Thursday, September 27, 2012

Advantages of Digital X-Rays

At South Coast Family Dentistry we embrace new technology that gives significant advantages over traditional dentistry equipment.

X-rays (Radiographs)
X-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Detecting issues with X-rays before they become problems can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more extensive, expensive procedures or surgeries. X-rays are primarily used to detect:

• Internal tooth decay
• Cysts (fluid filled sacks at the base of your teeth)
• Tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous
• Impacted teeth
• Teeth that are still coming in

Digital X-rays Advantages
Digital X-rays have several advantages over traditional film based X-rays:

• They emit up to 90% less radiation
• They are ready for examination nearly instantly
• They can be viewed on a computer screen
• Their image can be refined and enlarged
• They are greener; no chemicals are needed for processing

To learn more about the digital technologies we offer to our Coos Bay, OR and North Bend, OR patients, please call us today.

Monday, September 24, 2012

No More Dental Anxiety!

At South Coast Family Dentistry, we want you to have a comfortable experience. We offer several levels of sedation for anxious or fearful patients

Nitrous Oxide- laughing gas helps patients feel less anxiety and less discomfort in their mouths during procedures. The effects of the gas wear off within a few minutes of breathing oxygen.

Oral Conscious Sedation- Patients are prescribed an pill to take before coming to their appointment. The medication relieves anxiety and often can be combined with the effects of nitrous oxide once the patient is in our office.

IV Conscious Sedation- For these patients a medication is administered to take them to a deeper level of sedation than can be safely accomplished with pills. Patients undergoing this type of sedation usually do not recall anything from their procedures. In order to be licensed to perform this type of sedation Dr. Bailey, your North Bend, OR dentist, received extensive training in a dental residency including a rotation in the operating room of a hospital to administer general anesthesia to patients. Patients are carefully monitored to ensure their safety and comfort.

We are currently accepting new patients in the Coos Bay, OR and North Bend, OR areas; call us today at 541.269.5353 to make an appointment for an exam. Dr. Bacon and Dr. Bailey invite you to learn more about our Dental Services and Team Members. If you are having pain or have broken a tooth we would be happy to get you in to address your problem today. We look forward to serving you and meeting your family!

Friday, September 21, 2012

What are Mini Dental Implants?

Have you been considering dental implants? There are a wide variety of implant options, depending on your treatment needs. One of the options available to our patients at South Coast Family Dentistry are Mini Dental Implants or MDI.
 
Mini Dental Implants (MDI) are very similar to a traditional dental implants, except the titanium post used is much smaller. Mini dental implants take the place of a tooth root and are anchored into the jawbone. They were originally designed to retain dentures, but as the technology evolved so have the dental uses.

Mini Dental Implant Advantages
Significantly lower cost
Smaller implant size
Greatly reduced post-implantation recovery time
Dentures or other appliances can be installed and removed easily due to design

Unlike a traditional dental implant, which consists of two pieces, a mini dental implant is a single piece fitting with a ball end. The ball end snaps into a socket that is attached to a dental appliance such as a denture.

In addition to retaining dentures, mini dental implants have been used instead of traditional dental implants for a single tooth replacement, if the biting stresses are not too great. If you are looking for more information regarding dental implants in North Bend, OR or dental implants in Coos Bay, OR, give our dentists a call today!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Why Do I Need A "Deep Cleaning"?

Some patients will need more than a professional cleaning (prophy) for their dental care. Patients with signs of gum disease (periodontal disease) may require more therapeutic types of cleanings to remove harmful plaque and bacteria from below the gumline and on the roots. Your doctor and hygienist will work together to properly diagnose the extremity of your Periodontal Disease and recommend a proper course of treatment.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
The American Association of Periodontists state that gum disease accounts for approximately 70% of all tooth loss in adults. Early signs of gum disease include bleeding gums when flossing or brushing and gums that are red, inflamed, or swollen.

Gum disease and tooth decay are caused by the same bacteria. These bacteria form plaque beneath the gum-line, which eats away at the bond between tooth and gum. If deterioration is allowed to continue, "pockets" form in between the teeth and the gums. Pockets deeper than 3ml may require special treatment to remove the bacteria and plaque. Without treatment and continuous maintenance, gum disease will eventually weaken the bonds that hold the teeth in place.

There is no permanent treatment for gum disease. However, it can be kept under control with proper personal hygiene and regular visits to a trained dentist or hygienist.

For more information on whether you need a deep cleaning, or to schedule your next cleaning appointment with our Coos Bay, OR and North Bend, OR dentists at South Coast Family Dentistry, give us a call!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Dental Implants in Coos Bay, OR

Dental implants truly are the wave of the future. The premier option when replacing or restoring a damaged natural tooth, implants help to preserve the look and feel of your natural occlusion (bite) and are a much less invasive option for patients diagnosed with crown or bridgework.

Technology has allowed patients who traditionally have worn ill-fitting and uncomfortable dentures to enjoy a better experience with implants to stabilize partial and full dentures. At South Coast Family Dentistry, Dr. Ryan Bailey and Dr. William Bacon are proficient in the following implant services:
Dental Implant Placement
Implants to replace missing teeth
Implants to stabilize dentures
Mini Implants
Bone Grafting Procedures
 
We serve patients in Coos Bay, OR and North Bend, OR and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our dental implant and restorative services, contact us today!