Sleep Apnea Is a Drag, but Can It Be Fatal?

March 13, 2025

Lady looks frightened

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that can cause a person to wake up a hundred times or more in a single night, and these frequent sleep disruptions can be quite stressful for the body. In addition to the frequent fatigue and grogginess this causes, it can also lead to serious overall health issues that can take years or decades off your life. Here’s a brief guide to a few of the dangers of sleep apnea and how your dentist can address the problem.

(more…)

Addressing Anxiety: Who Benefits from Oral Conscious Sedation?

March 5, 2025

Top of form inquiring whether patient requires dental oral sedation

Would you be surprised to learn that an estimated 50% to 80% of people experience anxiety around dental appointments? It’s natural to feel nervous if you have an upcoming treatment, like a root canal or extraction, that has the potential to cause pain. However, many people are so afraid that they even avoid routine visits.

Your dentist can provide medication, like oral conscious sedation, to help you feel relaxed and comfortable, but many patients assume this is reserved for surgical procedures. Thankfully, that’s not necessarily true. Continue reading to learn more about this service and who can benefit from it!

(more…)

How to Help Loved Ones with Autism Defeat Common Oral Health Issues

March 1, 2025

Mother holding autistic daughter on her shoulder.

If you have a loved one with autism, you’re no stranger to the difficulties presented to them by everyday tasks and activities. While those born with autism don’t have different teeth or mouths, they do tend to be more likely than people not on the spectrum to cultivate dental health problems. In this article, you’ll find discussion about those issues and how to help your loved one overcome them.

(more…)

I’d Love to Try Sedation Dentistry, but Will My Insurance Cover It?

February 27, 2025

Lady receives nitrous oxide

Many people have dental phobias that make it difficult for them to stomach routine oral healthcare appointments, and many others live with health conditions that inhibit their ability to sit still throughout a dental procedure. While dental sedation is an increasingly popular way to address these issues, the degrees to which insurance policies will cover these treatments vary considerably. Here’s a brief guide to how dental insurance companies usually treat dental sedation treatments.

(more…)

Why Sleep Apnea is a Threat to Your Heart Health

February 23, 2025

Man with sleep apnea lying in bed rubbing his eyes

Sleep apnea is known to cause loud snoring and excessive tiredness during the day, but unfortunately, the problems don’t stop there. If the disorder is left untreated for too long, it can contribute to various health complications – including potentially life-threatening cardiovascular issues. How can sleep apnea affect your heart health? Your dentist is here with the facts.

(more…)

Are More People Developing Sleep Apnea?

February 13, 2025

Lady thinks something over

Sleep apnea is an unpleasant medical condition that can cause a person to wake up more than a hundred times in a single night, which can greatly reduce the quality of their sleep and lead to a wide variety of health problems and quality-of-issues. Unfortunately, sleep apnea diagnoses have become more common in recent years, but there are a number of measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition or mitigate its symptoms. Here are a few risk factors to look out for and how you can address them.

(more…)

Sedated Smiles: Which Medication is Right for Me?

January 30, 2025

Woman in dental chair with laughing gas mask over nose

Did you know that an estimated 20% of people who experience anxiety around dental appointments are so afraid that they avoid scheduling visits? To make matters worse, approximately 9% to 15% have a fear so intense that they’ve never seen a dentist.

Fortunately, many providers offer medications, like nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout your appointment. If you’re unsure which method is right for you, continue reading to learn more about them both!

(more…)

Cosmetic Question: What Can’t I Eat with Veneers?

January 23, 2025

Woman in brown sweater sipping coffee smiling looking out window

One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is riddled with imperfections, you might not make a good impression. Issues like stubborn stains, chips, cracks, slight gaps, or mild overcrowding can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance.

Your dentist in Columbia can boost your confidence with porcelain veneers, but many patients have questions about what to expect from this treatment. One common inquiry is whether there are dietary restrictions once these restorations are in place. Continue reading to learn more about it!

(more…)

5 Fascinating Facts About Children’s Oral Health

January 16, 2025

A little girl brushing her teeth

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and around here that’s certainly reason to celebrate! In that spirit, here are five fascinating facts about children’s oral health that you may not have known.

(more…)

Preventing Problems: 3 Helpful Facts About Oral Cancer

December 24, 2024

Woman holding up a picture of a tongue with sores on it to cover her mouth

Scheduling a routine checkup and cleaning prevents common issues like cavities and gum disease. Regularly seeing your dentist allows them to monitor your condition so they can spot and treat areas of concern, like bleeding gums or weakening enamel, before they progress.

However, did you know that your provider also screens your mouth for oral cancer during standard visits? If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, keep reading to learn 3 things about this harmful condition that might motivate you to book your next visit!

(more…)