All-in-One Implants

Dealing with missing teeth is a frustrating experience for many of our patients. They come to our practice looking for a permanent solution, and often choose to get all-in-one implants. These implants help patients replace multiple missing teeth, as opposed to just one. If you have teeth in a row that are missing, you can get them all replaced at the same time, with all-in-one implants.

Dr. Louis Cadena replaces missing teeth by installing a titanium implant into the jawbone of each missing tooth. This acts as a root for the tooth, which then allows a crown to be securely placed on top of it. With all-in-one implants, you will have multiple implants placed at one time.  After the implants have healed, you will then return to our office for your permanent crowns.

Here at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, we provide a permanent solution to multiple missing teeth, without having to choose dentures. When properly cared for, they can last a lifetime. You will feel confident knowing the crowns look just like your natural teeth, and that the implants are permanent. There’s no worry of them moving or falling out. Call our office to schedule a consultation for all-in-one implants.

ZOOM! Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of many cosmetic dental services we provide here in our Del Rio, TX clinic. Patients come to us with discoloration or staining of their teeth, and can choose from a variety of whitening products. ZOOM! whitening is one of our more popular types of teeth whitening due to the fast results and that it is done in about an hour.

 

ZOOM! whitening works by first applying a whitening gel, then using a low intensity lamp to shine directly onto the teeth. The light helps activate the whitening gel, which then causes it to seep deep into the tooth enamel. It is a safe and effective process that only takes about an hour in our practice. Many patients get it done during their lunch break, and can go right back to work.

 

Patients often prefer ZOOM! whitening not just for the quick results, but because it doesn’t leave sensitivity or soreness of the gums — not to mention that it is long-lasting.

 

If you want to get your teeth whitened through our chair side procedure, schedule a ZOOM! whitening appointment today with our team here at Cadena Dentistry.

Extractions

Your third and final molars to emerge are your wisdom teeth, which usually come in when you are between 17 and 25 years old. While many people do not experience problems with these new teeth, many others find that theirs must be removed. If your mouth does not have enough room for these molars to come in, a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, and at our office in Del Rio, TX, Dr. Louis Cadena can determine whether a wisdom tooth extraction is the best course of action for you.

 

Wisdom teeth are usually removed because they become impacted, which means that the tooth does not have enough room to come in straight through the gums and instead emerges at an angle. This can cause pain, damage to the jaw and a more crooked smile. Additionally, the site of impaction can become a bacterial hotspot since impacted wisdom teeth are hard to clean.

 

Wisdom teeth extractions can range from removing a single tooth to removing all four teeth at once. Dr. Cadena will let you know what he thinks is best for you. For the procedure, he will use either a local anesthetic to numb the area or a general anesthetic to sedate you while the teeth are extracted. The tooth will then be accessed through an incision in the gums and wiggled until it is loose enough to be lifted out. If the tooth is too deeply embedded to be removed this way, it will be broken up into pieces before being removed.

Night Guards

At our practice in Del Rio, TX, we see many patients who suffer from bruxism, a condition marked by teeth grinding or excessive clenching. Some of these people grind their teeth or clench their jaw consciously throughout the day, but an even greater number do so at night while sleeping. Many of our patients who grind at night do not even realize that they do it until the results of the behavior give the condition away. If you grind your teeth, you will often experience damage to your enamel, as well as jaw pain, headaches and gum irritation. To protect your teeth, you must seek treatment, and Cadena Dentistry, we find that night guards are the best way to prevent bruxism’s negative effects.

 

Similar to those worn by athletes, night guards provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth when you sleep. By reducing wear to your teeth and making it harder for you to grind, your teeth will be healthier and you will feel better overall. We custom fit these night guards to make them as comfortable as possible. To fit you with a night guard, we will take an impression of your teeth to send to our dental lab for fabrication. Night guards created in a lab are very durable and can last for up to 10 years.

 

If you find yourself frequently waking up with headaches or pain in your jaw, it is very possible that you grind in your sleep. Often those who do not treat their bruxism end up with TMD, and they can even change the appearance of their face.

To diagnose and treat your night grinding, call 830-775-3322 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Louis Cadena. For more information, visitwww.cadenadentistry.com.  

