How to Prevent Expensive Dentistry

Teeth are valuable!  

In fact, your mouth’s economic value is over $100,000 and that is on the low side.   

An implant and implant crown, the most natural tooth replacement, cost from $4,000-$5,000 each &

most people have 28 teeth in order to smile and chew well.

Doesn’t make sense to protect such a valuable asset? 

Preventive Dentistry - the best game in town

Clean teeth and gums do not get decay or gum disease; it is simple as that. Teeth will last a lifetime if certain things are done correctly.  Teeth are different than the rest of your body. You can follow an MD’s advice on prevention of disease like heart disease, diabetes and cancer and improve your odds but there are still no guarantees. If one starts with healthy teeth and gums and keeps them 100% clean, decay and gum disease will not occur.

Biofilm 

Biofilm is a mat of bacteria that join together to make a protective, slick, slimy film.  The bacteria are interlocked and form a wall that protects a vast community of bacteria underneath.  Biofilm is everywhere including commodes, slick river rocks, wet slick cement etc. 

One of the most known and most studied biofilm is dental plaque.  The mass of different bacteria in dental plaque is the cause of both decay and gum disease.  Dentists and the media call this biofilm plaque.  When free calcium, which exists in saliva, embeds itself in this mat like film, the substance becomes rock hard and then is called calculus. 

 It is a complicated subject so I am going to make it easy and simple; no biofilm on teeth or under the gums, no decay and no gum disease.  These two infections cannot exist without biofilm.

Removing Biofilm/Plaque

Biofilm/plaque forms constantly on the teeth and gums, even when you do not eat!  So if you want to be 100% disease free, you will want to clean teeth and gums at least twice a day if not more.

My team and I have found that using a combination of the Sonicare Toothbrush, Water Pick and dental floss is the very best regimen.

The Sonicare literally explodes the biofilm with its cleaning technique, the Water Pick removes food debris that feed the plaque and the floss removes the plaque in between the teeth.  If you are not using a water lavage and floss, you are not effectively cleaning 40%of all your teeth.

Prevention Plan

Like any health goal, it is best to have a knowledgeable coach, one who can give you a customized regimen because everyone and every mouth is different and therefor has different needs.  Dentists and hygienist truly care about you preventing disease.  Let them know what your dental goals are so they can help you achieve them. 

For more information on our office please visit us at conroesmilemakeover.com

How to Be Teacher's Pet

Would you like this school year to be a breeze?

We've got 5 tips to help you win your teacher's heart.

1. Arrive to class 5 minutes early with a big SMILE!
2. Be attentive and ready to learn at all times.
3. Volunteer and answer questions with a SMILE!
4. Bring teeth-friendly snacks like apples. No teacher likes cavities!
5. Be in class every day!

 

How are you going to make those things happen? 

 

Make sure you and the rest of your family are current on your dental cleanings. With all that smiling you'll need your pearly whites in impeccable condition! A check up prior to the school year beginning will also make you less likely to miss school due to a dental issue.

Give us a call today and we'll set up a reservation for you. Remember, we have early morning and late evening appointments available to better suite your busy schedule.

For more information give us a call at 936-539-3636 or check us out online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

X-Rays are better than you think!

These days, computers are really changing the way we live and work. You've probably experienced their impact in your own home. And believe me, technology is also helping raise our dental practice to a new level of safety, accuracy, and comfort.

Keeping up with all these advances is a full-time occupation that's as important as my work at chairside. One of the most promising of these breakthroughs is an improvement on the oldest evaluation technology we have - dental x-rays.

For close to a century, dentists have used x-rays to detect cavities and damage invisible to the eye. We've long been aware of the drawbacks. Though x-ray radiation is slight, many patients find it a cause for concern. And reading the negative requires a skilled, professional eye-which means my patients can't see what I see.

That's why my office uses digital x-rays. A computer enhances a "photo" of your teeth and shows it instantly on a screen. This new system requires 80% less radiation than the old film x-rays, and can magnify the image up to 300 times. It's as easy to read as a snapshot. When I discuss something I see in your mouth, you'll be able to view it right along with me.




















In addition to x-rays, our office also utilizes intra-oral pictures. With this technology we use a small camera and take digital pictures inside your mouth. You get to see exactly what we see!

This is an exciting time to be a dentist. We're re-thinking and refining virtually every aspect of our dental practice, and I wanted to pass a bit of it along to you.

If you can think of anything we can do to make your visit more pleasant, please let us know! We're always improving!

For more information on all the technology available in our office visit us at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

A Refresher Course on Flossing

How many times have you heard your dentist and dental hygienist tell you to floss? You nod your head and, maybe, you try flossing for a while. Then old habits take over. Well, it bears repeating: is one of the best things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Bacteria accumulate between the teeth and where the tooth meets gum tissue. Every 24 hours brings a new batch. Brushing won't get rid of the bacteria, flossing correctly will.

