December 11, 2015
Smile Bright this Winter with Teeth Whitening in El Reno
One of the most common complaints patients have about their teeth is that they are dull, yellow, or discolored. It comes as no surprise since eating, drinking, and aging are three of the leading causes of dental discoloration. It’s not easy to avoid the things that stain teeth, but it can be easy to prevent staining and reverse damage with help from the team at El Reno Family Dentistry. We offer a variety of professional grade teeth whitening options to brighten your smile this winter.
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September 9, 2015
Tips for Maintaining Great Oral Hygiene from the Family Dentist El Reno Loves
People sometimes believe that regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings are non-essential as long as they maintain a consistent at-home care routine. However, there are dental health concerns that go unnoticed to the untrained eye, and even the most thorough brushing and flossing allows the buildup and hardening of plaque into calculus or “tartar.” This hardened plaque cannot be removed without the assistance of professional dental hygienists at El Reno Family Dentistry. Let our team help you achieve and maintain your optimal level of oral health. Call our conveniently located El Reno, OK dental practice to schedule a checkup and teeth cleaning today.
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July 22, 2015
Dental Implants, El Reno, OK
Missing teeth can change the way you look, talk, chew, and live. Left unreplaced they can cause long-term damage to your dental health. No one knows this better than Dr. Cohlmia and El Reno Family Dentistry team. When one of our hygienists lost a tooth, she wanted to restore her smile, not just replace her tooth. She chose to have a dental implant placed, and share her story with all of our patients from start to finish. If you need one or more teeth replaced, dental implants may be your best solution. Call our convenient El Reno, OK office to find out more, or schedule your dental implant consultation today.
Image 1: After Root Canal Therapy
The Story
No matter who you are or how well you care for your teeth, sometimes even the most complete preventive dental care falls short. One of the El Reno Family Dentistry hygienists recently learned that lesson the hard way. During a regular checkup, we noticed a crack in a tooth that had previously undergone root canal therapy (Image 1). Further exploration determined that the tooth was not reparable. We discussed tooth replacement options, but our hygienist wanted the full tooth restoration afforded her by having a dental implant placed.
Unlike traditional tooth replacement, dental implants replace both the visible, chewing surface of the tooth and the root. The root of our teeth provides the anchor that holds them in place, but the root also serves the purpose of assisting in gum tissue and bone density retention. Replacing only the eating surface without a root replacement, does not provide a complete dental restoration.
Image 2 After Dental Implant
The Implant
Like any other patient, our hygienist scheduled her dental implant appointment where we surgically placed a titanium post below her gums to replace the root, and attached an abutment to support the custom, permanent crown. Then, we waited while the implant fused to her jawbone (Image 2). Once the implant was secure, we replaced her temporary crown with a permanent replacement tooth.
Her smile has always been beautiful, but she had some discolorations on the surrounding teeth (Image 3), and chose to apply veneers to the surrounding teeth to provide a cohesive color and added layer of protection against future decay. The final result was a beautiful, picture-perfect smile, and she couldn’t be happier (Image 4).
If you’re wondering which of our lovely ladies got the implant, we’ll never tell because you’ll never know the difference.
Image 3 Before
Image 4: After
Dental Implants, Calumet, OK Area
No matter how many teeth you’ve lost, El Reno Family Dentistry can help you create the best tooth replacement plan for your smile, budget, and schedule. Don’t live with an incomplete bite, call our convenient Calumet area office today and find out more about how dental implants can transform your smile. We welcome patients from surrounding communities El Reno, Calumet, Minco, Hinton, and other communities in Canadian County.
March 10, 2015
Renovate Your Smile with Restorative Crown and Bridgework in El Reno, OK
Damaged or missing teeth can place an undue burden on everyday life. Tooth structure can be missing due to disease, decay, the deterioration of previous dental work, or the fracturing or trauma of a tooth. Missing teeth can change your bite alignment and cause the shifting of remaining teeth. It can also lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and speech impediments, as well as increase your risk of developing periodontal disease and further decay. Fortunately, modern dentists can now offer a variety of effective methods, like crown and bridgework, to fully replace or restore missing teeth and missing parts of the tooth structure. If you’re suffering from tooth loss or damage of any kind, schedule a restorative dentistry appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia is a highly qualified restorative dentist, now proudly delivering quality care daily throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and the surrounding Canadian County communities.
