Diamons

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Photography by Dr. Padval

Do You Have Hypertension?

Let Us Know If You've Been Diagnosed With Hypertension Hypertension, known as high blood pressure, masquerades as...nothing! No visible symptoms create alarm in the victim or family members. No pain alerts the victim to the danger. Yet hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for heart attack and stroke. It's also one of the most easily controlled. The best way to combat hypertension is by following the doctor's orders and these tips: Have your blood pressure checked regularly Reduce salt and other sources [...]

By |2019-07-02T08:00:46-07:00July 2, 2019|Patient Education|

Coping with Cracked Tooth Syndrome

If there's anything good to be said about a broken tooth, it's that the cause of the problem is pretty obvious. The same can't always be said when a tooth develops a crack, which are sometimes too small to even be seen with the naked eye. In fact, researchers have compiled case histories to develop a "cracked tooth syndrome" profile. Who? The potential for crack rises with age. Past 40, enamel tends to grow brittle partly due to reduced moisture. The tooth itself is [...]

By |2019-06-25T08:00:01-07:00June 25, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Drug Use During Dental Treatment

Discuss All Drug and Medication Use to Avoid Harmful Reactions Let's face it, some people take anti-depressants, some are prescribed antibiotics. Some smoke marijuana, and fewer, thankfully, use cocaine, methamphetamine or other drugs. But here in the office, the message remains the same for all. Tell us what you're taking, and when. Why? Because the drugs we administer during dental procedures might have unforeseen interactions with the drugs you're already taking, whether they be legal prescriptions or illicit "street" drugs. So let us know [...]

By |2019-06-18T08:00:31-07:00June 18, 2019|Patient Education|

In Need of a Dental Tune Up?

Options are Available to Improve an Aging Smile Are you at the point in life where most everything still works, but there's just no denying that you're getting a little older? Maybe you hear your joints creak, and you've started wearing glasses to read. Your hairstylist suggests new ways to cover the gray... The same thing happens with your teeth–they simply aren't as young as they used to be. Teeth naturally change as we age, meandering and crowding each other. Their color darkens over [...]

By |2019-06-11T08:00:36-07:00June 11, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

What’s So Bad about Snoring?

Snoring may be an annoying social problem and a subject of humor, but it also may be the cause (or the signal) of some serious medical problems. Snoring can lead to numerous awakenings from an otherwise deep sleep. Such interrupted sleep patterns can cause daytime drowsiness which can impair the ability to concentrate, accomplish required tasks and handle minor irritations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that more than 200,000 auto accidents annually are sleep related. Sleep Apnea At its worst, snoring [...]

By |2019-06-04T08:00:44-07:00June 4, 2019|Snoring & Sleep Apnea|

Dangers of Common Over-the-Counter Medications

Non-Prescription Doesn't Mean Non-Hazardous Most patients know that doctor-prescribed medication is pretty serious stuff. But if you can buy it at the drug store, how much of a problem could it be? More than you'd think. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol) routinely risks acute liver disease–more so than alcohol or hepatitis. Long-term use of pain relievers ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can raise blood pressure, harm the stomach, liver, and kidneys. None of these products are hazardous if used only occasionally. It's consistent use that [...]

By |2019-05-28T08:00:20-07:00May 28, 2019|Patient Education|

Other Oral Concerns… Besides Teeth

Common Problems of the Oral Cavity Most people associate dentistry with teeth. But the fact is, our focus is on the continued good health of your entire mouth–the oral cavity, as we dentists call it. The Tongue It's a highly helpful indicator of what may be going right–or wrong–inside the mouth. A smooth, or red tongue might suggest some sort of vitamin or mineral deficiency, while a chronically painful tongue may simply suggest poorly-fitting dentures. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Beyond just being uncomfortable, dry mouth [...]

By |2019-05-21T08:00:39-07:00May 21, 2019|Patient Education|

Concerned with Smile Imperfections?

Have Confidence and Smile Wide! Several aspects of the teeth, lips and mouth combine to create the overall aesthetic of a smile. The smile line should have a slight curve to the upper teeth, following the curve of the lower lip. The teeth themselves should not be crowded or have gaps, and men's teeth are also slightly boxier, while woman's teeth are smaller and more rounded. While much emphasis is placed on the color of teeth, there is more to it than just "the [...]

By |2019-05-14T08:00:42-07:00May 14, 2019|Cosmetic Dentistry|

Tooth Trauma

Who's at Risk for Tooth Trauma? Accidents can happen at any time, but being aware of especially high-risk activities can encourage us to take the proper precautions and help avoid tooth trauma. The greatest number of injuries to teeth occur in children between ages 1 to 2 and 7 to 10. The first age group sees more injuries than normal because children are just learning how to walk and still clumsy on their feet, while the children ages 7-10 are simply at the stage [...]

By |2019-05-07T08:00:45-07:00May 7, 2019|Emergency Dentistry|

The Diabetes Epidemic

How Bad is it? Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. The diabetes epidemic affects more than 29 million Americans, and 7 million of those don't know they have it. It is marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defective insulin production, function, or both. The symptoms of diabetes develop gradually and include: fatigue, frequent urination, blurred vision, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, and slow healing of sores. And unfortunately, some individuals experience no symptoms at [...]

By |2019-04-23T08:00:56-07:00April 23, 2019|Patient Education|