1540 High Street, Suite 201, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
When you have the warning signs of gum disease, care is needed to protect your smile from periodontitis, the advanced stage linked to adult tooth loss. But how do we use a periodontal cleaning to manage such a serious disease, and when should you contact your Des Moines, IA, dentist for care?
If you have difficulty comfortably opening and closing your mouth or wake up each morning with serious discomfort in your jaw, you may suffer from TMJ disorder. This problem has a variety of causes including arthritis, injuries, and constant grinding of your teeth, but whatever the cause, your Des Moines, IA dentist would like to help resolve your pain. In today’s blog, we discuss providing an oral appliance to treat your TMJ. (more…)
If you have recently lost one of your teeth, you know how difficult adjusting to your new smile can be. Luckily, modern dentistry offers multiple prosthodontic options for replacing your missing teeth. Planning the restoration of your smile can restore your confidence in both your oral health and its appearance. This can mean preventing the degradation of your remaining teeth after experiencing an unfortunate loss.
At your Des Moines, IA dental practice, we understand the difficulty of losing a tooth. With options such as dental implants and dental bridges, we can help you return the stability of a full set of teeth. Because missing teeth can lead to problems with misalignment and further tooth loss, do not wait to let us help you plan a desirable restoration!
The ongoing maintenance of your oral health is something that you live with on a daily basis, but the fact of the matter is that you cannot handle this responsibility entirely on your own. In order to stay on top of your preventive dental needs, be sure to stick to the schedule of appointments that your provider gives to you. While most people require checkups every six months, you may need a more frequent schedule of cleanings and examinations due to additional factors.
If it has been a while since your last visit to the office, take this opportunity to renew your dedication to your dentistry with a semiannual checkup from Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA. Your appointment has two portions, a visual examination with imagery, as well as a thorough cleaning of the surface of your teeth. For additional care below the gumline, we also perform scaling and root planing to help you to avoid the development and progression of periodontal disease. Spend some time with our team and discover the advantages of consistent maintenance! (more…)
Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, roughly equivalent to the strength of steel, but it is not impervious to damage. If you have broken or cracked a tooth, you lose some of the protection of this material, which can put your smile at risk of further harm. When bacteria reach the interior portion of your tooth, the growth can lead to serious complications. In addition to the deterioration of your smile at this location, microorganisms can continue to spread into the bone tissue of your jaw, and even into your bloodstream.
Beyond the physical damage that can come alongside infection, you can experience a serious nagging toothache. When you start to notice pain or discomfort within a tooth that simply will not go away, talk to a trusted provider at Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA. We can help you through a root canal treatment procedure, in order to stop your toothache, and prevent the further spread of bacteria. (more…)
As the weather starts to become a little warmer, social events start to pop back up. If you have a significant event coming up, you know that there will invariably be photographs. Everyone wants to look their best in these images, as they form our memories of these momentous occasions. From graduations to weddings, you might not have much in the way of time before the big day, so take the time to speak with a qualified professional about how cosmetic dental touchups can lift your appearance.
At Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA, we can help you to find a positive solution, so that you can look great at your family function or work-related event. One popular form of cosmetic improvement lies in teeth whitening, but beware of common over-the-counter products. These can be ineffective, or even worse, these items can weaken your enamel, leaving you susceptible to sensitivity. Approach your care with the help of a trusted professional so that you can look better, while keeping your health in mind. (more…)
If you struggle with your sleep, you are not alone in your experience. Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in this country, and two of the most common of these are related to your dental health. Bruxism is a condition in which you grind your teeth; when this happens overnight, you do not have the ability to stop yourself. This means that you could be wearing down your enamel through hours of grinding as you sleep. Let your provider at Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA know about your condition.
Another condition that affects sleep is known as chronic obstructive sleep apnea. When you are in your most relaxed sleep state, the structure of your throat can soften. This is normally fairly rigid, allowing air to flow freely to your lungs. At night, however, you could have difficulty maintaining breath, when the tissue of the throat lays atop itself. The subsequent pauses in breath can sometimes last over a minute, preventing your body from receiving the oxygen it needs to thrive. An oral appliance aims to correct this situation through the gentle repositioning of your jaw. Speak with your provider and see if this form of treatment could help you! (more…)
The lasting strength of your smile is dependent upon your care. The vast majority of the time, you are the only person responsible for the health of your mouth. Your semiannual checkups with a qualified dental health provider serve to give you more understanding of how to best achieve positive maintenance. Even with a dedicated routine, there may be areas of your mouth that you miss while brushing and flossing. Learn more about where your hygiene could use some help.
During your visit, you will also receive a cleaning to remove any accumulation of plaque and tartar. These substances form as a result of bacterial growth and their acidity contributes to bad breath and tooth decay. Feel better with a healthier mouth after a thorough removal of your plaque and tartar buildup. At Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA, we understand the importance of preventive care to keep your teeth and gums strong. The first step in your dental discovery is through a dedicated cleaning and examination so that you know your current level. (more…)
The loss of one or more of your existing natural teeth can be overwhelming if you are not prepared. For this reason, it is important to know your options for an elegant prosthodontic solution. This specialization of dentistry focuses on the replacement of your existing teeth with a prosthetic that you can use in your daily life. A dental bridge can provide a new chewing surface at the location of tooth loss.
Another form of replacement is through a dental implant placement process. This technique uses a technologically advanced procedure in which a titanium post permanently rests in your jaw. There is versatility in implants, as the prosthetic tooth atop can be replaced. For a single tooth or a full set of implant-supported dentures, there is a future after your extraction. Discuss your options with Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA to decide your next course of action in the replacement of your natural teeth!
Since your enamel does not regrow, the consistent maintenance of this tissue can make all the difference in how your smile holds up over time. Your at-home oral health hygiene is highly important in reaching positive long-term outcomes. Dental checkups every six months also help to keep your natural enamel strong and safe.
Some instances can leave you wanting for a neater and more secure smile. Tooth decay and erosion can cause vulnerability to your enamel that you may wish to repair solely for the protective benefit. Cosmetic enhancement can come with a stronger mouth, so always ask your dentist at Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA about your options. For more minor chips, dental bonding can help to restore your tooth through the use of a durable resin. After placement and polishing, this material blends in with the rest of your natural matter. Porcelain veneers are another form of enamel improvement that comes through the use of thin sheets of translucent ceramic. Look your best while giving your dental health a boost with tooth repair and sculpting. (more…)