Grand Dental Nichols Hills Archives - Page 4 of 5

Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

March 15, 2013

Have you been hiding your smile because you’re missing teeth? Stop hiding, and come to Grand Dental Nichols Hills to learn how dental implants can be used to restore and improve your smile.

Dr. Michael Kirk studied dental implants extensively at the postgraduate level at the University of Texas and wants to put his expertise to good use and help improve your smile. A dental implant consists of a titanium post inserted into your jawbone and the crown that will go on top to replace the missing tooth. The post will bond with your jawbone to create a solid, secure foundation for your implant that mimics the roof of a natural tooth.

With all of today’s advances in anesthetics and medications, we will try our best to keep the procedure as comfortable for you as possible. Thanks to Dr. Kirk’s expertise, we can place the implants and restore your smile all in our office, so you won’t need to visit anyone else. We understand our patients have busy lives, so we work hard to make our dental treatments fit into your schedule as seamlessly as possible.

It is important to replace your missing teeth to reduce your risk of jawbone shrinkage and the risk that you’ll lose other teeth. Dental implants are the most permanent method to restore missing teeth and give you a beautiful smile once again. Give us a call to see if this solution is right for you.

Interested in learning more about dental implants or some of our other restorative dentistry treatments? Call us today at Grand Dental Nichols Hills to schedule your appointment. Our Oklahoma City dental office is conveniently located for patients who live or work in the greater OKC area.

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Intra-Oral Cameras for Better Smile Understanding

February 12, 2013

Filed under: Dental Technology — Tags: dental technology, Dr. Michael Kirk, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, intra-oral camera, OKC, Oklahoma City — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 7:43 pm

Sometimes, it’s hard to get a clear picture of just how your teeth really look. At Grand Dental Nichols Hills, we have an intra-oral camera to help you see what we see when you’re sitting in our dental chair.

We will use a special wand with a camera on the end that we will insert into your mouth. The intra-oral camera will take a video of the inside of your mouth and send the color images to a TV screen you can view from the comfort of the dental chair.

You’ll be able to see your teeth, up close and in full color. While the idea of seeing your teeth from this view may seem a bit overwhelming at first, it can prove to be helpful to your dental health in the long run. You can get a clearer view of the impact your brushing and flossing habits have on your teeth.

Our dentists can point out areas of concern and make sure that you fully understand what you need to work on. Instead of just telling you to focus on flossing between two teeth because a cavity could develop, they can show you exactly which two teeth it is. An intra-oral camera is a great tool to help our patients better understand their teeth and achieve better oral health.

Interested in learning more about intra-oral cameras or some of our other dental technology options? Call us today at Grand Dental Nichols Hills to schedule your appointment! Our Oklahoma City dental office is conveniently located for patients who live or work in the greater OKC area.

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Whitening for Your Brightest Smile in the New Year

January 12, 2013

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Michael Kirk, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, Lumineers, OKC, Oklahoma City, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 7:20 pm

teeth whitening Is your smile not as bright as you’d like? Come see us at Grand Dental Nichols Hills to start out the New Year right and smile proudly once again!

Teeth whitening is a great way to dramatically improve your smile, and we have a variety of options to suit your unique whitening needs.

For a quick improvement to your smile we offer in-office laser teeth whitening. With this great service you can come in during your lunch break and leave with whiter teeth. For greater convenience, we also offer a take-home teeth whitening system. You’ll be given custom trays with professional-grade bleaching gel to allow you to whiten your teeth from the convenience of your own home.

For more permanent results, we offer LUMINEERS and veneers. LUMINEERS are a minimal-prep brand of veneers. Porcelain veneers use thin pieces of porcelain placed over the teeth to hide imperfections and give you a whiter and brighter smile. They look like natural teeth and are stain resistant!

Start out the New Year with the beautiful and dazzling smile of your dreams. We’d love to help brighten your smile today. Come visit Grand Dental Nichols Hills today to have a smile consultation to figure out which whitening option is the best for your needs!

Interested in learning more about our teeth whitening options? Call us today at Grand Dental Nichols Hills to schedule your appointment! Our Oklahoma City dental office is conveniently located for patients who live or work in the greater OKC area.

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DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Detection in OKC

December 16, 2012

Filed under: Dental Technology — Tags: dental technology, DIAGNOdent, Dr. Michael Kirk, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, OKC, Oklahoma City — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 7:06 pm

Cavities are a very common dental health issue. Despite our best efforts to brush and floss, sometimes they can still occur. The best way to treat cavities is to find them as early as possible. At Grand Dental Nichols Hills, we use DIAGNOdent technology to help detect cavities in their infancy.

DIAGNOdent is a small, portable dental laser that can detect cavities earlier than any of the previously existing detection methods. This is a real benefit, because the earlier a cavity is detected, the smaller it is and thus the easier it is to repair the damage.

