Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Right for You?

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Orofacial myofunctional therapy in West Salem, WI, consists of a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of your tongue, mouth, and face. Our targeted therapy helps to improve breathing, eating, and speaking skills and can even eliminate some disorders altogether.

Common Examples of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

The typical causes of orofacial myofunctional disorders include thumb-sucking or pacifier use past age one, blocked nasal passages, and an incorrect tongue position. Dr. Jim Allen or Dr. Mark Mueller uses a surgery-free and drug-free approach to re-train the muscles in your face, tongue, or mouth. The exercises you or your child undergo at Allen Dental teach your brain, muscles, and nerves to work together in a more efficient manner.

Types of Conditions Treated by Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

If your partner complains that you snore or you have developed obstructive sleep apnea, this treatment is a simple and inexpensive way to address both problems. Below are several other conditions Dr. Allen or Dr. Mueller can treat using these techniques.

  • Improve the ability to chew and swallow after surgery to correct a dental or facial deformity.
  • Improve speech.
  • Malocclusion, the term used to describe crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and teeth that form an overbite or underbite. We typically recommend orofacial myofunctional therapy in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
  • Tongue thrust, which is an issue that arises in infancy and can continue into late childhood. Left untreated, tongue thrust can cause bite problems, speech issues, and protrusion of teeth.

Sometimes, it isn’t always obvious that you or your child have an issue that our dentists can address with re-training exercises. Speech problems, mouth breathing, lips that remain apart while resting, and frequent gagging are just some indications of a possible problem. Please contact us to schedule an evaluation or to learn more about orofacial myofunctional therapy in West Salem, WI.

The Many Benefits of Solea Laser Dentistry

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Do you have sensory issues that make going to the dentist an unpleasant experience? You want to take good care of your oral health, but the continuous sounds of dental drills are uncomfortable. You may also have a fear of needles. Thanks to Solea laser dentistry in West Salem WI, both problems are a thing of the past.

What is the Solea Laser, and When Do We Use It?

Solea is the name brand of a handheld instrument connected to a computer that makes it possible for Dr. Jim Allen or Dr. Mark Mueller to complete several types of dental procedures with minimal noise or pain. The Solea laser also significantly reduces the time you must spend in the dental chair. Here are the procedures most amiable to the Solea laser:

  • Crown lengthening
  • Cutting through gum tissue or bone when necessary
  • Filling cavities
  • Removing amalgam fillings
  • Removing oral tumors or fibromas from the mouth
  • Removing tooth enamel for a cosmetic or restorative dental process
  • Treating gum disease with scaling and root planing
  • Tongue tie surgery

The computer program seamlessly sends vibrations to the handheld piece, allowing your dentist to complete the work you need in a fraction of the time and without the usual discomfort. Solea laser dentistry in West Salem WI is perfect for kids and adults alike. Children tend to be much more cooperative when they know they won’t need a shot and that there won’t be any pain or lasting numbness.

Don’t Put Off the Dental Care You Need Any Longer

Treating oral health problems promptly is essential to retaining your natural teeth for as long as possible. If you suspect that you need one of the above procedures performed, please contact us to request a consultation with Dr. Allen or Dr. Mueller.

Have a Toothache? Here’s What Could Be Causing It

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A toothache can be a troubling problem. When you’re in pain, it’s important to find out why. Your dentist in West Salem, WI, can help. Often, toothaches need treatment from a dentist in order to get better. If you’re experiencing a toothache, here’s what could be the cause.

Cavity

A cavity is an area of dental decay that has penetrated your tooth enamel. Cavities can cause pain that comes and goes and may even leave a hole in the tooth enamel that you can see. Cavities need to be cleaned out and then filled with appropriate filling material.

Children are especially prone to cavities because they eat so much sugar and often struggle to brush their teeth properly; it’s important to bring them to the dentist for regular examinations.

Dental Infection

Dental infections go all the way down to the tender pulp in the middle of your tooth. When you suffer from a dental infection, the pain can be intense. If the infection is caught soon enough, your dentist will perform a root canal that will save the tooth.

If the infection goes on for too long, your dentist will likely extract your tooth. It’s important to see the dentist as soon as possible when you’re experiencing intense, ongoing dental pain. That’s a dental emergency.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that occurs when a patient grinds their teeth at night. It can cause tooth pain and sensitivity and can lead to worn down or cracked teeth. You may not know when you’re grinding your teeth at night, but your dentist will most likely be able to tell.

Are you experiencing dental pain? It’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment from your dentist. Call today to schedule a dental examination in West Salem, WI

Can Tooth Rot Happen Beneath Veneers?

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Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin material that are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, improving their appearance and creating a beautiful, even smile. However, many patients may wonder if tooth decay or rot can occur beneath these seemingly impenetrable coverings.

Tooth Decay With Veneers is Possible

While veneers do provide a protective layer for the visible part of the tooth, they don’t cover the entire tooth structure. The areas where the veneer doesn’t cover, particularly near the gum line or between teeth, remain susceptible to decay. If proper oral hygiene is neglected, plaque and bacteria can accumulate in these areas, leading to tooth rot under the veneer.

