February 2018 - Elivad

4 Side Effects of Sleep Apnea

At least 50 million Americans have a sleep disorder, and over 22 million adults are impacted in some way by sleep apnea. Over 10% of Americans are estimated to suffer from Obstructed Sleep Apnea (OSA). While OSA is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea, up to 80% of moderate-to-severe cases are never diagnosed. However, ignoring sleep apnea or putting off the treatment is a dangerous decision that can have dire consequences far more severe than fatigue, snoring, or being in a lousy mood the next day. In fact, some side effects of sleep apnea can be potentially fatal. But what are the most common sleep apnea side effects?

Depression

Nationwide stress rates are through the roof, so it may seem like everywhere you turn someone’s either depressed or has anxiety issues. While “everyone” is quite the stretch, the truth is anxiety and depression are the most common mental illnesses affecting 18.1% of the adult population or 40 million adults. Although they’re completely treatable in most cases, fewer than 40% of those suffering bother seeking treatment. And while there are several risk factors for depression and anxiety, they’re heavily linked to sleep apnea. However, treating your sleep apnea with a continuous positive airway pressure may significantly reduce your depression as well.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

If you or a loved one seem to sound like a chainsaw during your sleeping hours, you have a higher risk of sleep apnea. Moreover, your chances of developing high blood pressure and heart disease just went through the roof. Medical science isn’t completely sure why there’s a strong link between heavy snoring and high blood pressure. But research does seem to prove that the blocked airway and extra effort applied to breathing likely put extra stress on many of your organs, including your heart. The good news, however, is that the reverse is also true. So if you have your snoring treated or corrected, it should help reduce your blood pressure.

Stroke

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when the blood flow is cut off to a certain area of the brain. Brain cells then begin dying because the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen. Bodily functions quickly begin to shut down, and severe confusion, paralysis, or even death can follow. There are several major risk factors for stroke, but the main ones include obesity, smoking, living a sedentary lifestyle, and sleep apnea. Improve your life choices and treat your apnea to reduce your risk of having a stroke.

Diabetes

It’s no secret that obesity and type 2 diabetes go hand-in-hand. But it may come as some surprise that those with Obstructed Sleep Apnea tend to have higher glucose levels. Once again, however, that link can work either way. So treating your sleep apnea may help reduce your blood sugar levels. While there are plenty of other risk factors, these are the most common sleep apnea side effects. Talk to your Red Bank Dentist about treating your OSA to see a huge improvement in the quality of your life.

4 Facts About Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably been beaten over the head with reminders to prioritize your oral health habits. Unfortunately, sometimes constant reminders lose their effect and end up going into deaf ears. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proves this fact with their findings that 90% of American adults have had at least one cavity and 65 million adults, or 50% of those over the age of 30, have some level of gum disease. Bacteria and lack of oral health care cause inflammation of the gums, a condition which eventually leads to gum recession. While there are several reasons for this condition, periodontal disease is the main cause. Gum recession exposes the roots of the teeth and can create an unhealthy or unattractive appearance on top of weakening the enamel, increasing tooth sensitivity, and even leads to tooth loss. Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation can significantly reverse the recession, but what’s so special about this procedure?

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Is a Pain-free, Non-Surgical Procedure

Original gum graphing is an invasive surgical procedure that involves removing tissue from the roof of the mouth and stitching it to the gums so it connects on its own. Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is different. That’s not the case with Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation. All previous complex methods are left behind along with open wounds and the resulting fear associated with dental surgery.

This Revolutionary Procedure Incorporates Biomimetic Dentistry

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation relies on the body’s natural ability to respond to biomimetic dentistry techniques and not only help heal itself but become stronger in the process. It’s a simple and minimally invasive option that requires absolutely no scalpels or sutures. This advanced dentistry procedure simply involves applying tiny pinholes to the patient’s gum tissue and then gently and painlessly loosening it to re-position it as needed. Collagen is then applied to hold the tissue in place until it naturally affixes itself. Say goodbye to pain and hello to beauty once again.

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Is a Quick Fix with Minimal Recovery Time

The Pinhole procedure is beneficial to those in a hurry as it can treat and correct multiple teeth in a single sitting. In other words, you won’t have to return for follow-up visits just to complete the procedure. And results are immediate. Swelling, discomfort, and recovery time aren’t necessarily eliminated, but most patients are completely recovered by the following day. Unless you tell someone you had your gum rejuvenation, they’ll never know as any noticeable holes on the day of the procedure shrink by the next day as well.

This Gum Procedure Has Some Limitations

Like its predecessor, Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation has some limitations and may not be right for everyone. First of all, any traumatic activities leading to gum recession, such as overly aggressive brushing or bruxism, must be stopped prior to the appointment. The gums must also be free of inflammation. Significant bone loss will not support new tissue growth, but the only way to know for sure whether Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is right for you is to contact us today. Fortunately, a quick consultation with your Moorestown dentist could change your life for the better.

