How we attend to dental emergencies in our Fresno office

At Fresno Dental Studio, we set aside time in their daily schedules to attend to dental emergencies. Any injury or sudden problem with the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, or cheeks can cause serious issues if not treated immediately. If you have a dental emergency, call our office and we will work you into our schedule as soon as possible. In the meantime, take the following precautions for your emergency situation:

• Broken tooth. Save any broken tooth pieces and rinse your mouth with warm water. If you are bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a piece of gauze until the bleeding stops, then apply a cold compress on the outside of your mouth nearest the injury to reduce swelling until we can see you.
• Knocked out tooth. Rinse the tooth root in water if it is dirty, being careful not to remove any tissues attached to the root. Try to insert the tooth back into its socket. If this is not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and come to our office immediately.
• Partially dislodged tooth. Try not to handle the tooth. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth, and see Dr. Denes as soon as possible.
• Toothache. To ensure that the toothache isn’t caused by debris stuck between the teeth, gently floss and rinse your mouth with warm water. If that doesn’t relive the pain, apply a cool compress to your cheek and make an appointment with us.
• Lost filling. You may place a small piece of sugarless gum or some dental cement (available at most pharmacies) on your tooth as a temporary measure until you make it to our office.
• Lost crown. If you still have the crown, clean it with water and try to slip it back onto the tooth. An over-the-counter dental cement can hold it in place until we are able to restore your tooth properly.
• Injuries to gums, cheeks, or lips. Rinse your mouth with warm water mixed with salt. If you are bleeding, apply pressure to the injury with gauze. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call Dr. Denes or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
• Object caught between teeth. Try to remove the object with dental floss. If that doesn’t work, do not try anything else on your own. Make an appointment with us and we will remove the object for you safely.

If you have a dental emergency, call Drs. Alex Denes and Claudia Denes immediately at (559) 297-1800. Fresno Dental Studio serves patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.

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Do your loved ones complain about your snoring? Is your spouse worried that you occasionally stop breathing during sleep? Do you wake up every morning feeling as if you never slept at all? If so, you may be suffering from sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that can lead to many health problems if left untreated. There are two types of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. Today we will discuss the most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the throat collapses or becomes obstructed during sleep, causing a temporary pause in breathing. The muscles in the body become relaxed during sleep, including the muscles in the throat. When obstructive sleep apnea is present, these muscles are more relaxed than normal, causing the airway to narrow and temporarily stopping breathing for a few seconds. This cessation of breathing can happen hundreds of times every night. Snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, although not everyone who snores has this condition.

Who develops obstructive sleep apnea?

Anyone, even children, can develop sleep apnea, but you are more at risk if you are over 40, male, or overweight. Other risk factors include a large neck, large tongue, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a receding chin, or a deviated septum. Smokers are also more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea than nonsmokers.

What are the risks of obstructive sleep apnea?

Even though the interrupted breathing of sleep apnea may not always wake you up, it will still interfere with your normal sleep cycles. If you do not get enough deep, restful sleep, it will affect your ability to function normally during the day. Excessive sleepiness, slow reaction times, and a lack of mental alertness can cause problems at work and put you at risk for serious accidents. A lack of proper sleep also puts a strain on the heart, causing heart disease or worsening existing heart conditions. Also, the pauses in breathing caused by OSA will deprive the heart of oxygen temporarily.

What are the treatments for obstructive sleep apnea?

A CPAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It works by placing a mask over the face at night. This mask applies a gentle pressure of air into the lungs, keeping the airway from collapsing. It is an effective treatment, but many people find it uncomfortable. Dr. Denes offers a more comfortable treatment called an oral appliance. It resembles a mouthguard and helps keep your jaw in a position that maintains an open airway. Patients generally tolerate these appliances very well.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, call Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes at (559) 297-1800 to schedule an appointment. Fresno Dental Studio serves patients in Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.

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What is methamphetamine?

Known by the street names meth, ice, crystal, crank, speed, and glass, methamphetamine is a cheap drug made with extremely toxic ingredients. These ingredients include battery acid, lighter fluid, cold remedies, drain cleaner, and lye. Methamphetamine can be ingested orally, injected, or smoked. It stimulates the central nervous system and can lead to serious health problems including shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, permanent brain damage, and severe tooth decay.

How does methamphetamine damage the teeth?

Methamphetamine use leads to a condition commonly known as “meth mouth,” which is characterized by teeth that are often blackened, chalky, and broken. The drug destroys the teeth in several ways:

• A meth high can last 12 hours or longer, during which time the user will not be concerned with proper oral hygiene.
• Users often crave sugary, carbonated beverages during the high, which can erode tooth enamel.
• Meth inhibits saliva flow, which leads to more acid erosion and subsequent tooth decay.
• Users will often feel anxious during the high and grind their teeth, leading to tooth breakage.
• The ingredients in methamphetamine are highly acidic and corrosive, so ingesting them or smoking them puts them in direct contact with the teeth, causing damage to the tooth enamel.

Can “meth mouth” be corrected by a dentist?

