedure is more comfortable for patients than traditional methods. As a result, patients are able to heal more quickly and can return to their regular routines in no time.

the benefits of Minimally Invasive Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry includes a variety of dental treatments that help restore health and function to damaged teeth. There are many treatments that fall under the category of restorative dentistry, including dental implants, inlays, onlays, and composite fillings. MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUE Minimally invasive restorative dentistry refers to the use of innovative technologies and procedures that are less painful and require less recovery time compared to traditional dental treatments. These procedures are also known as “non-surgical” restorations because they are performed without the need for surgical intervention or cutting into the gum tissues. Benefits of minimally invasive restorations include: • Less discomfort after treatment - The more comfortable the treatment, the more likely patients are to follow through with the recommended treatment plan. Since non-surgical treatments are so similar to a regular filling or crown placement procedure, most patients do not experience any significant discomfort during or after treatment. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after their appointment. • Quicker healing time - With less invasive treatments, patients recover faster from the procedure. This means that they are less likely to need extensive aftercare instructions from their dentist. Also, since these treatments do not require sutures or stitches, patients typically don’t need to follow any special instructions for care and healing of the gums. • Reduced chance of infection - Because there is less cutting of soft tissues with a minimally-invasive treatment, such as placing a dental crown using CEREC technology, the treatment has a reduced chance of developing an infection in the gums. Thus, patients who receive Invisalign aligners to straighten crooked teeth have a lower risk of developing gum disease as they do not need to cut away any of the gum tissue to place the alignment trays. For more information about our minimally-invasive treatment options, schedule a consultation with our dentists. We will evaluate your oral health needs and determine if one of these techniques is right for you. Contact our office today at [phone]. At our office, we are committed to your overall well-being and dental health. We offer a full range of cosmetic and general dental care services, including LESS PAIN When compared to traditional techniques, minimally invasive dentistry has many benefits for the patient’s comfort including less bleeding and swelling of the soft tissues and less trauma to the surrounding bone. Your dentist can also control the amount of anesthetic used to reduce pain before, during, and after your procedure. In addition, pain-free approaches like laser dentistry can reduce discomfort associated with traditional treatments. Laser dentistry can also help dentists be more precise when treating small cavities or performing root canals. This can help reduce the anxiety patients experience about dental procedures and also shorten their recovery time. For patients who receive sedatives for a longer appointment like a hospital stay or a wisdom tooth extraction, there are also many side effects that can be unpleasant. With more advancements in sedation dentistry, there are now less invasive options available such as nitrous oxide that your dentist can discuss with you to determine the most appropriate option for your treatment. If a patient has a fear of the dentist or requires an extensive treatment plan, it’s important to work with a dentist who is trained in minimally-invasive dentistry. Using advanced diagnostic techniques and technology, they can better understand your dental needs and provide you with the procedures you need to restore your oral health. About us Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Arts provide exceptional family and cosmetic dentistry with services including dental exams, teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, x-rays, cleanings, and more. They are dedicated to making every visit convenient and enjoyable while helping you maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Welcoming patients of all ages to their state-of-the-art facility, they offer the most advanced cosmetic and family dentistry in Wellesley, MA. To learn more, call today! LITTLE TO NO RECOVERY TIME With today’s advancements in dentistry, you can enjoy your restorations with little-to-no downtime. This is because our dentist will use minimally invasive procedures that don’t require any incisions or sutures for placement. Our dental team will take an intraoral camera before the procedure begins in order to show you step-by-step the areas of the mouth that need restored and why. This not only gives you the ability to know about what is happening during the procedure but also allows you to feel more at ease knowing that your dentist is showing you how each step of the procedure will take place. Once your restoration is finished, we will go over proper oral hygiene and at-home care with you so that you can get the most out of your tooth restoration and wear your beautiful smile with confidence. Contact us today to find out more about how you can get a beautiful new smile with the help of minimally-invasive restorative dentistry in [city]! invasive-restorative-dentistry/ Family & Cosmetic Dentist City, State 555-5555 info@yourfamilydentist.com LESSER RISK OF INFECTIONS Compared to other dental procedures, minimally-invasive dentistry is associated with fewer incidences of infections or complications such as abscess formation. This is because of the small incisions made inside the gums and absence of tissue trauma during dental work. This lowers chances of bacteria invasion into the body through the open wounds. Less pain is experienced while healing too. All of these factors make minimally-invasive restorative dentistry a safe alternative to conventional dental treatment. The benefits of minimally invasive dentistry include the following: - Lower risk of infections - No need for stitches to close the wound; instead, self-dissolving sutures may be used - Reduced recovery time - Better aesthetic results due to less trauma to the teeth and surrounding tissues

Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment 

Do you snore loudly every night? Do you wake up feeling tired and groggy? Are you waking up with headaches? These are symptoms you may be experiencing due to sleep apnea. WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA? Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted throughout the night due to blocked airways. When people with obstructive sleep apnea experience disrupted sleep, they are at a higher risk of many health problems. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can even lead to an increased risk of death. The condition is a chronic condition that typically requires long-term management using CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy. What Causes Sleep Apnea? When sleeping, the soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse. If these are further collapsed by additional tissue such as the tongue or tonsils, the airway can become obstructed. As air passes through the narrowed opening, there is an increase in pressure within the lungs that causes the chest to rise and fall with each breath. This is known as an apnea event and typically lasts between 10 seconds and one minute before the body is able to adjust and clear the blockage so that normal breathing can occur again. This cycle repeats throughout the night and can disrupt sleep repeatedly. If you suffer from snoring loudly and frequently, or if you experience frequent daytime fatigue, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. During a consultation visit with an ENT doctor, Dr. [doctor_name] can conduct a physical exam and review your symptoms. If necessary, he can also order an overnight sleep study at our facility to get a more complete picture of your sleep patterns and whether you’re experiencing sleep apnea events. How Are Sleep Apnea Events Treated? Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are several treatment options for managing the condition. The most common form of treatment is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). This is a mask worn over the nose during sleep that delivers a steady flow of air pressure in order to keep airways open WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA? Patients with sleep apnea often snore, choke or gasp for air during sleep. Because their breathing is interrupted throughout the night, they tend not to get enough oxygen because they aren’t getting enough deep sleep. As a result, patients with sleep apnea are tired during the day and may fall asleep at inappropriate times. They are also at a higher risk for a number of serious medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They may also have a chronic sore throat or a dry mouth that wakes them up at night. These patients are also at risk for hypertension and stroke. HOW IS SLEEP APNEA TREATED? When a patient presents with symptoms of sleep apnea, an oral appliance is often the first treatment option to try before considering a CPAP machine or surgery. These devices work by holding the lower jaw forward for sleep and keeping the airway open. Oral appliances are small and convenient to wear, which makes them a popular alternative for treating mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Many patients find that they are more compliant with their treatment when using oral appliances because they are convenient to use and easy to travel with. However, some patients fail to seek treatment for sleep apnea because they do not want to wear a bulky CPAP mask while they sleep. Patients should talk to their doctor about all of their treatment options and discuss which type of treatment is best for their needs and lifestyle. If patients find the CPAP machine to be too uncomfortable for them, oral appliances are a great alternative. These devices are also quite inexpensive in comparison to the cost of other treatments such as surgery and implants. Schedule a consultation with your orthodontist to learn more about how they may be able to help treat your sleep apnea symptoms. IS SURGERY NEEDED FOR SLEEP APNEA? Dental implants are one treatment option for sleep apnea and snoring. To be considered for this treatment, patients should be in good overall health and have healthy gums and bone structure to support the implant. Traditional dental implants require enough bone in the jaw to properly support the implant. However, for patients with insufficient bone or who are missing a tooth, mini dental implants may be an option. Mini implants are comprised of three main parts: the titanium screw, an abutment, and a prosthetic tooth. The screw is the only placed in the gum line and is used as an anchor for the denture. The abutment is placed on top of the screw to connect it and the false tooth. Mini-implants require less bone density than traditional implants and can be placed even if the patient has minimal to no bone mass and adequate gum tissue. They are typically smaller than traditional implants as well. In some cases, a mini dental implant can be used to support a full set of dentures. This can eliminate slippage in lower dentures and reduce sore spots. Although this procedure is typically very successful at reducing or even eliminating snoring and sleep apnea, it is not intended for everyone. Patients should discuss whether or not they are a candidate for the procedure with their dentist to determine if it is the best treatment for their condition. Tooth replacement with dental implants usually takes several appointments over several weeks. During this time, the implants are placed into the jawbone underneath the gum line. After a healing period to allow the implant to fuse to the surrounding bone, the posts will be fitted with dental crowns or dentures. Implant supported crowns and bridges can replace individual missing teeth. Full arch replacements are for patients that are missing all of their teeth on an arch. Once completed, these restorations look and perform much like natural teeth. If done correctly, they can improve patient’s ability to speak and eat

Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment 

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person experiences pauses in breathing during sleep. It is a serious sleep disorder that can deprive you of a good night's sleep. Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, but it can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, and an increased risk of high blood pressure. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, allowing the tongue and soft palate to fall back into the airway and block the airway. Central sleep apnea is a less common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe during sleep. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA? Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. These interruptions can occur up to hundreds of times each night, and can happen for moments at a time or for longer periods of time throughout the night. A person with untreated sleep apnea will wake feeling exhausted due to poor quality sleep, which leads to daytime sleepiness during the day. People with sleep apnea are also at a higher risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Causes of sleep apnea include excess weight, large tonsils and/or adenoids, caused by genetics, a narrow throat, and various medical conditions. The most common type of treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine, which is a mask you wear over your nose that provides continuous positive airway pressure while you sleep. This form of treatment can help reduce snoring and improve the quality of your sleep while also reducing the risk of numerous health complications associated with sleep apnea. [link to for more info about sleep apnea and other oral health treatments. [/section] WHAT IS SNORING? Snoring happens when air struggles to get through the throat and nasal passages during sleep, causing tissues to vibrate as the air passes by. This often causes a loud sound in the middle of the night that can disrupt your sleep or your partner’s sleep. It can be a sign of sleep apnea, but is not always the symptom. HOW COMMON IS SLEEP APNEA? According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, at least 80 percent of adults experience some type of sleep disordered breathing in their lifetime. (2) Snoring and sleep apnea are two of the most frequent types of sleep disorders that people suffer from. It is estimated that about 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. (1) While snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition like sleep apnea, it is not always indicative of a serious problem. Fortunately, most people who have these disorders can be treated with oral appliance therapy to help them get back to sleeping peacefully at night. If you are suffering from snoring or sleep apnea, you should first see your dentist to rule out any underlying problems that might be causing your discomfort. Your dentist can then refer you to an ear, nose and throat doctor for further tests to diagnose your sleep disorder. Once your diagnosis is complete, the doctor can recommend an appropriate treatment to help you overcome your symptoms and get your sleep back on track. At-home sleep studies have become a popular option that many people use to determine the severity of their sleep issues. These tests are convenient to use in the comfort of your own home, but may not be completely reliable in diagnosing more serious cases of obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, you may have to visit a specialist to undergo more in-depth testing to determine whether or not an oral appliance will be effective in treating your sleep disorder. (3) There are several options for you to choose from when it comes to treating your obstructive sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. An oral surgeon who specializes in sleep apnea can help you determine which type of device is right for you based on your symptoms and medical history. Some of the options that you can consider include the following.  Mandibular Advancement Device – This type of device is designed to advance your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep so that your airway stays open throughout the night. It is typically small, comfortable and easy to adjust to wearing. (4) HOW IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA DIAGNOSED? To evaluate your sleep habits, your doctor may recommend that you wear a continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) while you sleep. This device will pause your breathing if you begin to snore or experience apneas. Your doctor may also recommend oral appliances such as mouth guards and tongue retainers to eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea. These anti-snoring devices work to keep your airway open throughout the night. It’s also possible that your dentist may suggest that you undergo an at-home sleep study. This study requires you to wear a CPAP while sleeping at home. It will give dentists a better idea of whether you have obstructive sleep apnea. If you’re diagnosed with OSA, you will likely be prescribed a CPAP machine to wear at night. This mask-like device will keep your throat open and prevent you from suffocating in your sleep. You may need to use the device indefinitely as you work on changing your diet to promote healthy sleep habits and weight loss. Talk to your doctor about exercises you can do to reduce excess neck tissue and improve your fit with the CPAP machine. If you snore loudly and are awakened by your own snoring, then you may be suffering from sleep apnea. This common disorder occurs when your throat muscles and tissues relax to the point they block your airways and create a loud sound during sleep. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor right away. He or she can refer you to an ear-nose-and-throat specialist who can perform tests to diagnose the disorder. If so, you will likely be given recommendations for treatment. This may include the use of a CPAP device or a mouthpiece to reposition your tongue and jaw and keep those tissues from blocking your airway. These devices can often reduce or eliminate your symptoms. If a CPAP is uncomfortable for you, ask your doctor about a custom-made mouthpiece that will gently hold your mouth in a position that will prevent HOW IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATED? There are two main treatment options for sleep apnea: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Oral Appliance Therapy. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask that provides constant air pressure to prevent blockage of airways, preventing snoring or apnea events from occurring. For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, an oral appliance can be used to maintain an open airway during sleep. This oral appliance is custom made to fit over the patient’s teeth and prevent their lower jaw from dropping back when they sleep. The device helps patients breathe easily throughout the night and allows them a full night’s sleep. To learn more about the different treatment options available to treat sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with Dr. Givan by calling Lake Mary Dentistry at 407-358-2881 today! We provide comprehensive dentistry services to patients in Sanford, Heathrow, Geneva, and surrounding areas of Florida. Our team looks forward to helping you achieve your best smile! *Individual results may vary. Consult your dentist for details. **This blog was posted by a community contributor. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Lake Mary Dentistry Blog, or staff.If you have any questions or concerns about this article, please contact the Author DavidWilkinsonDDS.com.You can learn more about our emergency dental services at LakeMaryDentalCare.com.** Related articles - Home»Dental Care»How Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated? How Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated? Are you constantly tired during the day? Do you snore loudly at night? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may have sleep apnea. At the office of

Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment 

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing while you are sleeping. The pauses typically last a few seconds, but can happen up to 30 times an hour. WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING? During sleep, the muscles of the throat relax and one of the results is a narrowing or blockage of airways, which can lead to loud snoring and/or sleep apnea – a condition associated with episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. This interruption to normal breathing patterns can occur up to hundreds of times a night. For someone with obstructive sleep apnea, this constant disruption of breathing causes a number of serious health issues and complications. These include: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. A common treatment for these conditions is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy (CPAP). CPAP involves wearing a mask over the mouth or nose which is connected to a machine that provides pressurized air to keep the airway open throughout the night. While not a fun bedtime routine for most people, the benefits of CPAP therapy greatly outweigh the occasional discomfort associated with it. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option for sleep improvement. There are various ways a dentist can help with sleep-related issues. Most commonly, Dr. Patel will help patients get fitted for a CPAP mask or provide oral appliance therapy. These are both comfortable alternatives to the CPAP machine to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. In some cases, surgical options are available for more extreme cases. The dentists at Gentle Touch Dentistry have advanced training in this area and care for patients who may need surgical treatments for sleep apnea or other conditions. If you are concerned about your snoring habits or a sleeping partner’s snoring, contact the team at Gentle Touch Dentistry today to schedule an appointment! CAUSES OF SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING Poorly fitting oral appliances can cause sleep apnea and snoring. The appliance can vibrate, causing the airway to narrow or become blocked. This, in turn, causes interruptions in breathing throughout the night. If you notice signs of sleep apnea or your partner complains about your snoring, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss it further. Your dentist will be able to diagnose you with a sleep study to determine the cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan for you. [Click here to learn the causes of obstructive sleep apnea.]( [Sleep apnea treatment](