White Fillings

When teeth become decayed, they're often in need of a filling. Nowadays, most patients don’t want to have fillings that are obvious to others when talking, smiling or laughing. Here at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX we provide composite resin fillings, which are also known as white fillings.

 

These fillings are the same color as the patient’s tooth, so they aren’t obvious to anyone else. White fillings not only helps the patient protect their tooth from further decay, but feel more confident when they smile knowing no one knows it’s there.

 

White fillings have many benefits to patients that make them a great dental filling option:

• They are the same white color of the tooth being filled.
• White fillings can be blended to be any shade, regardless of the color of the tooth.
• They are not significantly more expensive than other fillings.
• White fillings are just as efficient in protecting teeth as alternatives.

It takes slightly longer for the process of white fillings than metal fillings because white fillings are blended to match our patient’s tooth. Otherwise, they look and feel like any other filling, allowing the patient to fill a cavity and protect their tooth from more serious problems. If you have a cavity and are in need of a filling, call us today at 830-775-3322 to see if you are a candidate for white fillings.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are one of many services we offer here at Cadena Dentistry. We provide these screenings during each dental check-up to look for early signs of oral cancer, which is usually treatable if found early. It only takes a few moments to complete and lets our patients get an early diagnosis for more successful treatment.

 

Approximately 41,000 people have been diagnosed with oral cancer in the United States in 2013 alone, according to the American Dental Association, so it is important to get screened. If you smoke or drink heavily, it is essential that you have regular oral cancer screenings.

 

The following steps are completed during oral cancer screenings:

1. An ultraviolet light is used to look inside the mouth and on the gums and tongue.

2. The outside of the face is inspected for sores, including the lips, cheeks and neck.

3. Sores and other spots are examined inside the mouth, including the cheeks, inner lips, gums and roof of the mouth.

 

Oral screenings are a part of dental hygiene exams and check-ups and take only about 5-10 minutes in total. If your doctor finds any unusual spots, a biopsy is taken of the tissue for further testing.

NV Laser

Lasers have revolutionized the dental industry, allowing dentists to heal cold sores, treat periodontal disease, reduce trauma during dental procedures, minimize anesthesia use and even accelerate bone regeneration. At Cadena Dentistry, we use the NV Laser for a multitude of procedures, from pocket reduction in the gums to frenectomies, the removal of gum overgrowth and impressions for crowns.

Our office in Del Rio, TX offers a variety of procedures that use the NV laser. One such procedure is cosmetic periodontal surgery, which sculpts the gum line so that it is even and best expose your smile. With the NV Laser, Dr. Louis Cadena and Dr. Valerie Cadena Vargas can reshape your gum tissue to best with no anesthesia and minimum sensitivity.

The dentists can also use the laser to manage soft tissue in patients with deep pockets found in periodontal screenings. The laser will kill bacteria and get rid of infected tissue easily and quickly to ensure that periodontal disease is treated and prevented.

Our team at Cadena Dentistry is dedicated to ensuring you maintain optimal oral health while receiving the highest level of comfort during dental procedures, and the NV laser allows us to do this. To schedule an appointment, call 830-775-3322. For more information, visit www.cadenadentistry.com.

Single Tooth Anesthesia

At Cadena Dentistry, we realize that some of our patients can become stressed or anxious at the sight of a needle or syringe and that many more hate the numbness of anesthesia. Sometimes this anxiety can be severe enough to prevent patients from seeking out necessary dental procedures. Because we value our patients’ oral health and dental experience above all else, we have chosen to use the Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA) system. With one injection, this system can safely and painlessly administer anesthesia for a single tooth.

The STA system allows for an even-flow of anesthetic in a very comfortable manner. Eliminating the sting of a syringe that come from a surge of fluid into a confined tissue area, the wand adjusts the flow of the anesthetic to be as comfortable as possible. With this method, our dentists are also able to minimize the unnecessary numbness of the tongue, cheek and face and only anesthetize a single tooth, which means that a patient can often eat immediately after a procedure and is less likely to cause lip and mouth trauma from bites he or she doesn’t feel.