If you seek treatment before too much tooth damage develops, Dr. Denes can correct any decay with fillings, crowns, and fluoride treatments. Chipped or discolored teeth can be fixed with veneers or bonding. However, many meth users are too embarrassed by the state of their teeth to seek help, so they wait until there is too much damage for the teeth to be saved. If that is the case, Dr. Denes can insert dental implants to replace missing teeth.

To break your methamphetamine addiction, seek help from a physician, psychotherapist, or drug treatment program. As improving the appearance and functioning of your teeth is a critical part of your recovery, your next step should be to call Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes at (559) 297-1800 to schedule an appointment. Fresno Dental Studio serves patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.

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What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis and gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums that, if left untreated, can cause major damage to the tissues that support the teeth and result in tooth loss. Gum disease begins with oral bacteria that help form plaque on the teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help get rid of this sticky substance, but any plaque that isn’t removed can harden and form tartar, which cannot be removed with brushing. If you do not have this tartar removed by your dentist, it will cause inflammation and pull the gums away from the teeth. Pockets can then form between the gums and teeth, collecting more bacteria and eventually causing infections that destroy the bones, teeth, and gums.

How are periodontal disease and diabetes linked?

The link between these conditions is a two-way street. Gum disease and diabetes are both inflammatory conditions, so your inflamed gums can cause blood sugar spikes that are difficult to control. Likewise, your diabetes can create a host of problems in your mouth. Diabetes inhibits your body’s ability to fight infection, so any amount of oral bacteria can run rampant when you have this condition. Add to that the chronic dry mouth and poor tissue healing that accompanies diabetes, and you will have a difficult time controlling the bacteria in your mouth and keeping infections at bay.

How can I prevent gum disease if I have diabetes?

The first step is to keep your blood sugar levels under control by seeing your physician regularly, sticking to your diet, and taking your medications as recommended. Secondly, you should receive regular checkups and dental cleanings by Dr. Alex Denes or Dr. Claudia Denes to allow him or her to catch any problems early on. Third, you must be meticulous with your oral care regimen. This means brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least twice a day.

If you have diabetes and it’s time for a checkup, call Drs. Alex Denes and Claudia Denes today at (559) 297-1800 to make an appointment. Fresno Dental Studio happily serves patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.

What is bulimia?

Bulimia nervosa, often shortened to “bulimia,” is an eating disorder characterized by binging on food and then purging, either through vomiting or laxative use. Bulimia is most common among young women and adolescent girls who are often at a normal weight but see themselves as overweight. Bulimics eat large amounts of food in one sitting and then purge to prevent weight gain. The binging is often done in secret which leads to shame, followed by purging to provide relief.

How does bulimia affect the teeth?

Tooth damage from bulimia is caused by the acid in vomit. Repeated vomiting throughout the day exposes the teeth to stomach acids, which strip away the tooth enamel. Once the tooth enamel is eroded, you are more vulnerable to tooth decay and mouth infections. Signs of enamel erosion from bulimia include worn, yellow, or sensitive teeth, especially on the backs of the upper teeth. Frequent vomiting can also cause swelling of the parotid salivary glands inside the cheeks.

What treatments are available?

Your first course of action should be to seek treatment by a physician and a psychotherapist to address the root cause of your bulimia. Once you have stopped purging and exposing your teeth repeatedly to stomach acids, Drs. Denes and Denes can begin treatment. To restore, protect, and improve the appearance of your teeth, they offer several procedures, including porcelain veneers, porcelain onlays and inlays, crowns, and composite bonding. They may also recommend regular fluoride treatments to provide further protection for your tooth enamel.

If your teeth have been damaged by an eating disorder, the time to seek treatment is now. Restoring your teeth is an important step in your recovery, so call Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes today at (559) 297-1800 to schedule your consultation. Fresno Dental Studio happily treats patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.

Why is preventive dentistry important

You know that daily brushing and flossing are key components in maintaining your oral health. You know that avoiding sugars and starches can help prevent tooth decay. You know that eating a healthy, balanced diet contributes to a strong immune system and a healthy mouth. Well, there’s one more step you should take to ensure you do not develop problems with your teeth and gums: preventive dentistry. A general term for dental treatments that keep oral health problems from developing, preventive dentistry is a must for everyone, especially children. The most common preventive dentistry procedures are regular checkups, administering sealants, fluoride treatments, and applying space maintainers.

Regular Checkups

We recommend checkups every six months so that we can keep abreast of any changes occurring in your mouth. Any signs of tooth decay or gum disease, if caught early, are easily managed. Regular checkups are especially important if you are prone to developing oral health issues. High risk groups for dental problems include smokers, diabetics, and sufferers of chronic dry mouth. Your six-month checkup also includes a screening for oral cancer, so you should be vigilant about keeping your appointments.

Sealants

A sealant is a plastic resin that is bonded into the depressions of the back teeth, protecting the tooth enamel from acids and plaque. Sealants are usually applied to the teeth of children and teenagers, as they are more prone to developing cavities. However, adults with certain conditions such as xerostomia are at an increased risk of developing tooth decay and are therefore good candidates for sealants.

