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.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe oral health problem that affects about 10% of the population.  Although the infection begins as a minor inflammation, it can quickly escalate into tooth loss, hard tissue damage, and have an effect on your overall systemic health. 

 

Fortunately, it is easy to prevent periodontal disease with diligent oral care.  At Cadena Dentistry, we always remind our patients to brush twice a day, floss and schedule appointments for bi-annual cleanings and exams.  In the event you do find yourself with periodontal disease, it’s important to catch it in its earliest stages.

 

If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease developing, schedule an appointment with us at Cadena Dentistry so you can be proactive about your oral health:

• Bleeding gums during or after brushing and flossing your teeth
• Swollen, tender or sore gums
• Gums that appear to be receding from your teeth
• Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth, even after brushing
• Loose teeth or teeth that can be physically moved in the gum bed
• Changes in your bite alignment
• Lack of stability in any restoratives or prosthetic dental work

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.

Veneers vs. Crown

Veneers and crowns are both reliable restorative solutions that protect the structure of a tooth while refinishing its surface to create a strong, reliable and beautiful smile esthetic. However, veneers and crowns have many differences with regard to their purpose, placement and function.

 

Veneers: Veneers are most frequently used as a cosmetic smile solution. They can be used use refinish the surface of a tooth and correct teeth that are too narrow or short, and cover-up stains, small chips and cracks. While a single veneer can be used to refinish an individual tooth, multiple veneers are most often used to refinish the most visible teeth and provide a smile makeover that’s fully customized and idealized. Like crowns, veneers are comprised of a thin porcelain shells that are fabricated from an impression of the existing tooth site. Veneers are usually much thinner than crowns, but the existing tooth structure will need to be slightly modified for permanent bonding and placement.

 

Crowns: Crowns may be used for cosmetic purposes, but they’re most frequently used to restore the surface of a tooth due to a fracture, severe chip, deep cavity, or following a root canal or other procedure that calls for the modification of the tooth.  Like veneers, crowns are custom fabricated to perfectly restore the appearance of a tooth, in addition to protecting its structure.  Crowns are frequently created from porcelain or ceramic, but they may also be formed from gold, porcelain fused to metal or other material.

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. 

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!

Sedation Dentistry

The idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety in some people, but there are options to ease the anxiety. Between 5% and 8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental phobia.  We offer an extremely practical solution to dental phobia through sedation. Our practice offers a safe environment of skilled staff members who are able to comfort you through various sedation methods.

 

Dr. Cadena sedates patients through oral Nitrous Oxide, intravenous sedation and oral conscious sedation. None of these methods will not “knock you out”, but you will be in a deep state of relaxation during your treatment.

 

The most common sedation method utilized throughout the dental industry is Nitrous Oxide (N2O). N2O works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. Dr. Cadena will place a small mask over your nose. He will then ask you to breathe normally; within a few short minutes patients will begin to feel the effects. N2O wears off quickly and there is no “hangover” effect. IV administration is becoming a popular tool for dentists as well. IV sedation is administered through the veins, this allows for quicker effects and less recovery time.

 

Some patients also have trouble with needles and gas, so Dr. Cadena will provide you with an oral sedative such as valium. This is utilized for patients with mild to moderate anxiety as it is not as powerful as other sedation methods.

Call today to schedule your appointment! 

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.

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.

Night Guards

If you find yourself waking up in the morning with headache, teeth or jaw pain, it might be due to a condition called bruxism. Otherwise known as teeth grinding, bruxism is caused by involuntary grinding of your teeth at night while you sleep. Since you’re sleeping, it isn’t possible to prevent it, except by wearing night guards provided by us here at Cadena Dentistry.

 

Night guards are custom made to fit around the teeth, so they don’t get in the way of proper sleep. The night guard keeps the top and bottom teeth separated by the barrier, in order to prevent clenching and grinding of our patient’s teeth. It is not only an excellent way to prevent the pain patients feel when waking up, but to protect the enamel and structure of their teeth. Consistent grinding starts to wear away at the enamel, weakening the tooth structure.

 

Teeth grinding can also be very noisy and prevent their spouse from sleeping properly. Night guards can take a little getting used to, but before too long, our patients hardly notice them. If you have noticed that you are grinding your teeth, visit Dr. Louis Cadena in Del Rio, TX to discuss the benefits of night guards.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is one option, which can repair a cracked or damaged tooth. Crowns can be used when a filling alone will not correct the problem. A crown will look just like your own teeth and also restore function.