Proper Veneer Bonding is Crucial

The bonding process between the veneer and your natural tooth is essential in preventing tooth decay beneath the veneer. A well-bonded veneer can help seal out bacteria and food particles, reducing the risk of tooth rot. It’s important to have your veneers placed by an experienced dentist in West Salem, WI to ensure a strong bond and minimize the likelihood of decay underneath.

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial in detecting any signs of tooth decay beneath your veneers. Your dentist can spot early signs of decay or issues with the veneer’s bonding and take appropriate action to prevent further damage. It’s recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine examinations and professional cleanings.

Choose High-quality Veneers

Investing in high-quality veneers made from durable materials can help minimize the risk of tooth rot underneath. Porcelain veneers, for example, are less porous than composite resin, making them more resistant to stains and decay. Consult with your dentist to determine the best type of veneer material for your unique needs and preferences.

Tooth rot can indeed occur beneath veneers, but with proper dental care, regular check-ups, and high-quality veneers in West Salem, WI, you can minimize the risk and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us today to learn more.

Top 3 Reasons You Should Remove Cavities

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One of the most common dental problems is cavities, which millions of Americans suffer from. Even those who are observing proper dental care habits, such as brushing at a regular pace, flossing, and using oral rinses can still be at risk of developing a cavity or tooth decay. Allen Dental of West Salem, WI, can restore and rebuild your teeth to their original structure.

What are Cavities?

Cavities, sometimes also referred to as tooth decay, are permanently damaged hard surfaces in the area of your mouth. Although they can be caused by improper hygiene, sugar, hard candy, and other poor dietary habits are the leading causes of multiple cavities.

How do Cavities Affect my Oral Health?

Cavities reduce the enamel and structure of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Furthermore, they can lead to more serious issues, which have been outlined below.

Pain Management

Although cavities often start as small holes in the interior of your teeth, they can grow bigger as time goes on. The issue is that it is often unnoticed, and will eventually start to hurt without seeking proper professional care.

Gateway to Serious Diseases

Cavities can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. The pockets that are left on your hard surfaces are a breeding ground for bacteria, as the depressions invite leftover food into the gaps.

Creates Difficult and Expensive Issues

If cavities go unnoticed for a long time, they could completely decay the root of the tooth. At this point, serious considerations need to be reviewed, such as root canals, bridges, crowns, and dentures.

Your Local Dental Care team in West Salem, WI

Cavities are extremely prevalent, and it is difficult to notice if you have one without regular review with a dentist. A consultation with Allen Dental of West Salem, WI will put your mind, and healthcare, at ease.

 

How Does Soda Affect Your Teeth?  

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Soda has become such a staple of American life that restaurants offer it with every meal. People can stop at any convenience store and fill a cup with the same amount of soda that is in four or more 12-ounce cans. Drinking soda regularly increases the risk of serious health issues, like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, soda isn’t any better for the teeth than it is for the body. Educating patients about its potential dangers is just a small part of our general dentistry services in West Salem, Wisconsin.

Excess Soda Consumption Causes Tooth Erosion and Cavities

Most types of soda are acidic to give it the bubbly flavor and sensation that people have become accustomed to over time. Some have even developed an addiction to soda. If you choose to drink diet soda to save calories, you should know that it causes the same type of damage to your oral health as regular soda.

When the acids in soda connect with tooth enamel, they naturally begin to erode it. Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. Fruit juice and sports drinks can also damage tooth enamel. These drinks typically do not cause cavities because the acidity is milder and does not break through to deeper layers of the teeth.

The ingredients in soda can quickly penetrate the enamel in teeth and reach the dentin, which is its inner layer. Excess soda consumption is enough of an oral health risk on its own. However, the risk becomes even greater when you neglect your oral hygiene.

Schedule a Preventive Cleaning Today

Visiting Allen Dental twice a year for professional teeth cleaning and tips on how to care for your teeth at home is the best way to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Feel free to request a preventive care appointment in West Salem, Wisconsin by calling 608-786-3303.

 

3 Reasons Cavities Often Go Untreated

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Cavities are points of decay that require treatment so the issue will not continue to grow, and the problem is highly treatable in the beginning. However, it is not uncommon for people to not reach out to a dentist for cavity treatment in Salem until a cavity has progressed quite extensively.

1. Poor Understanding of the Risk

A small cavity can look like such a minuscule problem. After all, when the problem begins, you may barely notice anything, so the issue is easy to disregard. Unfortunately, once the enamel of the tooth has been compromised, the cavity can grow quickly and put the tooth at risk.

2. Lack of Dental Checkups

Dental checkups are one of the most critical components of proactive dental care. Many cavities are first discovered during a checkup. While you may see your teeth every day, the dentist takes a more in-depth look in places like below the gum line and in between teeth where cavities are hard to see.