Flossing before brushing should be a part of your home oral health care program. It doesn't matter which floss you use, and it doesn't require special skills, although practice makes perfect.

Here's a general routine to follow: wrap floss around your fingers, leaving five to six inches to work with. Keep the floss tight.

 

When the floss frays, re-loop the floss and continue flossing.

 

If you feel as if you're all thumbs, use a flossing threader. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how.

Choose a section of teeth; say your upper molars, which are most difficult to reach. Follow the curve of enamel on every surface, reaching wherever you can, with about three passes each time.

If an opening between teeth is tight, you may have to gently pull the floss toward the gum line. Be careful not to damage soft tissue.

Work from the back teeth toward the front while flossing, and then repeat the process on the other side. Rinse when you're done. The time you invest in plaque removal will pay real dividends at your next check up. Your dental hygienist will be proud!

For more dental tips visit us at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

3 Reasons to Visit us Sooner, Rather than Later

Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is about having a great smile and avoiding the discomfort of a toothache. Having a great smile and avoiding toothaches are valid and important reasons for maintaining a good oral health program, there are three other equally strong reasons to consider.

First, dental health is part of your overall health. Second, choosing good dental care is a wise investment of your time and financial resources.

Finally, your emotional well-being is influenced by how you think and feel about yourself. Your smile is a big part of your self image. Let's examine each of these areas more thoroughly.

Good Physical Health Equals Good Dental Health

It is easy to forget that your teeth, gums, and mouth are essential parts of your physical body. Periodontal disease, bone and gum loss, and infections all affect the overall picture of your physical health. The ability to chew your food well helps digestion and reduces stress on the gastrointestinal system.

Like any physical system, each part of the body plays a role in the overall health of the system; taking care of your teeth and gums is a part of an intentional plan for physical health. In collaboration with your dentistry team, you can create a dental plan that will contribute to your overall health plan.

A Good Dental Plan is a Wise Investment

There are two important resources that you use and allocate in your everyday life: your time and your money. When it comes to your dental care, they are closely related.

The time you take everyday to invest in your dental health is also an investment in your financial health. When treatment is necessary, dentistry is also an investment in your financial future. Proper treatment today prevents more costly complications and uncomfortable problems tomorrow.

For those who seek to maintain their dental health for life, it is a wise investment to get the most value from the knowledge and skills your dentist and good dental care offers you.

Good Dental Health Equals Emotional Well-Being

How you feel and think about yourself is an important part of your emotional well-being, and a pleasant smile plays a big role in this. In addition, when you take an active role in caring for yourself, it also contributes to your overall sense of competence in managing your life and maintaining a positive lifestyle. The habit of good dental care and regular hygiene examinations reinforces taking positive steps for yourself in other areas of your life.

Smile because good dental care can provide you with innovative and effective ways to create and maintain a pleasant smile that you feel good about. When it comes to feeling good about yourself and your smile, dentistry offers many exciting and effective options.

 

For more information on how Dr. Gardner and Dr. Burch can help in multiple areas of your life visit us at www.conroesmilemakeover.com 

Even when tiny...tooth cracks need attention

Every tooth fracture needs prompt treatment. No chip or crack is insignificant.

Unfortunately, some cracks are too small to be seen, even by a trained eye. Sometimes the culprit is a hairline crack in what looks like a healthy tooth. You may not be aware of the damage until pain fills your mouth. You may not even be sure which tooth is causing you trouble.

Chips and cracks cannot be safely ignored. Untreated, tooth fractures grow larger and longer, inviting bacteria and tooth decay. Cracks in teeth also darken and age your smile. Taking that "stitch in time" before your mouth unravels will save you pain, time and expense.

Most cracks are superficial, involving only part of the crown, maybe a bit of the root structure. With fast and effective direct bonding, we can stop a small fracture from growing ugly.

What's more, 90 percent of all cracks need nothing more than an uncomplicated treatment like tooth-colored fillings, porcelain laminated veneers, or crowns. Don't put it off until that little crack becomes one of the ten percent that need serious measures. If you chip or crack a tooth, call us today for an appointment.

Taking that "stitch in time" before your mouth unravels will save you pain, time and expense.

If you have questions or concerns regarding cracked teeth, please don't hesitate to call us at 936-539-3636 or email us at drtimgardner@consolidated.net today.

If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

What a pain in the neck!

It's more than pain, it's affecting my life! 

According to the American Dental Association, more than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.

Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ's.

Diagnosis And Treatment

A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate X-rays. Most often we find that the pain is related to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear. Treatments for this pain can range from adjustments to teeth, orthodontics, restorations, etc. 

As a fellow of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute (LVI), Dr. Gardner has received extensive training on causes and treatments of chronic head, neck and jaw pain. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing these types of symptoms please give us a call to set up a consultation. 

Dentistry can change your life...for the BETTER!

For more information on how we can improve not only your smile, but the quality of your life, visit us online at www.drtimgardner.com 

Use 'Em or Lose 'Em



 

Every year as the New Year rapidly approaches, it seems like patients begin trying to utilize remaining dental insurance benefits. Unfortunately, the demand is usually so high that there are not enough hours to take care of the influx of patients.

