January 19, 2015

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

Filed under: Family Dentistry,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — dunson @ 9:12 pm

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?

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Pediatric Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — dunson @ 3:45 pm

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

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — dunson @ 9:45 pm

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

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — dunson @ 8:32 pm

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

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — dunson @ 5:45 pm

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

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — dunson @ 8:42 pm

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. 

July 15, 2014

Invisalign Clear Braces: An Orthodontic Solution That Fits Your Lifestyle

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , — dunson @ 7:00 pm

Shutterstock InvisalignDo you often look at your smile in the mirror and wish that your teeth were straighter or spaced more evenly? For many adults and teens, the notion of spending a few years wearing metal braces simply isn’t appealing, particularly when your career requires that you maintain a polished, professional appearance. At Southridge Dental in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson and his caring, friendly staff understand that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution to your dental issues. That is why we offer an all-encompassing array of cosmetic, orthodontic, and restorative dental services to address your unique needs, including Invisalign clear aligners.

Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners are similar to traditional braces in that they gradually shift the teeth into their proper positions, but with Invisalign, there’s no need for metal brackets or wires. Instead, the teeth are moved into alignment using a series of clear plastic aligners that are customized to fit your unique dentition. Simply switch to the next set of aligners in the series every two to four weeks and see your new smile emerge over the course of approximately 12 to 18 months of treatment.

Because Invisalign aligners can be removed when you eat, you don’t have to worry about making any changes to your normal diet. Enjoy your favorite foods even as you undergo orthodontic treatment, and feel free to remove your aligners for short periods of time for special occasions or outings. You’ll love how comfortable and easy the process really is (almost as much as you’ll love your results)!

Your Radiant Smile, Only Straighter

If you’ve spent years wishing that your teeth were straighter but you’ve avoid seeking orthodontic treatment, Invisalign clear aligners may prove to be the perfect choice for you. Contact our office in Denton, TX today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dunson and our warm and welcoming team. We look forward to showing you what a difference this revolutionary orthodontic treatment can make in your smile and in your everyday life. Our family-friendly office happily serves patients from throughout Denton, Fort Worth, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and beyond.

June 3, 2014

Caring for Dentures and Partials: Helpful Tips from Southridge Dental in Denton, TX

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — dunson @ 7:54 pm

Shutterstock Senior Couple Hug SmileCustomized dentures and partials are a common restorative dentistry solution to missing teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with comfort and confidence. Taking proper care of your dental prosthetics is critical to their appearance and longevity, and Dr. Ted Dunson at Southridge Dental in Denton, TX can help. Keep these tips in mind when caring for your dentures and partials to ensure their continued beauty and function.

Proper Care for Dentures and Partials

Taking good care of your dentures is simple, and it keeps them looking and feeling their best. First, it is important to remember that harsh toothpastes – such as those used for whitening teeth – are too abrasive for use on dentures and may lead to costly damage. Instead, brush and rinse your dentures daily with water and a special formula made for cleaning dental prosthetics. Avoid brushes with stiff bristles, as these can also damage the materials used to fabricate the dentures. In between brushings, remember to rinse your dentures with water after each time you eat.

When dentures are not being worn, they should be kept moist in either water or a specialized solution. Water should not be hot, as this can cause the material to warp. As always, Dr. Dunson and our team are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your dental prosthetics, their fit, and their care.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Whether your dentures need an adjustment, you have questions about denture care, or you’d like to explore the possibilities afforded by dental implants, the team at Southridge Dental is here to help. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to becoming your trusted partners in your continuing journey toward lifelong oral health and wellness. Our conveniently located practice in Denton, TX warmly welcomes patients from the entire DFW area, including northern Dallas, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Plano, Frisco, The Colony, and more.

May 13, 2014

Find Complete Comfort & Relaxation with Sedation Dentistry at Southridge Dental

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — dunson @ 2:12 pm

Shutterstock Sleep SedationIf you find yourself feeling nervous or apprehensive regarding even routine visits to the dentist, you are certainly not alone. Millions of Americans experience varying levels of anxiety or fear when faced with dental treatment, particularly if they haven’t been seen in a number of years. At Southridge Dental in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson helps patients just like you enjoy a completely stress-free, comfortable dental experience with sedation dentistry.

Sit Back and Relax as We Improve Your Smile!

At Southridge Dental, your comfort, satisfaction, and ultimate well-being are constantly at the forefront of our minds. From our abundant patient amenities and close attention to detail to the state-of-the-art technology we employ in our office, everything we offer aims to make your experience a pleasant one. To this same end, we offer oral conscious sedation, a safe, proven method of helping you relax during your treatment with us.

With oral conscious sedation, the patient is lulled into a deep sense of total calm and relaxation. A small pill is taken approximately an hour before your scheduled procedure, taken as directed by Dr. Dunson. While you’ll still be able to respond to his commands during treatment, you will feel incredibly sleepy and peaceful throughout. Many patients report having little to no memory of their procedure — an added bonus for those whose anxiety would otherwise pose an issue.

Sedation Dentistry: Your Comfort Comes First

If you dread going to the dentist, have issues with lying still for extended periods of time, or have an overly sensitive gag reflex, sedation dentistry might be the ideal solution for you. Contact our office in Denton, TX today and find out more about the benefits of sedation dentistry. Our inviting, family-friendly office proudly serves patients from throughout Denton and the surrounding areas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, Plano, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Frisco, and more. We look forward to showing you what a difference our gentle, caring approach and cutting-edge technology can make in your next dental office experience.

April 14, 2014

Oral Cancer: Knowing Your Risk & the Importance of Screening in Denton, TX

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — dunson @ 9:35 pm

shutterstock_126406406Oral cancer leads to an alarming number of deaths every year, taking approximately 8,000 deaths per year. That is the equivalent of one oral cancer-related casualty every hour of every day. Fortunately, not all cases of oral cancer end in tragedy. For many patients, the disease is detected at a stage at which treatment is effective and the cancer can be eradicated. At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson and his team perform oral cancer screenings as part of our general dentistry services.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening

As is the case with other forms of cancer, oral cancer is most successfully treated when the disease is diagnosed in its earliest stages. This is why oral cancer screening should be performed regularly, particularly for patients whose risk for developing the disease is higher. Some of the most common risk factors for oral cancer include the following:

  • Repetitive viral infections such as HPV
  • Tobacco use
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol
  • Family history of oral cancer
  • Advanced age

If any of these factors apply to you, ask Dr. Dunson about ways you can reduce your risk. Proper oral hygiene and routine visits to your local Denton, TX dentist can also aid in diminishing your chances of developing oral cancer. If you experience any symptoms of this aggressive disease – including strange white or red patches in the mouth or on the lips, loss of sensation, unexplained sores, or persistent pain – it is important that you contact us as soon as possible for a comprehensive examination.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you or anyone in your family has experienced any of the symptoms commonly associated with oral cancer, contact our office in Denton, TX today and reserve your appointment. Our cutting-edge technology and gentle, family-friendly approach truly can make a lasting difference in your oral health and overall wellbeing. Dr. Dunson and his team also welcome patients from communities in the surrounding areas of Plano, Lewisville, Fort Worth, Dallas, Frisco, Flower Mound, and beyond.

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »