Southridge Dental Blog

Explore the Possibilities of Dental Implants with Dr. Ted Dunson

August 12, 2014

187007308 At 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 and 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.

Invisalign Clear Braces: An Orthodontic Solution That Fits Your Lifestyle

July 15, 2014

Shutterstock Invisalign Do 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.

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

June 3, 2014

Customized 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.

Daily 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.

Find Complete Comfort & Relaxation with Sedation Dentistry at Southridge Dental

May 13, 2014

Shutterstock Sleep Sedation If 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.

Addressing Dental Anxiety with Sedation

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.

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

April 14, 2014

Oral 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.

When to Ask About an Oral Cancer Screening

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.

Can Dental Implants Help You Find Your Smile Again? Find Out with Dr. Dunson at Southridge Dental!

March 12, 2014

Shutterstock Explaining Implants They say that the world always looks brighter from behind a smile. If you tend to avoid smiling because you are missing one or more of your teeth, however, your world might not seem as bright as you’d like. At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted E. Dunson helps people just like you regain their confident smiles with the advanced technology of modern dental implants.

Restoring Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Could Dental Implants be Right for Me?

To determine whether or not dental implants are the ideal tooth replacement option for your individual case, Dr. Dunson will evaluate the health of your gums and the bone in your jaw. For the majority of patients with sufficient bone density in the jaw, dental implants prove a superior alternative to removable prosthetics like full and partial dentures. They look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, allowing you to once again eat, speak, and smile with comfort and confidence. Dr. Dunson will walk you through each step of the process in a way that ensures you understand completely, answering any questions you may have along the way.

A Beautiful Smile & Renewed Function

Whether you’ve recently had an extraction and need a replacement tooth right away or you’ve spent years missing multiple teeth, Dr. Dunson and his team want to help you reclaim your smile and overall oral health. Contact our office in Denton, TX today to schedule your consultation and find out if you are a candidate for dental implants. We also happily welcome families from nearby communities in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Lewisville, Frisco, and beyond.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month: Celebrate with a Checkup!

February 6, 2014

Shutterstock Children Girl Toothbrush Every year in February, the American Dental Association observes National Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s a great time for parents, teachers and dental teams to encourage awareness of early oral health practices and the importance of dental hygiene throughout the year. At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson and his team provide comprehensive pediatric dentistry services that form the foundation of a bright and healthy future.

Dental Care That Supports Your Child’s Smile

Prevention is the Key to Success

At Southridge Dental, we often reference the well-known adage that says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When children are young, their minds are like sponges. They’re eager to learn how things work and how to take care of themselves. This is the perfect time to teach kids how important their oral health is as well as how to maintain it properly. With regular checkups, consistent home care and preventive dentistry services from Dr. Dunson, kids can get a great start on this important aspect of their overall well being.

In order to set the stage for lifelong oral health, Dr. Dunson recommends bringing your child in for their first dental visit by the age of one. We also invite you to bring your kids in with you when you visit for your own checkups. Getting your little ones accustomed to the pleasant environment of our office at any early age means they’ll be comfortable coming in for years to come.

Children’s dentistry services at Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry include the application of protective sealants, strengthening fluoride treatments, biannual exams and cleanings, orthodontic treatment and the prevention of oral injury with custom athletic mouth guards.

Smiles for the Whole Family

At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, exceptional oral health care and patient satisfaction are our primary objectives. Contact our office in Denton, TX today to schedule your child’s appointment and see what a difference our commitment to excellence can really make. We also happily welcome patients of all ages from Fort Worth, Dallas, Frisco, Plano, Lewisville and beyond. We look forward to giving your little ones something to smile about!

Get Rid of Bad Breath Once and For All with Tips from Dr. Dunson in Denton, TX

January 20, 2014

Woman covering her mouth with both hands while looking to the side out of embarrassment.

Whatever causes it – whether it be the extra garlic in your lunch earlier or a dry mouth in the morning – bad breath is one of the most unwelcome oral conditions we experience. It can be embarrassing and make social interaction uncomfortable, especially when you find yourself caught in tight spot without any way to remedy it quickly. At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Ted Dunson wants to help you put your bad breath to rest with routine checkups, cleanings and preventative care.

