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December 10, 2014

Relieve Pain and Discomfort with State College, PA TMJ Disorder Therapy

479066503When is a headache, more than a headache? If it is accompanied by neck and ear pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking noises in the jaw, you could be suffering from a more serious condition, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These important joints are located on either side of your face to help regulate your facial muscles and jaw movement.TMJ disorders are a group of degenerative conditions resulting from strained and damaged temporomandibular joints. For your TMJ disorder evaluation, make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today.  Dr. Marks is an experienced general and restorative dentist that can help you get to the root of the problem. Donald Marks Family Dentistry is conveniently located on University Drive and provides quality dental care to patients of all ages throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders typically fall into one of three categories:

  • Myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) syndrome– pain at the TMJ due to various causes of increased muscle tension and spasm. It is believed that MPD syndrome is a physical manifestation of psychological stress. Pain is secondary to events such as nocturnal jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Treatment is focused on behavioral modification as opposed to joint repair.
  • Internal derangement (ID)– where the problem lies within the joint itself, most commonly with the position of the articulating disc, usually resulting from facial injury.
  • Degenerative joint disease– where arthritic changes result in degeneration of the joint and muscles.

Common TMJ Disorder Symptoms

  • Radiating pain in the ear and jaw that gets worse when chewing
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Ear clicking or popping
  • Headache and/or neck ache
  • A bite that feels uncomfortable or different from usual
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain
  • Bruxism, teeth clenching
  • Increasing pain over the course of your day
  • A history of jaw or facial trauma

State College, PA TMJ Disorder Therapy from Donald Marks Family Dentistry

Dr. Marks can offer immediate and non- invasive TMJ disorder relief with custom-made nightguards and bite appliances to stop and reverse TMJ disorder damage. Don’t put off the TMJ disorder therapy you need any longer. Make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry proudly serves families throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the surrounding communities.

November 10, 2014

Tis the Season to be Healthy! Dental Care for a Healthier Holiday Season

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Although the holidays may lead many of us to consume more sugary treats and alcoholic beverages than usual, we don’t have to give up our healthy smiles. You can make dental care a priority and help keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy despite the abundance of cavity causing food and drinks this season. After you’ve adopted some healthier habits, be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today.  Keeping on top of your family’s regular dental check-ups is the easiest way to ensure that their teeth stay in tip top shape this holiday. Donald Marks Family Dentistry is conveniently located on University Drive and provides quality dental care to patients of all ages throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

5 Important Holiday Dental Care Tips

  1. Don’t Savor the Flavor- To reduce the risk of damage from drinking highly acidic red and white wines, refrain from swishing the wine around in your mouth and try drinking water between glasses of wine to rinse the acid from your teeth and gums.
  2. Get Help From Cavity Fighting Foods- Holiday goodies like cookies, chocolate and candy canes contain high levels of sugar that promote the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. After eating sweet treats like these, try drinking fluorinated tap water, chewing sugarless gum, eating a piece of cheese or drinking a glass of milk. Each of these cavity fighting foods contain ingredients that help increase saliva flow, wash away bacteria and strengthen the enamel.
  3. Just Say No to Stress- As you get stressed over the holiday season, your oral hygiene routine can suffer. Make a conscious effort to pay special attention to your home dental care habits to combat tooth decay. Since teeth grinding and clenching can increase with heightened stress levels, this is also a great time to see the dentist for a custom fitted night guard to protect your teeth.
  4. The Perfect Stocking Stuffer- Help your family care for their teeth by stuffing their stockings with new toothbrushes. Dentists recommend that toothbrushes be changed at least once every three months.
  5. Avoid Sticky Situations- Holiday favorites like fruit cake, candy canes and caramel popcorn can wreak havoc on your teeth. These hard and sticky substances can be difficult to remove and can also easily injure your gums or fracture a tooth. Try avoiding them this season altogether.

Holiday Dental Care Appointments in State College, PA

Give your family the gift of a healthy smile by making an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today.  Their family dental care office is conveniently located on University Drive and proudly serves families throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

October 10, 2014

Dental Health for Athletes

76649015If you are an athlete or you lead an athletic lifestyle, your physical fitness is a top priority. Yet many athletes don’t realize that good dental health is an important part of achieving top physical performance. Recent studies have even found that hundreds of world class Olympic athletes suffer from dental hygiene issues regularly. This is because many of the habits that athletes develop to maintain their physical condition can lead to dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin help athletes keep their teeth and gums healthy at his University Drive dental office in State College, PA. You can make an appointment with the doctors today to proactively tackle your oral health.

