There could be any number of possible reasons for having a headache, but many people don’t usually consider their oral health to be one of them. However, if your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are not functioning properly, then your headaches may be just one of several different related aches and pains. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we can perform a comprehensive examination to determine if you may have TMJ disorder, and if it may be the reason behind your chronic headaches or migraines. If so, then we can recommend an appropriate treatment, such as a custom-designed oral appliance, to address the condition and alleviate your symptoms. (more…)
How Dental Implants Could Change Your Life
Losing one or more teeth changes your life in several ways. The most notable change is in your smile’s appearance, which is why one of the most appealing aspects of modern dental prostheses is their ability to closely mimic healthy, natural teeth. However, there are several other, more impactful consequences of tooth loss that can take years to become noticeable. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we often recommend replacing lost teeth with an appropriate number of dental implant posts. With their ability to replace the roots of your lost teeth as well as their visible crowns, dental implants can help restore or improve your quality of life following tooth loss. (more…)
Have a Bad Toothache? It Might Need Root Canal Therapy
A toothache can be obvious, but its cause isn’t always as easily identifiable. It can occur from a problem with your tooth structure, such as damage or decay, or it can result from gum tissues receding and exposing your teeth roots. For many patients at our El Paso, TX, dental office, a toothache that grows more severe over time is caused by a growing infection within your tooth. If the toothache is severe, then the infection within your tooth probably is, as well, and root canal therapy may be the best way to successfully alleviate the discomfort. (more…)
Things to Ask Yourself Before Choosing Porcelain Veneers
There are several different factors that can play into your smile’s overall appearance, most of which involve the health, integrity, and appearance of your teeth. Therefore, when you aren’t entirely satisfied with how your smile looks, designing the right cosmetic dentistry plan requires carefully customizing the most appropriate treatment for your needs. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we often recommend customized porcelain veneers to help patients address a wide range of cosmetic smile issues at once. Before deciding on veneers for your smile makeover, however, we’ll perform a thorough examination to ensure they’re your best option. (more…)
Have Sleep Apnea? What You Should Worry About Beside Snoring
When you have sleep apnea – a disorder that causes you to stop breathing in your sleep – one of the most obvious signs is a loud and distinct pattern of snoring. In fact, many patients mistake their sleep apnea for nothing more than a snoring habit, causing many of them to endure the condition for years before seeking appropriate treatment. However, the snoring that often marks the presence of sleep apnea is only one of several concerns linked to the condition. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we may be able to help you address sleep apnea and its many potential symptoms comfortably with a custom-designed sleep appliance. (more…)
How Grinding Your Teeth Wears Them Down
Not every threat to your smile is obvious. For example, even the most common threats (the oral bacteria that make up plaque and tartar) can’t be seen until there’s enough of them to lead to serious complications. Bruxism, or constant teeth-grinding, is another common but not always obvious threat. If left unchecked, the immense amount of pressure and friction your teeth are exposed to will quickly wear them out, making them weaker and more likely to break. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we can custom-design a solution, such as a bruxism appliance, to help you address your teeth-grinding before your teeth are substantially damaged. (more…)
What Do Checkups & Cleanings Actually Prevent?
Most cosmetic and restorative dental treatments are only recommended when they’re absolutely necessary. That means you may never need one if you keep your smile consistently healthy and free of disease. However, preventive dental care is necessary for everyone, no matter how healthy their smiles may seem at the moment. For example, attending regular checkups and cleanings at our El Paso, TX, dental office, can allow us to remove the traces of tartar that you can’t remove at home. We can also thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to determine if there’s an issue you aren’t aware of, or if you should consider additional treatment to prevent potential problems with your oral health. (more…)
Things that Happen When You Ignore Tooth Loss
In some ways, tooth loss is natural. For instance, if you ignore a dental disease, then the consequences of it will naturally lead to the loss of your teeth. However, it isn’t natural in the same sense as aging. Unlike growing older, you can largely prevent tooth loss from occurring with proper care and maintenance, and by addressing dental health concerns promptly. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we not only help you prevent tooth loss, but also help you prevent further concerns if tooth loss occurs by designing a custom, highly lifelike tooth replacement. (more…)
The Suprising Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Despite the fact that cavities are so common (they affect more than 90% of adults at least once in their lives), many people are surprised when they learn they have one. If it’s the first cavity you’ve ever had, then you might also be surprised at how effectively and discreetly you can treat it. Traditionally, fillings have often been made from metal amalgam, and their metallic appearance is what many people think of when they consider a filling. However, at our El Paso, TX, dental office, we utilize tooth-colored composite resin to create customized fillings that often surprise patients with their lifelike appearance. (more…)
3 Reasons Fixing Your Gummy Smile Is Worth It
Dealing with a gummy smile may not be much of inconvenience. For many people, the appearance of it isn’t particularly embarrassing, or perhaps the unevenness of their gums isn’t even noticeable. However, even if you aren’t bothered by your gummy smile, there are several different reasons why fixing it is a good idea. You may not realize the difference until you’ve straightened your gums, and in the long run, keeping your smile healthy will be significantly easier. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we offer customized cosmetic gum contouring to help you fix your gummy smile and enjoy the many benefits that a straighter gum line has to offer. (more…)