Digital X-Rays at Dental Expressions: Only the Best for Our Patients in OKC

May 16, 2014

465217799X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool used to inspect and assess the health of your teeth and jaws at each of your routine dental visits. Though traditional film x-rays have been trusted for decades to provide dentists with an inside perspective of your oral health, modern technology has allowed us to go even further with digital radiography, or digital x-rays. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier offer a wide variety of highly advanced technological advantages to our patients, including digital x-rays.

Benefits of Digital X-Rays at Your Dentist’s Office

There are many benefits of digital x-rays as compared to conventional film x-rays. Whereas typical film x-rays required the use of developing materials and a considerable length of time (during which the patient had to wait for results), digital x-rays are immediately available for viewing on a convenient chairside monitor. You and your dentist can go over the x-rays together, allowing you to gain a better understanding of your oral health as well as your treatment plan.

In addition, digital x-rays are better for the environment and emit up to 90 percent less radiation than regular film methods. This means that you and your family enjoy enhanced convenience, less time spent at the dentist’s office, and better health overall.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Has it been more than six months since you last visited the dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning? If so, it’s time to schedule your appointment and see the difference that our unique approach can make for you! Contact our office in Oklahoma City, OK today and speak to Dr. Holman, Dr. Frazier, or any member of our caring, experienced staff. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have, whether they are about our office’s technology, our menu of services, or your oral health in general. Our conveniently located practice happily welcomes patients from throughout the OKC area, including Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Del City, and beyond.

 

Join Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK for National Children’s Dental Health Month

February 6, 2014

 

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Every year in February, the American Dental Association celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OKDr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier observe the annual event as well, emphasizing the importance of quality dental care beginning at a young age. Our comprehensive menu of children’s dental services keep your child’s teeth and gums looking and feeling great, building a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.

We Love Your Child’s Smile!

When kids are young, their minds are like sponges; they take in the world around them and learn how things work at an appalling rate. This is among the many reasons that it’s so important to introduce them to the world of oral health and hygiene as early as possible – an ideal time is typically around two years of age. When your child comes in for his or her first visit to Dental Expressions, we’ll provide a fun, engaging and welcoming experience that sets the tone for pleasant appointments in the future.

Aside from examining and cleaning your child’s teeth and gums, we’ll look for any signs of decay or other problems and provide corresponding treatment as necessary. Fluoride treatments are extremely useful for fortifying young, newly developed teeth and sealants help protect against cavities. If your child plays sports, we can even create a custom athletic mouth guard to defend against injuries while they play. Our goal is to preserve your child’s precious smile and to get them excited about their dental health!

Protect Your Kids’ Pearly Whites

Though keeping your child’s teeth healthy and strong is a priority all year round, we think that National Children’s Dental Health Month is an ideal time to get a great start for 2014. Contact our office in Oklahoma City, OK today to find out how our caring, compassionate team can help protect and preserve your child’s smile with our comprehensive children’s dentistry services. We also proudly serve families from throughout the surrounding communities, including Norman, Midwest City, Moore and beyond. We look forward to giving your little ones something to smile about!

What You May Not Know About the Effects of Sleep Apnea

January 24, 2014

494282527It’s common knowledge that snoring can be incredibly annoying, but did you know that this noisy nuisance can also be indicative of a common sleep disorder? Sleep apnea, a condition that causes intermittent lapses in breathing during sleep, can lead to a variety of seemingly unrelated health problems if left untreated. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Frazier and Dr. Holman can help you understand everything you need to know about sleep apnea and its treatment.

Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Aside from chronic daytime fatigue associated with a lack of deep, restful sleep, sleep apnea can potentially lead to a multitude of health issues of great concern. Because the affected patient actually ceases breathing for up to 10 seconds at a time, blood oxygen levels can quickly drop to dangerous levels. This can lead to high blood pressure, or hypertension, in the lungs and throughout the rest of the body as well. Approximately 50 percent of people with sleep apnea suffer from hypertension.

