Do You Really Need A CPAP Machine To Deal With Sleep Apnea?

If you are aware of what sleep apnea is, and what it can do to your overall health, you may be under the impression that treatment has to come via a CPAP machine. While these devices can offer important help, people who use them may find them uncomfortable, and have difficulty falling asleep. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your dentist might be able to equip you with an oral appliance that helps stop this problem. The appliance is designed to ensure that when you sleep, your airways are unblocked by the obstructive soft tissue that can stop your breathing during the night. (more…)

3 Common Smile Problems Porcelain Veneers Can Help With

Porcelain veneers have become a popular cosmetic dental treatment because patients can eliminate several problems with one procedure. To place veneers, you will first go in to have your measurements taken, and so your dentist can prepare your teeth to receive them. Once the hand-crafted restorations are completed and sent to your dentist, you can return, and have them permanently bonded. After you receive them, you should continue to keep up with regular oral care (though switching to a non-abrasive toothpaste can help you avoid scuffing your veneers). (more…)

Composite Resin Fillings And Your Smile

When a cavity turns up on one of your teeth, your dentist’s restorative work can remove the decay, and ensure your tooth is provided with the support it needs. Many patients who experience a cavity will receive a dental filling made from composite resin. Composite resin is able to bond directly to your tooth, and it can make for a hard-to-see restoration. In fact, the material can mimic the look of your enamel so well that it is used in cosmetic dental work, in addition to restorative work. Not everyone who has a cavity will come away with a filling. If the decay has spread too much, you can require a dental crown for your tooth. (more…)

Join The Great Backyard Bird Count February 18

On Saturday, February 18, Mansfield residents are encourage to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. This is a free event taking place at Elmer W. Oliver Park, which will help the Cornell Lab Of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society gather information for an ongoing project. You can contribute to the research being collected by these groups, while also taking part in games, bird feeder making, and nature walks. This is an all-ages event, with no fees or pre-registering required of those who would like to participate. (more…)

Ensuring Your Dental Visit Is A Comfortable One

When a patient has dental anxiety, just the thought of a routine dental checkup can be hard to process. Even people who would not have a second thought about sitting in the dentist’s chair for a checkup can be reluctant to undergo a longer, or more involved, procedure. What you should understand is that your dentist is invested in providing a comfortable experience for patients. Part of that emphasis on comfort is expressed through an investment in modern dental tools. For instance, modern imaging technology can make the process of examining your teeth more comfortable, and effective. However, that push for patient comfort can also involve providing dental sedation to those who need help feeling at ease. (more…)

Receiving A Dental Implant To Address Tooth Loss

What can a dental implant offer to your prosthetic dental experience? Many patients enjoy the stability that comes with an implant’s support. You will be able to count on your restoration for normal biting and chewing, and avoid uncomfortable adjustments that tax your jaw, which can lead to TMD. You might not realize it, but tooth loss can affect your jawbone, too. When the bone no longer receives stimulation from the roots of teeth, resorption can start to occur. This can leave your face with a sunken look, and also leave your teeth with less support. (more…)

Problems Associated With Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, a habit of teeth grinding that often occurs when you sleep, can pose a number of problems for your oral health, and your overall well-being. One issue is hard to miss – that tendency to grind your teeth can cause you to wake up with a sore jaw, and pain in your facial muscles. If the habit leads to TMD, you can suffer pain throughout the day, and you may develop chronic headaches. Bruxism also threatens your teeth, as you are putting them through excess wear and tear. To stop this problem, your dentist can outfit you with a specially-made oral appliance that keeps your teeth from making contact while you sleep. (more…)

Take Part In Mansfield’s Run With Heart January 28

On Saturday, January 28, you can take part in an activity that will benefit your health, and offer important support to a good cause. Mansfield’s Run With Heart will once again invite residents of Mansfield (and neighboring cities and towns) to throw on their running shoes in support of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. You can take part in the 5K race, or take on the challenge of the half marathon. Proceeds will be used to support the cardiology services provided by Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. (more…)

Improving Your Smile Through Dental Bonding

If you can think of something about your smile that bothers you, you could be a good candidate for a cosmetic dental treatment. Cosmetic work addresses flaws with your teeth, and provides fixes that are effective, but allow your smile to retain a natural look. One way you can correct issues is with a dental bonding treatment. Your dentist will apply composite resin to a tooth in order to hide issues that might make it less attractive. That can include discoloration, as well as issues like damage, or a misshapen appearance. You can see results in less time than you might think. For many patients, the work involved in a bonding treatment can be completed in a single visit. (more…)

Do I Really Need A Root Canal Treatment?

Your dentist may not expect you to welcome the news that you need a root canal treatment, but you should understand that this restorative dental work can save your tooth. A root canal is not for any cavity, but it is needed when tooth decay has grown serious enough to enter your tooth. That intrusion into your pulp can lead to an infection of the living tissue within, which can cause you to suffer pain, or make your tooth particularly sensitive. During a root canal, your dentist removes that infected tissue, and re-seals your pulp. After this process is concluded, your dentist fits the tooth with a dental crown. (more…)