Is There a Link Between Periodontal Disease & Heart Health?

February 13, 2018

Doctor holding a small red heart toySimply put – yes there is. Actually, periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to numerous chronic and systemic illnesses, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s, pre-term childbirth, and yes, heart disease. It’s important to understand that, in the early stages called gingivitis, gum disease is difficult to detect, but it’s always best to receive treatment at this point when your periodontal disease is most treatable. As gum disease advances to the periodontitis stage, it becomes more difficult to treat, and can lead to serious health complications. How can you make sure to keep your gums healthy? It’s simple. Find a San Marcos dentist you trust and feel comfortable with, and make sure you visit them at least twice a year for dental checkups and teeth cleanings. In this post, we’ll talk a little more about the link between gum disease and heart health and tell you more about how visiting a San Marcos dentist regularly can help you avoid oral and whole body health concerns. February is heart health month, and your San Marcos dentist wants to help you keep your smile and heart healthy this month – and the rest of the year.
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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…)

Expert Sedation Dentist, San Marcos

July 6, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-168372883 (1)If the thought of going to the dentist makes your heart race and sweat break out on your forehead, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from some level of dental anxiety, but at San Marcos Gentle Dental, we are dedicated to providing patients stress free, painless dental health care. That’s why our San Marcos, TX practice offers oral conscious sedation to help patients relax and enjoy their dental visit. Call the office of Dr. Robert Donnelly to schedule an appointment or find out more about sedation dentistry today.

Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry, New Braunfels

Sedation dentistry has several levels, and there are numerous sedation methods. At San Marcos Gentle Dental, we offer our patients oral conscious sedation. This level of sedation is generally considered ideal for any level of anxiety, and for preparing patients to undergo multiple or extensive treatments. Patients with extreme levels of dental anxiety may be offered a sedative to take the night before their appointment to help them sleep, and will be given a sedative about an hour before their visit to help them relax.

Patients who receive oral conscious sedation should not drive or operate other machinery, so you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to your appointment and pick you up. Patients with several dental anxiety may request to take their sedative at home before arriving at the office, but we recommend taking a sedative after arriving at our office. This allows our staff to monitor your vital signs as the sedative takes effect, and provide treatment at the optimal time.

The effects of sedation will vary between patients, but typically, people are able to relax into a sleep-like state. Many patients do not fall fully to sleep, but are extremely relaxed and not fully aware. As your procedure is performed, you will be given a warm blanket, and our team will monitor your vitals throughout the procedure for your safety.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry has made it possible for many dental anxiety sufferers to return to the dentist and achieve a happy, healthy smile, but sedation dentistry has helped dentists treat patients of all kinds with less pain. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry include those with:

  • Sensitive teeth and gums
  • Sensitive gag reflex
  • Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders who otherwise become anxious because they may not understand their treatment

Sedation dentistry has also made it possible for dentists to perform numerous or complex dental procedures at one time saving patients time and money without causing undo pain or stress.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry, San Marcos

If you are interested in finding out more about sedation dentistry and how it could benefit you or your family, call San Marcos Gentle Dental to find out more or schedule a consultation today. Our friendly staff, has made your comfort and peace our top priority. Don’t let fear keep you from the dental care you need. Our San Marcos office welcomes patients from New Braunfels, Kyle, Wimberley, and beyond.

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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