Leave the Sports and Energy Drinks On The Shelf
August 10, 2015
You’ve grown up hearing the same thing over and over…and over – “Sugar is bad for your teeth. Stay away.” Of course, this is great advice because it’s true. Since you’ve been a kid, grocery stores have gotten bigger and now carry aisles and aisles worth of food that is good for you and some food that isn’t so good for you. Most of the food that isn’t good for you is the sugary stuff. You know what we’re talking about. In some ways more than others, beverages that are packed with sugar can leave your mouth in bad shape after repeated use. If you’re an athlete, there are plenty of sports drinks that are meant to keep you operating at maximum efficiency. In the case of energy drinks, the whole point is to keep you alert. Unfortunately, both of these types of drinks carry loads of sugar that can wreak havoc on your oral health. Our office in Hutchinson, KS wants you to know how detrimental sports drinks and other sugary beverages can be for your oral health. Do you like cavities? No? Then it would be wise to put down the sports drink for a glass of delicious water instead. Dr. Ringler is the Hutchinson dentist you can trust for priceless dental advice.
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Find Lasting Toothache Relief in Hutchinson, KS with Root Canal Therapy
February 10, 2015
A persistent toothache can negatively impact your daily life in a variety of ways, disrupting your concentration at work and causing you severe pain when you should be getting a good night of sleep. If you are suffering from recurring tooth pain, it’s possible that you have a root canal infection. At the Hutchinson, KS dental office of Dr. Grant D. Ringler, we offer a comprehensive menu of restorative dentistry services, including root canal therapy.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal Treatment?
The only way to definitively diagnose a root canal infection is to visit our office for a full exam, complete with digital x-rays to determine the cause of your pain. Dr. Ringler will perform a careful assessment of each of your teeth, answering any questions you have along the way. Though root canal infections may present without symptoms, the following signs are nearly always a clear indication that treatment is necessary:
- A tooth that appears darker than the rest, usually gray in color
- Pain in the tooth that worsens when pressure is applied
- Sensitivity to heat or cold temperatures
- A throbbing ache that extends deep into the jaw
- Redness of the gums surrounding a particular tooth
- The formation of an abscess
Fortunately, root canal therapy can save your tooth from the damage caused by an infection, all while eliminating your pain so that you can fully enjoy daily life once again. The procedure is no more uncomfortable than a regular filling, and you’ll love how beautifully we can restore your tooth with a custom porcelain crown.
Preserve the Health of Your Smile
If one or more of your teeth are affected by a root canal infection, time is of the essence. The sooner an infected tooth is treated, the higher the chance that it can be saved rather than extracted. Contact us today to schedule your visit to Grant D. Ringler, DDS, and learn more about how root canal therapy can benefit you. Conveniently located in Hutchinson, KS, our state-of-the-art dental practice warmly welcomes families from throughout the surrounding areas, including El Dorado, Great Bend, Manhattan, Winfield, Newton, and beyond.
General and Family Dentist Advice: The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
December 10, 2014
Although seeing your dentist may not be at the top of your list of things to do this time of year, it should be. That’s especially true if it has been longer than six months since your last dental exam. These routine exams protect not only your dental health, but your overall health and well being. One important way a dental exam protects your health is through oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer is a highly deadly form of cancer, mainly because it is often found in the later stages of development, since some patients go for years without seeing their dentist. The good news is that the earlier oral cancer is found, the higher the chance for remission and a positive outcome. Nothing is more important than your health. Don’t put off the dental exam that could save your life. Make your dental checkup and oral cancer screening appointment with the office of Dr. Grant Ringler today. Dr. Ringler and his team of compassionate dental professionals serve families daily throughout Hutchison, KS, Newton, Winfield, Manhattan, Great Bend, El Dorado, and the surrounding communities.
General and Family Dentist Advice: What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
- A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal after a few weeks
- A lump or thickening of the lining of the mouth
- A white or reddish patch inside the mouth
- Loose teeth or ill fitting dentures
- Tongue pain, jaw pain, or stiffness
- Difficult or painful chewing or swallowing
- A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat
General and Family Dentist Advice: Oral Cancer Risk Factors
The main risk factors for developing oral cancer are behavioral including: using tobacco products, drinking alcohol, excessive sun exposure, and contraction of the Human Papillomavirus. Oral cancer is twice more likely in men than women, but this is probably associated with the increase in tobacco and alcohol use by men. However, everyone’s risk for developing oral cancer increases with age. In fact, two-thirds of individuals with oral cancer are 55 or older.
General and Family Dentist Appointments and Oral Cancer Screenings in Hutchison, KS
Oral cancer screenings are just one of the many ways that seeing your dentist regularly can keep you healthy. Make an appointment with the office of Dr. Grant Ringler today for the oral cancer screening you need to stay healthy. Dr. Ringler and his team of highly qualified general and family dentists proudly restore smiles daily throughout Hutchison, KS, Newton, Winfield, Manhattan, Great Bend, El Dorado, and nearby areas.
Should You Get Dental Implants?
November 10, 2014
Are you tired of not being able to enjoy the foods you love? If you have to limit your diet because of ill fitting dentures or worn down dental bridges, it may be time to consider dental implants. Dental implants are made of tiny titanium posts, surgically implanted in your jaw, and capped with dentures or dental crowns. Dental implants can significantly improve your quality of life if you have lost teeth due to decay or injury. Though you must meet certain qualifications to be a candidate for full dental implant surgery, Dr. Ringler also offers mini dental implants for patients who would not otherwise be eligible. To explore your dental implant options, make an appointment with the office of Dr. Grant Ringler today. Dr. Ringler and his team of cosmetic and restorative experts proudly restore smiles throughout Hutchison, KS, Newton, Winfield, Manhattan, Great Bend, El Dorado, and the surrounding communities.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Bone Loss Prevention– When you lose a tooth, the roots and bones connected to the jaw are lost too. This can cause your jaw bone to recede and your facial structure to shift. Dental implants replace these roots and bones, preventing the loss of bone in the jaw.
- Convenience- Dental implants can be made with permanent crowns or removable dentures. Either way, they are secured firmly in the jaw and won’t shift or move when eating.
- Comfort- Dental implants don’t require dental adhesives or daily removal for cleaning and maintenance. Also, they will never interfere with eating or chewing.
- Improved Appearance– Dental implants are the most natural looking and feeling tooth replacement method.
Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants in Hutchinson, KS
Dental implants require a minimum amount of jaw bone and space to be implanted properly. Bone graft surgery or sinus lift surgery may need to be performed before your dental implant surgery. If this is not an option, you could choose to have mini dental implants placed instead. They are implanted just below the gum line, but don’t require the same bone density minimums as full dental implants. Dr. Ringler can make this determination in consultation. If you have decided that it’s time to get dental implants, make an appointment with the office of Dr. Grant Ringler today to get started. Dr. Ringler and his experienced team proudly serve patients throughout Hutchison, KS, Newton, Winfield, Manhattan, Great Bend, El Dorado, and nearby areas.