STA can be used for many dental procedures, from fillings to root canal therapy. To receive dental care from a dentist who cares about your comfort and experience, schedule an appointment with Dr. Louis Cadena or Dr. Valerie Cadena Vargas at our office in Del Rio, TX. Just call 830-775-3322. For more information, visit www.cadenadentistry.com.

Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

While the thought of having a root canal procedure usually fills patients with dread, the procedure is a necessary one for those whose teeth become infected in the nerves. Besides causing pain, infections, if left untreated, can become abscesses, which are much more serious and result in a loss of bone mass in the jawbone. Dr. Louis Cadena and Dr. Valerie Cadena Vargas can relieve your pain with root canal procedures in Del Rio, TX.

Although root canals may not sound pleasant to you, they are well worth it to stop your pain and improve your oral health. While there is soreness after the procedure, it is only temporary and usually nothing that over-the-counter painkillers cannot take care of.

During a root canal, Dr. Cadena or Dr. Vargas will remove the infection by applying a local anesthetic to the area and drilling into the tooth to create an opening in the canal. Then he or she is able to remove the infected tissue and clean the area. Once the infection has been removed, your tooth will be filled with a sealant and then fitted with a crown to protect it from infection in the future. The crown also helps improve the appearance and strength of the tooth. Once the procedure is complete and soreness subsides, you will be able to eat without experiencing pain and sensitivity to heat, cold and pressure.

If you’re in pain, you don’t need to suffer. Schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry by calling 830-775-3322. For more information, visitwww.cadenadentistry.com. 

Scaling and Root Planing

At Cadena Dentistry, we actively strive to help our patients maintain optimal oral health and retain their original teeth. By offering scaling and root planing to treat early gum disease, Dr. Louis Cadena and Dr. Valerie Cadena Vargas can restore the health of your gums and save your smile.

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar are allowed to buildup on your teeth, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive. As bacteria collect in your mouth, they will attack your teeth and surrounding gums. In its earliest stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it will become a more serious periodontal disease that destroys your gum tissue and leads to tooth loss. If it is not treated, the disease can even cause a loss of bone mass in your jaw.

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it develops into a more serious disease. The procedure allows the dentist to clean between your gums and teeth all the way down to the roots in order to smooth the root structure and remove the tartar that is causing your inflammation. The procedure is incredibly effective and can stop the progression of gum disease before it irreversibly damages your teeth.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with our office in Del Rio, TX by calling 830-775-3322. For more information, visitwww.cadenadentistry.com.

Mini Implants

Mini dental implants are an effective and durable alternative to traditional dental implants. While dental implants are useful for many dental problems, mini implants are used for restoring missing, broken or infected teeth in narrow areas. At Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX we utilize this alternative treatment for patients do not qualify for traditional dental implants.

 

Mini implants are about half the size in diameter of a regular dental implant and are composed of titanium. Since they are so small, mini implants are great for restoring small teeth, pre-molars and frontal teeth. One of the main functions of mini implants is for patients who lack the bone to support the larger size of conventional dental implants. Mini implants are also great when it comes to installing full upper or lower dentures. A series of mini implants, between four and six, will be places along the gum line and serve as the base of the denture.

 

Placement of mini dental implants is not surgical like traditional implants. The devices can be inserted right through the gum into the bone. Since the procedure is non-invasive, recovery time is much less than that of traditional dental implants. Dental implants need between three and six months to graft to the jawbone while mini implants can be completed in as little as one procedure. Mini implants are directly attached to the gum line rather than the jawbone.

 

To learn more about mini implants or to schedule a consultation with us at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, please call 830-775-3322.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found through the earth’s crust and is widely distributed in nature. We use fluoride to help prevent cavities. Many people do not know that fluoride is often added to drinking water to help reduce tooth decay. The American Dental Association, the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association have endorsed the use of fluoride in water supplies because of its effect on tooth decay.

 

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the entire tooth surface more resistant to acid attacks from the bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. Before fluoride is added to tooth products, it can be found in water, soil, air and rocks, among other places in nature.

 

Drinking water and tooth products such as toothpastes and rinses are the most common sources of fluoride, but the most effective source is found only in the office of a dental professional. As part of an oral hygiene routine, it is very effective in fighting tooth decay and pain in decaying areas. It can stop and even reverse cavities, and it even helps remineralize tooth enamel, rebuilding bonds as they begin to wear away.

