Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?

September 15, 2014

484760977If you have to avoid eating or drinking certain foods and beverages because of tooth pain, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity.  Sharp pain and discomfort in your teeth from cold, hot, sweet or sour food is not normal. Your teeth are protected by a layer of enamel and gum tissue. Underneath the gum tissue are tooth roots, made of tiny tubes, which lead directly to the nerve of your tooth. If these roots are exposed by a receding gum line, they can allow the stimulus of hot, cold or sweet to reach your nerve directly, causing you pain and discomfort. If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, make an appointment today to see the experienced dentists at Dental Expressions. Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier proudly serve patients throughout Oklahoma City, OK, Moore, Norman, Midwest City and surrounding areas.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors.

  • Receding Gums- Caused by periodontal disease
  • Gingivitis- Inflamed gum tissue exposes the tooth roots
  • Brushing too hard- Can brush away the enamel and cause gums to recede
  • Cracked Teeth- Cracks can fill up with bacteria and plaque causing gum inflammation
  • Teeth Grinding- Can wear down enamel
  • Plaque- Excess plaque along gum line can cause sensitivity
  • Mouthwash- Acids contained in some mouthwashes can damage the dentin layer of your teeth
  • Acidic Food- Consuming foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and tea can cause the enamel to erode
  • Dental Work- Some people may experience temporary sensitivity after cleanings or other dental procedures

Preventing and Treating Tooth Sensitivity in Oklahoma City, OK

There are several steps you can take right now to avoid the pain of sensitive teeth. You can start by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly to reduce plaque. You could switch to a soft bristled brush and de-sensitizing or fluoridated toothpaste. You could also cut down on eating acidic foods and get fitted for a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night. Although you can take these steps, anyone suffering from tooth sensitivity should see a dentist immediately. Tooth sensitivity could be a sign of a more serious problem like periodontal disease. Also, the dentist can help relieve the sensitivity with treatments like fillings, bondings, fluoride varnishes and dental sealants. Make an appointment with the gentle and caring dentists of Dental Expressions today. Dental Expressions currently serves patients in Oklahoma, City, OK, Moore, Norman, Midwest City and surrounding communities.

Say Goodbye to Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry in Oklahoma City, OK

August 15, 2014

147352006We all know that regular visits to the dentist are integral to our oral health and the appearance of our smiles, but for some patients, the thought of undergoing dental work evokes negative feelings like fear and anxiety. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Natalie Frazier and Dr. Colin Holman understand that many men and women need a little extra help feeling comfortable in the dental chair, so we offer a safe and effective solution in the form of sedation dentistry.

How Will Sedation Dentistry Help Me?

When you feel tense or afraid in the dental chair, even the most basic treatments can be unpleasant. Fortunately, oral conscious sedation eliminates these problems in a way that has been proven absolutely safe. You simply take a small pill previously prescribed by our doctors prior to your appointment. Have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from our office, and discover how much more pleasant your dental experience can be when you feel completely relaxed and comfortable. With sedation dentistry, patients find relief from many common dental concerns, including:

  • A highly sensitive gag reflex
  • Inability to lie still for an extended period of time
  • Anxiety or heightened stress in the dental chair
  • A feeling of fear in response to the sights, sounds, and other sensations of a dentist’s office

Whatever your unique concern is, Drs. Holman and Frazier can help. We won’t begin treatment until we are certain that you are completely comfortable and relaxed.

Finally Relax with Oral Conscious Sedation

If you are one of the countless American men and women who have avoided necessary dental treatment because of dread, anxiety, or worries about discomfort, we want to help. Contact our office in Oklahoma City, OK today to schedule your appointment and to learn more about how oral conscious sedation can help you get the care you need and deserve, all while eliminating the negative feelings you may have regarding dental treatment. Our goal is to provide you with everything you need to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for life. Our OKC dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Midwest City, Norman, Moore, and beyond.

Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed? Vital Information from Dental Expressions

July 20, 2014

467995341Many teens and adults wonder if having their wisdom teeth removed is necessary. These third molars, after all, serve no purpose and often cause complications later in life. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Natalie Frazier and Dr. Colin Holman are always happy to sit down with our patients to discuss treatment options and what would best suit their needs. If you are wondering if wisdom tooth extraction is necessary for you, we’d like to help.

When is Wisdom Teeth Removal Needed?

