Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

May 19, 2015

Straighter Teeth without Braces: Invisalign in Denton, TX

185780257When you look in the mirror or at photographs of yourself, are happy with what you see in your smile? For many of our patients, the answer is “No, because my teeth are so crooked.” At Southridge Dental in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson and his team can help. Our practice is happy to offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign clear orthodontics. We want you to feel confident in the appearance of your teeth so that you can share your smile with the world. (more…)

April 19, 2015

Digital X-Rays for Improved Patient Experience in the Dental Chair

465217799For over 100 years, film x-rays have been used to view the internal structures of the jaws and teeth, allowing dentists to provide their patients with more accurate and comprehensive care. Today, however, technology has advanced to the point that film x-rays are nigh obsolete. At Southridge Dental, our team uses only the latest in digital x-ray technology, passing the benefits of the most advanced techniques on to our patients every day. (more…)

March 19, 2015

Protect Your Smile and Your Health with Oral Cancer Screening in Denton, TX

462389477According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 8,000 men and women will succumb to oral cancer this year alone, with about 43,250 new diagnoses made in 2014. Because of the aggressive nature of the disease, early detection is critical. At Southridge Dental in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson and his team offer a wide range of general and preventive dentistry services, including oral cancer screening. (more…)

February 19, 2015

Rebuild & Rejuvenate Your Smile with Dental Implants in Denton, TX

151545340Over the past decade, dental implants have rapidly become the preferred method of replacing missing teeth. Whether you are missing a single tooth or require replacement teeth for a full arch, dental implants make it possible to smile with complete comfort and confidence. At Southridge Dental in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson and our team offer implant dentistry solutions that suit your lifestyle while rebuilding your beautiful smile.

Will Dental Implants Work for Me?

A one-on-one consultation with our team of experienced implant dentistry doctors will aid in determining your candidacy for dental implants. If your oral health is in good shape and your jaw possesses sufficient bone density to support implants, it is likely that you are a good candidate for this procedure. Our team will explain the entire process from start to finish so that you fully understand what to expect; we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.

The dental implants process is relatively simple. A biocompatible titanium post will be placed within your jaw where you missing tooth once stood. Osseointegration – the process by which your jaw bone fuses with the implant – will occur over the course of the next 6 to 8 weeks as the soft tissues of your gums heal as well. When this brief recovery period is complete, Dr. Dunson will complete your restoration with a beautiful, custom-crafted crown that blends seamlessly with the rest of your dentition. The result is a completely transformed smile, a stronger bite, and all of the confidence that comes with being able to eat, speak, and laugh with comfort and freedom.

Enjoy a Brand New Smile with Dental Implants

At Southridge Dental, we believe that every patient deserves to reap the full benefits of a gorgeous, healthy smile. Rediscover beautiful form and lasting function with dental implants from Dr. Dunson and our dedicated staff. From your initial consultation and the first steps of the planning process to the day your new restorations are placed, we are here to help you achieve the radiant, confident smile you’ve always wanted.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment, or to learn more about implant dentistry. From our state-of-the-art practice in Denton, TX, we also happily serve patients from throughout nearby communities in Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Flower Mound, The Colony, North Dallas, and more.

January 19, 2015

Find Lasting Relief from Migraines & Neck Pain with TMJ Disorder Treatment in Denton, TX

178901519Do you often wake up in the morning with a pounding headache, aching neck, or soreness in your back and shoulders? Perhaps your jaw is noticeably tender, or you experience a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth. Believe it or not, all of these symptoms can be caused by a single disorder of the joints just beneath your temples. These delicate joints are called the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and they act as a hinge that allows your lower jaw to open, close, and move from side to side. TMJ disorder can cause numerous symptoms, resulting in daily pain for millions. Fortunately, Dr. Ted Dunson and the team at Southridge Dental can help with customized oral appliances designed specifically for TMJ disorder.

How Does TMJ Disorder Treatment Help?

When an injury or misalignment of the jaws causes the temporomandibular joint to become irritated, the result is inflammation of the cartilage and discomfort of varying degrees. The intricate bundle of nerves and blood vessels surrounding this joint can send shooting pain throughout the head, neck, shoulders, jaw, and back. Another primary cause of TMJ disorder is jaw clenching and teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. The most effective way to eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms associated with this condition is to address the problem at its core: correct the imbalance or behavior that is causing the irritation.

With a custom nightguard (also called an oral appliance or splint), Dr. Dunson can keep your jaw in its proper position and prevent jaw clenching. This is particularly important for patients who clench their jaw as they sleep. The splint keeps your jaw from exerting the powerful force it would otherwise, allowing your muscles and joints to fully relax. Other therapies include massage and relaxation techniques. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you may be affected by TMJ disorder. Our team can help with both diagnosis and treatment so you can move on with your life free of the pain caused by TMD.

Schedule Your TMJ Therapy Consultation Today

Don’t spend another day suffering from the aching discomfort, headaches, or jaw pain associated with TMJ disorder. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ted Dunson and his experienced, caring staff. We understand how constant pain from TMJ disorder can negatively impact your life, and we want to help you find real relief. Conveniently located in Denton, TX, Southridge Dental proudly serves families from throughout communities in the surrounding DFW areas, including Richardson, Plano, Frisco, Flower Mound, The Colony, North Dallas, and beyond.