Our DIAGNOdent laser will scan your teeth, using laser reflection to find imperfections in your teeth. DIAGNOdent will alert us with an audible signal when a cavity is detected. Then, it will generate a numerical readout to give us an indication of the size of the cavity. This tool is a great asset in our ongoing quest to provide our patients with the best dental care possible.

Interested in learning more about DIAGNOdent technology or one of our other services? Call us today at Grand Dental Nichols Hills to schedule your appointment! Our Oklahoma City dental office is conveniently located for patients who live or work in the greater OKC area.

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Use Your Dental Benefits Before the Year Is Over

November 14, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: dental benefits, dental checkup, Dr. Michael Kirk, general dentistry, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, OKC, Oklahoma City — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 6:52 pm

The end of the year is getting closer and closer. That means that, for many, remaining dental benefits are about to expire. So, with the two months we have left, why not take advantage of them right now?

One of the best ways you can use your benefits is to cover a regular checkup and professional cleaning. We recommend having visits like these every six months, that way our doctors can keep an eye out for even the smallest change in your oral health.

What kinds of changes?

Signs of decay, for instance, or the appearance of gum disease. These common oral health conditions can have a negative impact on your oral health and overall well being, especially when treatment is delayed. The purpose of a regular checkup and professional cleaning is to provide preventive care, and to alert you to things you need to care for in a timely manner.

Another reason to use up your benefits now is that it may take multiple visits to give your smile the care it needs. To make sure those visit lie within the 2012 calendar year, we need to see you as soon as possible.

Call our Nichols Hills dental office to schedule your next visit. During your visit, your doctor would be happy to answer your treatment question, while our team would be more than willing to address any insurance-related questions you might have. Our office is located in Oklahoma City and serves patients from all around the greater OKC area.

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The Relationship between Sugar and Your Teeth

October 10, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Kirk, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, OKC, Oklahoma City, preventative dentistry, xylitol — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 6:19 pm

Halloween is just a couple of weeks away now. That means that, soon, another night of trick-or-treating will be underway. Trick-or-treating may primarily be a young kid’s activity, but if we adults are honest, we’ll admit to nabbing a piece of candy (or two or three) from the supply we bought to hand out.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. Enjoying a piece of candy from time to time is a good thing. But so are a balanced diet and excellent brushing and flossing habits.

So instead of making you feel guilty for eating candy this Halloween, we’d just like to briefly explain how sugar interacts with your teeth. That way you can make more informed decisions this Halloween season for you and your children.

Does Sugar Cause Cavities?

Yes and no. Sugar itself doesn’t cause cavities, but it does create just the right kind of environment for them to flourish in.

That’s because we all have a special type of bacteria in our mouths that feeds off sugar. When you consume foods or drinks high in sugar, the resultant feeding frenzy leads to the creation of acid. It’s this acid that attacks our vulnerable tooth enamel and causes it to decalcify.

That doesn’t mean that all sweeteners are bad for your teeth, though. Xylitol, a natural sweetener found in fruits and vegetables, has much fewer calories than regular sugar and promotes a health, stable pH level in the mouth. It’s so effective that it’s sometimes used in toothpastes and mouthwashes to help patients protect their teeth.

Tips for This Halloween

So what should you be doing this Halloween?

First, have fun. Don’t worry about enjoying your favorite candy. But don’t overindulge either. Set limits for yourself and your children, and consider substituting traditional candy with candy sweetened with xylitol.

Second, always brush and floss after enjoying your Halloween treats. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash to give your teeth even more help in the fight against decay.

And third, call Grand Dental in Nichols Hills if it’s been more than six months since your last visit. Regular exams and cleanings from our team are an important step in protecting your smile and improving your overall quality of life.

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Back to School, Back to the Grind

September 15, 2012

Filed under: Bruxism — Tags: bruxism, Dr. Michael Kirk, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, nightguard, OKC, Oklahoma City, teeth grinding — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 6:09 pm

nightguard In our last post we brought up the start of a new school year, which brings to mind a saying we’re sure you’re familiar with—back to the daily grind. That’s what August and September can feel like as teachers, students, and parents re-structure their time around another school year.

But there’s a big difference between that phrase—“the daily grind”—and a very serious condition known as bruxism. Often triggered by stress, which a new school year can cause, bruxism involves the unconscious grinding of teeth. Patients who struggle with bruxism may grind their teeth anytime, but it’s most common while they’re asleep.

The reason why teeth grinding is something to be concerned about is that all that pressure and motion can injure teeth, as well as the muscle and tissues around the jaw.

But the good news is that teeth grinding isn’t just a problem you have to live with. It can be easily treated with a nightguard from Grand Dental in Nichols Hills. Nightguards are made to prevent teeth from grinding, preserving oral health and eliminating the symptoms of bruxism.