3 Dental Restoration Solutions for Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth can seem like the end of the world at first. Almost a third of the almost 178 million Americans suffering from tooth loss ignore the problem until it spreads to their entire mouth causing complete edentulism. No one starts or ends their life wanting to lose their teeth, but the loss of confidence, premature aging, and health issues involved with such a situation can make life seem unbearable. Of course, that can’t be further from the truth. Modern dentistry provides effective corrections and cures for missing teeth so you can get your life right back. But what are the best dental restoration solutions available?

Fixed Bridges

A fixed bridge is an appliance that replaces the missing space of one or more missing teeth. Unlike removable bridges that can be attached to retainers, a fixed bridge is cemented in place between the surrounding teeth. While this is a relatively simple procedure, it does take more than one appointment. During the first visit, the dentist takes a mold of the patient’s teeth and sends them to the lab. The bridge is created from a combination of materials such as metal and glass-ceramic. The patient will wear a temporary bridge while awaiting the permanent structure. And during the follow-up visit, the permanent bridge will be cemented in place.

Removable Partial Dentures

There are a few different types of dentures, but removable partial dentures are usually the easiest and most efficient denture solution for partial or full edentulism. These dentures are easily removed for cleaning but stay in with the aid of a plastic base that’s often connected to a metal frame. They essentially snap into the mouth by connecting to existing teeth. At first, this option can feel tight and be difficult to get used to. But just be patient. Like any other removable dentures, these should be removed at night. Your dentist can adjust them during a follow-up appointment in the event they’re too snug or leave mouth sores. There’s almost always a break-in period with dentures.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most advanced and invasive treatment for a missing tooth or teeth, but this is also the most effective option in many cases. Tooth loss weakens the jawbone and leads to multiple health issues, including difficulty eating, speech issues, and breathing problems. Since the facial base is gone, eyes and skin inward creating, in many cases, extreme premature aging. This all works together to fuel existing confidence issues brought upon by the tooth loss. But dental implants correct all of those problems permanently.

Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and topped with a strong replacement tooth that looks, feels, and acts like the original but tends to be quite stronger. This procedure takes several visits to complete, but the results are worth it if you want to eat your favorite foods again, breath easily, and look years younger without worrying about removing an appliance or damaging your expensive dental work due to simple life demands. When you’re ready to repair that missing tooth once and for all, give your Fort Lauderdale dentist a call to discuss the best dental restoration solutions for your needs.

4 Reasons to Choose Dental Implants

Almost 180 million American adults have lost at least one tooth and 40 million Americans have no teeth at all. Bacteria, tooth decay, gingivitis, diet, and lifestyle choices can be root causes of that reality. But tooth loss is more than a simple aesthetic issue. Even the loss of a single tooth can cause severe confidence problems, as well as affect your social, romantic, and professional life. Dental implants are a permanent solution that will change your entire life for the better. But why should you consider implants over other options?

Dental Implants Restore Your Smile and Return Your Confidence

Modern dental materials have come a long way, but they’re still not always perfect. Bridges and dentures are great options for those who need a fix in a hurry, but they have limitations. Composite materials can stain and dull over time. They can break, loosen, and need to be replaced. And removable dentures still need to be soaked and can be forgotten or accidentally thrown away. Eventually, other options can discolor or shift so drastically that they look fake. That’s never an issue with dental implants.

You Can Eat Your Favorite Foods without Worry

Many procedures come with a major warning to limit some foods and avoid certain ones altogether. Hard candy, taffy and caramel, salty snacks, and even citrus fruit and certain hard vegetables can crack, wear, and ruin bridges, crowns, braces, and other dental procedures. This isn’t the case with dental implants. The materials used are strong enough to act just like your natural teeth. So you can eat all your favorite foods and experience a world of flavor without worry.

Reverse Premature Aging and Bone Loss

If you’ve ever seen someone who looked as though their face was caving in, they likely have missing teeth. Once your face loses its anchor, the surrounding skin begins to sag and fall inward. Without the natural support, your jawbone weakens and shifts as well. Eyes drift, wrinkles form, and premature aging is the result. With the loss of jawbone strength, bite issues can affect the ability to eat and talk while sinuses can collapse and impede breathing. Dental implants reverse all of those issues. They can not only help you look years younger but also recreate your entire facial structure and make life worth living again.

Dental Implants Are a Convenient and Permanent Way to Improve Oral Health

Unlike other procedures, cavities can’t form on a tooth restored via dental implants. So they effectively improve the ease and effectiveness of your oral health care habits. You’ll still need to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings as well as perform oral health care at home. But since this is a surgical procedure, implants are more reliable and durable than other restoration options. And unlike other procedures that require grinding or filing existing teeth, dental implants require no such preparation. They go right into the jawbone and actually protect the surrounding healthy teeth. When you’re ready to say goodbye to faulty, removable appliances and painful root canals, give your Johns Creek dentist a call to see if dental implants are right for you.

