Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry
Monday, March 1, 2010
PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE
PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE
Numerous studies exist that explore the possible link between periodontal disease (gum disease), and heart disease. In the January/February 2010 issue of HealthMatters at Shell Oil Company, the newsletter identifies points to remember about dental health and heart disease.
Numerous studies exist that explore the possible link between periodontal disease (gum disease), and heart disease. In the January/February 2010 issue of HealthMatters at Shell Oil Company, the newsletter identifies points to remember about dental health and heart disease.
- Be sure to give your dentist a complete list of the names and dosages of all the medications you are taking
- Mention any recent surgeries or hospitalizations, especially heart-related surgeries and joint replacements, both past and present, as you may be required to premedicate with antibiotics prior to any dental appointment
- Inform your dentist if you have any existing heart conditions, diabetes, blood cell disorders, or any auto-immune diseases
- Give your dentist the name and phone number of your doctor in the event your dentist needs to speak with him or her
Some researchers suspect that bacteria and inflammation linked to periodontal disease play a role in some systemic diseases or conditions, although more studies are needed. There is also evidence that oral bacteria that causes periodontal disease may be linked to heart disease, artery blockage and stroke. People with diabetes often have periodontal disease, and some studies suggest that periodontitis can make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.
Given the potential for a connection between periodontitis and heart disease and other systemic health problems, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease may be an important first step. Be sure you are brushing and flossing regularly, schedule regular checkups and dental cleanings, and tell your dentist about changes in your overall health. A healthy mouth can mean a healthy body.
Please feel free to call the office of Houston Cosmetic Dentist, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF with any questions pertaining to dentistry, TMJ, sleep apnea, or cosmetic dentistry, as we welcome the opportunity to assist you. 866-918-7221
posted by
Ron Konig
at
8:45 AM
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Dental Implants: The Shift from Bridges to Implants
Dental Implants: The Shift from Bridges to Implants
A recent article in the New York Times, discusses the benefits of dental implants versus dental bridges. The the article is dated November 16, 2009. It brings up many important and true facts about the benefits of dental implants as opposed to bridges. Whereas there is a place in dentistry for bridges, the majority of the time, implants can be considered the standard of care. The article states, "In an overwhelming majority of cases, implants to replace lost teeth are by far the best long-term solution for maintaining a healthy mouth. Also, because they rarely needto be replaced, in the long run they are more economical than bridges."
Furthermore, many specialists have supported this concept as well: " bridges are not the standard of care anymore,” Dr. Lawrence J. Kessler, a periodontist and associate professor of surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine, told me in an interview. “For most people who lose teeth, implants are the treatment of choice.”
This is true, assuming that the implants are correctly placed and the crowns are correctly placed with respect to the bite. Another big advantage is that it is not necessary to grind down healthy teeth if implants are placed.
As a Houston Implant Dentist, who restores numerous implants every week, I totally concur with these opinions. Implant dentistry can be predictable and offer long term success, when properly planned, placed, and restored. It is certainly the standard of care and should be discussed with all patients as an option to replacing missing teeth.
Additionally, as a Houston Cosmetic Dentist, the type of implant placed and the position is essential to achieving excellent esthetic results. There is more to implant dentistry than just placing the implant in the bone.
All in all, implants play an important role in providing patients with optimal care and preserving the remaining teeth as well as contributing to patients quality of life.
If you have any questions with regards to cosmetics or implant dentistry, please feel free to call Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF office, who is a Houston Implant Dentist and Houston Cosmetic Dentist with special interests in these areas. 866-918-7221
posted by
Ron Konig
at
7:16 PM
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Implants and Dentures
Dear Dr. Konig:
HOW DOES A FULL UPPER DENTURE THAT IS SECURED BY FOUR SCREWS WORK? CAN YOU PUT THIS IN IMMEDIATELY AFTER EXTRACTION OF MY REMAINING TEETH? THANKS,CHARLES
Charles:
Thank you for your inquiry. You have asked a good question and a difficult one to answer. There are more factors to consider than just how many implants. Generally speaking, for the kinds of cases described, we try to extract, place the implants, and place the new denture at one visit. This does, however, depend on the quality of bone that is present. Additionally, with the new dentures, to help the patient, we try to use a palateless denture which is so pleasant. Different types of attachments are indicated for these cases.
These attachments, such as Locator Attachments are very strong and securely hold the denture in place which is why we do not need the palate on the upper denture. These can be used on the lower denture as well. The photo shows what these attachments look like inside the implant denture.