This is a friendly reminder to take action sooner rather than later if you would like to use your remaining dental insurance benefits for 2012.

 

Remember there is no carry over from year to year so you use them or lose them!

We look forward to seeing you and yours soon.

Top 10 Reasons Not to Dodge your Dental Cleaning Appointment

 

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promote good oral hygiene, but did you know it can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That 2 o'clock chair-side rendezvous may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule!

1. It Prevents Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you're screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It's a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.
2. It Wards Off Gum Disease. Gum disease, or an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check ups and daily brushing and flossing are key weapons in the fight against these conditions.
3. It's About More Than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to your dentist every 6 months could reduce your risk of serious health problems!
4. You Want to Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick with your cleaning schedule.
5. It's Best to Detect Dental Problems Early. We've already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don't overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction. Which sounds worse: A 30-minute cleaning or an hour under the knife?
6. You Want to Know You're Doing it Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new electric toothbrush, or aren't keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. Either way, check ups allow your dentist to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.
7. You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.
8. You Want to Upgrade Your Smile. If you're already suffering from tooth decay or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.
9. You Want to Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!
10. You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time you spend in the waiting room and chair is really your time. You can forget about the office or the stresses of family life and just relax. Read a magazine or work through a crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you're given, rather than worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being should never take a back seat to your daily planner.

If it's been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your us at 936-539-3636 or visit us online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com to schedule an appointment today!

Avoiding Big Dental Costs

It may be hard to believe, but we want to help our patients before problems occur, which saves time, effort and money!

Whoever warned against being "penny wise and pound foolish" must have been thinking of times like these. When the economy is just limping along (and dollars are tight at home) it's natural to look for ways to cut down on unnecessary expenses. Too often, cutting back on today's unnecessary expense leads to far greater costs just a ways down the road. And that's especially true of dental care.
Of course, your dental practitioner recognizes that every household economy goes through its own ups and downs. But they also believe that maintaining a high level of health is the cheapest form of insurance. So they'll work with you to get the dental care you need - when you need it.

When you wait too long, a lot can happen.

• Gum problems don't hurt at first, so you may not even know you have disease lurking. And periodontitis can flare up despite conscientious home hygiene.
• Old fillings can leak at the margins where filling and tooth meet, inviting decay under a filling. If you let it go, it's crown time.
• A fractured tooth is often invisible and may require a root canal to save it. Waiting for it to heal usually results in dental bridges.
• If you're missing a tooth, your neighboring teeth will grow disrupted and loose.
• Topical fluorides and sealants are a good idea for children - even adults.
• Early orthodontics can save you a bundle later on.

Another wise philosopher pointed out, "There's a time in the life of every problem when it's large enough to see...and small enough to solve." By catching dental problems before they grow, you'll be spared both money and discomfort.

We can help get you and your family back on track! Call us today at 936-539-3636 or check us out online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

Don't get the wrong Impression

If you hate going to the dentist because of the goop and goo we put in your mouth to make the perfect crown you're going to absolutely love this (and hopefully us!)

We're proud to announce a new, wonderful addition to our office. No, not someone who can take magical impressions; we're talking about DIGITAL impressions! Your eyes haven't fooled you, it's the truth. No more gagging and uncomfortable trays; we've found the perfect solution for YOU!

With our new iTero machine, we're able to take "impressions" with a portable computer with a camera attached. We simply take pictures of the necessary teeth, send the images off to a lab and the pictures are turned into models.


The digital impressions are more accurate than the traditional impressions and much less of a hassle for our awesome patients.

What's not to love? If this sounds like something that would make your life easier, please give us a call. We'd love to see you soon! 936-539-3636

As always, for more information on the services we're proud to offer visit our website at www.drtimgardner.com.

For more information on the iTero machine and how it can benefit you please visit http://www.cadentinc.com/itero/itero.php?section=patient

Night time habits...

We try our best to talk with all of our patients about those "crazy little things at night."

What do we mean?
We've found that the majority of decay can be traced back to night time habits.

Think about this:
During the day the average person swallows more than 1,000 times. You can imagine that at this rate whatever a person is eating or drinking is neutralized by saliva pretty quickly.
At night when a person prepares for bed, their body starts preparing for sleep. Everything starts slowing down - including salivation. Normally a person only swallows 10-20 times during sleep!
This means that whatever a person eats or drinks right before, after or during this time sits in the mouth, mainly the cheeks, causing cavities to form on the teeth.

What do you do?
We recommend that all of our patients enjoy their dinner, dessert and whatever they want to drink with dinner and then stick to water. This gives the body time to restore proper PH levels in the mouth.

But that's just the first part!
We also encourage our patients to floss and brush really well before bed. This means brushing the inside of the cheeks, the tongue and palate.

Just these few little changes and you could be well on you way to living a cavity-free life!