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.  

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.

Intraoral Camera

Correct patient diagnosis and treatment is the most important function of an effective, state-of-the-art dental practice. The intraoral camera is the latest in a long line of technologically advanced equipment that has been introduced to the dental field in recent years. It delivers incredibly sharp, clear images that enhance our dentists ability to properly diagnose and treat patients. We are now using this technology at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX in order to properly diagnose and treat our patients.

 

The innovative imaging software that accompanies the intraoral camera is perfect for viewing the nooks and crannies missed by X-rays. While the camera snaps crystal-clear images throughout the mouth, the software allows the doctors to manipulate the image to see different angles and zoom in on an otherwise static image. The camera also takes videos that can be streamed to a bedside monitor. Patients are able to view their procedure in real-time. Our dentists are able to clearly explain what the problem is and how they can best treat it together.

 

We have decided to adopt this technology in order to better diagnose and treat our patients. When our doctors use the intraoral camera, they are able to reach places that an X-ray cannot. While X-rays are extremely effective for locating cavities and decay, the doctors are able to see things they would never be able to see through the use of the intraoral camera. Although a traditional visual inspection of the teeth may have sufficed in the past, technology has made it possible for dentists and patients to reap many more benefits from each health exam.

 

To take advantage of this innovative imaging tool, visit our websitewww.cadenadentistry.com or call 830-775-3322 to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled dentists!

Digital Panorex X-Rays

We work hard to provide our patients with the most technologically advanced treatment options available. One of the best tools we utilize is the Digital Panorex system that takes incredible 360 degree images of your teeth, head, sinuses and bones. Our Del Rio, TX area patients are enjoying the benefits from having their periodontal issues caught earlier rather than later. By catching small issues before they become big problems, we are able to provide the best care possible.

 

With this technology, we are able to view the full structure of your head. This is great because we are now able to see any potential problems more clearly. We will also be able to see whether or not your mouth and jaw is functioning correctly. The Panorex is capable of viewing specific structural problems, infections and asymmetry any asymmetry in the area. 

 

If you haven’t had a Panorex X-Ray before, you’re going to be surprised how simple and safe it is. We’ll give you a lead apron to protect from the radiation (digital X-rays emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional systems), but you’ll be standing rather than sitting. A camera will rotate in a half circle around your head, starting at one side of the jaw and ending at the other. The imaging only takes a couple of seconds and the images are available immediately. Our staff does not need to wait for the images to print anymore, saving you time and also saving the environment.

 

If you’re looking for a thorough exam and cleaning in the Del Rio, TX area, you can make an appointment with one of our dentists by calling 830-775-3322. Their dental expertise and commitment to proper patient care has given our team a great reputation amongst their peers, and the community.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that often goes unnoticed because it has very few signs and symptoms. Thanks to advances in dental technology,  we are able perform oral cancer screenings during your routine visits at Cadena Dentistry.

 

Patients who use tobacco and drink alcohol regularly are at a greatly increased risk for oral cancer. While drinking and tobacco use are most often associated with oral cancer, there is a new demographic developing in the field; oral cancer is now being connected to human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. Oral cancer can appear anywhere in the oral cavity but it is most often found:

• On the lips
• On or under the tongue
• On the roof of the mouth
• Back of the throat
• The inside of the cheek

It is very important for everyone to have an oral cancer screening at least once a year. Our skilled dental team is now able to incorporate oral cancer screenings into regular check-ups and cleanings. During this quick procedure, the doctor will inspect your nose, mouth and throat. He will also examine the skin on the head and neck regions, feeling for lumps in the neck area as well.

 

The ability to detect oral cancer early is a great tool for our team of doctors. They are able to identify and pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution. Individuals who have regular cleanings at least twice a year are much more likely to have potential problems detected early as their oral condition is documented with each visit. If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening recently, or ever, contact us at 830-775-3322 to schedule an appointment for this important preventative screening.