What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?

May 30, 2016

dental bridge in san marcosHave you lost some of your teeth? Or are you on the brink of needing your first tooth replacement device? If so, it’s important that you educate yourself on your options. Dental implants, dentures, and the dental bridge in San Marcos are all effective methods for replacing several missing teeth. Keep reading to learn more about each option from the experts at San Marcos Gentle Dental!

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Don’t fear root canal therapy from your San Marcos dentist

April 25, 2016

Suffering with an abscess? Don’t worry. Dr. J. Robert Donnelly of San Marcos Gentle Dental performs painless root canals, saving teeth for years of service.

A super-sensitive tooth or pain and swelling at the gumline could mean dental abscess or dying tooth pulp. A great alternative to tooth extraction is root canal therapy. Also called endodontic therapy or simply, “ a root canal,” this restorative dental service removes diseased inner pulp and preserves hard tooth structure. Dr. J. Robert Connelly DDS, root canal dentist, expertly performs endodontic therapy to restore health and appearance to smiles in the San Marcos area. (more…)

What You Need to Know About Gum Disease & Overall Health

April 23, 2015

454389001According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half of American adults over the age of 30 suffer from periodontitis. That’s 64.7 million cases, many of which are left untreated until the problem becomes severe. The American Academy of Periodontology considers this a “significant public health problem,” and for good reason. While bleeding gums and sensitivity are the most common symptoms of gum disease, there are even more serious implications associated with the condition. Today, we’d like to take a moment to inform our patients of the lesser-known effects of periodontal disease.

The Oral Systemic Link Explained

When your gums become infected, the harmful bacteria that reside within your mouth pose a very real threat to organs and tissues throughout the rest of your body. In fact, numerous studies have proven the existence of a link between untreated periodontal disease and severe medical conditions, including:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer of the pancreas and/or blood
  • Osteoporosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Complications in the treatment of diabetes
  • Pre-term birth and low birth weight in babies whose mothers have gum disease

Fortunately, regular periodontal therapy can dramatically reduce your risk of developing these and other health complications. Our team will work with you to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs, giving you the clear advantage when it comes to the fight against gum disease.

Healthier Gums, Longer Life

If you are suffering from the effects of periodontal disease, don’t wait another day to take the first step toward a healthier smile and improved well-being overall. Contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Donnelly and our caring, experienced team of oral health professionals in San Marcos, TX. Very often, periodontal disease can be managed effectively with more frequent deep cleanings and exams. Our family-friendly dental practice warmly welcomes patients from San Marcos, Austin, New Braunfels, Buda, Kyle, Wimberley, and beyond.

Eliminate Dental Pain and Sensitivity with Gentle Root Canal Therapy in San Marcos, TX

January 23, 2015

459080861Do you suffer from periodic toothaches and tooth sensitivity? If so, you may need root canal therapy from Dr. Donnelly to save the tooth from extraction. Root canal therapy removes the inflamed and infected pulp inside your tooth. Your tooth is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, and then filled and sealed with a material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, your tooth can be completely restored to normal form and functioning with a dental crown or filling. To eliminate discomfort and avoid tooth loss, make an appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental for the root canal therapy you need today. Dr. Donnelly is a trusted San Marcos restorative dentist. San Marcos Gentle Dental proudly serves families throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and nearby cities.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp. Dental pulp contains the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that grow the root of your tooth during its development. However, once your teeth are fully developed, they can survive without the dental pulp. Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes including: decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or cracks and chips. In addition, dental trauma can cause pulp damage even if your tooth has no visible distress. If dental pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can lead to severe pain and sensitivity or dental abscess.

How Is Root Canal Therapy Performed?

  • First, Dr. Donnelly will x-ray your tooth and administer a local anesthetic. After your tooth is numb, a small protective dental dam is placed over the area to isolate the tooth during the procedure.
  • Next, Dr. Donnelly will open the crown of your tooth and clean out and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canals so that they can then be shaped and filled.
  • After the space is cleaned and shaped, Dr. Donnelly will fill the root canals with biocompatible material and adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing. Next, a temporary filling is placed until your restoration is ready.

Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy can help you maintain your natural smile, continue to eat the foods you love, and reduce the need for future costly dental treatments. With proper oral care and maintenance, most teeth treated with root canal therapy last just as long as other natural teeth.

San Marcos Root Canal Therapy Appointments

Millions of patients save their natural teeth each year with root canal therapy treatment. Make your root canal therapy appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental today. Dr. Donnelly is a highly qualified family restorative dentist. San Marcos Gentle Dental proudly serves patients of all ages throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and the surrounding communities.

Dental Implants from San Marcos Gentle Dental Can Restore Your Youthful Smile

December 23, 2014

155861285 Are you concerned about the effects of traditional tooth replacement methods on your appearance? Although dentures and dental bridges can easily replace your missing teeth, they can be inconvenient and embarrassing to live with. That’s why Dr. Donnelly now offers patients an alternative to traditional dentures and bridges with dental implants. By replacing your missing teeth and the corresponding tooth roots, dental implants can imitate the strength and stability of your natural teeth. Dental implants enable you to eat all the foods you love, without struggling to chew. Additionally, dental implants stimulate and maintain jaw bone density, preventing bone loss and helping to maintain your youthful facial features. Make an appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental for your dental implants consultation today. Dr. Donnelly is a highly qualified cosmetic and restorative dentist. San Marcos Gentle Dental proudly serves patients throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and the surrounding communities.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that serve as artificial tooth roots used to support a restoration for a missing tooth or several teeth. Dental implants are both restorative and cosmetic, helping to stop or prevent bone loss in the jaw.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

  • Stability and Security
  • No collateral damage of surrounding healthy teeth
  • Better oral hygiene
  • Enhanced self confidence and quality of life
  • More youthful appearance

Dental Implants Appointments in San Marcos, TX

The time required to complete your dental implants procedure will depend upon your current dental health and your individual bone density. In some cases, you may need a procedure to increase bone density before your dental implant procedure. In any case, you shouldn’t put off the quality of life  change you deserve. The sooner you make an appointment for a dental implants consultation with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental, the sooner you can begin to enjoy the benefits of dental implants restorations. Dr. Donnelly is an experienced dental implants restoration dentist proudly restoring smiles throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and nearby areas.

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