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July 7, 2014

Comprehensive Dental Checkups for State College Community

shutterstock_149625803Many people underestimate the importance of biannual dental checkups. Though some think that the only time they should see their dentist is when a problem arises, that could not be further from the truth. By looking at the state of your smile every six months, we are able to prevent issues from arising as well as treat any existing problems. Dr. Donald M. Marks and Dr. John A. Martin strive to convey the importance of dental checkups to their patients, and they are able to offer them comprehensive examinations when they walk into our State College dental office.

One of the things that are included in our dental checkups is full examination of your soft tissues. Gum disease affects millions of people every year, and it is the most common disease people face aside from the common cold. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to many dangerous ailments, such as heart disease, dementia, stroke, bone loss, tooth loss, and much more. If we discover signs of gum disease during your checkup, we will do everything in our power and rectify the issue immediately.

We also inspect each and every tooth in your smile, looking for any signs of decay and deterioration. We use DIAGNOdent, a noninvasive laser, to detect any signs of decay in your smile, and begin your treatment as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading. We also screen all of our patients for oral cancer, making sure there are no underlying issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Though many may not realize it, the alignment of your bite plays a large role into your oral health, and we check and make sure everything is aligned correctly to ensure your wellbeing. If we find any signs of teeth grinding or TMJ, we are able to provide our patients with TMJ therapy. If it is time for you to have your dental checkup with our doctors, make an appointment today, and we will be sure to make sure your smile is beautiful, bright, and healthy!

Call our State College dental office for an appointment. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, or restorative dental need you may have! We serve patients from Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

August 22, 2013

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — Dr. Donald Marks @ 8:35 pm

sleep apneaSleep apnea is a common but underdiagnosed condition in which patients stop breathing for 10 seconds or more while asleep. Often, patients who struggle with sleep apnea also snore loudly and all throughout the night. That’s not always the case, but if you or your partner struggles with loud snoring, learning more about sleep apnea—and even seeking a diagnosis from your State College doctor—would be a good idea.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Irritability
  • Morning headaches
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sore throat or dry mouth

If left untreated, sleep apnea patients can experience a wide variety of complications, some of them life-threatening. Advanced complications of sleep apnea include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Memory loss
  • Sudden and premature death

Thankfully, treatment for sleep apnea is possible. Patients from State College and beyond can enjoy comfortable care through sleep apnea therapy, allowing them to enjoy a more restful, peaceful night of sleep.

Call your State College dentist to find out more about sleep apnea or to schedule a consultation visit. Treating sleep apnea early is important for preventing advanced complications from developing. Then, once more is known your specific needs, a fully customized treatment plan—which could include CPAP or oral appliance therapy—can be put together by your local doctor.

August 9, 2013

Why Is General Dentistry Important?

general dentistryPatients of all ages need general dental care. Why? Because a patient becomes vulnerable to common oral health conditions like tooth decay and gum disease the minute his or her first tooth comes in. The goal with general dentistry from Dr. Donald Marks and Dr. John A. Martin is to prevent these conditions through close oral exams and thorough cleanings.

Left untreated, problems like these can develop and dramatically impact one’s oral, and even overall, wellbeing. Gum disease, for instance, is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in America. What’s more, studies have connected it to an increased vulnerability to other kinds of health problems, like diabetes, pre-term birth, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and possibly even heart disease. With regular care from your State College general and family dentist, your family can look forward to enjoying a healthier smile and a better sense of overall health.

During your regular appointment, your dentist will look for more than just cavities and gum disease, though. Your State College general dentist will also look for signs of oral cancer or a neuromuscular condition like bruxism or TMJ dysfunction.  Depending on the results of your exam, additional care may be recommended with fillings, periodontal care, a smile makeover, or some other cosmetic or restorative service. Plus, services like dental sealants and fluoride treatments can be used to give teeth—especially young teeth—extra protection.

How often should you see your general dentist? We recommend coming in every six months to make sure that your smile stays healthy. Call your local general dentist for an appointment if it’s been more than six months since your last visit. And be sure you bookmark our blog to learn more about our services and important oral healthcare tips.

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