11th Annual Dentistry from the Heart

Dr. Tim Gardner of Conroe Comprehensive Dental Center (CCDC) and Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center (MCDC), armed with staff and volunteers is out to change lives by offering free dentistry to the underprivileged of Montgomery County, as they host the latest event in conjunction with Dentistry from the Heart (DFTH).

The 11^th Annual event will treat those, residing in Montgomery County, who truly need, but cannot afford dentistry. The procedures done free of charge include extractions, simple fillings and cleanings.

 

In 2018 CCDC donated more than $39,000 worth of free dentistry to about 70 underprivileged residents of Montgomery County. They hope to see an increase in numbers this year. To date, their event has donated more than $380,000 worth of free dental care to members of the community.

“Now more than ever I know there are people out there who need my services but have no means to afford them; whether they are out of a job or just having a hard time,” Gardner said. “This Dentistry from the Heart event is my way of giving back to the community and being there for the people who are in need of dental work.”

The event will take place Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the office of CCDC at 2210 North Frazier, Suite 120 in Conroe. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. Patients are asked to bring ID or other paperwork proving their residence in Montgomery County.  Staff and volunteers will treat as many patients as possible by 5 p.m.

Please contact CCDC at 936-539-3636 with any questions or concerns or visit them online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com.

Here’s to Overall Health in 2019!

My biggest concerns for all of my dental family are diseases that affect us systemically. They include oral cancer, infections and nighttime airway issues. Here’s how I address these each of these health concerns:

Oral Cancer: At a minimum, oral cancer checks are done annually at your hygiene visits. I’ve surrounded myself with wonderful specialists in the event that anything even remotely suspicious is discovered. One American is diagnosed with oral cancer every hour. Early detection improves a patient’s chances, but the long term prognosis is not good.

Infections: Infections in the mouth come in two ways; infected teeth or infected gums. Infected teeth are painful and easily recognizable by the patient. They are also one of the biggest reasons a patient visits us for the first time. Infected gums are typically not painful, until the patient is nearing the point of losing a tooth (or teeth) due to bone loss. Gums that are swollen, tender, red or bleed when brushing or flossing are an indication of infection present. 

What both types of oral infections have in common is that they travel through the body and create other issues. These systemic links include heart disease, stroke, premature/low birth weight babies, as well as additional complications for those diagnosed with diabetes.

If you’ve been diagnosed (or suspect) that you may have an oral infection – do NOT delay!

Nighttime Airway Issues: Typically known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), untreated, it creates an increased risk for hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, stroke, obesity, day time sleepiness and depression, to name a few. Childhood symptoms include ADD, ADHD, bed wetting, daytime sleepiness (falling asleep in class, need for naps), etc.

The medical community believes that there are between 30-40 million undiagnosed sleep apneics. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice, but studies show that 60-70% of patients abandon (or cannot tolerate) CPAP use. Oral appliances, like the ones created in our dental practice, are very effective in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. I have actually seen success in treating several patients diagnosed with severe OSA.

If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from OSA, we will gladly do a FREE at-home sleep study! If you’ve been diagnosed, but cannot tolerate or use your CPAP, we’d love to discuss other treatment options.

Let us help you and yours make 2019 a year full of health!