3 Advantages of Cosmetic Bonding

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), research has proven that at least one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smile and 78% of Americans perceive crooked or unattractive teeth are a deterrent to professional success. It may seem unfair and ridiculous in this day and age that something as minor as an imperfect smile could make such a difference in life. But the truth is, we’re a vain nation and physical attraction goes a long way to improve your station. That’s not to say someone needs to be a supermodel or bodybuilder to be happy. Not at all. But having an attractive smile builds trust, improves social standing, and increases attention and interest from potential romantic partners and employers. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend your life’s savings or wait years for the procedure to take effect thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry. But what are the main benefits of cosmetic bonding?

Cosmetic Bonding Is Safe For You and Your Teeth

Dental or cosmetic bonding is a procedure that involves attaching strong dental materials such as resin, composite glass, porcelain, or a combination to a tooth. The dentist then shapes the material to the desired form and light cures it to reinforce its strength. Bonding is best suited for minor cosmetic changes like repairing chips and cracks, improving worn teeth, or filling in gaps. Bonding materials are easily matched to the natural color of your teeth and actually feels and responds like your original tooth. Thus, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry concludes that bonding is the best option for repairing chipped teeth due to its ease, comfort, and strength.

Cosmetic Bonding Is a Fast Solution

A perfect smile and speedy service rarely go hand-in-hand. After all, it takes time to realign and thoroughly correct orthodontic work. However, bonding is a cosmetic procedure, not necessarily a restorative one. That means the procedure doesn’t actually repair or replace the affected tooth, but it covers and corrects the imperfections. Cosmetic bonding is a dental solution that’s strong enough for daily life stress while creating and maintaining the attractive smile you need and deserve. Unlike other cosmetic dentistry solutions, bonding is quick and easy, often completed within an hour or two per affected tooth. So you could effectively get the smile of your dreams during your lunch hour.

Cosmetic Bonding Is Good for Your Wallet

Dental work tends to be a serious investment in both time and financial resources. That’s one reason many people put off having necessary work done. Braces or Invisalign can take years to complete and cost several thousand dollars for the procedure. Porcelain veneers can take a few visits and cost up to a couple thousand dollars per tooth. And while they work wonders, dental implants are surgically inserted and they’re definitely not for those on a tight budget. But cosmetic bonding is different. For as little as $100-$400 per tooth, you can regain or obtain the smile of your dreams once and for all. Give your Manhattan cosmetic dentist a call when you’re ready to see if bonding is the right cosmetic dentistry procedure for you.

6 Foods That Will Damage Your Teeth

America seems to be obsessed with perfect teeth, and it’s no wonder why. You can have the strongest and most attractive body on the planet, but if your teeth are a mess you’ll not only look a wreck but feel it as well. But achieving a healthy smile is easier than you may think. Good health begins in the mouth. The wrong food choices can cause plaque, encourage decay, gingivitis, and drastically stain your teeth. Professional teeth whitening works wonders to remove up to ten shades on your lunch hour. However, the best way to improve your dental health while honoring your body is to avoid, or at least limit, the foods that actually damage your teeth. But what are the common culprits?

Sour Candy

Any kind of hard or sticky candy is so concentrated with sugar that eating it is basically like injecting sugar right into your cavities. But sour candies are especially bad. They contain extra acids that eat away at teeth easier. And most are sticky to boot, so they’ll hang around the teeth longer. Opt for a square of chocolate instead if you really need a quick sugar burst.

Citrus Fruit

Citrus fruit is packed with delicious flavors and loaded with essential vitamin C. But lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits are also loaded with acids that eat away enamel and promote mouth sores and decay. And don’t think you’re safe just adding it to your water. Those acids cling to your mouth too. Moderation is the key if you still need your citrus dose. Just be sure to rinse with clean water right afterward.

Coffee

Professional teeth whitening can get teeth 10 or more shades brighter than box kits, so it’s no wonder teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. But coffee is one of the main culprits for stained teeth. Yes, the bitter brew is a delicious pick-me-up and loaded with antioxidants. But it’s also full of tannins and acids that stain the teeth, wear enamel. If you can’t give up your daily habit, at least consider switching to ice coffee and sipping it through a straw to limit enamel contact.

Ice

Many people love to suck and chew on ice, but that habit can be seriously detrimental to your teeth. Extreme or sudden temperature changes inside a warm mouth can cause even healthy teeth to crack, chip, or fracture. And the hardness of the ice itself can wear and destroy enamel. Never open bags, bottles, or anything else with your teeth for the same reason.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is packed with valuable nutrients. But because the water is removed from the food source, dried fruit is also sticky and contains a high concentration of sugar. If you can’t, or simply refuse to, eliminate the raisins, figs, dates, or dried pineapple from your diet, at least rinse your mouth with water right after and brush and floss 20 minutes later. Fresh fruit is always a healthier option.

Hard Nuts

Nuts are packed with essential nutrients and fatty acids an active body needs to thrive. But they’re also hard on enamel and existing dental work. Chewing on hard nuts can crack enamel as well as potentially damage braces, porcelain veneers, and even dental implants. You don’t have to avoid them completely though. Simply eat smaller nut pieces or enjoy low-sugar or sugar-free nut spreads to continue having a beautiful, healthy smile.