Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry Blog

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that affects millions of Americans every year, causing numerous pauses in breathing throughout the night. If you suffer from chronic snoring, wake up with a headache, or have trouble getting a good night’s rest, you might be a victim of the sleep disorder. In that case, your dentist will likely recommend a sleep test to confirm a diagnosis. Not sure what that is? Read along as we explain how a sleep test works and what you can do to prepare for it.  

“The bridge is out! The bridge is out!”

To many people, that is a quote by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in the 1994 summer blockbuster True Lies. However, if the bridge is out in your real life, it could very well be in reference to a dental emergency!

A dental bridge connects to your natural teeth on both sides – filling in the gap with custom-fitted false teeth. They are strong, reliable, and look very natural in most cases. Dental bridges have been utilized for more than a century but are still a viable option today.

Read on to learn the potential reasons your dental bridge fell out, as well as what you should do. Making a dental appointment is the first, but not the only, step.

You may not think about them very often, but your teeth are pretty amazing. Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, protecting the vulnerable inner layers of the tooth. You can bite and chew a variety of foods to maintain a balanced diet. Not to mention, they create your beautiful smile. Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime because every tooth is crucial to your oral health. As the only part of the human body that can’t repair itself, you must be proactive to prevent damaging your teeth. Besides a solid oral hygiene routine, here are 4 things your dentist recommends never putting in your mouth.

(more…)

The appearance of your teeth isn’t the only thing that contributes to a beautiful smile. Your gum line is equally important. If you’ve been told you have a “gummy smile” or your gingival tissue has been damaged by infection, you might be a candidate for gum recontouring. A dental laser provides a safe, minimally invasive option to sculpt an attractive gum line. Here’s how the cosmetic procedure can revamp your smile.

(more…)

If you have an older dental crown, you might be surprised to see a subtle change that has occurred over the years. A black line around the dental crown has appeared. Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon issue. Porcelain-fused-to-metal was the most natural-looking restoration used in the past. Now, there’s another option. Metal-free crowns look just like your real teeth without causing a shadow when you smile.

(more…)

Do your palms sweat when it’s time to visit your dentist? Maybe you avoid scheduling an appointment because just the thought of any pain causes your anxiety to soar? You’re not alone. As much as 75% of adults have some degree of dental-related anxiety or fear. Thankfully, you can conquer your phobias and get the care you need with sedation dentistry; however, you’ve likely heard several rumors about it. There isn’t any reason to worry. Here are the facts you need about common dental sedation myths to ease your apprehensions.

(more…)

Wetting the bed is usually associated with young children. However, bed-wetting can also occur in adulthood – especially if you are affected by sleep apnea. Waking up to damp bedsheets can be majorly embarrassing! Fortunately, an experienced dentist can help you overcome your sleep disorder and common symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea, why it sometimes causes adult bed-wetting, and how to treat it.

When you go to the dentist, you probably don’t think about how much work your dental assistant puts into your experience. However, they do a lot more than you would ever expect just to ensure that your dental appointment goes as smoothly as possible. Because the first week of March is Dental Assistant Recognition Week, there is no better time to learn more about the different jobs of your dental assistant. Continue reading to find out about their responsibilities.

Dental insurance plans are different from medical insurance plans in that they mainly focus on prevention; that’s why your regular checkups and cleanings are often fully covered. But what if the worst has already happened? What if you need to have an infected tooth pulled or are suffering from oral pain that continues to grow worse and worse? Can you still count on your dental insurance to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs? Whether you’re visiting a practice for the first time or already have a dentist you can turn to for urgent care, it’s important to be aware of what is – and is not – covered by your dental plan in the event of an emergency.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you’ve probably spent many nights laying awake in bed unable to get to sleep. Obviously, this can have a pretty negative impact on your body and your mind on its own. But if you also have sleep apnea – a sleep disorder that causes millions of Americans to repeatedly stop breathing during the night – it can make the issue even worse. Most unfortunately, anxiety and sleep apnea often go hand in hand. Read on to learn more about this link and how it can lead to many a restless night.