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Mercury Safe
Environment
Dr. LeJeune removes
amalgam fillings using Dr. Bob Marshall's protocol
which goes beyond Dr. Huggins protocol, in that
teeth are treated with safe lasers to
decontaminate the tooth structure before permanent
restorations are placed. Using the laser reduces
post operative sensitivity, provides a better seal
between the restoration and the tooth; and reduces
the chance for recurrent decay under the
restoration.
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TMJ Treatments
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint.
Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular
as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's
where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this
joint may be caused by a misalignment of the
teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside
from the two bones that meet there, cartilage
buffers them and five muscles are involved in the
area. If something goes wrong a good deal of
trouble can result.
Problems in this area can cause:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Trouble/soreness in opening
and closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping of the
jaw
- Pain in the jaw muscles
- Soreness in the area,
sometimes extending to the face
Dental treatments for the condition
can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth,
adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth,
etc. There is no one solution that is right for
all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used
to prevent clenching or grinding that is
contributing to the problem. If untreated and
taken to extremes, surgery may be required to
repair a badly damaged joint.
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Sleep Apnea
Treatment
Sleep apnea is a
sleep disorder characterized by
abnormal pauses in
breathing or instances of abnormally
low breathing, during
sleep. Each pause in breathing, called
an
apnea, can last from a few seconds to
minutes, and may occur 5 to 30 times or more an
hour.[1]
Similarly, each abnormally low breathing event is
called a
hypopnea. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with
an overnight sleep test called a
polysomnogram, or a "sleep study".
Regardless of type, an individual
with sleep apnea is rarely aware of having
difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Sleep
apnea is recognized as a problem by others
witnessing the individual during episodes or is
suspected because of its effects on the body (sequelae).
Symptoms may be present for years (or even
decades) without identification, during which time
the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime
sleepiness and
fatigue associated with significant
levels of sleep disturbance.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when there is a
partial or total collapse of the airway leading to
a period of diminished or absent airflow.
Affecting upwards of 18 million Americans.
Symptoms range from chronic snoring, morning
headaches, difficulties in concentration,
irritability, daytime fatigue, anxiety and even
depression. What’s more, when left untreated,
obstructive sleep apnea can lead to hypertension,
heart disease, stroke, and sudden death.
Dental signs and symptoms may include but not
limited to sore teeth, broken or cracked teeth and
restorations. In addition recent studies have
revealed that jaw joint (TMJ) pain, inflammation,
and dysfunction can be a secondary condition to
obstructive sleep apnea. This is due to an
involuntary response of grinding and clenching to
reposition the lower jaw to open and maintain the
airway while sleeping.
In the past, the only way to treat sleep apnea was
through surgical intervention or the use of a
noisy cumbersome machine and mask (CPAP). Now,
however, new FDA-Approved oral appliances can
comfortably and conveniently treat and eliminate
the source of obstructive sleep apnea. While there
are many different types of oral appliances
available, there is no “one-size fits all”
treatment.
To ensure each patient achieves the best result
possible, Dr. LeJeune uses an array of
leading-edge diagnostic technologies to accurately
map patients’ nasal passages and pharyngeal
airways. In fact, Dr. LeJeune is one of the only
doctors between Houston and Atlanta to offer
acoustic diagnostic imaging.
“This level of advanced diagnostics not only
allows us to precisely customize each patient’s
appliance, but it also gives us the ability to
verify that the appliance is working as
effectively as possible.” Dr. LeJeune says.
“Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition
with debilitating consequences. Ongoing research
and studies continue to add to the list of
widespread complications and symptoms associated
with sleep apnea including but not limited to jaw
joint problems, neck pain, referred headaches and
migraines. Through our dedication to the most
state-of-the-art medical care, we can help our
patients reclaim their heath and their quality of
life.”
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Laser
Treatment
Before Cypress Dental
places any permanent restoration, we use a laser
to disinfect the teeth which reduces sensitivity
and increases the bond between the tooth and the
restoration.
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Laser Therapy
Therapeutic medical lasers heal
tissue ailments by injecting billions of photons
of invisible laser light deep into tissue
structures. Human tissue naturally contains
protein strands called chromophores, which have
the unique ability to absorb laser light energy
and transform it into chemical energy. This
chemical energy is utilized by the tissue to
significantly accelerate the healing process in
the body naturally.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
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Rapid Cell Growth
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Faster Wound Healing
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Increased Metabolic Activity
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Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation
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Anti-Inflammatory Action
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Increased Vascular Activity
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Stimulate Nerve Function
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Periodontal Disease
We treat periodontal
disease with the latest technology.
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Laser treatments to
reduce pocket depths
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Laser treatments to
reduce inflammation and swelling.
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Use of perio protect
appliance to reduce pocket depths and treat gum
inflammation and gum disease.
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Dentures
There are different types of
dentures, but they share their common function.
They replace teeth that have become loose or been
lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the
roots of teeth is great enough to loosen them or
let them fall out, it's time for dentures. Relax.
No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you
can still eat and talk regularly.
The entire mouth is examined and a
determination is made as to which teeth will have
to be removed, and which will remain. The loose
teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to
go over or around whatever teeth remain in the
mouth, depending on the type. There is an
adjustment period after dentures are placed in the
mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But
once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal
functionality and appearance return and one just
carries on as usual. Often implants can used to
further stabilize the dentures.
We have the ability to
construct your dentures to look like real teeth so
you can have that beautiful smile you have always
wanted!
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Root Canal
Treatment
Root canal treatment (also referred
to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is
made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through
neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp.
(Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect
problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or
trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be
damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy,
also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected,
and can even extend through the root tip and begin
to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an
abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must
be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can
even weaken the entire immune system. This is
dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms
that the pulp has become infected may include
sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling,
pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the
mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are
apparent and the person is unaware of any problem
until a checkup.
A root canal is then performed to
clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect
the canals of the tooth. Here at Cypress Dental we
effectively disinfect the canals 99.9 % using a
laser. The only other treatment would be to
extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved,
the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further
infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is
recommended for restoring a tooth that has had
root canal therapy.
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Crowns
Crowns are full coverage
restorations that are used to cover a tooth that
is likely to break, or is too broken down to be
restored with a filling. They are most commonly
done after root canal treatment, or when a large
filling wears out. The larger the hole made by a
cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a
crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put
in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to
break. Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the
strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected
to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the
weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting
the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked
tooth is a far more serious matter and much more
difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well
as making for a nice smile.
It takes two appointments to
restore a tooth with a crown. In the first any
decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped
to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of
the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between
the two visits the crown is made, usually of
high-strength biocompatible porcelain.
During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the
second visit this temporary is removed. Then the
permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then
cemented in place.
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Bridges
This is an option for filling the
space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to
look like the missing tooth, and it takes its
place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the
two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name.
A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both
functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as
much an art as it is an exact science. At Cypress
Dental we only use the most biocompatible
porcelain to construct our bridges.
It is important that a missing
tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several
reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the
gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain
reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors
for support, and, with one missing, they start to
"fall." As this worsens the bite changes in
response to the pressure. This can eventually
result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ.
The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a
matter of time before they, too, are lost. Gum
disease becomes a serious problem, with the
difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect
continues.
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Child / Infant Care
Cypress Dental offers
services for children three (3) years or older.
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