 

Cadena Dentistry is happy to offer our patients a variety of dental care including crowns. The process of getting a crown starts by repairing the damaged tooth, which involves removing decay. The tooth is then prepared and shaped in order for the crown to fit. An impression is taken and sent to a laboratory for the crown to be made. While you wait for your permanent crown, you will be fitted for a temporary crown.

 

Dental crowns are usually made of materials including porcelain and ceramic. The color is matched to your other teeth. A crown is usually indistinguishable from your other teeth in appearance. It also functions the same as your natural teeth. Crowns are durable and made to last. With proper care, a crown can last for 15 years or more.

 

At Cadena Dentistry, we offer a variety of dental services including cosmetic, preventative and restorative services. Our staff strives to provide you with the best possible dental care in a comfortable environment.

 

For more information on crowns or any of our other services, please call our office at (830) 775-3322.

Dentures

If you have missing teeth, you know how it can interfere with your speech and chewing. Having missing teeth can also cause the structure of your face to change. In addition to physical issues caused by missing teeth, it can lead to decreased self-esteem or self-consciousness.

 

At Cadena Dentistry, we offer solutions for replacing missing teeth including dentures. Conventional dentures involve having the teeth extracted and giving the gums time to heal. After healing takes place, dentures are placed.

 

In addition to conventional dentures, we also offer immediate dentures. This option involves placing the dentures immediately after the teeth are extracted. One benefit of immediate dentures is you don’t have to wait for your dentures to be placed. The dentists at Cadena Dentistry will evaluate your situation and determine if immediate dentures are right for you. If you still have some remaining teeth, which don’t need to be extracted, partial dentures may also be a good option.

 

Dentures may take a little time to get used to. In most cases, dentures are a comfortable option for replacing missing teeth. It’s also important patients take proper care of their dentures. Maintaining good oral hygiene is still essential if you have dentures.

 

Our dentists and staff at Cadena Dentistry are experienced in various areas of dentistry including cosmetic, preventative and restorative services. For more information on dentures or any of our services, please call Cadena Dentistry at (830) 775-3322.

Extractions

We understand no one enjoys having a tooth extracted, but sometimes it is the best treatment option to correct a dental problem. For example, wisdom teeth often lead to problems, such as overcrowding or impaction.

 

Our dentists at Cadena Dentistry have a great deal of experience at performing extractions. In some cases, wisdom teeth don’t fit in the mouth as they should. This causes overcrowding, which can lead to misalignments. Prior to having orthodontic work done, the wisdom teeth may need to be extracted.

In addition to overcrowding, wisdom teeth may become impacted, which can also lead to dental problems. As the tooth is trying to break through the gum tissue, it may not be able to fully emerge. This can cause pain and problems cleaning around the tooth, which can lead to an infection.

If you do need an extraction, our dentists will educate you on the process and explain your options. Some people choose to go under general anesthesia, which means they are asleep for the procedure. Using only local anesthesia is also an option.

 

After the extraction, our staff and dentists will ensure you understand your post-operative instructions in order to reduce the chances of complications and promote healing. It’s natural to have questions if you are having a tooth extracted. We would be happy to walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible.

 

For more information on extractions or any of our services, please call Cadena Dentistry at (830) 775-3322.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin ceramic shells that cover the tooth structure and create a more brilliant, beautiful smile. Many of our patients at Cadena Dentistry choose to have veneers placed on their teeth for a variety of reasons. They might cover teeth that are stained or misshapen or opt for veneers because they have gaps in their teeth or have teeth that are slightly misaligned.

 

Veneers are bonded securely over the teeth and match the other natural teeth, so they don’t appear obvious to anyone else. After the veneers have been bonded to your teeth, Dr. Louis Cadena recommends following these post-op instructions:

• Eat soft foods for the first few days.
• Don’t chew extremely hard foods like raw carrots, ice or candy, as the porcelain can start breaking away.
• Brush and floss the teeth with the veneers, just like your other natural teeth.
• Visit us at Cadena Dentistry every six months for a routine check-up and professional cleaning.

Veneers can last a long time if patients follow these important instructions. If the gum begins to recede, they should return to our dental office in Del Rio, TX for replacement veneers. This doesn’t usually happen for many years and is simply part of the aging process. To find out more about veneers, contact us today.