Archive for the ‘General Dentistry’ Category

Fighing Bad Breath and Removing Tooth Stains

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Mid-cities Cosmetic Dentistry

Did you remember that brushing and flossing fights bad breath and removes stains?

If you have persistent stains that brushing can’t remove, come in for teeth whitening at Travis Walk Dental Care for a dazzling stain free smile.

The American Dental Association recommends two minutes as a minimum time for brushing. Most folks think they brush that long but would be surprised if they actually set a timer. Most of us only brush for about a minute, if that.

I am Dr. Miranda of Travis Walk Dental Care. In my office, we practice preventative dentistry by working with our patients to establish essential oral hygiene habits.

If you are looking for a dentist in Dallas, I invite you to come meet my classy and technologically advanced team.

Our address is 4514 Travis Street, Suite 117, Dallas, TX. We offer general and restorative dentistry, including dental implants and dental crowns.

And here’s a quick cold-fighting tip for my Dallas clients; get a new toothbrush when you catch a cold. A toothbrush teeming with germs can re-infect you!

Give us a call at 214-522-4330.

Give Me Some Air

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Air Abrasion Dentists How long have dentists been drilling teeth? Would you believe 9,000 years? In an ancient graveyard in Pakistan, archaeologists unearthed skulls containing teeth that had undergone drilling. The stone-age dentists removed decay using drills constructed of sharpened flint.

Though advanced dentistry would not be possible without drilling, the sound of a dental drill can make many Dallas patient’s hearts pound. However, there is another way your Dallas cosmetic dentists can remove decay. This technique is known as air abrasion or drill-less dentistry. An air abrasion instrument removes material by spraying tiny aluminum oxide particles onto the tooth. The particles work like a sandblaster spraying away the affected tooth structure.

The many advantages of air abrasion make it a popular procedure for Dallas dentists. Because air abrasion is usually pain free, the need for anesthesia is reduced. The air abrasion instrument does not create vibrations or pressure. Dallas cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the fact that air abrasion instruments don’t produce that whiny drill sound that rings in your ears and makes your palms sweat. Because of this, air abrasion can be a less-frightening option for young the Dallas dentistry patients. Air abrasion is often quicker and more precise than traditional drilling, leaving more of the healthy tooth intact.

At Travis Walk Dental Care, we provide anxiety-free dentistry. If you would like to learn more about air abrasion, sedation dentistry, or dental implant cost, call us at 214-522-4330. We are located at 4514 Travis Street, Suite 117, Dallas, TX. The classy and technologically advanced staff at Travis Walk Dental Care is dedicated to your comfort and satisfaction.

Is Malocclusion Causing Your Headache?

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

Dallas Headache Relief Are you a Dallas adult who suffers with chronic headaches? Have you tried Imitrex, diet adjustments, and Mid-cities chiropractic treatment? Perhaps the cause is not stress-induced tension, spine alignment or eyestrain. Maybe the culprit is right under your nose.

Bite misalignment or malocclusion is a common Dallas problem that often goes undetected. Nature intended the front teeth to fit slightly forward from the lower teeth. With a perfect bite, the molars fit together like precision gears.

Malocclusion can cause headaches, tooth loosening, tooth fracture, and in extreme cases, difficulty chewing, speaking or breathing.

Dallas braces are an effective solution for most bite problems. Braces not only move teeth, they can also correct the position and function of the joints, muscles and bones in the jaw. We offer Invisalign invisible braces.  In cases of extreme malocclusion, jaw surgery in Dallas may be necessary.

Not all the metroplex and Mid-cities family dentists treat bite problems. At Travis Walk Dental Care we treat all types of malocclusion including overbite, underbite and crossbite. For an affordable Dallas cosmetic dentistry consultation, call us at 214-522-4330.

Travis Walk Dental Care offers technologically-advanced dentistry in a friendly environment. We offer teeth whitening, veneers, tooth-colored fillings and dental implants. To learn more about our dental philosophy and available procedures, see http://www.rusmiling.com/pages/about.htm.

Dr. Miranda is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Our Dallas Dental Team Takes Care Of You

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

Dallas Dental Team

At Travis Walk Dental Care, each dental professional on our team allows our practice to operate smoothly and provide the highest caliber of dental care. Today’s Dallas dentistry article will focus on the duties of a dental assistant.

You probably think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who attaches the bib around my neck,” and you are correct. However, his/her knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you realize.

Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Travis Walk Dental Care in Dallas. They assist Dr. Miranda during all dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep and cavity filling, as well as lengthy cosmetic dentistry smile makeovers involving multiple procedures. Our competent assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.

When a dental client arrives for his/her appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for the visit. Before he/she is escorted to a comfortable chair in one of our pleasant patient rooms, the assistant has made sure the room is ready for the particular treatment being performed.

Whether the patient is receiving porcelain veneers, having their teeth whitened, undergoing a routine orthodontia adjustment, or settling in for a two-hour smile redesign with oral sedation, the dental assistant has set the stage for a comfortable and efficient procedure.

At Travis Walk Dental Care, infection control is always foremost in our minds. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.

Dental assistants in Dallas dental offices may also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take x-rays, and maintain and retrieve patient records. They must have a keen eye for detail and an excellent memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.

Travis Walk Dental Care is located at 4514 Travis Street, Suite 117, in Dallas, Texas. We provide general and cosmetic dental procedures including dental crowns and dental implants. You can read more about our services at http://www.rusmiling.com/pages/about.htm.

To make an appointment for an examination, consultation, or cleaning, call 214-522-4330. Thanks for visiting our Travis Walk Dental Care blog!

Keep Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Dental Cleanings During Pregnancy If you are pregnant, your oral health may be the last thing on your mind. However, many Dallas women experience an increase in dental problems during pregnancy. This article contains important information for expectant Dallas mothers and those planning to become pregnant.

Dr. Miranda recommends having a thorough dental cleaning early in your pregnancy. Lying in a dentist’s chair can be uncomfortable during the last trimester. A professional cleaning performed by one of the skilled dental hygienists at Travis Walk Dental Care, along with diligent brushing and flossing, helps prevent gum problems that are often triggered by hormonal changes. The American Dental Association has found a positive correlation between periodontal disease and preterm deliveries and low birth weight.

If you are currently pregnant and have sore, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment today by calling 214-522-4330. Once the baby is here, it will probably be harder for you to make time for a dental visit with your Dallas dentist.

If you receive dental treatment at Travis Walk Dental Care during your pregnancy, be sure to inform Dr. Miranda that you are expecting. This will affect decisions about X-rays, pain relievers, antibiotics, and sedation dentistry.

Hormonal changes cause an increase in plague production which can lead to decay. If you are eating many small meals during the day, take care to brush after eating. If you avoid sweet snacks, your teeth will be less likely to develop cavities.

Remember, your oral care, nutrition and lifestyle affect your baby. It is essential that you eat a healthy diet with a variety of foods. A poor diet can harm your baby’s tooth and bone development. Be sure to get enough calcium, iron, vitamins A, D and C, protein, and phosphorus. Your Dallas Ob/Gyn can give you specific recommendations for your age, height, weight and medical conditions.

At Travis Walk Dental Care, we take special care of our clients who are expecting.

Travis Walk Dental Care in Dallas

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

Travis Walk Dental Care in Dallas Hello! We’re Drs. Miranda and Lepard, DDS, of Travis Walk Dental Care in Dallas.

I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 1991. Dentistry is a challenging and fascinating profession; dentists must have diagnostic skills, dexterity, extensive scientific knowledge, and good visual memory. Dentistry also requires artistic ability. In addition to the technical aspects of dentistry, I really enjoy interacting with my Dallas dental patients.

I recognize that my clients have other choices in Dallas area dental practices, and I work continually to earn their trust and surpass their expectations.

Each Dallas dentistry client is unique. Many of my patients come in twice-yearly for an exam and cleaning. We help them maintain excellent oral health. Some Dallas cosmetic dentistry clients come to me seeking major restorative dental work. It is extremely gratifying to complete a smile makeover and see the client’s reaction when they see the result for the first time.

When I have a pre-treatment consultation with a new dentistry client, it is very informative for both of us. The patient learns the specifics about the possible procedures and I learn about the clients’ goals, concerns and expectations. Then I work with the client to develop a dental treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs, desired outcome and budget.  We offer sedation dentistry for patients anxious about dental treatments.

My dental practice is located at 4514 Travis Street, Suite 117, in Dallas, TX. If you are looking for an experienced Dallas dentist, call 214-522-4330 to schedule a consultation.

I look forward to meeting with you.

How Do You Measure Success in Dallas?

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

Affordable Dallas Tooth Bleaching At Travis Walk Dental Care, we are all about success. Drs. Miranda and Lepard’s experience, ability, and commitment to dental excellence result in successful outcomes daily for our cosmetic dentistry clients. Each team member at Travis Walk Dental Care shares Dr. Miranda and Lepard’s passion for success.

