Dental Patient Educational Videos

Dr. David Koepsel

Thank you for choosing our website for your dental education needs. Please select from the variety of topics to learn about dental concepts and the services our office can provide.

Many Happy Faces Gum Disease

The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis includes swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.


Gum Disease

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means’around the tooth’. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects and gums and born supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Many Happy Faces Bridge

A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.


Bridges

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device which is cemented onto at least two teeth. These two teeth help support the prosthetic tooth which is used to replace the missing tooth. When you have a missing tooth, we prepare the teeth which lie on either side of the missing space. A bridge is made to be cemented onto the two neighboring teeth and then a prosthetic tooth is placed in below. This prosthetic tooth is supported by its neighbors. This is the typical way of permanently replacing missing teeth.

Many Happy Faces Root Canel

Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.


Root Canal

Tired of always being in pain? Scared to go to the dentist to hear that big bad word- ROOT CANAL? Then let us put your mind at ease. You see a root canal is a procedure that is performed to save your tooth and take the pain away, not to scare you into hiding. Unfortunately for the root canal, it has gained a bad rep through the years form ‘ole wives tales’ passed down from patient to patient.

Many Happy Faces Implants

Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.


Dental Implants

It’s time to get your best gap-free smile. When you smile, you should be able to do it with confidence, knowing that you are as beautiful on the outside as you feel on the inside. Very often people will judge you on your smile alone; make sure that they see the real you, not the gaps between your teeth!

Myths and Facts Cavities Thumbnail

Fact or myth? If you have a cavity, you will know it. Myth, Mild tooth decay has no symptoms. Sensitivity begins to occur when the tooth decay is already causing damage to the nerve. Today’s dentistry prevents tooth decay with sealants and other conservative methods. Fact or myth? Sugar is the prime cause of cavities. A fact and also a myth. Acid is the main trigger in producing the bacteria that causes cavities. The bacteria is then fueled by the consumption of carbohydrates. Sugar is a trigger in cavities, but carbs as a whole are the main cause. Fact or myth? Cavities are the prime reason for root canals. Myth. Root canals are a result of nerve damage. And untreated cavity could lead to nerve damage, but root canals are on set by number of different factors. Facts on myth? Brushing and flossing are the best way to prevent cavities. Fact. Fact or myth? Expensive toothpastes are always better than cheaper ones. Myth. Different toothpastes are better for different teeth in situations. Sometimes moderately priced toothpaste can be more effective. Ask the dentist about what might be best for your teeth. And always look for the ADA seal of approval. Fact or myth? If a tooth is white, it must be healthy. Myth. Under the surface there may be cavities, problems with the root or other abnormalities. Fact or Myth? Teeth whitening is harmful because it damages enamel. Myth. There are many modern teeth whitening processes that have minimal harmful effects. Teeth whitening isn’t for every mouth or person though. Consult the dentist before you proceed with whitening treatments. Fact or myth? Dentists should be feared. Myth. With today’s advancements in technology and safety practices there is nothing to worry about. Procedures are as quick and painless as ever. Fact or myth? You should visit your dentists at least twice a year. FACT.


Myths and Facts about Cavities

Cavities are holes, or structural damage, in the teeth. Symptoms: There may be on symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include: Tooth pain or achy feeling, particularly after sweet, hot or cold foods and drinks; Visible pits…

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Fact or myth? Expensive toothpastes are always better than cheaper ones. Myth. Different toothpastes are better for different teeth in situations. Sometimes moderately priced toothpaste can be more effective. Ask the dentist about what might be best for your teeth. And always look for the ADA seal of approval. Fact or myth? If a tooth is white, it must be healthy. Myth. Under the surface there may be cavities, problems with the root or other abnormalities. Fact or Myth? Teeth whitening is harmful because it damages enamel. Myth. There are many modern teeth whitening processes that have minimal harmful effects. Teeth whitening isn’t for every mouth or person though. Consult the dentist before you proceed with whitening treatments. Fact or myth? Dentists should be feared. Myth. With today’s advancements in technology and safety practices there is nothing to worry about. Procedures are as quick and painless as ever. Fact or myth? You should visit your dentists at least twice a year. FACT.


Myths and Facts about Dentistry

Dentistry is the branch of medicine that involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their implant in the human body.

Many Happy Faces Veneers

Veneers are thin handcrafted porcelain shields worn on the front of the tooth which improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained or worn. Veneers are thin as contact lenses, and are an aesthetically pleasing option of closing gaps, lengthening teeth, and providing symmetry to make your smile more natural. Veneers are intended to last for many years without changing color. They are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry. Ask your dentist if veneers may be right for you.


Veneers

Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers, Porcelain dental veneers are also called dental veneers, Porcelain veneers, porcelain laminates or just veneers. Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers.

Many Happy Faces Teeth Whitening

At a young age our teeth are healthy white. But overtime the enamel coating the tooth is so slowly worn down. Causing our teeth to become stained and yellow, which is why teeth whitening is become increasingly popular today. There are a few methods for whitening. They include at home and in office. With in office treatments, you will see faster results, receive the safest treatment for bleaching the teeth, and yield the whitest smile. So, don’t settle for teeth that have become stained from years of coffee drinking, tobacco use, or just aging. Ask your dentist about whitening options that may be right you.


Teeth Whitening

Picture yourself with a smile so stunning it will turn heads! Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you! A beautiful smile will give you more confidence and make you look and feel younger. With so many reasons to smile, don’t let your teeth hold you back.

Teeth Maintenance Thumbnail

The maintenance of clean teeth and gums revolves round brushing and flossing. Place the tooth brush bristles next to the gum line on the outer surfaces to the teeth. Brush gently using a back and forth technique with the tooth brushes. For the inner surface of the teeth, place the bristles next to the gum line and brushing a circular motion. The inside of the mouth is where the most plaque accumulates brush the surface of the teeth where the most chewing of food takes place, in the same circular motion, to clean those places between the teeth where a tooth brush can’t reach floss once a day to remove food and plaque to avoid gum disease. So eat a well-balanced diet, brush daily and schedule regular checkups with the dentist.


Teeth Maintenance

Our teeth do an extremely hard jog every day. Not only do they have to chop up food and nourishment, but they are also exposed to acids, bacteria and sometimes also bones in the food which leads to heavy stress of the teeth.