Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Thursday, October 28, 2010

What is Preventative Dentistry?

Many people believe that preventative dentistry is only about at home dental care. It is true that your oral hygiene begins at home with:

  • Routine flossing
  • Brushing regularly
  • Using a mouth rinse
  • Eating a healthy diet

Preventative dentistry is also about getting the dental care you need. This means that you visit your dentist at least twice a year and get any dental work that you need.

Preventative Dental Care and General Dentistry

General dentistry is at the heart of preventative dentistry. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to see your general dentist on a routine basis. Most dentists recommend visiting the dental office twice a year. Some people will benefit from visiting more often.

Your dental visits are important because your teeth get a professional cleaning. Also, you have no way of knowing if a cavity is forming or if you have a chip or crack in one of your teeth. A skilled general dentist like Dr. Folck will be able to see any possible dental issues and fix them before they become serious dental problems. This will prevent you from needing additional dental work.

Please contact Virginia Beach general dentist Dr. Folck for a consultation about your smile. He will answer all your dental care questions and help you create an at-home dental care plan.

posted by allisonb at 7:02 PM 1 comments

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Dental Phobias and Sedation Dentistry

Some people have a very real fear of dental offices. Others experience terrible anxiety when they just think about a dental visit. These fears and feelings of anxiety prevent them from stepping foot in a dental office.
                                                          
Some of the reasons people have dental phobias include:

  • A past traumatic experience at a dental office
  • The sound of the dental equipment
  • The thought of any possible pain that may be involved in dental treatment

The longer a person waits to seek dental care, the worse their teeth become even if they brush and floss on a daily basis. Only a dentist can clean your teeth professionally to keep them in the best health possible.

Sedation Dentistry for Dental Phobias

Sedation dentistry is the perfect solution for anyone who has a debilitating fear or horrible anxiety that prevents him or her from visiting a dental office. This branch of dentistry focuses on keeping you in calm, relaxed, and conscious state during your entire dental visit with the use of a safe anesthetic.

Please contact our sedation dentistry office for a consultation about how we can help you with your dental phobias. You can get the dental care you need in a relaxing and comfortable environment.

posted by allisonb at 6:59 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Elderly Patients and Oral Health

Taking care of elderly teeth is very important to maintaining overall health and energy. There are special concerns when caring for elderly teeth. Damaged teeth, gums affected by gingivitis, and other health concerns can make dental care difficult. Dr. Folck has experience with helping elderly patients keep their smiles healthy and beautiful.

Arthritis and Caring for Your Teeth

Some people find it difficult and near impossible to brush their teeth because of the severe pain they experience from arthritis. The people that have arthritis pain need special alternatives to care for their teeth.

The alternatives include:

  • Using a toothbrush with a larger handle for ease in griping
  • Using an electric toothbrush for a better cleaning
  • Using a water pick instead of dental floss to clean between the teeth

Damaged Teeth

Everyone who suffers from damaged teeth need to visit an experienced dentist to get them fixed. Damaged teeth can cause severe pain and discomfort. They can also lead to other health problems like periodontal disease and heart disease.

Dental solutions to correct damaged teeth include:

  • Dental implants
  • Dental crowns
  • Periodontal treatment
  • Dental fillings
  • Root canals

Please contact our general dentistry office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Folck. He will answer all of your questions about your dental care needs and help you learn how to take great care of your beautiful teeth.

posted by allisonb at 6:58 PM 0 comments

Monday, October 18, 2010

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Many people do not know which tooth replacement option to choose when they are faced with replacing one or more teeth. There are major differences between dental implants and dentures.

Dental Implant Benefits

The benefits to dental implants include:

  • The implants are permanent
  • You do not need to remove them to eat
  • They are comfortable
  • You can speak with ease and smile with confidence
  • The implants look and feel natural
  • They can be cleaned like natural teeth

Dental implants replace the roots of your teeth as well as the teeth themselves. The replacement of the roots is important to prevent the deterioration of the jawbone and the shrinking of the gum tissue.

Dentures and Their Drawbacks

Some people choose dentures because they cost less upfront. The people that choose dentures over dental implants usually feel that they have made the wrong choice because the dentures are uncomfortable and do not fit well.

The disadvantages of dentures include:

  • They need to be replaced as you age
  • As your gum tissue shrinks, the dentures do not fit well
  • They have to be removed for eating
  • They are uncomfortable and cause mouth sores and pain
  • They require special cleaning and treatment

Please contact our cosmetic dentistry office serving Hampton to schedule a consultation to discuss your tooth replacement options.

posted by allisonb at 6:57 PM 0 comments

Friday, October 8, 2010

What is the Mercury Controversy?

There is a debate on whether the small amount of mercury that is present in metal amalgam fillings causes health problems. This is known as the mercury controversy.

Some dentists still use metal fillings because they are inexpensive and easy to administer. Other dentists, like cosmetic dentist Dr. Folck, only provide their patients with white composite fillings because they are safe and just as strong as metal fillings.

Some people believe that the small amount of mercury isn’t enough to cause major health issues. Other people believe that metal fillings contribute to health problems such as:

  • Asthma
  • Birth defects
  • Anemia
  • Chest pains
  • Mental disorders

Even if the amount of mercury doesn’t cause major health issues, why would you want to put mercury in your body? Mercury is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time. Increasing your exposure to a toxic heavy metal doesn't make sense when an equally effective and more cosmetic alternative exists.

Please contact our Virginia Beach cosmetic dentistry office for more information on metal fillings and the effects of mercury.

posted by allisonb at 6:57 PM 0 comments

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Understanding Bruxism

Bruxism is a dental condition characterized by the excessive grinding, clenching, and gnawing of the teeth. These actions can lead to several symptoms that include:

  • Increased tooth sensitivity and tooth wear
  • Cracked and worn down teeth
  • Pain in the facial muscles and tissue
  • Severe headaches
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Bruxism may be caused by stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, sleep cycles, and more. Bruxism may also be a symptom of TMD and require the care of a neuromuscular dentist.

Your teeth may become extremely damaged if bruxism goes untreated. In advanced cases, teeth need to be repaired and sometimes replaced because the teeth are worn down so much that they become painfully sensitive.

Treatment for bruxism includes dental appliances that are worn while sleeping to prevent you from grinding your teeth. These appliances also help your upper and lower jaws stay properly aligned and they reduce tension in the facial muscles and tissues. The decreased tension helps eliminate facial pain and headaches.

Please contact our neuromuscular dentistry office serving Virginia Beach and surrounding areas for more information about Bruxism.

posted by allisonb at 6:56 PM 0 comments

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