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. 

Orthodontic Options

Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, patients no longer have to feel embarrassed or self-conscious because they wear braces. Patients also don’t have to wear braces for over a year to get the best results. We offer our patients many orthodontic options when it comes to straightening teeth.

While traditional braces are the most commonly used, there are other treatment options available.

 

One of the most effective options available is clear braces. These braces are made from ceramic and provide a certain degree of transparency in order to mimic the color of your natural teeth, this makes them less visible. They are as effective as traditional braces and function the same way. Clear braces are also designed so that they will not stain or discolor the teeth over the period of their use.

 

Invisalign is considered the most technologically advanced orthodontic option for aligning teeth. This technology uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign is worn a minimum of 22 hours per days, patients will take them out to eat, brush and floss. Not only does Invisalign allow patients to have a great look while straightening their teeth, it also allows for a great smile after. Because the aligners are removable, patients are able to brush and floss just as they would if they had no braces at all.

 

We also offer traditional braces for patients looking to correct bite problems while straightening their teeth. These braces are made of strong metal alloys and are considered the smallest and most comfortable option. While they do take the longest of all the orthodontic options made available by Dr. Cadena, they are the most effective when it comes to aligning teeth and correcting bite problems.

 

We offer all these different options for you. We want to make sure you’ve got the smile you’ve always wanted, so call us today if you’re interested in aligning your smile quickly and effectively! 

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.

Mini Implants

Mini Implants

Patients with missing teeth often visit us here at Cadena Dentistry looking for a permanent solution. Dental implants are the only permanent option for replacing missing teeth, where a metal (titanium) post is implanted into the jawbone, which then grows and heals around the post.

 

Our dental practice also offers mini implants, which are a smaller and less expensive version of traditional implants. They are just as effective, but the treatment goes much more quickly.

The procedure for mini implants in our Del Rio, TX dental office is as follows:

 

1. The patient first visits us for x-rays and to get an impression made of a nearby natural tooth. This is done to have an abutment made for the top of the implant.

2. On the patient’s return appointment, our dentist, Dr. Louis Cadena, installs the metal post through their gums and into the jawbone.

3. The abutment is bonded to the top of the post during the same appointment.

4. Patients can start eating normal food the same day if they wish.

 

With mini implants, the process goes more quickly and patients appreciate that they can resume normal eating right away. If you want to replace a tooth with a mini implant, call dentist Dr. Louis Cadena at 830-775-3322.

Whitening and Bleaching

Whitening and Bleaching

If you are not happy with the staining or discoloration of your teeth, our dentist Dr. Louis Cadena has a variety of options for you. Instead of just providing our patients with one type of whitening and bleaching, we have several options available to our patients. This includes using the tray whitening system, a deep bleaching tray whitening product (KoR whitening), and ZOOM! chairside whitening.

 

The first whitening product offered in our Del Rio, TX dental practice is the tray whitening system. With this product, we use impressions of the patient’s teeth to create custom, reusable whitening trays. They are filled with whitening gel and placed over the teeth in the office, followed by home treatment over several days.

 

Another tray whitening product we have is a newer product called KoR whitening. KoR whitening also uses custom trays, except the result is permanent with most of our patients. Patients wear the trays and use the whitening gel only at night while they sleep for about two weeks. This permanently bleaches their teeth.

 

Finally, we provide in-office whitening through ZOOM!, which combines a strong whitening gel and a low intensity lamp. This whitening is all done chairside and is complete in about an hour.

Call Cadena Dentistry at 830-775-3322 to book your appointment for any of these whitening and bleaching options.