3. Dental Treatment Anxiety

Dental treatment anxiety is a very real issue for many patients. Some have anxious feelings about the sensations of treatment, the tools used in the process, or even pain that may come after a procedure. With the right dentist, however, dental anxiety can be adequately managed. Numerous options are available to soothe fears and make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Find Cavity Treatment with a West Salem, WI Dentist

When cavities are discovered and treated early, you may not have any further issues with an ailing tooth. Therefore, reaching out to a West Salem dentist promptly and working to achieve proactive care can truly save your smile. Reach out to us at Allen Dental to find out how we can help with cavity prevention and treatment.

What is Solea Laser Cavity Removal?

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If the thought of having a cavity filled makes you nervous, you don’t need to worry. New advancements in dental technology have made it possible for things like cavities to be taken care of much faster and with less traditional tools. Your dentist now uses Solea laser dentistry in West Salem, WI.

What is Solea Laser Cavity Removal?

When this procedure is used, your dentist will rely on a precision laser to remove the decay from your tooth, allowing them to immediately place a filling in the spot. Thus, rather than leaving your tooth untreated, letting the decay multiply, and finding yourself with a tooth that is infected and now needing to be extracted, Solea laser dentistry is more efficient and faster than traditional dentistry.

Is Solea Laser Dentistry Painful?

If you’ve always associated getting a cavity fixed with undergoing a painful procedure at your dentist’s office, it’s time to change your thinking. Actually, Solea laser cavity removal is so close to being virtually painless that most patients don’t even require an anesthetic for the procedure.

Can it Work on All Cavities?

Generally, Solea laser cavity removal works best on smaller cavities that have not yet reached your gum line. However, due to the laser allowing your dentist to make very precise cuts in your tooth to remove the decay, it may be able to be used in certain other situations. Your dentist in West Salem, WI can let yo know if you are a good candidate for Solea laser cavity removal.

How Many Visits Are Needed?

One of the biggest benefits of Solea laser dentistry is speed. Most—if not all—treatments that are done with this new tool can be completed in just one visit. Now you can get most of your dental needs taken care of in the span of time it takes to have an office lunch.

Your dentist in West Salem will be able to answer all your cavity questions related to Solea laser dentistry. Call to book your appointment today.

4 Signs You Need to Visit the Dentist

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Regular dental visits are essential for good oral health and for good overall health. When people skip dentist visits, there are almost always negative repercussions. Nevertheless, sometimes people do forego dental visits even though they are in their best interests. But when you notice any of the following signs, it’s definitely time to book your dentist visit in West Salem.

1. There’s a Bump On Your Gum Line

Your gums are supposed to be relatively flat and smooth along the upper edges of your teeth. When a gum infection occurs, there will be a noticeable bump over the tooth. This won’t go away on its own, no matter how long you wait. Only your dentist can help.

2. Your Teeth Are Shifting

If you can sense that your teeth are shifting, this is a sign you should see your dentist in Rancho Mirage right away. Teeth are not supposed to shift position. This can be a sign of periodontal disease or something else very serious.

3. It’s Been a Long Time

Experts recommend that you see your dentist at least once every six months. If it’s been a long time since you last visited your dentist, you need to book an appointment as soon as you can. Bear in mind that many dental problems can be easily taken care of if they are caught in the early stages. The longer you wait, the more serious they can become.

4. You Have Chronic Bad Breath

Bad breath on a consistent basis can be a sign that there’s something else going on. Visit your dentist and let them know what your symptoms are so you can be diagnosed and treated. Chances are, your bad breath can be cleared up once the underlying cause is found.

Your dentist in Rancho Mirage is ready to help you attain optimal oral health. Contact us today to book your next appointment!

 

Best Cavity Treatment: Laser Cavity Removal vs Fillings

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If you have a cavity, the tried-and-true method of treating it has long been fillings. You may have had a few other options available, such as crowns, but nothing as cutting-edge as the modern alternative of laser cavity removal. Let’s compare laser cavity removal to fillings to see the best cavity treatment between the two. We’ll give you a hint: laser cavity removal has the edge.

Dental Fillings

Fillings have been a common option for cavity treatment. You may have one or more in your mouth at the moment, so you’ve been through the experience. During this procedure, the dentist usually numbs the area with a local anesthetic, drills into the tooth, removes the decay, cleans the area and fills it in. The material of the filling can vary, but today it’s common to get a composite resin filling that looks like a real tooth.

Laser Cavity Removal

Now, you can choose laser cavity removal, which has revolutionized the cavity treatment arena compared to previous options. Laser cavity removal has distinct benefits over fillings. Usually, it doesn’t require anesthesia, so it prevents pain from the shot, the waiting period for it to work and the ongoing numbness after you leave. Yet the procedure is generally pain-free. A major benefit is that there’s no need for drilling, which is a top fear of going to the dentist. This method uses a quiet laser to perform the procedure instead. Also, the laser makes the procedure quick and easy for the dentist to perform, getting you out of the office in no time.

You’ll only find laser cavity removal at a dental office that has upgraded to this technology. At Allen Dental, we offer the Solea dental laser to provide cavity removal and other dental procedures.