Monday, April 23, 2012

Periodontal Treatment in The Woodlands. More Than Caring for Your Teeth and Gums. Taking Care of Your Health.


Regular visits to your dentist in The Woodlands for check-ups and cleanings do more than keep your teeth and gums healthy. Those visits may also save your life. Why? Because they protect you from periodontal (gum) disease.

It’s common knowledge that periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. But studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Periodontology report that periodontal disease can also lead to an increased risk of:
  • Heart Disease
  • Stroke
  • Certain Cancers (including pancreatic cancer)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes
  • Premature Birth
  • Low Birth-Weight Babies
  • and more

With more than 85 percent of people in the United States with some level of periodontal disease, chances are you have it. Check for the following symptoms: swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, loose teeth, receding gum line and halitosis. But sometimes there aren't any symptoms at all.

The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable, and in many cases, reversible. With dental technology and advanced periodontal therapy, including ultrasonic scalers, dental lasers and antibiotics, gum treatment is more gentle, comfortable and effective than ever before.

It’s easy to keep your gums, teeth and your health in good shape. Simply visit my dental practice in The Woodlands for regular check-ups and cleanings. Brush and floss daily at home and use an oral irrigator. You’ll be smiling and feeling good!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Need a Dentist in The Woodlands? Find the One That’s Right for You.


There was a time when all you had to do to choose a dentist in The Woodlands was to open the Yellow Pages, pick one, and call.

Not anymore!

Today, to choose the right dentist for your needs, you have to do a little research. Why? These days, dentists and dentistry are widely varied. Even general dentists offer different treatments.

Thankfully, most of the information you seek is waiting on the Internet. But before any of the searching starts, you need to start by interviewing yourself! Only then will you get a clear picture of the dentistry you’re looking for.

Ask yourself:

What kind of dentist do I need?
  • A family dentist that offers comprehensive care in one location?
  • A dentist that focuses on restorative dental care, like filling, bridges, crowns, dentures, etc. for the more mature patient?
  • A dentist that offers more specialized care like cosmetic dentistry? Endodontics? Periodontics?  Orthodontics, TMJ treatment, etc?
  • A dentist that complements care with comfort, from sedation to patient amenities?

What do I expect from my care?
  • To maintain my oral health?
  • To restore my mouth to health? Do I have broken teeth? Do I want to replace missing teeth?
  • Do enhance the appearance of my smile?
  • To restore more than oral health, but also relieve painful TMJ symptoms or sleep apnea?

What do I want in dental care?
  • The use of advanced technology?
  • A comprehensive range of treatment available in one location?
  • Convenient hours or location?
  • Dental insurance participation?
  • Financing?

Once you know what kind of dentist you’re looking for, search online for someone who meets your criteria. For example, if you want cosmetic dentistry, search: cosmetic dentist The Woodlands. Your search should give you a number of results. Once you find one you like, do some research on that dentist. (Most dentists have websites that have all the information you need. You can also read online patient reviews.)

Does that dentist have specialized training and experience in the area of care you need? Does he or she participate in continuing education?  Does the dentist show photos of his or her patients and describe the treatment they received? Does the dentist offer any patient testimonials that you can read? There’s no better way to get the “feel” for a dentist than to hear what his or her patients have to say.

Finally, call the office and ask specific questions about the dentist and the care offered. If you feel confident and comfortable, schedule a visit. You’ve done your homework and you’re well on your way to getting the care you need and deserve!