In the past, manufacturing dental crowns required the use of a ceramics lab; yet, with the help of CEREC technology, neither the patient nor the doctor needs to wait for dental restorations. It’s now possible to create one-visit dental crownswith an in-office milling machine. To explain how CEREC technology works to create one-visit dental crowns,… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Patient Information
Broken Tooth? Austin, TX Dentist Explains What to Do
Do you know how to treat a broken tooth? If you’ve answered no, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know how to treat or handle a dental emergency. However, by taking the correct steps, patients can avoid causing any further damage to the affected area. Here, Dr. Steven Van Wicklen, your Austin, TX dentist discusses… Read more »
Austin, TX Dentist: Why Have You Lost a Tooth?
Do you have a few missing teeth and wondered, why have I lost a tooth or two? Rest assured this a question many Americans ask themselves and their dentists. The answer is that there isn’t one clear-cut answer. The problem with tooth loss is that it can stem from a number of different reasons, which… Read more »
Smokeless Tobacco Causes Oral Cancer
The fact that tobacco causes cancer may come as no shock to most people. While tobacco is derived from a plant, by the time it hits store shelves it contains thousands of additional chemicals, some of which may surprise and disturb you. Dental professionals know well that tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, can be a… Read more »
Five Foods That Promote Good Oral Health
One of the best ways to fight cavities is to practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. You should also visit your dentist every six-months for a dental checkup and cleaning. Another way you can deter cavities and promote healthy gums and teeth… Read more »
Oral Cancer FAQs from Your South Austin Dentist
This past Sunday was National Cancer Survivors’ Day, an annual celebration of life observed on the first Sunday in June. Cancer can affect any part of the body, but Dr. Van Wicklen would like to share information with you about oral cancer. In the United States, this disease claims a life every hour of every day. To protect yourself… Read more »
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in South Austin
Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that generally erupt in a patient’s late teens or early twenties, can be either helpful or harmful, depending on their alignment when they grow in. Often, wisdom teeth emerge at the wrong angle, causing oral health problems that necessitate their removal. Your South Austin dentist, Dr. Steven Van… Read more »
Arthritis Awareness Month: Dental Health and Arthritis
During these first few weeks of May, have you been wearing more blue? If not, consider making a change to your wardrobe because it’s Arthritis Awareness Month and people nationwide are being urged to “Go blue for arthritis!” by the Arthritis National Research Foundation, a group that has been funding research to find a cure… Read more »
What’s The Deal with Gum Disease?
What Causes Gum Disease? Gum disease is caused by bacteria, mostly Porphyromonas gingivalis. This bacterium likes the airless environment below your gum line. Once there, it begins to cause irritation in your gum and bone tissue. This inflammation causes the red, swollen, tender gums that bleed during flossing and are a classic hallmark of periodontitis…. Read more »
A Great Smile is Closer Than You Think with Invisalign
The benefits of straight teeth go far beyond just having a beautiful smile. Straight teeth are easier to clean, allow you to bite and chew more effectively, and contribute to the overall health of your gums and jaw. Given the choice, we’d all love to have perfect teeth, but how many of us are willing to… Read more »