Cancer is always a scary word. But it doesn’t have to be the last word.
Equipped with good information and the best doctors, you can feel empowered to navigate whatever stands before you or your loved one.
Oral cancer is common and affects approximately 50,000 Americans every year. If you have more questions about oral cancer, read more below from Dr. Yakowicz at Neighborhood Smiles in Belleville.More
Why Does My Jaw Hurt?If your jaw clicks when it opens, or you can’t fully open it, or you have pain in your face and trouble chewing, then you’re among the 15% of Americans who have chronic jaw pain.
Your jaw joint is called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. The name comes from the jaw’s role to connect your temporal bone in the skull with your mandible bone. Some people experience short-term pain that goes away with ice and over-the-counter medicine. But if you have chronic jaw pain or you can’t open your mouth, you might have a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and it’s important to see your dentist right away to find relief.
Dr. Yakowicz, Belleville dentist explains more below about the causes and treatments of jaw pain.More
If you get to go on a tropical vacation, your ability to feel the warm sun and the smooth sand is crucial to enjoying the atmosphere. There are, however, times in life when you would rather not feel anything. Getting a dental procedure can be one of those times—as important as the procedure might be. In that case, thank goodness for modern medicine and anesthesia.
Ancient dentists used a number of herbs and drugs to numb their patients. Thankfully, today, you have the option of completely safe and effective anesthesia. Dr. Yakowicz, Belleville dentist shares more below about what anesthesia is and when you might need it.More
When he became the first president of the United States, George Washington had only one real tooth left! You heard right…just ONE.
Everyone has heard something about this great man and his dental history, but if you heard that Washington had wooden teeth, then you heard wrong. This myth is totally false, and Dr. Ryan Yakowicz at Neighborhood Smiles is here to tell you the truth.
It was a combination of bad genes and even worse medical practices that led Washington down the path to becoming toothless.
Washington experienced many health problems throughout his life. And he was often treated with “calomel,” a common medicine at the time that contained mercury and ruined teeth.
Toothpaste at the time was also made from very abrasive material like tree bark and brick dust, which likely continued to break down Washington’s natural teeth.More
Bite. Crack. Ouch!
A cracked or broken tooth is a real problem. Unlike other bones in your body, a tooth will not heal itself and you need to take care of it immediately. Depending on how bad the damage is and where it is located, your dentist will likely recommend an inlay, onlay, or a crown. All versions of the same idea, these restorative dentistry treatments are custom-made covers to protect your tooth and restore it to it’s full, healthy functioning condition.
Another reason you may need an inlay, onlay, or a crown is due to extensive tooth decay that is breaking down your tooth that requires more than a simple filling to fix.
Here’s how your options compare:
So you see, inlays and onlays are a great, intermediate option between a filling and a crown.
Neighborhood Smiles dentists can help determine if you need an inlay or onlay. If your tooth needs to be repaired, here are the benefits of inlays/onlays:More
Oxygen Therapy – A Breath of Fresh AirYour Belleville dentist, Dr. Ryan Yakowicz at Neighborhood Smiles knows that no two patients are alike. Everyone deserves a personalized approach to oral health – but what is something no patient (or even human) can live without? Air—or more specifically, oxygen.
Oxygen is essential for your cellular health and does good for your body overall. For that reason, it can be harnessed to improve your dental experience. Some dental offices use oxygen therapy to create a calm environment during preventative visits, and also to treat acute dental issues.
Oxygen therapy delivers 100% pure, medical-grade oxygen. When three atoms of oxygen bind together, they form ozone, the same matter that protects and nourishes our environment. Oxygen can be applied as ozone gas, ozonated water, or ozonated olive oil.
This completely painless treatment works with your body’s natural functions to achieve a multitude of benefits. Though research is still building, increased exposure to pure oxygen has been found to:More
The Best Way to Replace Missing TeethWe all remember losing our teeth as children and being delighted to find money from the tooth fairy under our pillow, but it’s just not as fun as an adult. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have an average of 25 permanent teeth remaining, which is three shy of a full set (minus wisdom teeth). Dr. Ryan Yakowicz wants everyone in Belleville to know that replacing a missing tooth is important to your dental health. Read on for more information and please give Neighborhood Smiles a call with any questions or concerns.
What is Dental Botox®?As specialists in facial anatomy and esthetics, an increasing number of dentists are taking their skills into the world of Botox®. Often associated just with appearances, Botox® can be equally as therapeutic as cosmetic.
Botox® is a purified protein that irons out wrinkles by attaching to a muscle and preventing it from contracting. (Muscle contracting away from skin is what causes wrinkles). This has thus far been its most popular use in cosmetic facial treatments.
What most patients don’t know is this same function can relax other muscles in the jaw and face for pain relief or support of orthodontics.
Botox® is applied via injection; More
Is Holistic Dentistry Right for Me?Currently a hot topic of debate among dental and health professionals, holistic dentistry has gained popularity in recent years, alongside the movement toward naturopathic medicine. Dr. Ryan Yakowicz at Neighborhood Smiles wants Belleville residents to understand the differences between the two approaches to dentistry, in order to make the most informed decision when choosing a dental health professional.
Holistic dentistry is an approach to dental care that focuses on promoting overall health and wellness, rather than the treatment of specific disease. This practice places dental problems in the context of health issues elsewhere in the body, analyzing the patient’s entire physical, emotional, and even spiritual health. Holistic dentistry is heavily focused on More
How Dental Night Guards Can Help YouIt’s common to see people wearing mouth guards in Belleville during all kinds of sports, such as football, basketball, and boxing, but did you know that lots of folks wear mouth guards at night for their dental health? People who grind their teeth (bruxism) and people with sleep apnea can get relief from their symptoms simply by wearing a specially-designed mouth guard at night. Dr. Ryan Yakowicz has helped tons of Belleville residents improve the quality of their life with night guards and we at Neighborhood Smiles invite you to come visit us today to find out more.