WE TREAT OUR PATIENTS LIKE FAMILY

     We provide excellent care and dentistry the way we would want our family and ourselves to be treated. Our office welcomes every new patient with a warm smile, so call us at 322-0444 to come meet your new dental family. We welcome new patients. Emergencies seen promptly!
Bend’s husband & wife dental team have over 20 years in dentistry.

     Chances are that if your room- or bed-mate has not made you aware of the fact that you grind your teeth at night, you probably do not know that you are doing it. As disruptive as the noise of tooth grinding may be for your sleeping partner, it is potentially very injurious to your teeth. Your dentist can readily identify the evidence of grinding your teeth. Bruxism, as tooth-grinding is technically known, not only wears down the biting surfaces of molars, in particular, it can lead to tooth erosion at the gumline. The good news is that this preventable form of premature wear can be halted with the use of a custom night guard. For many, bruxism is not just a nighttime habit. Some people continue grinding their teeth during the day, causing even more wear and tear on their teeth. If you have a problem with tooth grinding, your dentist will see the evidence of it during a check-up. This is a good time to find out what you can do to save your teeth from this problem. Be sure to ask us about being custom-fitted for a mouth guard, which can lessen the impact of bruxism.

P.S. Bruxism, which is often caused by stress, can lead to temporomandibular- joint (TMJ) disorder and headaches if left unchecked.

     Crooked, chipped, cracked, and overlapping teeth may lend themselves to a correction technique that is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive. Tooth reshaping (or dental contouring) involves the subtle and artful reduction of small amounts of enamel to alter the shape, length, or position of a tooth. The procedure involves using a sanding drill or laser to eliminate or minimize imperfections, as small amounts of surface enamel are gradually removed. Abrasive strips are then used to shape the sides of the teeth. When just the correct amount of material has been removed, the teeth are smoothed and polished. This procedure, which usually does not involve the use of anesthetic, leaves teeth in far better shape than before. With dental recontouring, your dream smile is more than a dream. It becomes reality made possible by the teamwork of you and dental professionals skilled in the art of cosmetic dentistry.

P.S. If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth, ask the dentist which of the many available cosmetic procedures might benefit you most.

     Aside from all the other smoking-related health risks, research shows that smokers are more likely to develop gum disease and to have more serious cases than nonsmokers. Bone loss, gum recession, and tartar (hardened plaque) all contribute to gum disease and are common among users of tobacco. If the excessive plaque is not removed, the gums become infected and pull away from the teeth. Researchers believe that nicotine and other substances in tobacco may weaken the body’s immune response to harmful bacteria and reduce blood flow to the gums. As the bacteria in plaque attack the tissues and bone that support the teeth, the stage is set for loosened teeth and tooth loss, also more common among smokers than nonsmokers. Breaking the smoking habit now can greatly reduce your risk of developing severe gum disease and its resultant tooth loss in the future. One of the most important things we can provide you with is education. Teaching you good oral hygiene, however, is only the first part. The rest is up to you.

P.S. Over 90 percent of patients with oral cancer either smoke or chew tobacco.

     People now have one more very good reason to preserve their teeth into old age. According to a recent study, having few (or no) natural teeth at age 70 may provide an early indication of disability onset and mortality. The study, which followed non-disabled men and women over a 20-year period, found that seniors with few (or no) teeth at age 70 were significantly more likely to report mobility problems (such as difficulty walking and climbing stairs) than seniors with 20 (or more) natural teeth. Edentulism (toothlessness) at age 70 was also linked with greater mortality over the study’s 20-year period. The connection between tooth loss in old age and declining health is a complex but valid link. We have also found that many elderly Americans neglect their dental health because they assume that dental problems are an inevitable part of aging. We believe this does not have to be the case. With the innovative dental care products available today, plus daily brushing and flossing, people of all ages can keep their smiles glowing for years to come.

P.S. Tooth loss in old age may lead to declining health due to limited dietary choices and reduced nutritional intake.