For many Dallas dental patients, success is a routine check-up that reveals healthy teeth and no cavities. For our cosmetic dental clients, success is a stunning smile makeover using veneers, teeth whitening and tooth-colored fillings. For our Dallas patients with a missing tooth, dental implants are used to successfully restore their smile. It is exciting to see implant recipients smile for the first time after receiving their new dental implant.

We also enjoy completing successful tooth-straightening procedures for youth and adults. Though these transformations take longer than one-visit smile re-designs, the results are no less incredible. In fact, our Dallas orthodontic patients probably appreciate their straight teeth and beautiful smile more than any of our other patients.

Success sometimes means removing tetracycline stains for a Dallas teeth bleaching patient who has been hiding his/her smile for years. Sometimes, success is as simple as helping a nervous patient feel relaxed and comfortable during their visit to our Dallas family dental office with sedation dentistry.

What do you desire for your smile? At Travis Walk Dental Care, our success depends on your complete smile satisfaction.

To meet our team and discuss your smile specifics, call Travis Walk Dental Care at 214-522-4330.

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Affordable Dallas Tooth Whitening The word ‘LASER’ is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser device emits a powerful, highly-concentrated beam of light. (Didn’t we all love the amazing laser weapons in ‘Star Wars?) Lasers are used in hundreds of applications in almost every Texas industry including communications, researching, manufacturing, entertainment and medicine.

Lasers are now used in some technologically-advanced Dallas dental practices on both hard (tooth) and soft (gum) tissue. Lasers allow Dallas cosmetic dentists a degree of precision that was previously impossible.

How does laser dentistry benefit our metroplex dental patients?

  • Fewer stitches (some surgical procedures require no sutures)
  • Shorter healing time
  • Decreased chance of infection
  • Less damage to surrounding tissue/bone
  • Increased patient comfort – anesthesia is often unnecessary

Ft. Worth dentists use lasers in crown lengthening, decay detection, bacteria removal in root canals, gum recontouring, biopsy, lesion removal, and tooth whitening.

If you are interested in any of these procedures, call Travis Walk Dental Care at 214-522-4330. Drs. Miranda and Lepard has been providing unsurpassed general and cosmetic dentistry since 1991.

The latest dental technology is useless without the skill and experience necessary to deliver the best possible outcomes. Let us show you some photos of the results we routinely achieve at Travis Walk Dental Care in Dallas.

-Creating beautiful, healthy smiles

Preventing Facial Injuries

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Dallas Sports Dentistry Facial injuries occur all too often in the Dallas area. the metroplex Little Leaguers get hit by inside pitches, Ft. Worth construction workers suffer falls and other accidents at the worksite, and Texas motorists sustain injuries in collisions every single day. Accidents at home can also result in serious injury to the face.

Serious facial injuries can affect the victim’s ability to eat, breathe, and speak. Because of the essential physical processes at risk, a person who has suffered a facial injury should receive medical care as soon as possible. Injuries to the mouth are treated by general dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

At Travis Walk Dental Care, we strongly advocate the use of protective equipment for every type of sport, whether it is a team sport or individual activity. Call us at 214-522-4330 for mouthguard recommendations regarding your (or your child’s) specific sport.

Likewise, the Dallas workplace injury rate can be reduced with increased use of appropriate protective equipment and adherence to safety procedures. With respect to Dallas motor vehicle injuries, the following instructions bear repetition: Wear your seatbelt and don’t send or read text messages while driving!

If you have suffered a recent injury to your face, mouth or jaw, schedule a cosmetic dental consultation with Drs. Miranda and Lepard of Travis Walk Dental Care. If you are having dental problems (functional or aesthetic) due to an untreated past injury, we can also develop an effective treatment plan.  With cosmetic dentistry procedures we can help with teeth straightening or replacing missing teeth.

Our office is located at 4514 Travis Street, Suite 117, in Dallas, TX.

Drs. Miranda and Lepard.

Periodontal Disease in Dallas

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Periodontal Disease in Texas Periodontal disease in Texas is more common than you might think, and can be cured with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? According to this article on Wikipedia, periodontal disease is ‘the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth.’

Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease‘, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions, and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile, and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be little more than an inconvenience. However the best policy is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to see your local Dallas dentist.

Give us a call at 214-522-4330 to schedule an appointment.  We look forward to seeing you.

— Drs. Miranda and Lepard