Other complications associated with sleep apnea include:

  • Disease of the blood vessels and coronary arteries
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Respiratory distress and failure
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Irregular heart beat

Fortunately, there are ways to combat the effects of sleep apnea, thereby greatly reducing your risk of developing these and other complications. Talking with your dentists at Dental Expressions can help you determine whether or not you would benefit more from a snoreguard (an oral appliance that opens up your airways at night) or another therapy (like a CPAP machine).

Getting the Help You Need

If you or your partner snores loudly or experiences trouble breathing at night, it’s possible that sleep apnea is the cause. Contact our office in Oklahoma City, OK today and find out how Dr. Frazier and Dr. Holman can help you discover the sleep apnea treatment that best suits your individual condition and lifestyle. We also serve patients from throughout Midwest City, Moore, Norman and beyond. We look forward to helping you get a better, healthier night’s sleep!

Protecting Your Smile with Custom-Fit Athletic Mouth Guards in OKC

December 23, 2013

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When you’re in the middle of a big game – whether it be football, basketball, hockey, baseball or any other physical recreational activity – your mind is on your performance, on your competition, and on achieving victory. Your mouth is likely among the last things you’re thinking about while you’re playing, but protecting your teeth and gums during heavy activity really does pay off. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OKDr. Frazier and Dr. Holman can help you preserve your smile and general oral health with customized athletic mouth guards

Always Be Prepared: Mouth Guards for Sports

Though there are plenty of ways we can protect ourselves from serious injury while engaged in physical activity, it’s pretty difficult to always expect the unexpected. An accidental kick to the face or a ball you didn’t see flying your way can quickly turn into a dental emergency. Teeth can be knocked out, gums can be perforated by foreign objects and your teeth can easily cut other tissues inside your mouth.

While many children and teenagers who play sports wear a mouth guard during athletic play, the majority of them don’t get the level of protection they actually need. This is because generic mouth guards are inexpensive; unfortunately, this also means that they don’t perform as well as a customized one.

The Custom-Fit Difference

Custom-fit mouth guards from Dental Expressions are better able to protect your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth from injury than ready-made guards you find at the sporting goods store. They’re modeled to fit your unique dentition and therefore lower your risk of dislodging a tooth, cutting your inner cheek or biting down on your tongue.

If you or your little ones play sports and you want to ensure that your smile is protected from injury, contact us at our Oklahoma City, OK office today and ask about our customized athletic mouth guardsDr. Holman and Dr. Frazier happily welcome patients from Norman, Moore, Midwest City and beyond. We look forward to meeting you and your family!

 

 

What You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease and Your Health

October 20, 2013

185594294Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Have you noticed that some of your teeth appear longer than they should as your gum line recedes? These are common signs of periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as gum disease. Most of us know that untreated gum disease can lead to undesirable side effects, including eventual tooth loss, but most patients are surprised to hear that there are other, potentially worse, consequences of periodontal infection. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OKDr. Holman and Dr. Frazier want to equip you with all of the tools and information you need to protect yourself from these hidden health dangers.

The Unexpected Connection

When a patient suffers from periodontal disease, harmful bacteria accumulates deep between gingival tissue and the teeth in recesses called gum pockets. When this bacteria leaches into the blood stream, it can travel throughout the rest of the body, wreaking havoc on other tissues and organs. Some of the most common systemic complications associated with untreated periodontal disease are:

  • Increased risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Preterm birth and low birth weight babies in mothers with gum disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Poorly managed diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Gastrointestinal disorders

Fortunately, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease can help dramatically reduce your risk of developing these and other health problems. Here at Dental Expressions, we’ll assess your unique oral health condition and formulate a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs. Following your treatment, simply continue visiting Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.

Take Control of Your Oral Health!

If you’ve noticed any of the common symptoms of gum disease, including redness, inflammation, bleeding, gum recession or chronic bad breath, contact our office today to schedule your assessment. Conveniently located in Oklahoma City, OK, we proudly serve patients from Moore, Norman, Midwest City and the surrounding areas.

Combat Persistent Bad Breath with Expert Tips from Dental Expressions

September 24, 2013

126952776Though we all experience bad breath every once in a while – whether it be due to something we ate or simply a case of dry mouth in the morning – but the fact that it affects everyone now and then doesn’t make it any less embarrassing when it happens to us. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OKDr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier want to give you all of the information you need to maintain a clean, healthy mouth and get rid of bad breath.

