Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

Most people have been brushing their teeth since they were very small. But do you know if you are brushing them effectively? Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA wants to offer tips and tricks for getting a healthy, clean brushing.

The first thing you need to know is the type of toothbrush that is best. A soft bristled brush is good for removing plaque and a small brush head makes it easier to access those hard-to-reach places. As for electric or manual, in most cases, the outcome is the same. But electric brushes make it a little easier for those who cannot use their hands well. A toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months or sooner if it starts to fray. It also should be replaced after recovering from sickness.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended. Two minutes each time will be a good amount of time to really do a good job. A good way to break up the time is to space four sections of teeth at thirty seconds each. Make sure to brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Use short strokes.

Regular visits to your dentist are part of good oral hygiene, as well! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dilsaver, call us at Lehigh Valley Smiles at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Apicoectomy for When Root Canals Do Not Work

Infected teeth are irritating and painful. Having a root canal often can solve the problem, but when it doesn’t, it can be even more frustrating. When root canals and retreatment fails, this is when Dr. Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD decides to perform an apicoectomy. This surgical procedure is successful in relieving the pain of an infected tooth, restoring health, and often save a tooth from being extracted.

An apicoectomy involves removing the tip of the tooth root, cleaning, and sealing the area. First, Dr. Dilsaver will make incisions to reveal the tooth root. The infected tissue is removed, along with a few millimeters of the tooth’s root. Dr. Dilsaver will clean the area and seal the end of the tooth root. The gums are stitched together. Within a few months, the bone will heal around the end of the root. This procedure has a high success rate.

If you have had one or more root canal therapy treatments, and still experience pain and sensitivity to a tooth, it may be time to think about an apicoectomy. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles in our Easton, PA location, call (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Sleep Apnea Solutions at Lehigh Valley Smiles

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes more than loud snoring and interrupted sleep. It is a serious condition that should be accurately treated. Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD, of Lehigh Valley Smiles, our Easton, PA dental practice has experience helping his patients who suffer from sleep apnea and offer several procedures to correct the condition.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft palate collapses, creating a blockage to the airway. This can cause a person to stop breathing hundreds of times per night. If a sleeping partner has been telling you that you stop breathing while sleeping, or if you feel a sore throat and excessive tiredness in the mornings, it is time to see the doctor.

Sleep apnea not only causes fatigue to you and a sleeping partner, but it increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, liver problems, and heart failure. It can also cause complications with medications and surgery, being especially dangerous when undiagnosed.

Dr. Dilsaver has success performing oral surgeries to unblock the airway. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty removes excess tissue from the upper mouth and throat. Maxillomandibular advancement moves the jaw forward to allow more room behind the soft palate. These are two solutions that are generally used first. A tracheostomy is a procedure for when others have failed. In this procedure, a tube is inserted into your throat that opens at night. These procedures are all safe and Dr. Dilsaver is experienced in performing them all.

If you have been suffering with sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD, of Lehigh Valley Smiles here at our Easton, PA location. To schedule, call (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net.