December 19, 2014

Pediatric Dentistry 101: Is Your Child Brushing Correctly?

86538608Your child’s dental health is important. To maintain good dental health, it’s also important to make sure that your child is developing good oral hygiene habits early on. While regular pediatric dental checkups will assist in maintaining healthy teeth, proper daily home care is equally essential. To protect your child’s oral health, take note of our pediatric tooth brushing tips below, and then make your child’s next pediatric dentistry appointment with Dr. Dunson at Southridge Dental today. Southridge Dental is the trusted family-friendly dental practice of Denton, TX. Dr. Dunson and his experienced team proudly serve families throughout North Dallas, Lewisville, Frisco, Plano, Richardson, Flower Mound, The Colony, and the surrounding north DFW communities.

Why Is Pediatric Dentistry Important?

Excellent oral hygiene starts before your child even gets their first tooth. Whether you choose to nurse or bottle feed your baby, you should begin incorporating a dental hygiene regimen as soon as possible. Before your baby’s teeth erupt, you can wipe away milk residue after feedings with gauze or a soft, wet washcloth. Once their baby teeth come in, it’s important to purchase a toothbrush designed specifically for babies and toddlers. You should also make sure your child has their first dental visit by the time they turn one. Dr. Dunson can keep your child’s teeth healthy by removing plaque buildup and applying dental sealants and fluoride treatments. Regular pediatric dentistry appointments will prevent harmful bacteria from causing dental diseases like tooth decay and gum disease.

Pediatric Tooth Brushing Tips

  • Always provide fluoride toothpaste
  • For children under age 3, use toothpaste that’s about the size of a grain of rice
  • For children ages 3-6, only use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste; use slightly more for older children
  • Remind your child to always spit out excess toothpaste
  • Teach your child to place the toothbrush at an angle against the gums as they brush
  • Remind them to move the brush back and forth, gently, in brief strokes
  • Teach them to always brush the front, back, and top of their teeth
  • Remind them to always brush their tongue to remove germs and maintain fresh breath

Denton Pediatric Dentistry Appointments

Be proactive with your child’s dental health. Make an appointment for your child with the pediatric dentistry experts at Southridge Dental today. Dr. Dunson is a trusted Denton family dentist. Southridge Dental proudly restores smiles daily throughout Denton, TX, North Dallas, Lewisville, Frisco, Plano, Richardson, Flower Mound, The Colony, and nearby Dallas/ Fort Worth cities.

November 10, 2014

Revitalize Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers in Denton, TX at Southridge Dental

101475871When you look at your smile in photographs or in the mirror, are you happy with what you see? Perhaps you even hide your teeth behind your lips when you pose for pictures because you’re embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance. If cosmetic flaws like chips, stains, and cracks in your teeth frequently detract from your quality of life, Dr. Ted Dunson wants to help. At Southridge Dental in Denton, TX, Dr. Dunson and his experienced team offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions for patients just like you, including porcelain veneers.

Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are an ideal solution to a variety of aesthetic issues, correcting a variety of problems in as little as two visits to Southridge Dental. These custom-made shells of dental porcelain are meticulously crafted to look and feel just like natural tooth enamel. In fact, they even reflect light in the same way that your existing teeth do, so your smile never looks “fake” or unnatural. Porcelain veneers can flawlessly correct these common cosmetic problems:

  • Deep staining that is resistant to professional teeth whitening
  • Teeth that appear too small in relation to surrounding teeth
  • Chips and/or cracks in enamel
  • Gaps between the teeth that show when you smile
  • Mild to moderate crowding or misalignment

To begin, Dr. Dunson will take precise measurements of your teeth and send this data to a special lab where your veneers will be created. After they have been applied, you’ll be able to smile with complete confidence in the knowledge that your teeth look as great as you feel.

Will Porcelain Veneers Work for Me?

The first step to determining your candidacy for porcelain veneers is scheduling an appointment with Dr. Dunson for a consultation. The majority of patients faced with mild to moderate aesthetic concerns are deemed great candidates for this common cosmetic dentistry treatment, so call us today to reserve your visit with Dr. Dunson to learn more. Our state-of-the-art, family-friendly dental practice in Denton, TX warmly welcomes patients from throughout the DFW Metroplex, including Lewisville, Frisco, Plano, Richardson, Flower Mound, The Colony, and more.

October 10, 2014

Have a Brighter Smile for the Holidays with Teeth Whitening from Southridge Dental in Denton, TX

462429961October is here, so Halloween is just around the corner. And around the next corner—yes, you guessed right—Thanksgiving and Christmas. The time when there are family gatherings, offices parties and smiles all around. You can make sure your smile is white and bright with teeth whitening from Southridge Dental in Denton, TX. Dr. Ted Dunson and his staff will be glad to show you how in-office teeth whitening will improve you smile.