Symptoms of bruxism include:

Sore jaw
Headaches
Earaches
TMJ dysfunction

If you think you might be struggling with bruxism, our doctors would love to help. Call Grand Dental in Nichols Hills today to reserve a visit. With a nightguard, we can help you eliminate uncomfortable systems to enjoy healthier teeth and gums.

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Have You Scheduled Your Child’s Back-to-School Visit?

August 19, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: dental checkup, Dr. Michael Kirk, general dentistry, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, OKC, Oklahoma City — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 3:06 pm

back-to-school dental checkup Over the next few weeks, families in Oklahoma and everywhere else in the country will be facing a new school year. That means that now is when parents will be focused on buying new clothes for their kids, new schools supplies, a new lunchbox or backpack, and more. What can get lost in all that great rush of activity, though, is something that’s very important—a back-to-school dental checkup.

There’s no better time than right now, with school just starting or about to start, to bring your child or teenager into Grand Dental in OKC for a dental visit and cleaning.

Why now?

Because as hectic as preparing for a new school year is, the rest of the year may be just a busy, with homework, projects, and extracurricular activities competing for your child’s time. So why not bring your son or daughter in now, before all of that ramps up?

With a regular dental visit and professional cleaning, our doctors can check your child’s smile for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. These common oral health conditions should be treated as soon as possible. When left untreated, they can quickly worsen, requiring more extensive work and even affecting overall health.

Call Grand Dental Nichols Hills to schedule a back-to-school dental visit for your child. We proudly serve patients from all across the greater OKC area.

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Receive the Care You Need with Sedation Dentistry from Grand Dental Nichols Hills

July 10, 2012

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Tags: dental anxiety, Dr. Michael Kirk, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, IV sedation, nitrous oxide, OKC, Oklahoma City, oral sedation, sedation dentistry — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 2:56 pm

sedation dentistry A healthy smile is important, not only for your teeth and gums but for your overall health as well. But as important as visiting the dentist is, strong feelings of anxiety can be enough to keep some from even just a routine exam and cleaning.

Where does this anxiety come from?

It may be linked to a past visit, or it may be related to something else entirely, like a sensitive gag reflex or a neuromuscular condition that makes sitting for long periods unbearable.

Whatever might be keeping you from seeking essential care, our doctors at Grand Dental Nichols Hills can help with sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses safe and effective means to create a relaxed sense of calm in patients who struggle with anxiety.

There are three common types—nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Each one works great, but not every type is right for every patient. For patients who would describe their anxiety level as mild or moderate, nitrous oxide and oral sedation may work the best. But for patients who would describe their anxiety as moderate to severe, IV sedation may be what you need. To help our OKC-area patients achieve a deep sense of calm with IV sedation, we work with trained anesthesiologists to ensure your safety as you receive care. Each anesthesiologist we work with is certified and will stay with you during your entire procedure to monitor your vital signs and ensure you remain absolutely safe from start to finish.

Want To Learn More?

If you’ve put off essential care for too long and want to learn more, call our Nichols Hills office today to schedule a consultation appointment. During your appointment we can explain your options and help you decide on a sedation dentistry option that will work best for you. We serve patients from all across the greater OKC area.

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Give Your Smile Extra Protection with Dental Sealants from Grand Dental

June 10, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: cavities, dental sealants, Dr. Michael Kirk, general dentistry, Grand Dental Nichols Hills, OKC, Oklahoma City, preventative dentistry — Dr. Michael Kirk @ 8:10 pm

You may have heard of dentists using dental sealants to help young patients protect their teeth, but did you know that adult patients can benefit from them too? After all, it’s not just children who get cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth—it can happen to anyone. But with dental sealants, it’s possible to keep teeth healthy and cavity-free.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin plastic film that we apply daily to the smiles of our Oklahoma City patients. More specifically, sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars in a two-step process.

In the first stage of this process, your teeth will be prepared with a special cleaning and etching solution. Then, after about 15 seconds, we’ll rinse that off, dry your teeth, coat them with our sealant, and then use our curing light to turn that liquid into a hardened plastic that provides a physical barrier for teeth, protecting them from cavity-causing bacteria.

When Should Dental Sealants Be Placed?

Dental sealants can be used to protect molar and premolar chewing surfaces, meaning they can be placed at almost any age. First permanent molars erupt at about age 6. By placing sealants on them shortly after they erupt we can protect them from developing cavities where food and bacteria collect. Second permanent molars erupt later on at about 12 years. As with the first case, the grooves of these teeth are also susceptible to cavities and can benefit from the protection dental sealants can offer.

Want To Learn More?

Do you want to learn more about how you can safeguard your teeth with dental sealants? Call Grand Dental Nichols Hills today with your questions or to schedule an appointment with us. The doctors at our Oklahoma City office serve patients from the greater OKC area.

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