Obesity and Sleep Apnea

If your partner kicks you in the middle of the night because you’re snoring too loud it might be time to rule out sleep apnea. Those who experience loud snoring and breathing difficulties while sleeping are generally suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder, that Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD can treat, but this condition is worsened when a patient is obese. Let us explain why.

Obesity, especially the morbid kind (BMI>40), can lead to sleep apnea, which itself then causes hormones to become out of control. In addition to sleep deprivation, this condition can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even more weight gain because sleep apnea can cause a patient to eat more. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, you should talk to your doctor. As a treatment option, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS FAGD may suggest an oral appliance depending on the severity.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea, please give us a call. To learn about the services and technology we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Periodontitis

If you notice a bit of blood in the sink while brushing your teeth you are either brushing too vigorously or have one of the first signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is reversible at an early stage. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis – a more aggressive form of gum disease. Though Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD can treat the problem as it arises, he would much rather you prevent the problem before it starts.

Periodontitis begins with plaque – a sticky, invisible film that forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with normal bacteria in the mouth. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose or worse, it can lead to tooth loss. This condition can be prevented by simply brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our office for dental checkups twice a year.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about the services and technology we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Benefits of Waterlase Technology

If you are avoiding the dentist because you fear the sound of the drilling needle, fear no more, at Lehigh Valley Smiles, we utilize Waterlase Technology. The Waterlase is a revolutionary device that uses hydrokinetic technology to cut teeth, bone and gum tissue with fewer traumas while providing benefits such as fewer shots and less anesthesia as well as overall improved patient comfort.

The Waterlase is extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of hard and soft tissue procedures. The Waterlase produces a laser beam that energizes an exact stream of water that, when directed at a tooth, is able to remove tooth enamel decay (the hardest substance in the body), bone and gum tissue precisely while leaving surrounding areas unaffected. Since cutting both hard and soft tissues with the Waterlase does not generate heat, vibration or pressure, many dental procedures can be performed nearly pain-free with fewer shots, less need for anesthesia, less use of the drill, and fewer numb lips.

If you wish to learn more about Waterlase technology, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

CEREC Technology

One of the latest dental technology tools to appear on the dentistry scene is CEREC. The CEREC machine is a special computer that acts as a dental restoration tool, allowing Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD to restore decayed teeth, place dental crowns, remove defective amalgam dental fillings, or place porcelain dental veneers in just one appointment. A CEREC procedure requires less time, less drilling, and fewer injections too.

A typical CEREC procedure goes something like this. First, there will be an exam and preparation before your dental service. Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD will examine your teeth, decide on the preparation method and start removing your tooth decay. Then, an optical impression of the prepared tooth is taken. Finally, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD will use the CEREC machine to design and create your tooth filling, dental crown, or veneers, right in the office! CEREC is the unique CAD/CAM system for patient individual all-ceramic restorations in one single appointment.

To learn about the services and technology we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Banish Bad Breath

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. It’s no wonder you may stock up on mints, gum, and other products designed to fight bad breath. But many of these products are only a temporary solution to the problem. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene. However, it’s important to schedule professional cleanings and regular dental checkups at Lehigh Valley Smiles twice a year.

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum disease. If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. If your bad breath persists after making changes, visit us as soon as possible.

If you are embarrassed by bad breath, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Soft Food Diet for TMJ Relief

If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, you may notice a clicking or a popping in your jaw when you try to eat your favorite foods. This is because symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw discomfort and tenderness or pain when opening or closing the mouth. At Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD doesn’t want you to live on a soft diet, but incorporating soft foods into your diet may alleviate your discomfort.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Cleaning Your Dental Implant

Dental implants are a very common procedure to replace missing teeth. Implants are replacement tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, cleaning your dental implant is critical to avoid infection. Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD will discuss implant maintenance care once the implants are placed.

Cleaning implant-supported tooth replacements are just as important as cleaning natural teeth, as both depend on healthy surrounding tissues for support. To ensure that the implant lasts as long as they should, some special techniques and efforts are required to keep the implant clean and free of dental plaque. Dental plaque has the ability to cause infection in the tissues around the implant which will lead to its ultimate failure. Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.

During your professional cleaning, our dental hygienists play an important role in keeping your dental implant infection free. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Basics of Bruxism

Grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It can also be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly (malocclusion). If you experience signs and symptoms of bruxism, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD at Lehigh Valley Smiles can provide you with an individualized treatment plan.

When diagnosing bruxism, Dr. Dilsaver may ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. Second, he will examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. Finally, Dr. Dilsaver will look at your teeth for evidence of grinding. During this examination, he may also check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and joint.

If you notice yourself grinding or clenching your teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Hidden Health Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea literally means, “Without breath during sleep.” Clinically, this means that patients are actually stopping their breathing pattern periodically through the night. These episodes are brief, but can take a toll on a person’s overall physical health. No one wants to stop breathing and no one wants to lose sleep. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD will recommend non-surgical therapies to give you an improved quality of life.

Not only do breathing disruptions interfere with sleep, leaving you unusually tired the next day, they also promote poor health and chronic disease by reducing the amount of oxygen in your blood. This can impair the function of internal organs and/or exacerbate other health conditions you may have. Additionally, sleep apnea can dramatically weaken your immune systems, impair your mental and physical performance, as well as promote diabetes, gout, and heart disease.