866-918-7221
HOW DOES A FULL UPPER DENTURE THAT IS SECURED BY FOUR SCREWS WORK? CAN YOU PUT THIS IN IMMEDIATELY AFTER EXTRACTION OF MY REMAINING TEETH? THANKS,CHARLES
Charles:
Thank you for your inquiry. You have asked a good question and a difficult one to answer. There are more factors to consider than just how many implants. Generally speaking, for the kinds of cases described, we try to extract, place the implants, and place the new denture at one visit. This does, however, depend on the quality of bone that is present. Additionally, with the new dentures, to help the patient, we try to use a palateless denture which is so pleasant. Different types of attachments are indicated for these cases.
These attachments, such as Locator Attachments are very strong and securely hold the denture in place which is why we do not need the palate on the upper denture. These can be used on the lower denture as well. The photo shows what these attachments look like inside the implant denture.
In short, we can adjust the strength of these attachments and they are easy to change which can be done in the office as opposed to sending it to the lab.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ron Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF
Should you have any question about implants or your dental care, please call the office of
Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, a Houston implant dentist with special interests in implants.
866-918-7221
posted by
Ron Konig
at
7:29 AM
Monday, February 22, 2010
Migranes and Headaches: TMJ, a Highly Overlooked possibility
MIGRANES and HEADACHES: TMJ, a HIGHLY OVERLOOKED POSSIBILITY
There are numerous articles written everyday about Migrane Headaches, such as the one that follows this article. So many times, every single medical connection is mentioned along with possible issues. The vast majority of all articles leave out the possibility of TMJ being the problem.
Amazingly, having a special interest in TMJ treatment for over 15 years, we see patients who have been to at least 4 specialists in medicine for migraines to no avail. This is not to discredit the medical profession as many professionals are aware that TMJ problems can cause migranes and other maladies, many others are not and the patients are the ones that suffer.
The article below, is a classic example of a typical migrane article that has no mention of TMJ as a possible causitive factor. Our practice sees many TMJ patients a week and most have seen several professionals as well. I do feel that seeing the medical professionals first is excellent as ruling out major medical issues is essential.
There are numerous articles written everyday about Migrane Headaches, such as the one that follows this article. So many times, every single medical connection is mentioned along with possible issues. The vast majority of all articles leave out the possibility of TMJ being the problem.
Amazingly, having a special interest in TMJ treatment for over 15 years, we see patients who have been to at least 4 specialists in medicine for migraines to no avail. This is not to discredit the medical profession as many professionals are aware that TMJ problems can cause migranes and other maladies, many others are not and the patients are the ones that suffer.
The article below, is a classic example of a typical migrane article that has no mention of TMJ as a possible causitive factor. Our practice sees many TMJ patients a week and most have seen several professionals as well. I do feel that seeing the medical professionals first is excellent as ruling out major medical issues is essential.
Migraines Force Sufferers to Do Their Homework
MIGRAINES may be right up there with root canals and childbirth as one of life’s more painful experiences. But unlike childbirth or dental surgery — the pain of which can be dulled with standard medications — migraines are notoriously tricky to treat.
If you have been unable to resolve your headaches or migraines after seeking medical assistance, consider seeking the care of a neuromuscular dentist who has special interest TMJ and headaches.
Please feel free to call Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, a Houston dentist with special interest in TMJ, if you have any questions or concerns about TMJ, 71-668-2289
posted by
Ron Konig
at
7:30 PM
Bode Miller Wins Gold: Wears PPM Mouthguard
Bode Miller Wins Gold: Wears PPM Mouthguard
Everyday more and more professional athletes are wearing the PPM Mouthguard (Pure Power Mouthguard). Bode Miller has been training and using the PPM Moutguard and now he has won the gold.
Exactly why do Shaq O'Neal, Bode Miller, Terrell Owens, Manny Ramirez, the New Orleans Saints and hundreds of others use the PPM Mouthguard? Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF,
a neuromuscular dentist in Houston, who is one of the few trained to use the computers to make the top of the line PPMs, explains that the PPM improves these athletes flexibility and strength. Along with this increased flexibility and strength, these mouthguards are placed in the correct physiologic bite position which also improves balance.
Newspapers across the country and even Monday Night Football on November 2, 2009 had announcers speaking about the PPM. Dr. Konig has been fabricating these PPM mouthguards in Houston for several years and even worked during the SuperBowl in Tampa to fabricate these guards for the NFL players. It is truly amazing and you will continue to see many more professional and amateur athletes get fitted for the PPM appliances.