Restore Damaged Teeth with Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, or caps, can restore the functionality of a damaged tooth. They may be used to preserve a fractured tooth, repair a tooth with extensive decay, replace a pre-existing restoration, protect a root canal restored tooth, or replace a missing tooth using a bridge or implant. The dental crown most often serves to fully encase a vulnerable tooth so that it is insulated from further destruction.
Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Bridgework
Dental bridges, like dental implants and partial dentures, are used to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are fixed restorations (non-removable) that can be conventional, cantilever, or resin-bonded. Usually, conventional and cantilever bridges require the reduction and reshaping of the teeth surrounding your missing tooth. Dental crowns are then placed over the shaped teeth and joined with an artificial replacement tooth in the middle. A resin-bonded bridge, on the other hand, requires less preparation of adjacent teeth. It is most often used to replace missing front teeth, provided that the gums are healthy and the surrounding teeth have not already had extensive restorative work performed.
El Reno Restorative Dentistry Appointments
One or more missing teeth can significantly impact the appearance and functioning of your smile. If your teeth have sustained damage of any variety, schedule the restorative dentistry appointment you need with Dr. Cohlmia and El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia is a trusted and experienced crown and bridgework dentist, now proudly serving patients daily throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and the neighboring Canadian County areas.
February 2, 2015
Did You Know? February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!
It’s a fact, healthy children have healthy teeth. In 1950, the American Dental Association (ADA) worked with Congress to prescribe February 6th as National Children’s Dental Health Day. Now the entire month of February is known as National Children’s Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association sponsors the month every year to raise awareness about the importance of children’s oral health. Help us celebrate by making your child’s next dental appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia specializes in protecting little smiles. El Reno Family Dentistry restores smiles daily throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and nearby Canadian County areas.
Explaining Dental Care to Your Child
Your child should have their first dental visit by age 1. You can make their first visit entirely enjoyable and positive. Before the appointment, tell your child that someone will look at and clean their teeth. Let them know that it’s the dentist’s job to examine their teeth and gums for early signs of cavities and other dental health problems.
How Common Is Tooth Decay In Children?
Although cavities are entirely preventable, tooth decay is actually one of the most common chronic childhood conditions in the United States today. Untreated tooth decay can cause severe pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. The stats are startling:
- About 1 in 5 or 20% of children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated cavity.
- About 1 in 7 or 13% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
El Reno Children’s Dental Appointments
Nothing is as precious as your child’s happy and healthy smile. As a parent, you know your child’s oral health is to their overall health and wellbeing; however, you may still have many questions about dental hygiene as your child grows. We’re here to help. Make your child’s next dental appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia can protect your child’s smile for years to come. El Reno Family Dentistry proudly restores smiles daily for patients of all ages daily throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and nearby Canadian County areas.
October 27, 2014
There’s Still Time! Use Your Dental Benefits Before the End of the Year
If you are anything like the majority of working American adults, you most likely spend a portion of your monthly paycheck on a dental insurance plan. Before 2014 comes to an end, make sure you’re getting the most from your dental benefits with Dr. Adam Cohlmia at El Reno Family Dentistry in El Reno, OK.
The Importance of Using Your Benefits
There are three major reasons to utilize your dental insurance before the end of the year, and all of them involve saving you money.
- Consider your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money that a patient must pay out of pocket before his or her dental benefits will take effect. If, for instance, your deductible is $50, you simply pay $50 and then begin enjoying the full benefits of your plan. If you have already met your deductible but have not been back to the dentist, your benefits are going to waste. Furthermore, when your plan resets on January 1st, you will be required to pay your deductible all over again. Use your benefits now to get the most from your plan and the money you’ve already invested.
- Yearly maximum. Insurance for dental care is not cumulative, which means that if you don’t use it, you lose it. Take a look at your policy’s yearly maximum (this is typically $1,000 for most plans). Your employer can help you find this amount if you are unsure of your maximum. If you haven’t taken full advantage of this amount, whatever balance is left remaining goes unused and is forfeited when your plan rolls over.
- Premiums and getting your money’s worth. If you are paying monthly premiums for dental insurance benefits and you’re not using them, your hard-earned money is essentially going to waste. This may seem like an obvious reason to schedule a dental appointment, but millions of Americans pay into an insurance plan and never come in for so much as a cleaning. Why would anyone want to pay for dental benefits that they’re never going to use?
