Are You Flossing Properly?

Every time you visit the dentist for a checkup there’s one question you will certainly hear: “Have you been flossing regularly?” It’s safe to say that most of us answer this question with a “no.” What many of us non-flossers don’t realize is that this step plays an important role in dental health. Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver not only wants you to floss regularly, but he wants you to know how to floss properly.

Floss is an interdental cleaner, meaning it’s designed specifically to clean the tight spaces between the teeth and the gap between the base of the teeth and the gums. These are places that a toothbrush can’t reach. Next time you floss, utilize these tips:

• Wind 18 inches of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a one-to-two-inch length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.


• Keep a one-to-two-inch length of floss controlled between fingers. Use index fingers to glide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.


• Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion and be sure to contour floss around the side of the tooth.

If you still have questions about how to properly floss, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene and services provided here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

How to Choose the Correct Toothbrush

Never underestimate the importance of good oral hygiene – not only is it critical to your dental health, but it is beneficial to your overall wellbeing. In fact, if you don’t brush your teeth properly you risk developing gum disease that can lead to more serious health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver wants you to know what to look for when selecting the correct toothbrush.

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to purchasing a toothbrush, which makes it difficult to know what to look for. Next time you stroll through the toothbrush aisle be sure to pay attention to these details. Choose a toothbrush with a small brush head and a bristle design that helps you get to those hard-to-reach places of your mouth. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums. Additionally, many toothbrushes have non-slip grips which make them easy to use even if wet.

If you’re still undecided about which toothbrush to use, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene and services provided here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Gum Grafting in Easton, PA

For gums that have receded due to disease, a gum graft may be required for proper tooth stabilization and also for comfort. Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles is skilled and trained in performing gum grafts right here in our Easton, PA dental practice.

Gum grafts replace gums that have pulled back and receded, leaving tooth root exposed. The exposed roots are sensitive, are not aesthetically attractive, and can cause the tooth to become loose. A gum graft is a surgical procedure that takes tissue from the roof of the mouth and moves it down to cover the exposed tooth.

Tissue from the roof of the mouth is cut and moved down to the gum line. The tissue is stitched into place to cover the exposed tooth. The gums will take a week or two to heal. During this time it is recommended to eat soft, cool foods. You should not brush the gum line that was repaired until it has healed. Take any pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed by Dr. Dilsaver.

If you are in need of a gum graft, trust the expertise of Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles. To schedule an appointment in our Easton, PA dental office, call us at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Clear Braces for Discreet Teeth Straightening

Braces are wonderful devices to create healthy, straight teeth. The end result is worth it, however sometimes wearing braces is not the most attractive procedure to go through. This is the reason why Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA offers clear ceramic braces to his patients wanting a discreet straightening process.

Ceramic braces are made of translucent brackets and a tooth-colored wire that blends into your teeth so they are not nearly as noticeable as the traditional metal braces. With modern advancements, the ceramic braces are also stain resistant, so with good care, the brackets will remain good looking for the duration of your straightening process. Both teens and adults are able to take advantage of clear ceramic braces.

The process for applying ceramic braces is the same as traditional braces. The brackets are attached to the front of each tooth and a wire is placed that will be periodically changed out. The wire applies continuous pressure on the teeth causing them to gradually shift. The duration of time the braces are worn for depend on each patient’s condition, but the longest time is typically two years.

If you are looking for a more attractive way to straighten your teeth, clear ceramic braces may be the option for you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles, call us at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Post-Op Care

Having oral surgery is usually a necessary step for keeping a healthy mouth. After the surgery, keeping the area clean and able to heal is just as important. As a reminder for his patients undergoing oral surgery soon, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA wants to point out the important aspects of post-op care.

Keeping a clean and safe mouth post-op will ensure a smooth healing and will help avoid infection. Prolonged healing can cause infection, and infection can cause prolonged healing, so it is important to keep the area clean and protected.

To minimize bleeding, do not lie flat or drink through a straw for the first day. After that, if you still notice bleeding, continue to avoid these activities. Strenuous activity, include vigorous rinsing should also be avoided.

When brushing and flossing, avoid the site of surgery and be careful. It is still important to clean your mouth of bacteria, but you do not want to irritate the area or cause more bleeding.

Soft foods are recommended until healing has progressed. Also be sure to drink plenty of water, but again, not through a straw. Tobacco use should be avoided. Smoking and other forms of tobacco could lead to infection and prolong healing.

For more information about how to care for your mouth post-op, call Lehigh Valley Smiles of Easton, PA at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Options for Tooth Replacement in Easton, PA

When a tooth is lost, it can cause problems in the mouth. Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA offers multiple options for tooth replacement, so our patients can find the right option for their situation and lifestyle.

When an empty space is left, the teeth in the area begin to shift towards that space. This can create problems with biting and chewing, can create an area where bacteria will build up, and can cause the jawbone to degenerate. It is important to the health of the jaw, gums, and other teeth to replace the missing tooth.

Bridges are an option here at Lehigh Valley Smiles. Dr. Dilsaver applies a bridge by placing crowns on the adjacent teeth to the open space, and attaching a replacement tooth in the middle. This is a popular and durable option. With good care, bridges can last over ten years.

Dental implants, available in both traditional and mini, are a permanent option for replacement. They are customized for your specific situation and with good care, they can last a lifetime.

Dentures are available in full and partial options. Partial dentures fill in the spaces where there are teeth missing, like a bridge, but removable. Full dentures are a complete set of teeth and are available immediately or conventionally.

To find out what the best option for replacement is for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA. Call us at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Periodontal Splinting

When a tooth is loose, it can cause difficulties and may eventually lead to the tooth falling out. Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA performs periodontal splinting to help stabilize loose teeth and prevent the loss of them.

Loose teeth can cause issues when biting and chewing. They can cause pain and injure the gums. Eventually, not stabilizing them could cause them to fall out. There are a variety of reasons to why teeth may become loose. It could be caused from injury, gum disease, orthodontic treatment like braces, or from the pressure of other teeth, like when a new tooth is growing in or a tooth is shifting.

Periodontal splinting can be performed in two ways. Extra-coronal splinting uses a stabilizing wire or ribbon. The device is bonded onto the backs of the teeth. Intra-coronal splinting is applied by inserting a metal splint into a small channel within the teeth. The splint is bonded into place. This method is less noticeable. Both of these methods stabilize the loose tooth or teeth by connecting them to stable teeth.

If you are experiencing loose teeth, do not suffer anymore. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles. To schedule in our Easton, PA dental office, call us at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net.