Dental Health Concerns for Athletes

One risk of decay is caused by the daily use of sports drinks, which can actually be more damaging to teeth than sodas because of high acidity and large amounts of sugar. Athletes often have intense training regimens that require maximum physical performance. To refuel during these workouts, many athletes consume energy and sports drinks, protein bars, and eat frequent meals throughout the day, all of which can be detrimental to your oral heal. Excessive sweating could also cause dehydration, which reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in protecting the teeth from decay by rinsing away harmful bacteria and restoring tooth enamel.  Athletes can place a lot of stress on their teeth from clenching and grinding while exerting maximum effort during training or competitions. These habits can also wear down the health of an athlete’s teeth and worsen the damage caused by tooth decay. Athletes also have an elevated risk of tooth, gum and lip injuries.

Dental Health Care for Athletes in State College, PA

There are important steps to take to protect the health of your teeth and gums if you are an athlete or lead an athletic lifestyle. The first is to switch from sports drinks to water to keep hydrated. Also, try to gut down on supplements or meal replacements that are high in sugar. To protect teeth from injury, and to minimize the effects of clenching or grinding your teeth, it’s also important to wear a custom fitted mouthguard. Due to the increased risks of dental problems, athletes should also see a dentist more often than non- athletes. You can contact Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin today to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin are conveniently located on University Drive in State College, PA and proudly serves patients from surrounding Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

September 10, 2014

Shine Bright This Semester with Teeth Whitening

137110504Now that a new semester is here, students are gearing up for studying, note taking, and meeting tons of new people. With each new semester comes a new slate, and wanting to make the best first impression possible is very important. Whether it is a fellow student or your favorite professor, making sure you look your best is crucial. If your smile is less than dazzling, you may find it hard to be confident in the way you look, and can negatively affect the way you interact with the people around you. Having a stained smile is never esthetically pleasing, and Dr. Donald M. Marks and Dr. John A. Martin are able to whiten the smiles of their patients using teeth whitening.

There are so many factors that can contribute to our smiles dulling over time, including coffee, tea, wine, certain medications, additives in food, and even genetics. Having a bright, beautiful smile is a sign of health and liveliness, and if that is compromised, it can be damaging to one’s self-esteem. Dr. Marks has extensively researched the results of certain whitening procedures, and believes that at-home whitening is the most beneficial to his patients.

With at-home whitening, we will be able to have custom whitening trays made for you, ensuring a personalized treatment and the most amazing results. We also offer whitening trays that are already made; it is up to you as to which you prefer. We also will be able to provide you with professional-grade whitening gel, giving you amazing, professional results. All you have to do is fill the whitening trays with the gel and wear them for an hour. Though you will see a whiter smile right away, the full results will be seen over the course of about two weeks! If you want the help of our doctors in achieving a radiant smile, contact our State College dental office today!

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 9, 2014

Sleep Apnea Therapy with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin

shutterstock_131232221No one can underestimate the power and benefits of a restful night’s sleep. When we sleep, our body is able to rest and our brains are able to recharge itself to prepare for the next day’s adventures. Unfortunately, having the opportunity to have the recommended amount of sleep each night is few and far between for some, and can be detrimental on many levels. Many people suffer from sleep apnea, prohibiting them from being as coherent and restful and they would like. Thankfully, Dr. Donald M. Marks and Dr. John A. Martin are able to give their patients the blissful rest they have been wanting by offering sleep apnea therapy.

Many people may not know this, but suffering from sleep apnea goes beyond being tired throughout the day. When your sleep is interrupted on a regular basis, it puts you at a higher risk for high blood pressure, memory loss, stroke, heart attack, and much more. You may be at risk for sleep apnea if you are of advanced age, having nasal congestion, smoke, have a family history, and so on. It is important to be aware of your symptoms in order to properly diagnose you and give you the proper treatment.

