Deborah B Corkran DDS

Is a big part of the reason you avoid going to the dentist because you hate the drilling? By using a laser, it can sometimes be possible to avoid pulling out the drill altogether.

Have bad breath that good cleaning habits won’t help? Check with your dentist. Foul breath can be a sign of gum disease, an infection or a poorly fitted dental appliance, or of general health problems including chronic acid reflux or frequent sinus infections.

Did you know that as many as 40% of children age 2-3 years old experience some kind of inflammation of gum tissues? Using a laser within dentistry can greatly benefit patients of all ages.

Are electric toothbrushes more effective than manual toothbrushes? Actually no. Studies have shown that both of these types of toothbrushes are equally effective if they are used properly and if good brushing habits are followed.

It’s important to remember that lasers won’t always be useful in every dental procedure you may need. Let’s talk about the nature of what’s going on in your mouth and whether laser dentistry is the best option for your needs.

Did you know that diet sodas are just as damaging to your tooth enamel as regular sodas are? This is because of the carbonic acid present in both types of soft drinks.

Did you know that poorly aligned teeth can cause jaw disorders such as TMJ? If this is the case, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatments in order to reduce the face and neck pain associated with TMJ.

Don’t think that sedation dentistry is only appropriate with lengthy, complex procedures. Many kids and adults benefit from sedation dentistry for even a normal cleaning. Even the most basic dental procedure can be a nightmare for someone with dental anxiety.

One of the many wonderful advantages of using a laser within dentistry is that patients do not experience the sound or effects usually felt when a dentist has to use a drill. This can greatly alleviate anxiety and even encourage people to get their teeth checked more often!

A new water-based oral splint is proving effective for TMJ. According to the NIH, it represents a major breakthrough in pain therapy. It is a muscle relaxing, floating action temporary splint which does not cause permanent or irreversible changes in the structure or position of the jaw or teeth.

Follow American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations and floss daily and use about 18 inches of floss for each flossing session. Remember to be gentle, using up and down strokes, curving the floss against each tooth, and reaching the gum line.

When you first go to a sedation dentist, they'll ask you a lot of questions about your overall health, other prescriptions, and similar questions. These can help them choose the right medication for sedation so that there are as few risks as possible.

Children don't have to be very old to start a regimen of proper dental care. Brushing should be started when the first tooth appears, usually when a child is around six months old. Use a very soft brush or damp cloth to wipe teeth clean until they're old enough to try brushing for themselves.