When a wisdom tooth fails to erupt properly, it can actually grow in a variety of different directions, including toward or away from adjacent teeth. In other cases, it may become lodged within the bone of the jaw itself, a situation that may cause immense pain and even damage to the nerves deep within the jaw. In other cases, a wisdom tooth may erupt only partially, creating an opening in the gum tissue through which bacteria may cross and cause an infection. Symptoms of an impacted or infected wisdom tooth include:

  • Localized pain
  • Redness and inflammation of the gums
  • Tenderness and bleeding
  • Foul breath
  • Swelling in the jaw
  • A persistent and unexplained bad taste in the mouth
  • Headaches

It is important to keep in mind that not all patients who have impacted wisdom teeth experience symptoms. Regular checkups at our office will help determine whether or not your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems before you feel pain or develop an infection.

Schedule Your One-on-One Consultation Today

Whether your wisdom teeth have begun to erupt already or you are concerned that they may be impacted, we are here to help with a comprehensive selection of general, family, and restorative dentistry solutions. Contact our office in Oklahoma City, OK today to reserve your appointment with our caring, experienced doctors. We look forward to talking with you, assessing your case, and recommending the treatment plan that best suits your unique needs. Our state-of-the-art dental practice in OKC happily welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and beyond.

Implant Secured Dentures: Give Your Smile a New Lease on Life

June 2, 2014

176958678If you are one of the millions of Americans who relies upon dentures to eat, speak, and smile comfortably, it’s highly likely that you know how uncomfortable they can actually be. While wearing dentures is certainly preferable to living a life without teeth, these dental prosthetics do come with their own set of drawbacks. Fortunately, modern implant dentistry makes it possible for denture wearers to finally enjoy a more natural, lifelike bite and smile. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier offer a comprehensive array of restorative dentistry procedures, including implant secured dentures.

Benefits of Implant Secured Dentures

Over time, a patient who wears dentures finds that their prosthetic may begin to slip when they speak or eat. This is due to the fact that your gums change in shape as the months and years pass, so the prosthetic you rely on to eat and talk must be adjusted accordingly. In addition, dentures can feel uncomfortable, even causing self-consciousness when you speak in social situations. Adhesives and natural suction don’t always work, leaving you wondering when your dentures might move or shift unexpectedly at work, at a dinner party, or anywhere else.

With implant secured dentures, your entire dental prosthetic is affixed to tiny titanium posts that are placed directly within the gum and jaw bone. These dental implants serve as sturdy anchors for your dentures, holding them firmly and comfortably in place. You can finally feel free to eat your favorite foods, speak confidently, and smile openly without a second thought. As with all of our other restorative dentistry procedures, we’ll be happy to discuss each step of the dental implant process with you, answering any questions you may have along the way.

A Revitalized Smile with Implant Dentistry

Whether you currently wear dentures and are interested in learning more about how dental implants can help you or you plan to have extractions performed and want to explore your restorative options, we are here to help. Contact our office in Oklahoma City, OK today to schedule your consultation with our team of experienced doctors and staff. We look forward to giving you a real reason to smile! Our conveniently located practice happily serves patients from throughout the OKC area and surrounding communities, including Midwest City, Moore, Norman, and beyond.

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

 

177817150

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

144324835

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!

 

 

Revitalize Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers from Dental Expressions in OK

November 22, 2013

164125777If you find yourself generally unhappy with your smile, you’re not alone. In fact, the majority of Americans report some level of discontent with the condition of their teeth, whether it be yellowing of the enamel, a chip here or there, or general misalignment. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OKDr. Holman and Dr. Frazier specialize in giving people just like you the beautiful, flawless smile of their dreams, often using customized porcelain veneers to achieve this goal.

Why Should I Choose Porcelain Veneers?

Dental veneers are super-thin, custom-fitted sheaths of porcelain that are affixed to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are durable, long-lasting, stain-resistant and cared for in the same way you would your natural teeth. Their color is natural, made to match your existing teeth for a seamless, polished look. Porcelain veneers are used to mask a number of common smile imperfections, including:

  • Chips or cracks in enamel
  • Yellowing and discolorations that are resistant to professional whitening treatments
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Teeth that are misshapen or misaligned
  • Teeth that are too big or too smile relative to surrounding teeth

When your veneers are placed, typically within as little as two visits to Dental Expressions, you’re left with a more balanced, symmetrical, aesthetically pleasant smile you’ll be proud to show off to everyone.

Regain Confidence with a New Smile

If you’ve spent too long hiding your smile from the world and you’re ready to finally enjoy the benefits of beautiful teeth, contact our office today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier. We can’t wait to show you how easy it can be to transform your smile with the help of porcelain veneers! From our office in Oklahoma City, OK, we also gladly welcome patients from Moore, Norman, Midwest City and the surrounding areas.

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.

« Newer PostsOlder Posts »