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Forget Your Fears with Sedation Dentistry

Don’t be Afraid of the Dentist!

We at Family Dental Health know that some Portland folks avoid the dentist’s chair like the plague. According to studies at the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, as much as 8% of Americans are too afraid to go to dentists and 20% are too anxious to visit a dentist for anything other than an emergency.

Dr. Case understands that dental anxiety prevents a lot of people from getting the care they need, so we’ve designed our entire practice around your comfort. Read on to find out about how we can help!

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Don’t Get Kicked in the Teeth! The Importance of Mouthguards in Sports Safety

It’s no secret that residents of Portland love sports! The folks around here work hard and play just as hard, whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or numerous other high-impact sports that can cause harm to your family’s mouths – at least 13% of all oral injuries happen during sports activities. Dr. Case wants you to know how to keep your teeth out of harm’s way and still enjoy a good game, so please read on to learn how to win big with a safe, healthy smile!

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Professional Dental Cleanings Make a Big Difference

You’ve been hearing it for years – “make sure to visitDr. Case twice a year for your regular cleanings.” Just in case you’ve ever wondered why regular dental cleanings are so important, we at Family Dental Health would like to take this opportunity to let Portland residents in on some information you don’t often hear. Let this article serve as your personal guide to the benefits of getting your teeth cleaned.

Why You Should Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned

Unfortunately, some folks in Portland believe that visiting the dentist is unnecessary as long as you brush and floss regularly. That just isn’t the case. In addition to keeping your teeth clean and healthy, regular visits to our expert hygienists at Family Dental Health ensure that we can have a good look at your pearly whites and make sure nothing is wrong. If you don’t come in for cleanings, you’ll only need more expensive work later in life.

Here are a few reasons get your teeth cleaned:

1. Tartar

We’ve all heard of plaque, but what about tartar? And no, not like the sauce. Tartar is the grown-up version of plaque. In other words, plaque becomes harder as it builds up and eventually turns into tartar. It is difficult for the average Portland resident to remove on their own, but dental cleanings can give you tartar-free teeth!

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. When plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, they begin irritating gums and cause an infection that actually separates gums from teeth. Left unchecked, gum disease can be a serious, damaging, and painful condition. However, regular cleanings help keep gum disease at bay and give Dr. Case a chance to treat problems before they become serious.

3. Bright Smiles

Drinking tea, coffee, and using tobacco are just a few habits that can stain your teeth. However, our hygienists at Family Dental Health can remove many of these stains during a simple cleaning. On top of that, every cleaning ends with a polishing that will leave you with a whiter, healthier smile.

4. Dental Benefits

If you have dental insurance, but don’t visit Dr. Case for your regular cleanings, you are missing out on your benefits! Almost all dental insurance providers allow for two cleanings per year, free of charge. There’s no reason to let your insurance go to waste.

Now you know why it’s so important to have your teeth cleaned.If you have any questions or find that you are suddenly inspired to visit Dr. Case for a cleaning, feel free to give us a call!

Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teeth_cleaning

http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/teeth_cleaning.html

I’d Rather Have a Root Canal

Have you ever heard someone say, “I would rather have a root canal”? Most of us in Portland are used to hearing root canals compared to some genuinely unpleasant circumstances, but Dr. Case would like to set the record straight and talk about how root canals can do some serious dental good.

Root Canals Save Teeth

Here it comes, the question on everyone’s mind – why on Earth would you want a root canal?! There is one thing all dentists in Portland and beyond will agree on – saving your natural teeth is always the best option. There are many ways that Dr. Case can replace missing or damaged teeth, but nothing is as good as the real thing.

If you have a tooth with inflamed or infected pulp, a root canal can eliminate the infection and save it. Thus, root canals are preferable to extraction. Here are some more advantages of endodontic root canal treatment:

• Natural appearance
• Efficient chewing
• Tolerance of normal bite force and sensation
• Surrounding teeth are protected from extra wear and/or strain

Root Canals Get Rid of Pain

Perhaps if you had a root canal before modern techniques and anesthetic options, it would live up to its reputation. Fortunately, that is no longer the case today.

The truth is, root canals eliminate pain by removing infected, damaged tissues. When Dr. Case performs a root canal they clean out the infection, sterilizes/disinfects the inside of the tooth, uses a rubber sealant to fill the gap, and then places a crown or filling on top to protect the tooth. Once it is done, the tooth functions just like its neighbors. Voila, your tooth is now healthy again!

