The 3rd Annual Mansfield Run With Heart January 30, 2016

On January 30, 2016, the Methodist Mansfield Medical Center will host their 3rd annual Mansfield Run With Heart. The event offers individual and team entries for their 5k race, their half marathon, and a one-mile fun run/walk. The event is about more than just the races. The proceeds for the event will be donated to support the cardiac services at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. Online registration is currently open for individuals and teams. For those who wish to participate in the Mansfield Run With Heart, but are not interested in running, can sign on to help volunteer at the event. (more…)

Providing Patient Comfort

Many people will not hesitate to visit their dentist. Unfortunately, there are others who let anxiety keep them from seeing a dentist, even if they are in pain. If you experience dental anxiety, you should know that there are resources available that can help you have a more relaxed experience. Technology like digital radiography and intraoral cameras enable your dentist to more efficiently and comfortably inspect your oral health. If you are worried about experiencing discomfort during a procedure, nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available to help put you at ease. (more…)

Alternatives To Teeth Bleaching

The teeth whitening solutions available from your dentist can work wonders on your teeth. These whitening treatments use bleaching agents, which can attack stains that sit under the surface of your teeth (over-the-counter whitening agents are only intended to treat surface stains). However, if you have tooth discoloration that is less responsive to bleaching, you may require a different treatment. Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatments that can give you the vividly white smile you desire. (more…)

Tooth Loss Is More Than Just A Cosmetic Problem

Children have the tooth fairy to look forward to, but you would be hard-pressed to find an adult who is excited to lose a tooth. That unsightly absence can mar your smile, and undermine your confidence. Tooth loss can also complicate the way a person chews, and speaks. A missing tooth leaves the surrounding teeth with less support, which makes them vulnerable to movement. In addition to repairing damaged teeth, restorative dentistry offers several methods for replacing a lost tooth or teeth. (more…)

How Routine Dental Visits Go Beyond Teeth Cleaning

The cleaning you receive from your hygienist during a routine dental checkup is majorly beneficial to your oral health, but routine visits involve more than just a cleaning. A checkup gives your dentist an opportunity to examine your overall oral health, and identify problems before you notice symptoms. A routine checkup also allows your dentist to screen you for signs of oral cancer. It is important to fully disclose any existing health problems when you meet with your dentist, as something you consider unrelated to your oral health could stem from issues that your dentist can diagnose. (more…)

What Porcelain Veneers Can Do For You

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic procedure that can overhaul your smile. If you are considering porcelain veneers, you should talk to your dentist to get more information on what they are, and how they can help you. It is important to understand that porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment. Depending on what you wish to remedy, there may be an alternative procedure that better fits your needs. You should also be aware that preexisting conditions can prevent your dentist from being able to provide you with porcelain veneers. (more…)

What Are Composite Fillings?

A cavity erodes the surface of your tooth. If you develop a cavity, your dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth, and will replace the lost material with a filling. Composite fillings are a special resin that is inserted directly into the opened areas of a tooth, and visually replicates the surface of the tooth. With composite fillings, the affected tooth will retain a more natural appearance than if a metal filling is used. The material is also less susceptible to movement and reshaping than metal fillings. (more…)

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where soft tissue in the back of the throat obstructs a person’s airways during sleep, with episodes of air loss that last ten seconds or more. It is a serious medical condition that is estimated to affect more than 10 million people in America. A person’s risk increases due to age, and if they are overweight. Your dentist can help determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea, and work to resolve the problem. (more…)

Know the Signs of Bruxism and TMD

Bruxism is the term used when patients habitually clench their jaw and grind their teeth. Because this often happens during sleep, it can occur even if you don’t realize it is happening. Bruxism can cause headaches, tooth sensitivity, and problems with your jaw. Bruxism can even lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which can produce a variety of painful symptoms and limit your jaw’s movement. It’s important to know your risks for bruxism and TMD, and to communicate any concerns with your dentist. (more…)