Naturally, the best reason to visit the dentist is to safeguard the health and beauty of your smile. Dr. Cohlmia will develop a personalized treatment plan just for you, tailored specifically to fulfill your unique oral health needs. Our financial coordinator is always happy to help you with any questions or concerns you have about your insurance plan, so never hesitate to ask!
Maximize Your Dental Health Benefits
Most dental insurance plans run on a calendar year, so December 31st marks the last day before your policy resets. We want to help you make the most of your dental benefits before time runs out! Contact our office today to schedule your visit with Dr. Cohlmia and his caring, experienced team. We look forward to serving your every oral healthcare need. Our family-friendly dental practice in El Reno, OK is privileged to serve patients from throughout El Reno, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and surrounding areas in Canadian County.
September 22, 2014
Microbeads in Toothpaste: What You Need to Know from Dr. Cohlmia in El Reno, OK
Microbeads are tiny, round particles of polyethylene, a plastic commonly used in cosmetics, body wash, shampoos, and facial cleansers. Microbeads have also been added to many types of toothpaste for aesthetic reasons. They come in a variety of colors and offer a sparkling effect that many consumers find enjoyable. Recently, however, microbeads have come under considerable scrutiny in the news as patients and dentists debate their safety. At El Reno Family Dentistry in El Reno, OK, Dr. Adam Cohlmia and his team are always here to answer your pressing questions about oral health and hygiene. Today, we’d like to address the topic of microbeads in toothpaste.
Are Microbeads in Toothpaste Harmful?
First, it is important to note that microbeads provide no oral health benefit whatsoever, so patients who choose a toothpaste without microbeads aren’t missing out on anything useful. In fact, steering clear of these little plastic bits may actually help you avoid periodontal problems. Various dentists from across America have reported finding the tiny beads embedded in their patients’ gums. Any foreign object trapped beneath the gum line has the potential to cause irritation, and patients who do not see the dentist regularly may not even realize their risk until inflammation develops.
In addition to the potential risk to your smile, microbeads are not biodegradable and have been found in sources of fresh water in various areas of the country. Though further research must be conducted, it is relatively safe to say that microbeads in our water supply would be something to avoid.
Our doctor recommends that patients who are concerned about microbeads find an alternative that doesn’t include the plastic spheres. Any regular white toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) should provide the oral health benefits you need without the worry of unnecessary additives.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Do you have questions or concerns about your oral health or your home hygiene routine? Dr. Cohlmia and his team are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about the way your oral healthcare products affect your smile, and schedule you visit to our El Reno, OK dental office. Our state-of-the-art practice warmly welcomes families from throughout nearby communities in Calumet, Hinton, Minco, and surrounding areas in Canadian County. We look forward to serving you!
May 29, 2014
Which Toothpastes Are The Best?
Having good oral care is important for the care of the rest of your body. Many people may not know this, but if you have poor oral health, other areas of your body are affected, like your bones, your brain, and your heart. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are an excellent way in making sure you stay on top of your oral health, but a lot of people may be confused as to which toothpastes are the best for them. The doctors at El Reno Family Dentistry are dedicated to making sure their patients stay as informed as possible, even down to the types of toothpastes they use in order to achieve excellent oral health.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a toothpaste is making sure the toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been shown to significantly decrease the odds of tooth decay over the past fifty years. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on the leftover sugars and starches that reside in your smile after eating, and fluoride helps fight against the acid released when that happens. Fluoride is a key component is strengthening your tooth enamel, and it can reverse the early stages of damage caused by acid by replenishing minerals your smile.
Another important thing to keep in mind when choosing a toothpaste is to find one that controls tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque, a bacterial layer. If tartar is not removed promptly and properly, it has the potential to lead to gum disease. Also, some tartar control toothpastes contain triclosan, an antibiotic that kills some of the bacteria in your mouth. It is also important to keep in mind finding a toothpaste that’s ADA approved. This way, you know the toothpaste is safe, effective, and contains fluoride!
If you’d like to set up an appointment, call us today at El Reno Family Dentistry. Our office is located in El Reno and serves patients from El Reno, Yukon, Minco, Calumet, Hinton, and other communities in the Canadian County.