There a number of reasons why our teeth become discolored and stained through the years. One unavoidable reason is aging. Over the years, teeth darken as a result of normal wear and tear and stains accumulating in cracks that may be invisible to the naked eye. In addition, everyone has a natural tooth color, and some show discoloration more so than others. Other reasons why teeth become discolored and stained are:

  • Eating richly colored foods such as cherries, tomato sauce or carrots
  • Drinking darkly colored beverages such as coffee, tea and colas
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Consuming too much fluoride
  • Ingesting certain antibiotics

Three Ways to Whiten Teeth

Southridge Dental offers three in-office teeth whitening systems. The first is the new and improved Zoom2 Whitening procedure. The ph balanced Zoom2 gel is applied to your teeth and then activated by the Zoom2 light. The entire treatment takes less than an hour and leaves teeth feeling less sensitive than with the original Zoom!

Second is Boost Whitening! Like our other whitening systems, Boost Whitening! uses a special whitening gel and activating light. Boost leaves your teeth whiter, stronger and less susceptible to cavities. Lastly, you can choose Opalescence Boost in-office teeth whitening. Regardless of which teeth whitening system you and Dr. Dunson decide is best for you, you’ll have a whiter, brighter, stronger and healthier smile in time for the first holiday party.

Call Our Office Today

If whiter teeth is a gift you’d like to give yourself, then call Southridge Dental in Denton, TX, today. Dr. Dunson and his team will be glad to discuss your teeth whitening options. We also serve patients in Frisco, Flower Mound, Lewisville, The Colony and throughout the DFW Metroplex.

 

September 10, 2014

Protect Yourself from Gum Disease with Periodontal Therapy in Denton, TX

185594294Most of us know that gum disease can lead to a variety of oral health problems, including persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, and even eventual tooth loss. Some of the lesser-known complications associated with gum disease can be even more serious than most people realize, so Dr. Ted Dunson emphasizes the importance of preventive care and periodontal therapy at every routine checkup. At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team helps Denton, TX families reduce their risk of health problems linked to gum disease with periodontal therapy.

The Importance of Periodontal Therapy

While it is true that advanced periodontal disease can lead to the loss of permanent teeth, systemic health conditions linked to this common infection are more of an imminent threat. Gum disease has been correlated with higher instances of the following health problems:

  • Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Dementia
  • Trouble managing diabetes
  • Pregnancy complications, including premature birth and low birth weight

Fortunately, periodontal therapy from Dr. Ted Dunson can potentially help to reduce your risk of developing health complications such as these. By managing the infection in your gums, you effectively lessen the chances that the bacteria will take hold elsewhere in the body. As with any other oral healthcare concern, early treatment is best; be sure to visit our office every six months for a general dentistry checkup and cleaning.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Whether you are currently experiencing the symptoms of gum disease or you’d simply like to learn more about the various benefits of periodontal therapy, Dr. Dunson is here to help. Contact our office in Denton, TX today to schedule your visit with our caring, knowledgeable team. We look forward to providing you with exceptional care with a gentle touch, addressing your family’s every dental need under one convenient roof. Our dental practice in Denton, TX proudly serves patients from throughout communities in Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Plano, and the entire DFW Metroplex. 

August 12, 2014

Explore the Possibilities of Dental Implants with Dr. Ted Dunson

187007308At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that each and every patient should enjoy the ability to speak, eat, and smile with complete freedom and confidence. If you are missing teeth due to injury or disease, you may find that doing these things is much more difficult than you’d like. From his state-of-the-art dental practice in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson helps patients just like you restore their smiles to full health and beauty with a variety of procedures, including the placement of dental implants.

Advantages of Dental Implants & Restorations

While it is true that traditional dental prosthetics – including full dentures, partials, and bridges – can effectively help a patient replace missing teeth, these options lack the vital stability and full functionality of your natural dentition. Dentures can slip, slide, wobble, and rub when not fitted properly, and the worry of clicks or other sounds marring your speech can be debilitating in social situations. With dental implants and custom restorations, Dr. Dunson can help you reclaim your smile and your bite in a way that not only looks fantastic, but also feels more natural than any other restorative option.

Dental implants are tiny, biocompatible posts made of titanium that are surgically placed within the gum tissue and bone of your jaw. Over a brief recovery period, these posts gradually fuse with the bone via a process known as osseointegration. The implants serve as new roots to which your restorations will be affixed. Dental implants can be used to secure a single crown, a bridge of multiple teeth, or a full denture, depending on your unique needs. You’ll love the freedom that comes with dental implants and restorations from Southridge Dental almost as much as you adore your beautiful new smile.

Rebuild Your Smile, Improve Your Life

Whether you are missing just one tooth or you’d like to learn about how dental implants can restore an entire arch with implant-retained dentures, Dr. Dunson and our team are here to help. Contact our office today to schedule your dental implants consultation and see what a difference this revolutionary restorative dental solutions can make in your life.

We look forward to providing you with exceptional dental care in a warm, inviting office atmosphere conveniently located in Denton, TX. Our cutting-edge practice proudly serves families from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Lewisville, Frisco, Flower Mound, Plano, Richardson, and the entire DFW Metroplex. 

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