Practical Tips for Managing Bad Breath

Sometimes, chronic bad breath is caused by an underlying health condition, such as advanced periodontal disease or liver problems. In most cases, however, a foul odor from the oral cavity is caused by something far more simple and, fortunately, preventable. Keep the following in mind next time you find yourself affected by a bout of bad breath:

Don’t skimp on the flossing. Patients who neglect to floss regularly tend to suffer from bad breath more often. This is because tiny particles of food lodged between the teeth attract and harbor bacteria that cause odors. Twice a day is all it takes!
Stay hydrated. When you don’t drink enough water, your mouth can become dry, making odors more noticeable when you speak or exhale.
Reach for an antibacterial mouthwash. Killing the germs, the source of bad breath, is an easy way to ensure a fresh mouth.
Keep up with routine cleanings at Southridge Dental. Every six months, your mouth needs an overall cleaning that rids it of accumulated plaque and other debris. Keep your breath fresh all year long when you visit twice annually.

If persistent bad breath has caused you embarrassment or discomfort and you’re tired of living with this daily problem, contact our Denton, TX office today to see how Dr. Dunson can help you. We gladly welcome patients from throughout the greater DFW area, including Plano, Frisco, Lewisville, Fort Worth, Dallas and beyond.

Reclaim Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers in Denton, TX

January 10, 2014

Confidently smiling blonde woman resting a finger against her temple while seated on a sofa.

Do you tend to avoid smiling around family, coworkers and friends because you’re embarrassed of your teeth? Dark stains, chips and uneven spacing can make you feel like hiding your smile, often leading to issues with self-confidence and unhappiness. At Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Dunson and his team know how important a healthy, beautiful smile is in your every interaction. With porcelain veneers and Lumineers, you can smile in confidence, knowing that your teeth are straight, even and brilliantly white.

Why Choose Dental Veneers?

Lumineers and porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are custom-fit to each of the teeth that are visible when you smile. They can be tailored to suit your unique preferences, changing the shape and size of your teeth for a uniform, natural-looking appearance. They are highly stain-resistant and resemble your real teeth – only they’re whiter, straighter and more evenly spaced.

Whether your teeth are jagged and cracked due to an injury or persistently yellow from years of drinking coffee or smoking, it is possible to enjoy a beautiful smile that you’re proud to show the world. In as little as two visits to Dr. Dunson’s Denton office, you can reclaim your youthful, charismatic smile and your sense of confidence. The most common dental problems solved by porcelain veneers and Lumineers are:

Uneven spacing and gaps between teeth
Yellowing and deep stains
Chips and cracks in enamel
Teeth that are oddly shaped or sized

Allow Dr. Dunson to transform your smile with porcelain veneers and experience renewed self-confidence instantly. Contact our Denton office to schedule your veneers consultation and take the first step toward beautiful, flawless teeth today. We happily serve patients from throughout Denton, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Fort Worth and beyond.

Dr. Dunson Can Help Keep Your Smile Safe from Gum Disease in Denton, TX

November 26, 2013

Illustration of a tooth with tartar buildup, inflamed gums, and a dental probe measuring a gum pocket.

Recognizing the Signs of Gum Disease

Today, a staggering three out of four Americans are suffering from some stage of gum disease. That’s a huge amount of people, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly, by any means. While this common ailment is relatively harmless in its earliest phases, exhibiting only mild or even nonexistent symptoms, it can eventually lead to devastating consequences if left untreated, such as serious pain, jawbone and oral tissue deterioration, and even tooth loss. Research has even shown that it can contribute to serious conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, Dr. Dunson is here to help! We take the threat of gum disease very seriously at our Denton office, and we’ll always thoroughly check your teeth and gums for any sign of it whenever you come in for your regular check-ups. In the meantime, here are some common symptoms you can check for in the comfort of your own home that can suggest the presence of gum disease:

Gums that bleed during or after brushing/flossing
Gums that are tender, discolored, or swollen
Bad breath that persists even after using mouthwash and other oral hygiene methods
A bite that suddenly feels strange or looser
Teeth that appear longer (this could mean your gums are receding)

Also, here are some factors that could cause you to be at a higher risk of gum disease:

If you’re 65 or older
If you regularly smoke and/or use tobacco
If you regularly deal with stress
If you suffer from diabetes

Of course, it’s important to remember that Dr. Dunson and his dental team should be your first line of defense against this threat! We can provide customized treatment if needed to treat your gums and restore them to full health. Contact our Denton office today to schedule an appointment!