Find the Culprit, Find the Cure

Some people suffer from chronic bad breath caused by an underlying condition, like liver problems, or because they take certain medications. If you regularly detect an unpleasant taste and associated odor in your mouth, we recommend coming in for an exam at Dental Expressions. We can check for signs of periodontal disease (more commonly known as gum disease), an infection of the gums that can contribute to persistent bad breath.

If you’re otherwise healthy and you still have problems controlling the odor of your breath, keep the following in mind:

  • Don’t skip the floss. Food particles that become lodged between the teeth and along the gum line can quickly foul up the smell of your breath, especially if these particles remain hidden for days. Flossing twice a day when you brush your teeth can help keep bad breath at bay.
  • Stay hydrated. A dry mouth smells worse than one that has a proper pH balance and sufficient saliva. Drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water per day for improved oral health and overall physical well being.
  • Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Oftentimes, brushing and flossing simply aren’t enough to rid your mouth of potentially harmful bacteria. A mouthwash used after you brush can rinse away the germs that make your breath smell bad and even protect against future plaque buildup.
  • Brush your tongue – If you see a sticky, pale film form on your tongue, particularly toward the back of your mouth, it’s likely that you’re harboring excess bacteria there. Brush your tongue gently but firmly enough to get rid of that buildup or use a tongue scraper for better comfort and efficiency.

Take Control of Your Oral Health!

If problems with bad breath have caused you unnecessary embarrassment and you’re looking for a solution that offers real results, contact us at our Oklahoma City, OK office today and talk with Drs. Holman and Frazier. We also happily serve patients throughout the surrounding areas of Norman, Moore, Midwest City and beyond. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Treat Little Smiles Well with Dedicated Children’s Dentistry Services in Oklahoma City

February 27, 2013

140303575You do your best to keep your children healthy by monitoring their diet and keeping them active – but what about their teeth? Going to the dentist’s office can be scary at first, especially for little smiles. Here at Dental Expressions, we understand how crucial it is for your little one to have a pleasant and comfortable experience at our Oklahoma City office every time they come in; after all, establishing good dental hygiene habits at such a young age can put them on a lifelong path towards optimal oral health! With a variety of personalized and gentle children’s dentistry services, Dr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier will be sure to keep your son or daughter’s teeth healthy and happy for years to come.

Children’s Dentistry Leaves Little Kids Smiling

We suggest first bringing your child into our Oklahoma City office around the age of two – not for a full-blown dental appointment, but instead for what we like to call a “happy visit.” Children often have the most trouble with situations, places, or people that are unfamiliar to them; this way, we can prepare them for their first visit by introducing our staff, showing them all the tools we use, and even letting them sit in the dentist’s chair!

We usually suggest that children should start attending regular check-ups and cleanings around the age of three to five; however, if you notice any abnormalities in the way their teeth seem to be developing before then, please feel free to bring them in so we can take a look. During these appointments, we’ll be sure to keep our care gentle and conservative while also watching out for potential problems. Our friendly hygienist will be glad to show you and your son or daughter how to properly brush and floss at home.

Once your child is older, we can provide them with other personalized children’s dentistry services, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments – both of which help to keep teeth strong and cavity-free!

Our team loves children, and we can’t wait to provide them the tools they need to keep their smile looking lovely for a lifetime. Bring your loved ones to Dental Expressions for caring children’s dentistry services today! Call our Oklahoma City office to schedule an appointment. We also are happy to see patients from the OKC area, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and the surrounding communities.

Could You Be Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

February 18, 2013

488099845We can all agree that snoring is an annoying habit to have – especially where tired spouses are concerned. The habit can keep your family awake at night, disrupt your own sleep, and leave you with a sore throat in the morning. But did you know that snoring can actually be an indicator of a much more serious condition? If you’re a chronic snorer, you might be suffering from sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous disorder that causes a person to stop breathing constantly through the night, usually for instances of ten seconds or longer. People who suffer from untreated sleep apnea not only suffer from chronic exhaustion and lessened enjoyment of life, but could also suffer possible complications later in life. Here at Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, our team is happy to provide you with a variety of effective solutions to treat your sleep apnea. With the help of Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier, you and your family will be back to peaceful slumber in no time.