At Family Dental Health, we love changing people’s minds about root canals, so please give us a call to find out if you can benefit from this treatment. Maybe then you’ll start saying, “That was almost as pleasant as a root canal!”

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/root-canals

http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/myths-about-root-canals-and-root-canal-pain.aspx

http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/root-canals.aspx

HPV & Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know

We love to talk about the fun and interesting sides of oral health, but today, there is something much more serious on our minds. We care about the health of everyone in Portland, and as dental care professionals, we feel it is our duty to educate you on how to be as safe and healthy as you can be. While you have probably heard of the human papillomavirus and oral cancer, most people don’t know that they are linked. Here is some information from Dr. Case about the topic. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Family Dental Health.

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Adult Dentistry: It’s Never Too Late for Dental Care

Good News for Grown Ups

“Adulting” can be hard. Between rent, bills, kids, a career, and other responsibilities, it can be hard to make time for yourself. But independence, parenting, fulfilling work, and the wisdom that comes with age can be pretty fantastic, too. So how does your oral healthcare fit into a grown-up lifestyle? Family Dental Health serves adults from all over Portland. Read more for our tips on how to care for your oral health at this particular stage in life.

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Bacteria: The Good, The Bad & The Neutral

Living in a land of antibacterial gels, soaps, plastics, and even fabrics, it might surprise you to hear that tons of bacteria live in your mouth every day, and they aren’t all bad! In fact, some play an important role in keeping up your overall health. Some oral bacteria, however, can cause serious problems and must be fought with good oral hygiene. Dr. Case from Family Dental Health in Portland helps you understand the role bacteria play in your health and wellness.

What are Bacteria?

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Need a Tooth Extraction? Don’t Be Afraid!

We’ve all had a toothache at some point at some point or another. While you should always consult your Portland dentist, it’s not always a serious problem. Often, the issue can be fixed with a filling or a root canal. However, many Portland residents have found themselves in a situation where the tooth is not salvageable, and the only solution is for Dr. David Case to perform an extraction, or remove the tooth. Today, Dr. David Case at Family Dental Health would like to talk about what you can expect from an extraction and why it’s not something to fear!

Pulling Teeth isn’t like “Pulling Teeth” Anymore

Just like root canals, tooth extractions have a pretty bad reputation. Many Portland folks may refer to something difficult by saying it was, “like pulling teeth.” However, Dr. David Case will be the first one to tell you that the technology and techniques of modern dentistry have made the process of extracting a tooth fairly simple and with minimal discomfort to the patients. As long as you take it easy after the procedure and follow the guidelines, you’ll be back to normal in a just a few days.

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Replace Missing Teeth – Dentures & Dental Implants

So you’re missing a tooth—or a few!

An apple a day will not take care of this one, unfortunately. It’s time to consider dentures or dental implants. A variety of personal and practical factors will determine which solution is best for your new smile. Don’t feel lost among all the pros and cons of choosing a tooth-replacement plan. Family Dental Health in Portland is an experienced practice you can trust to  help guide you on your journey from missing teeth toward a complete, natural, and healthy smile.

Not your grandma’s dentures

Thankfully, time and technology have greatly improved the denture experience for our patients. Today, dentures look and feel more natural than ever before. Dentures are a whole set of false teeth held into your gums with secure bonding glue. This can be an affordable option if you need to replace multiple teeth. For added stability, functionality, and peace of mind, dentures can also be secured with dental implants.

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Caring for Your Dentures

The image of a glass full of false teeth on the nightstand is plastered all throughout popular culture. You would think that soaking your dentures in water and cleaner is sufficient, but Dr. David Case reminds us that proper denture care requires more than just that. In fact, denture maintenance is an important part of oral health. For Portland residents who have dentures or are considering them, it is important to know exactly how they function and how to care for them. If you have any questions, please give us a call at Family Dental Health.

How do Dentures Work?

Dentures are intended for Portland residents who have lost most or all of their teeth. Dentures are removable dental appliances that look nearly identical to natural teeth. They also function the same way, allowing folks with little or no remaining teeth to eat and speak normally. In addition to improving oral health, facial structure, and smile, having a good set of dentures can mean a world of difference for your general health.

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