 

If you are interested in fluoride treatment, ask about it Dr. Louis Cadena during your next appointment at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX. 

All-In-One Implants

Dealing with missing teeth is a frustrating experience for many of our patients. They come to our practice looking for a permanent solution, and often choose to get all-in-one implants. These implants help patients replace multiple missing teeth, as opposed to just one. If you have teeth in a row that are missing, you can get them all replaced at the same time, with all-in-one implants.

 

Dr. Louis Cadena replaces missing teeth by installing a titanium implant into the jawbone of each missing tooth. This acts as a root for the tooth, which then allows a crown to be securely placed on top of it. With all-in-one implants, you will have multiple implants placed at one time.  After the implants have healed, you will then return to our office for your permanent crowns.

 

Here at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, we provide a permanent solution to multiple missing teeth, without having to choose dentures. When properly cared for, they can last a lifetime. You will feel confident knowing the crowns look just like your natural teeth, and that the implants are permanent. There’s no worry of them moving or falling out. Call our office to schedule a consultation for all-in-one implants.

Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is important for overall health, oral preventative care, and to decrease the amount of cleanings and procedures dentists need to perform during bi-annual check-ups. At Cadena Dentistry, we make sure our patients understand the importance of maintaining dental hygiene and its effects on their oral health.

 

Dental hygiene always starts at home, by gently brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day. This keeps the teeth clean, removes tartar buildup that can lead to cavities or infection, and keeps the teeth looking white. It also helps freshen the breath and reduce the risk of gum disease. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months, or when the bristles become frayed. Good oral hygiene also includes limiting your intake of sugary foods and beverages that can prove harmful to your teeth.

 

Dr. Louis Cadena recommends dental check-ups every six months to keep the teeth clean. While dental hygiene requires regular brushing and flossing, a professional cleaning twice a year will provide even more preventative measures. This also gives us a chance to look for any potential problems, like finding a cavity that needs filled or seeing an erupting wisdom tooth that might need an extraction. Visit our dental practice today in Del Rio, TX, to learn more about proper dental hygiene.

Teeth Whitening Options

Even with consistent brushing and good oral care, teeth can lose their color. Today, patients have many options when it comes to teeth whitening that include over-the-counter options, prescription methods and in-office procedures. We offer various types of whitening options for our patients. Whitening your teeth is an excellent way to restore their natural color quickly and effectively. For your convenience, we offer options when it comes to whitening your teeth.

 

We proudly offer ZOOM! Whitening. ZOOM! Whitening is the combination of gel and light treatment, the program is designed to whiten teeth quickly and effectively. It works by breaking down hydrogen peroxide and oxygen; it then enters the enamel and dentin bleaching colored substances white. The light treatment supports the activation of the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth providing a cleaner, whiter smile.

 

KoR Deep Bleaching works by restoring your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from its bleaching gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain molecules. This system utilizes custom fitted bleaching trays that fit onto the teeth comfortably. After the trays are created, Dr. Cadena will apply an in-office conditioning pre-bleaching solution to the trays that will sit for 40 minutes. Patients will then be given solution to bleach at home for the next 14 days. Within 7-10 days, you will notice a significant improvement in the color of your teeth.

 

After the 14 days of in-home bleaching, the KoR Deep Bleaching System is completed with a final visit in the dental office. If you want to whiten your teeth with us, give us a call at 830-775-3322 today!

Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is important for overall health, oral preventative care, and to decrease the amount of cleanings and procedures dentists need to perform during bi-annual check-ups. At Cadena Dentistry, we make sure our patients understand the importance of maintaining dental hygiene and its effects on their oral health.

 

Dental hygiene always starts at home, by gently brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day. This keeps the teeth clean, removes tartar buildup that can lead to cavities or infection, and keeps the teeth looking white. It also helps freshen the breath and reduce the risk of gum disease. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months, or when the bristles become frayed. Good oral hygiene also includes limiting your intake of sugary foods and beverages that can prove harmful to your teeth.

