Specialty Services in Milton-Freewater, OR

Why race across town to dentists you don’t know? We provide comprehensive, specialized dental care for your entire family in one familiar place.

Have You Tried a CPAP and Failed?

Does your snoring affect your sleep and/or someone else’s? Looked for other over the counter products to help you sleep better but nothing is working?

Look no more!

CPAP is, presently, the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, if you cannot tolerate or are not using it, then it has no benefit. If that sentence applies to you, then keep reading.

I want to take the time to discuss with you a method that can help you end snoring and reduce or eliminate sleep apnea. Oral appliances are intended to treat apnea by keeping the airway open—they work by pushing the lower jaw forward and preventing the tongue from falling back and collapsing the airway. The goal is to achieve the maximum benefit at the most comfortable and effective position for the patient.

What causes snoring?

woman having an insomnia

Snoring is caused by the vibrations of your soft and/or hard tissue palates; these vibrations occur because of increasingly narrow air passages. When air passes through these passages, a “flapping” sound occurs because the tissue is soft in nature. Surgery (to alleviate the snoring) is not always successful, however, because the sound may not originate from the soft palate; the snoring sometimes originates from tissues in the upper airway.

Common causes for snoring:

  •    Smoking
  •    Alcohol
  •    Health Problems
  •    Obesity
  •    Obstructed Nasal Passages – Deviated Septum
  •    Poor Muscle Tone of the Tongue
  •    Daytime Fatigue
  •    Sleep Apnea
  •    Hypothyroidism
  •    Allergies

Sleep Apnea

Loud snorers may have a more serious case of blocked air passages, known as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). In these cases, the blockage of air is so great that no air can get through, causing repeated awakenings throughout the night. 

Obstructive sleep apnea can contribute or lead to many other conditions, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and depression, so it is important to be diagnosed by a medical professional if you experience any sleep-related symptoms.

man having bruxism

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is the unconscious gnashing, grinding, or clenching of the teeth. It usually occurs during sleep. This process can grind away parts of the teeth, leaving flattened, worn-down biting edges; fractured enamel; and painful or loose teeth.

Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to awaken your sleep partner
  • Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
  • Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Jaw or face pain or soreness
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles
  • Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear
  • Dull headache originating in the temples
  • Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
  • Indentations on your tongue

When to see a dentist:

  • Your teeth are worn, damaged or sensitive
  • You have pain in your jaw, face or ear
  • Others complain that you make a grinding noise while you sleep
  • You have a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely

If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth — or has other signs or symptoms of bruxism — be sure to mention it at your child’s next dental appointment.

In most cases, bruxism doesn’t cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to:

  • Damage to your teeth, restorations, crowns or jaw
  • Tension-type headaches
  • Facial pain
  • Disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located just in front of your ears, which may sound like clicking when you open and close your mouth.

What is TMJ

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, which allows the jaw to move smoothly up and down, and side to side. This smooth motion allows you to talk, chew and yawn.  Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control the position and movement of the jaw. Commonly, disorders of the TMJ are incorrectly called TMJ, but should be called TMD: Temporomandibular joint disorders.

What is TMD

TMD, which stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, happens as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. The causes of TMD are not always clear, but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint itself.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain or tenderness in your face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
  • Problems when you try to open your mouth wide
  • Jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth or chew. This may or may not be painful.
  • A tired feeling in your face
  • Trouble chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite — as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
  • Swelling on the side of your face

Seek medical attention if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or if you can’t open or close your jaw completely. Our dentist will discuss possible causes and treatments of your problem.

Periodontal disease is extremely common and progresses with age. At any given moment approximately half of the population has it, and once you have it doesn’t go away without treatment. It is estimated that during their lifetime 80% of the U.S. population will develop gum disease. According to insurance statistics less than 5% of those infected are actually getting treatment.

The initial stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis, while the more advanced stages with deep pocketing and bone loss are called Periodontitis. While no one has reported to have died because of gum disease directly, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and a host of other life threatening diseases. This relationship between gum disease and more critical diseases is part of the “oral-systemic connection,” where bacteria from your mouth find avenues into your bloodstream and subsequently the rest of your body. 

The good news is we can combat the onset of periodontal disease through diligent brushing and flossing, using toothpaste and mouthwash that specifically combat anaerobic bacteria and sulfur compounds, and improved nutrition and beneficial supplements. Regular visits to your dentist for preventative care and checkups will support your dental health and let you know if you are at additional risk. 

Broadway Family Dental Care has recognized the importance of the oral-systemic connection and has invested in advanced periodontal treatment protocols, including:

Perio Protect® a comprehensive method that is customized for individual patients to help manage oral bacteria growing in the spaces or pockets between teeth and gum tissue. Minimally invasive, combining non-invasive chemical debriding with traditional mechanical debriding procedures (scaling and root planning).

Hydrofloss, an oral irrigation system using magnetically ionized water, which helps to dissolve calculus while additionally delivering CLO2 to the affected areas to combat bacteria.

Picasso lasic periodontal treatment.

Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by the dentist and hygienist. At your first comprehensive appointment they will do an exam to look for: moderate to severe plaque and tartar build ups, red, swollen, or receding gums that bleed easily, loose teeth, bone loss, and persistent bad breath. We will also do the following procedures to help diagnose periodontal disease: 

X-rays: Looking at x-rays shows if any bone loss is present.

Periodontal Probing: The hygienist will do a periodontal probing which is done by using a mirror and a small, thin probe, which measures, in millimeters, the depth of the unattached gum tissue (or gum pockets) around your teeth. A healthy pocket depth is 2-3mm. Pockets that measure 4mm are a sign of gum tissue inflammation and 5-6mm or greater, indicate bone loss. The deeper the gum tissue pockets in millimeters, the more severe your periodontal disease.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Broadway Family Dental Care has recognized the importance of the oral-systemic connection and has invested in advanced periodontal treatment protocols, including: 

  •    Perio Protect® a comprehensive method that is customized for individual patients to help manage oral bacteria growing in the spaces or pockets between teeth and gum tissue. Minimally invasive, combining non-invasive chemical debriding with traditional mechanical debriding procedures (scaling and root planning).
  •    Hydrofloss, an oral irrigation system using magnetically ionized water, which helps to dissolve calculus while additionally delivering CLO2 to the affected areas to combat bacteria.
  •    Picasso lasic periodontal treatment.

Prevention

Dental Flossing to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused when bacteria in plaque (a sticky, colorless film that forms in the mouth) builds up between the gums and teeth. When the bacteria begin to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth can become inflamed.

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to take care of your teeth, gums, and overall health.

Good oral hygiene starts with:

  • Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste; once in the morning and before bedtime.
  • Flossing your teeth once daily, preferably before bedtime
  • Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed.
  • Eating a balanced diet; limiting candy, sweets, sugary drinks and fruit juice.
  • Abstaining from tobacco products.
  • Getting regular checkups and cleanings at our office.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease happens as your body tries to fight off “bad bacteria” living in the mouth and underneath the gums. Some signs and symptoms of this disease may include: bad breath, blood or pus coming out of the gums, and puffy or sore gums. Some people have no visible symptoms of this condition, as it is often painless.

While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:

  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • Pus between your teeth and gums
  • Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
  • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque. Plaque is a sticky bio film of food debris, mucus, and bacteria that always forms on teeth. When plaque combines with food and saliva it forms acids and toxins that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque that is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, remains on your teeth and can harden after just 24-26 hours! Once plaque has hardened or mineralized, it forms the rough, crusty deposit called tartar or calculus. Calculus is too hard to remove with a toothbrush, and can only be professionally removed by a registered dental hygienist through the use of ultrasonic and special instruments.

The following factors can also affect the health of your gums:

  •    Stress
  •    Poor diet
  •    Diabetes
  •    Grinding or clenching your teeth
  •    Genetics
  •    Puberty, pregnancy and menopause in women
  •    Smoking/tobacco use
  •    Other systemic diseases

Mouth and Body Connection

The bacteria that are involved in gum disease and periodontal disease can also travel into our blood vessels, where they may crawl into the walls of blood vessels and cause inflammation. This can increase our risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Having bleeding gums can also increase a pregnant mother’s risk of delivering her baby pre-term.

Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

Pregnant women are particularly prone to periodontal (gum) disease due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Research has found that women with periodontal disease may be at higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight (PLBW) infants.

Women have special dental needs at different stages of life. Women are especially susceptible to periodontal disease at various times of their lives. Hormonal changes such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can cause an exaggerated response to irritants from bacterial plaque. During these times, your body experiences hormonal changes that can make your gums sensitive and increase your risks of gum disease. The condition worsens if patients are already prone to periodontal disease. You need to take extra care of yourself at times when your body is going through these hormonal changes. Diet, exercise and regular visits to your physician are important to maintain good health. Daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to your dentist are important, too.

Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke

Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.

Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association. 

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Stroke 

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

Dental implants are a revolutionary treatment for patients who wish to replace missing teeth. Implants provide a very real and cosmetic solution when a tooth is missing or is beyond saving. Instead of dentures, you can have teeth you won’t have to take out at night, can chew all foods with, and are absolutely natural looking.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants

Dental implants act as artificial roots for teeth (made of titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. The porcelain crowns attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile.

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years. On occasion, they will have to be tightened or replaced due to normal wear or oral habits such as smoking or teeth grinding that can shorten the longevity of a dental implant.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Advantages of Dental Implants:

  • Improved appearance
  • Improved speech
  • Easier eating
  • Improved oral health
  • Durability
  • Social security

How Dental Implants Are Placed

The process of having dental implants placed and restored requires a number of visits over several months.

Records are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.

While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for three to six months. The next phase is to gather impressions and information to fabricate the “post” called an abutment and the restoration for the implant.

Two to three weeks later the lab fabricated abutment and restoration are carefully placed into the implant. You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.

Good oral hygiene, eating habits, wearing a night guard if recommended, not smoking and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.