Fluoride Treatments

Your teeth lose minerals from their enamel every day through a process known as demineralization. This process occurs when acids, caused by plaque bacteria, attack the tooth enamel. Fluoride is a mineral that contributes to the remineralization of your tooth enamel, which means it can make your teeth stronger and more resistant to the attack of acids. Fluoride can even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments can take the form of an oral supplement or a topical application to the teeth.

Space Maintainers

When children lose their baby teeth too soon, it may take a while for their permanent teeth to erupt and fill in the gaps. When there are spaces between teeth, your teeth will naturally start to shift because they have the room to do so. If this happens, your permanent teeth will come in crooked. To prevent the shifting of teeth, Dr. Denes can place a space maintainer in the gaps to save a place for the permanent teeth and prevent any problems with jaw and bone development.

Preventive dentistry is essential in avoiding major dental problems down the road. If it’s time for your next checkup, call Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes today at (559) 297-1800 to schedule an appointment. At Fresno Dental Studio, we gladly treat patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.

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Is there a connection between smoking and oral cancer?

We’ve already covered the fact that cigarettes and other tobacco products increase your risk of gum disease and subsequent tooth loss. As if tooth loss, lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema aren’t enough reasons to quit, you can add one more serious health problem to that list: oral cancer. Smokers and users of other tobacco products are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. Here’s what you need to know about oral cancer and why you need to quit smoking now.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

Oral cancer is characterized by the growth of malignant cells on the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. The most common symptoms include:

• White or red patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Lumps, rough spots, or swelling on the lips or in the mouth
• Numbness or tenderness anywhere in the mouth or face
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• The feeling of a lump in the throat
• Any unusual changes in the mouth or throat
• Unintentional weight loss

How does smoking cause oral cancer?

Because cigarettes contain over 60 carcinogens, smoking is the greatest risk factor for oral cancer. Tobacco introduces cancer-causing agents into the oral cavity, which includes the mouth, throat, and sinuses. These chemicals not only damage the lining of the oral cavity, but they also lower the body’s immune system, which makes you vulnerable to all types of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Cigars and pipes pose roughly the same oral cancer risk as cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco may put you at a higher risk, as the cancer-causing chemicals sit directly on the cheeks and gums for long periods of time.

How can I prevent oral cancer?

Aside from the very obvious preventive measure of stopping the use of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco, you should take the following measures to reduce your risk:

• Eat a balanced diet that includes antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation, and do not engage in binge drinking.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
• See your physician for an HPV screening, as there is a link between this virus and oral cancer.
• Conduct a monthly self exam of your mouth, lips, and neck, checking for any unusual changes, sores, or lumps.
• See Dr. Denes every six months, as an oral cancer screening is part of every checkup.

If you need an oral cancer screening, or if it’s just time for a checkup, call Drs. Alex Denes and Claudia Denes at (559) 297-1800 to schedule an appointment. Fresno Dental Studio happily treats patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.

For Better Health and Teeth, Quit Smoking

By now most people know that smoking causes serious health problems. You may be aware that smoking puts you at an increased risk for lung disease, cancer and heart disease. Well, there’s one more reason for you to kick the habit: your oral health. Research shows that about 41% of smokers over the age of 65 have missing teeth. So how does smoking contribute to tooth loss? It all comes down to periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis or gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that support and hold the teeth in place. It usually starts with mild gum inflammation but can progress to a point in which the gum pulls away from the teeth and forms pockets that collect bacteria. Without treatment, periodontitis destroys the bone and gum tissue, and tooth loss can occur. Gum disease always begins with plaque buildup along the gum line. Common causes of gum disease include poor oral hygiene, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, medications that dry out the mouth, and smoking.

How does smoking contribute to periodontal disease?

Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings will keep oral bacteria at bay and prevent gum disease. However, the best oral hygiene efforts in the world can’t keep up with the damage that smoking does to your body. Smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the body, inhibits oxygen flow to the tissues, and generally weakens the immune system. Therefore, any bacteria introduced into a smoker’s mouth are more likely to multiply and attack the gum tissue no matter how vigilant you are with keeping your mouth clean.

Can other tobacco products affect my gum health?

Smokeless tobacco, cigars, and pipes are just as dangerous as cigarettes. Cigars and pipes present roughly the same risk as cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco products can weaken the immune system like cigarettes, but because they come in direct contact with your teeth and gums, they have the added effect of causing the gums to recede, which invites more damage to the tooth below the gum line.

How can I quit smoking?

If efforts to quit smoking on your own have failed, you may need professional help. Your physician can recommend techniques, over-the-counter products, and support groups that may help you. Your doctor may also prescribe medications that can ease withdrawal symptoms while you are quitting. It is important to avail yourself of any resources available so that you can beat the addiction and increase your overall health.

If you suspect you have periodontitis, or need smoking cessation counseling, call Drs. Denes and Denes at (559) 297-1800 to schedule an appointment. At Fresno Dental Studio, we serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.