 

Dr. Louis Cadena recommends dental check-ups every six months to keep the teeth clean. While dental hygiene requires regular brushing and flossing, a professional cleaning twice a year will provide even more preventative measures. This also gives us a chance to look for any potential problems, like finding a cavity that needs filled or seeing an erupting wisdom tooth that might need an extraction. Visit our dental practice today in Del Rio, TX, to learn more about proper dental hygiene.

Traditional Braces

Traditional Braces

Here at Cadena Dentistry, we offer our patients a variety of orthodontic treatment options, including traditional braces. These are a common type of braces, and can be the most effective. They are also great for many types of orthodontic conditions, whether it is a large gap between the teeth, a severe overbite, a crossbite, or a combination of different teeth alignment issues. Not everyone is a candidate for other types of orthodontic treatments we provide here in our dental practice, which is why traditional braces are often the go-to treatment.

 

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets adhered to the teeth, thin metal wire called archwire extending between each bracket, and rubber band elastic; the latter of which is used for tightening the braces between appointments. Between these three components, the teeth gradually shift to their desired place in about 2-4 years on average.

 

After completing the process of wearing traditional braces, we encourage patients to wear a retainer at night for about a year or longer, as it helps their teeth remain in their new position.

 

If you or your child is in need of corrective orthodontic treatment, call our Del Rio dentist Dr. Louis Cadena at 830-775-3322 to ask about traditional braces.

Extraction Site Preservation

Extraction site preservation is the term used for planning ahead and involves what will be done once a tooth has been extracted. If a front tooth or molar is removed, it leaves the teeth susceptible to shifting. This happens when the jawbone begins degenerating due to the loss of the tooth and root, where it changes shape during the healing process. As this happens, other nearby teeth begin shifting and can cause misalignment and bite problems. Dr. Louis Cadena makes sure to prevent this complication through extraction site preservation.

 

Here is a brief overview of how extraction site preservation works:

 

1. Dr. Cadena informs the patient of the problem with their extraction site.

2. He goes over their options, such as a bridge, partial denture or dental implant.

3. Planning begins for the replacement treatment even before the extraction is completed.

4. As soon as the tooth is removed and begins healing, the dentist prepares the preservation of the extraction site.

 

By following these simple steps, our patients preserve their extraction site so they avoid complications as a result of the missing tooth. This is not necessary when wisdom teeth are removed because they are located in the very back of the mouth.

 

Call Cadena Dentistry at 830-775-3322 to schedule an appointment for an extraction site preservation

TMJ

TMJ disorders cause considerable pain and discomfort to our patients, which is why our dentist Dr. Louis Cadena provides treatment for TMJ. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is located between the temporal bone in the skull and the lower part of the jaw, called the mandible. It is the joint responsible for letting patients chew and speak, and open or close their mouth. If a patient struggles from a TMJ disorder, or TMD, it can cause pain and discomfort in a variety of ways.

 

Symptoms of TMJ include pain when opening the mouth, headaches or ear pain, teeth grinding and clenching at night, hearing popping or clicking sounds when opening the mouth, or having a jaw that gets stuck while the mouth is opened or closed.

 

Treatments for TMJ, such as medications for the pain, night guards, and oral appliances, help treat the side effects and provide relief for the jaw. Surgery is also available in more severe cases.

By calling Cadena Dentistry at 830-775-3322 today, you have the opportunity to start experiencing relief from your TMJ disorder.

Protective Mouth Guards

Protective mouth guards are offered here in our Cadena Dentistry dental practice as a way to protect our patients from damage to their teeth. Athletes and children are in special need of mouth guards while playing contact sports, because this puts them at great risk for dental damage. This can be very costly and frustrating when they are having to repair their teeth. Sports like football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey and soccer all require the players to wear protective mouth guards.

At Cadena Dentistry, we encourage patients to get protective mouth guards for the following benefits:

• They are custom-made, so they fit comfortably.
• Are long-lasting.
• Prevent chipped and broken teeth.
• Prevent permanent nerve damage.
• Prevent loss of teeth.
• Save money from expensive dental procedures.

While there are mouth guards sold in sports supply stores, they are factory made and don’t fit most people. With protective mouth guards made by Dr. Louis Cadena, they are custom made based on impressions of the patient’s teeth, so they fit perfectly and are meant to last. Visit us in Del Rio, TX to get your custom mouth guards.