Simply put – yes there is. Actually, periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to numerous chronic and systemic illnesses, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s, pre-term childbirth, and yes, heart disease. It’s important to understand that, in the early stages called gingivitis, gum disease is difficult to detect, but it’s always best to receive treatment at this point when your periodontal disease is most treatable. As gum disease advances to the periodontitis stage, it becomes more difficult to treat, and can lead to serious health complications. How can you make sure to keep your gums healthy? It’s simple. Find a San Marcos dentist you trust and feel comfortable with, and make sure you visit them at least twice a year for dental checkups and teeth cleanings. In this post, we’ll talk a little more about the link between gum disease and heart health and tell you more about how visiting a San Marcos dentist regularly can help you avoid oral and whole body health concerns. February is heart health month, and your San Marcos dentist wants to help you keep your smile and heart healthy this month – and the rest of the year.
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Is There a Link Between Periodontal Disease & Heart Health?
February 13, 2018
Full and Partial Dentures Restore Smiles in San Marcos
October 31, 2015
Whether it was a traumatic accident, poor habits or simply genetics that caused your missing teeth, one thing is for sure — you’ve got to have them replaced. Gapped teeth cause problems beyond difficulty eating; they can also affect the way you speak, and can cause even more tooth loss later on. And that’s saying nothing about the hit gaps in a smile have on self-confidence. With full or partial dentures in San Marcos, though, you can replace those missing teeth for a better functioning, more attractive smile. Keep reading to learn more from your gentle dentist in San Marcos today.
Expert Sedation Dentist, San Marcos
July 6, 2015
If the thought of going to the dentist makes your heart race and sweat break out on your forehead, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from some level of dental anxiety, but at San Marcos Gentle Dental, we are dedicated to providing patients stress free, painless dental health care. That’s why our San Marcos, TX practice offers oral conscious sedation to help patients relax and enjoy their dental visit. Call the office of Dr. Robert Donnelly to schedule an appointment or find out more about sedation dentistry today.
Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry, New Braunfels
Sedation dentistry has several levels, and there are numerous sedation methods. At San Marcos Gentle Dental, we offer our patients oral conscious sedation. This level of sedation is generally considered ideal for any level of anxiety, and for preparing patients to undergo multiple or extensive treatments. Patients with extreme levels of dental anxiety may be offered a sedative to take the night before their appointment to help them sleep, and will be given a sedative about an hour before their visit to help them relax.
Patients who receive oral conscious sedation should not drive or operate other machinery, so you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to your appointment and pick you up. Patients with several dental anxiety may request to take their sedative at home before arriving at the office, but we recommend taking a sedative after arriving at our office. This allows our staff to monitor your vital signs as the sedative takes effect, and provide treatment at the optimal time.
The effects of sedation will vary between patients, but typically, people are able to relax into a sleep-like state. Many patients do not fall fully to sleep, but are extremely relaxed and not fully aware. As your procedure is performed, you will be given a warm blanket, and our team will monitor your vitals throughout the procedure for your safety.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry has made it possible for many dental anxiety sufferers to return to the dentist and achieve a happy, healthy smile, but sedation dentistry has helped dentists treat patients of all kinds with less pain. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry include those with:
- Sensitive teeth and gums
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders who otherwise become anxious because they may not understand their treatment
Sedation dentistry has also made it possible for dentists to perform numerous or complex dental procedures at one time saving patients time and money without causing undo pain or stress.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry, San Marcos
If you are interested in finding out more about sedation dentistry and how it could benefit you or your family, call San Marcos Gentle Dental to find out more or schedule a consultation today. Our friendly staff, has made your comfort and peace our top priority. Don’t let fear keep you from the dental care you need. Our San Marcos office welcomes patients from New Braunfels, Kyle, Wimberley, and beyond.
The Most Advanced Dental Technology for Our Patients
May 23, 2015
At San Marcos Gentle Dental, we believe that our patients deserve only the very best when it comes to dental technology. That’s why we have equipped our state-of-the-art dental office with the latest in technological advancements in the dental industry, giving our patients the clear advantage in oral healthcare. Dr. J. Robert Donnelly and Dr. Gregory Wang invite you to enjoy the innumerable benefits afforded by our top-of-the-line dental technology.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography allows our team to capture clearer, more accurate images than traditional x-rays. In addition, digital x-rays expose patients to up to 80 percent less radiation, and they’re better for the environment. The digital images of your teeth and jaw can be easily stored and shared as needed.
No-Drill Dentistry
For most patients, the thought of the dental drill is one that elicits instant feelings of fear and anxiety. Fortunately, our office uses the Whisper Jet decay removal system, a type of technology that allows us to treat cavities without any needles or drills. In many cases, no anesthesia is required.
3D Digital Imaging
Also known as Cone Beam CT imaging, 3D digital x-rays are particularly useful in the planning of dental implant placement and orthodontic treatment. Because of its unique composition, this precision equipment uses approximately 10 times less radiation as compared to conventional medical CT scanning devices.
DIAGNOdent Dental Caries Detection
DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection allows us to find and treat tooth decay before it becomes visible to the naked eye. The pen-like laser checks the health of the tooth for any signs of cavities, even those that are located between teeth.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
Other vital technologies that we employ at San Marcos Gentle Dental include CAD/CAM imaging, The Wand anesthesia delivery, Cavitron ultrasonic scaling, chairside monitors and satellite radio, intra-oral cameras, and more. Allow us to show you what a difference our technology can make in your next dental experience. Contact us today to speak with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable staff and to schedule your next visit with our team. Our San Marcos, TX dental office proudly serves patients from nearby communities in Austin, New Braunfels, Kyle, Wimberley, Buda, and beyond.
What You Need to Know About Gum Disease & Overall Health
April 23, 2015
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half of American adults over the age of 30 suffer from periodontitis. That’s 64.7 million cases, many of which are left untreated until the problem becomes severe. The American Academy of Periodontology considers this a “significant public health problem,” and for good reason. While bleeding gums and sensitivity are the most common symptoms of gum disease, there are even more serious implications associated with the condition. Today, we’d like to take a moment to inform our patients of the lesser-known effects of periodontal disease.
The Oral Systemic Link Explained
When your gums become infected, the harmful bacteria that reside within your mouth pose a very real threat to organs and tissues throughout the rest of your body. In fact, numerous studies have proven the existence of a link between untreated periodontal disease and severe medical conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Pulmonary hypertension
- High blood pressure
- Cancer of the pancreas and/or blood
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Complications in the treatment of diabetes
- Pre-term birth and low birth weight in babies whose mothers have gum disease
Fortunately, regular periodontal therapy can dramatically reduce your risk of developing these and other health complications. Our team will work with you to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs, giving you the clear advantage when it comes to the fight against gum disease.
Healthier Gums, Longer Life
If you are suffering from the effects of periodontal disease, don’t wait another day to take the first step toward a healthier smile and improved well-being overall. Contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Donnelly and our caring, experienced team of oral health professionals in San Marcos, TX. Very often, periodontal disease can be managed effectively with more frequent deep cleanings and exams. Our family-friendly dental practice warmly welcomes patients from San Marcos, Austin, New Braunfels, Buda, Kyle, Wimberley, and beyond.