If you have any questions regarding the PPM, please call Dr. Ronald Konig's office and they will be happy to answer any questions for you. 713-668-2289
Everyday more and more professional athletes are wearing the PPM Mouthguard (Pure Power Mouthguard). Bode Miller has been training and using the PPM Moutguard and now he has won the gold.
Exactly why do Shaq O'Neal, Bode Miller, Terrell Owens, Manny Ramirez, the New Orleans Saints and hundreds of others use the PPM Mouthguard? Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF,
a neuromuscular dentist in Houston, who is one of the few trained to use the computers to make the top of the line PPMs, explains that the PPM improves these athletes flexibility and strength. Along with this increased flexibility and strength, these mouthguards are placed in the correct physiologic bite position which also improves balance.
Newspapers across the country and even Monday Night Football on November 2, 2009 had announcers speaking about the PPM. Dr. Konig has been fabricating these PPM mouthguards in Houston for several years and even worked during the SuperBowl in Tampa to fabricate these guards for the NFL players. It is truly amazing and you will continue to see many more professional and amateur athletes get fitted for the PPM appliances.
If you have any questions regarding the PPM, please call Dr. Ronald Konig's office and they will be happy to answer any questions for you. 713-668-2289
posted by
Ron Konig
at
6:19 AM
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA?
SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA?
If you are like most people, you may not be aware of a snoring problem until someone else tells you. And without diagnostic sleep testing, you could very well have the more serious condition of sleep apnea. which is characterized by snoring, interrupted sleep, choking halts in breathing, and gasping for breath. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, and current literature suggests it could also cause hypertension (high blood pressure). It's been said that less than 5% of patients with sleep apnea have been diagnosed and treated.
There are some indicators that you may have a snoring or sleep apnea problem. If you find yourself with any of the symptoms below, you may want to consider testing for sleep apnea:
- Tired and foggy in the morning
- Sleepy during the day and may fall asleep easily during the day
- Difficulty concentrating and completing tasks
- Unable to think clearly and have memory problems
- Trouble breathing through your nose at night
- Snoring loudly at night
- Frequent pauses in breathing while you sleep
- Restless sleep
- Insomnia
To find out if you have obstructive sleep apnea, ask our office about the take-home sleep monitor. This diagnostic device is worn comfortably while sleeping with easy-to-read instructions. Just return the monitor to the office the next day, and Dr. Konig will study your report and inform you of the results. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, there is a custom-made oral appliance you may be able wear at night in place of the CPAP machine, which many patients cannot use or are CPAP intolerant. These dental sleep appliances are much more comfortable and tolerable than CPAP machines.
You are welcome to call our office, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, a Houston dentist with special interest in sleep apnea care, and ask any questions you may have regarding snoring, sleep apnea, and the take-home monitor. 866-918-7221
.
posted by
Ron Konig
at
8:34 AM
Saturday, February 13, 2010
How to Select a Cosmetic Dentist
Closeup Photos: before and after, note the details and healthy gumline
This is an interesting question. The web and media is bombarded with information with regards to cosmetic dentistry. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry and are interviewing cosmetic dentists, what questions do you ask and how do you know if your dentist is truly qualified to achieve the results you have in mind?
Consider these questions and suggestions:
1) Discuss your options: options can range from bonding, porcelain veneers, minor orthodontic movement without braces, to artistic recontouring of your teeth and whitening of your teeth
2) How much experience does the dentist have? So many dentists advertise cosmetic dentistry.
It is truly an art and science. Most of the true artists recontour the teeth/veneers to the individuals smile and lip line
It is truly an art and science. Most of the true artists recontour the teeth/veneers to the individuals smile and lip line
3) What procedure is recommended? If porcelain veneers, are you a candidate for non or minimal prep veneers?
4) Do you have bite problems? Are your teeth worn and damaged? If so, why would you have dentistry completed to the same bite that caused the problems.
5) Ask the dentist to see close up photos of their work. The full facial photos almost always look nice, it is when you observe the close up photos that you can see the true skills of the esthetic dentist. Observe the gums, texture, contours, and shapes of the cosmetic dental work.
Above all, there are usually more than one option to this type of care. There are conservative techniques and advanced technology that truly enhance this type of care.
If you have any questions with regards to TMJ or cosmetic dentistry, please feel free to call Dr. Ronald Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, a Houston Cosmetic Dentist, office at 713-668-2289.
posted by
Ron Konig
at
7:08 PM
Ronald W. Konig, DDS 866-918-7221
Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry
2201 West Holcombe, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77030