When someone suffers from sleep apnea, their breathing stops for up to ten seconds at a time due to airway collapse, and this can occur between 5-30 times in a single night. The way that Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin are able to help you with your sleep apnea is by supplying you with an oral appliance. This appliance opens up your airway by projecting your jaw slightly forward and repositioning your tongue. By wearing this while you sleep, you are able to get a peaceful rest and wake up feeling rejuvenated. If you want our doctors to help you with your sleep apnea, make an appointment at our office today!

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.

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.

June 16, 2014

Welcome Summer with a Fuller Smile with Dental Implants!

shutterstock_151587851With summer knocking at your door, many people are doing everything they can to make sure they look their absolute best for the summer season. Whether it is buying the best food for the barbeque or going to the gym to get ready for the beach, many people want to have as much fun and feel as confident inside and out. If you have teeth missing from your smile, you may find it difficult to find confidence in the way you look. You are sure to reconnect with old friends and meet many new people this summer season, so making the best impression is important. Dr. Donald M. Marks and Dr. John A. Martin understand the struggle their patients go through when they have teeth missing from their smile, and they are able to give their patients the smile they have always wanted using dental implants.

A dental implant is a small piece of biocompatible titanium that is placed directly into an empty tooth socket. The titanium post-like implant will act as a new tooth root, and will prevent the rest of the teeth in your mouth from shifting to make up for the empty spaces due to the missing teeth. The bone in your jaw and your gum tissue with bond with the implant over time, creating a strong, permanent bond. After the right amount of healing time as passed, a crown is added on top of your implant– a crown that exactly resembles a natural tooth. At the end of the procedure, you are left with a beautiful, full smile you can be proud of.

Dental implants can be used to anchor a dental crown to completely recreate a tooth, or to hold a fixed bridge permanently in place. Both solutions create a natural-looking row of teeth that you are ready and willing to show off at any given moment! So if you are ready for a beautiful, full smile just in time for summer, make an appointment with Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin, and they will be more than happy to help!

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.

May 14, 2014

Give Your Gums the Star Treatment with Periodontal Disease Therapy

shutterstock_111358292People often forget that to have a healthy result, one must have a healthy foundation. Many people believe that as long as your teeth are straight and white, they are healthy. Unfortunately, not much attention is paid to the gums, which are the most crucial contributors to a healthy smile. Gum (periodontal) disease is when your gums are under attack, and it can result in unhealthy teeth. Our experienced doctors are dedicated to making sure your gums are as healthy as they can be, which is why they offer periodontal therapy to their patients.

Periodontal disease affects over 80% of the population, which makes it one of the more common diseases out there. One point that may be shocking is the fact that many people may not even be aware that they are suffering from periodontal disease, leaving their mouths to ongoing infection and deterioration. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, tenderness, and loose teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to an increased risk in heart disease, stroke, dementia, and much, much more.

When you come in for your appointment, we will tackle your periodontal disease with scaling and root planing. These procedures allow us to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This way, we are able to remove all of the harmful bacteria in areas that your toothbrush and flossing cannot reach, giving you a clear mouth! We will also be able to smooth the root surfaces, making it more difficult for tartar to build. We will give you antibiotics for your gum disease, helping your mouth heal, then close the appointment with instructions on how to better take care of your gums. If you’re interested in how Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin are able to help you with your periodontal disease, make an appointment at our office, and we’d be more than happy to help.

Call our State College dental office for an appointment. 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.

March 13, 2014

Restorative Dentistry for State College Patients

restorative dentistryDoes your smile need extra help? Most smiles do, eventually, whether because of decay, an injury, or another reason entirely.

If you’re looking for a dental office that can help you with your restorative dentistry needs, look no further than the office of Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin. At our State College dental office, we offer a full range of contemporary restorative dentistry services, including:

When you come to our State College office for care, Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin will assess your needs and help you put together a personalized treatment plan. As part of that assessment, we’ll consider what goals you have for your smile plus your medical history.

Why is seeking restorative dentistry important? Because a healthy, functional smile is important for eating, smiling, speaking, and an overall good quality of life. What’s more, when you don’t seek out restorative care, you increase your risk of experiencing more serious issues later on. You may be more susceptible to gum disease, for instance, or tooth loss. Seeking restorative dentistry early on will help you preserve and protect your smile.

Do you have a need for restorative dentistry? Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin are committed to offering excellent care. Call our office today for an appointment. We serve patients from State College, 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.

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