But first, how do you know for sure if you have sleep apnea? Here are some common symptoms:

  • Chronic exhaustion/ drowsiness during the day, no matter how sleep you got the night before
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or throat after sleep
  • Constant choking, gasping, or snorting during sleep
  • Loud snoring
  • Constantly waking up during the night
  • Morning headaches

Some of those sound familiar! What are my options for treatment?

After Dr. Holman or Dr. Frazier have concurred that you are in fact suffering from sleep apnea, there are a few solutions you both can pursue, depending on the severity of the disorder. First, they can offer you the use of an oral appliance (commonly referred to as a snoreguard). Wearing a snoreguard alleviates snoring and keeps your airway open. If your symptoms don’t respond to that treatment, Dr. Holman or Dr. Frazier may recommend that you see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders, or that you look into the use of a CPAP machine, which consists of a box, facemask, and tube that carries air to your body while you sleep.

Our team is committed to providing you with comfortable and personalized service, here at Dental Expressions. Let us give you a reason to smile! Call our office today to schedule a consultation for your sleep apnea treatment.  We proudly serve patients from the OKC area, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and surrounding communities.

Be Fear-Free in the Dentist’s Chair with Oral Conscious Sedation

January 8, 2013

stk85221corIf the mere thought of going to the dentist fills you with hesitation or anxiety, you’re definitely not alone – nearly 75% of the population reports some level of fear when faced with the idea. These feelings can even make you delay dental care indefinitely, which can lead to more serious oral health issues.

Here at Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, we want to make sure you get the dental treatment you need as quickly and effectively as possible. At the same time, your safety and comfort are a top priority for us, which is why Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier are happy to be able to offer you oral conscious sedation as an option during your procedure. With oral conscious sedation, you’ll be able to feel relaxed and happy while our team does all the heavy lifting, providing you with beautiful, healthy teeth you’ll be thrilled to share with the world.

Is sedation right for you? Take a look at these characteristics:

  • Do you respond poorly to anesthesia?
  • Do you experience a lot of stress, anxiety, or discomfort when faced with that familiar big chair?
  • Do you have a sensitive gag reflex?
  • Do you need to undergo several lengthy procedures?

If one or more of these seem familiar, then oral conscious sedation may be the right choice for you. Oral conscious sedation is a small sedative that comes to you in pill form. You simply take it the night before your procedure and bring another with you. The next day, you will feel groggy, so you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Under oral conscious sedation, you’ll still be able to respond to commands from Dr. Holman or Dr. Frazier, but you’ll feel much more relaxed, so much so that many patients don’t even remember much of their procedure once it’s finished.

While oral conscious sedation can be provided by dentists who’ve had no training in the area, both Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier have taken the time to attend a specialized training program for the treatment. That way, you know that you’re receiving the most educated and safe service possible when you come to Dental Expressions. Let us put a smile on your face! Call our office today to schedule a consultation.  We proudly serve patients from the OKC area, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and surrounding communities.

Happy Thanksgiving from Dental Expressions

November 22, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — okde @ 7:26 am

112808754From all of us at Dental Expressions, we want to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.

During this special time of the year, we have the chance to sit down with friends and family we don’t often get to see. Because of that, the last thing you want to be focused on is what you should and shouldn’t eat.

You know that sugary foods like candies, pies, cookies, and just about any other holiday treat can contribute poor oral health, but we don’t want you to think about any of that this Thanksgiving. There’s nothing wrong with a little indulging, when done just a few times a year.

So instead of thinking of your smile, enjoy a second or third slice of pie with someone close to you. Moments like these are some of the richest life can offer. They lead to memories you can draw from and cherish for years to come. What is that compared to one day away from your typically healthy lifestyle?

If you’d like to follow up your Thanksgiving with a checkup or cleaning, or maybe another service, Dr. Holman, Dr. Natalie Frazier, and our team at Dental Expressions are ready to help. Call our office for an appointment. We serve patients from all around the OKC area.

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