If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Flossing with Braces

As Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. At Lehigh Valley Smiles, we've already taught you how to brush with braces, so it’s only fair that we share some tips for flossing effectively and keeping those brackets and wires clean.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Brushing with Traditional Braces

If you have braces, you should be working overtime on practicing proper oral hygiene. This is because braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and inadequate cleaning while wearing these wires can cause enamel staining and tooth decay around brackets or bands. At Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD can’t stand behind you to monitor how you often you brush, but he can provide you with the following routine that will help make brushing with traditional braces both simple and effective.

• Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.


• Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.


• Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414. 

Causes of Tender Teeth

Tooth sensitivity – also known as dentin hypersensitivity – affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces. If you experience discomfort when eating hot or cold beverages, you may be a victim of this condition. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time. Sometimes the solution to relief is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following tasks, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD suggests you do your best to stop yourself in your tracks.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If your teeth are sensitive, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

The Purpose of Teeth

Before your next visit to the dental practice of Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD, our staff would like to explain why you have so many different teeth in your mouth. Teeth don’t just help you bite and chew. Imagine speaking without a mouth full of pearly whites. You would look silly because teeth play an important role in your facial structure. The reason all of these teeth look different is because each one of them serves a different purpose in your mouth. Read on to learn more about the different types you have and their functions!

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have further questions about your teeth, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Handling Common Dental Emergencies

Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD understands that accidents happen and being informed about what to do in case one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you suffer a dental emergency, please give us a call immediately. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Teeth Care for Seniors

As we age, our bodies grow weaker, and the same applies to our teeth. Fortunately, our staff at Lehigh Valley Smiles can assist you in keeping them healthy. Your teeth are some of the strongest units in your body. However, they can still be worn down. No matter what your age, your permanent teeth can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain issues in your senior years when it comes to your oral health. This is because seniors are more prone to oral health conditions such as darkened teeth, gum disease, sensitive and tooth decay. In reference to our bodies growing weaker, the same applies to our hands. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult or impossible to perform.

If you are a senior struggling with your oral health routine, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Don’t Let Plaque Pester You

At Lehigh Valley Smiles, we encourage our patients to schedule regular dental checkups to inspire the ultimate tooth health. Even if you brush your teeth three times a day and floss on a regular basis, you still have bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria mixes with proteins and food byproducts to form a sticky film called dental plaque. When plaque builds up and isn’t promptly removed, it can lead to cavities. However, if you remove plaque regularly, you can prevent permanent tooth decay.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and along the gum line. It also contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly forming in our mouths, but it’s easy to prevent plaque buildup with proper care. Be sure to brush thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth and floss daily to remove plaque in between your gums where the toothbrush may not reach. In addition, limit sugary or starchy foods, and don’t forget to schedule a professional cleaning!

If plaque buildup has you down, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414. 

Causes and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking, and breathing habits if the pain becomes too severe. For example, in frigid weather, the cold air could send a shooting pain through the nerve of your tooth. An excessive consumption of acid-containing foods and beverages, such as citrus juices and fruits also put you at risk for tooth sensitivity. If these examples make you think, “Hey, that’s me!” our staff at Lehigh Valley Smiles can help.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp), which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, pain can be caused by eating or drinking foods or hot or cold beverages. If a tooth is highly sensitive for more than three or four days, it’s best to get a diagnostic evaluation from Dr. Alan Dilsaver to determine the extent of the problem and discuss treatment options.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables and is therefore considered natural. In the dental industry, xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in “sugar-free” chewing gums, mints, and other candies. As much as we love to see you at the office of Lehigh Valley Smiles, we’d like you to avoid sugar that leads to cavities. You can start by chewing sugar-free gum that possesses the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.

Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth. Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. Benefits of replacing sugar with xylitol include: increased absorption of calcium in the digestive system, which is good for your teeth and increased production of saliva. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which get picked up by the teeth and aid in remineralization. In addition, xylitol reduces the acidity of saliva, which helps to fight acid-driven degradation of tooth enamel.

If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Proper Brushing Technique

At Lehigh Valley Smiles we shouldn’t have to tell you why you need to brush your teeth, but we can provide you with tips on how to correctly brush your teeth. In case you need a refresher, brushing twice a day can potentially save you much more than a couple hundred bucks on invasive dental procedures in the future. If you skimp out on brushing your teeth, you encourage the growth of bacterial buildup in the form of plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

The next time you step in front of the sink to brush, utilize these tips:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.


• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh and don’t forget to floss!

If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

SIMPLANT Benefits

If you’ve ever considered dental implants, at Lehigh Valley Smiles we can provide you with the best of the best. From dental scanning and planning, to drilling and implant placement, to the ultimate smile restoration, SIMPLANT provides Dr. Alan Dilsaver with a comprehensive 3D system for accurate and predictable implant treatment, offering a successful and comfortable experience to the patient.

SIMPLANT dental planning software provides Dr. Alan Dilsaver with accurate and predictable surgery options. It enables him to assess the patient’s anatomy and see exactly how it relates to the proposed restoration. The treatment plan can then be communicated to colleagues, the dental lab and the patient who will all see exactly what the plan entails. These predictable results lead to cost efficiency and a more precise implant placement. Precise planning and implant placement enables minimal invasive treatment, as well as reduced chair time.

If you are missing teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.