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Did you know there are five distinct stages of tooth decay? And, in the first stage of decay, you can actually take steps to reverse the progression of the disease? Indeed, it’s true. In the first stage of decay, whether you’re a child or an adult, the application of fluoride via fluoride treatments, your toothpaste and even the local water supply can stop a cavity from penetrating through the enamel and reaching its second stage. Even the saliva in your mouth and the foods you eat help to re-mineralize a tooth in jeopardy. But that’s just the first stage! What about the rest? Understanding how a cavity progresses can assist you in preventing each successive stage from occurring in you, and your children. There’s always a lot going on in your mouth!

Stage One: White Spots
In stage one, the tooth begins to show signs of strain from the attack of sugars and acids, and white spots will begin to materialize just below the surface of the enamel. These white spots are representative of the demineralization of the tooth and can be easy to miss because they’re likely to occur on your molars. A dental exam, of course, is designed to catch such cavities! Can you see why regular visits to the Hygienist are recommended? As mentioned previously, at this stage, the cavity can be repaired without the need to excavate the tooth. It is much less expensive to fix at this early stage. This is why it is extremely important to see your Hygienist every six months.

Stage Two: Enamel Decay
Stage two marks the beginning of the end for the surface enamel that is being attacked.
Initially, the tooth erodes from the underside outward, so the outer enamel will still be intact for the first half of this second stage. Once the cavity breaks through the surface of the enamel, there is no turning back, and you will need to have the cavity corrected with a
filling. Catching the cavity in Stage One would have completely avoided a filling.

Stage Three: Dentin Decay
If a cavity in your mouth were to progress beyond stage two without you knowing,
you’d tend become aware of it when it started to hit stage three because it would probably
start to cause some pain. At this level, the cavity begins to eat away at the second level of
tooth material that lies beneath the enamel: the dentin. A filling can still be used to stop the onslaught of bacteria assaulting the tooth in order to prevent the cavity from reaching the tooth’s most critical component: the pulp.

Stage Four: Involvement of The Pulp
Once the cavity reaches the pulp, it’s going to hurt. A lot. So if you’ve unfortunately missed all the signs to this point, the throbbing pain will let you know there is a big problem. Stage four is serious, and a root canal is the only option of treatment at this stage, save for a complete extraction. This is the stage where the pain starts getting severe, and you are wishing you had seen your dentist sooner.

Stage Five: Abscess Formation
In the fifth and final stage of a cavity, the infection has reached the tip of the root and exited the tip of the tooth’s structure. This in turn infects the surrounding tissues and possibly the bone structure. Swelling would be commonplace and pain severe. In children (as well as adults) an abscess can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. Root canal or extraction would be the order of the day, should decay reach this stage. This is the stage where the pain is abosolutely unbearable, and you are wishing you were dead. Nobody wants to end up at Stage Five.

If you have not seen your Hygienist within the last
six months, now is the time to call (903)465-4055 and make an appointment for you and your family with Jodi, or Jamye.

As you can see, cavities don’t happen overnight. In the early stages, regular visits can stall and reverse the progression of these dastardly little devils, so it really does pay to visit the dentist, at least, every six months. You can keep yourself, and your family far from stage five, and all of that pain, for a lifetime.

Fastbraces Technology was developed to straighten teeth differently than traditional braces, allowing for a fast, safe, and affordable solution for those seeking a more beautiful smile. With the patented triangular design of the braces, cutting-edge techniques, and a special four sided wire, Fastbraces is revolutionizing the field of orthodontics. Treatment typically takes just a few visits at the doctor’s office. Less doctor visits mean less money spent, and less time off school or work.

Schedule an appointment today to see if you are a candidate for this new revolutionary way to straighten your teeth.[gallery]

We are almost to the last quarter of 2016. Did you know that you could actually save hundreds of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of the year? Your yearly maximum renews every year on January 1st, when your plan is based on a calendar year.

If you have unused benefits, or money on an HSA/Flex/Benefit card, they will not rollover. Your deductible also starts over.

Why would you want to give up hundreds of dollars in benefits when you have already paid your monthly premiums?

When you are paying your dental plan premiums every month, you should be using your benefits. Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, you should always have your regular dental cleanings to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental problems. By delaying dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and expensive treatment down the road.

We are here to help you maximize your dental benefits. Call us at (903)465-4055 with any questions, and don’t forget to ask about qualified financing! The best part is, you don’t lose any of your benefits that you have already paid for. What may be a cavity now, could turn into a root canal later.

So call today and make an appointment to use those benefits that you’ve already paid for.

Don't forget to ask about qualified financing!

Just remember, what may be a cavity now, could turn into a root canal later.

Join us on September 23, 2016 for our 13th Semi-Annual FREE DENTAL DAY.

The team of dental professionals at Lake Texoma Dental Care & Wellness will provide adult patients with a free extraction or cleaning.  Along with Dr. Stephen McAnaney, there will be two Hygienist, a team of dental assistants, and others donating their time and resources, in order to provide free dental care to as many people as possible. This event will donate thousands of dollars in free dental care and provide a much needed relief for people throughout the community. Texoma Regional Blood Center will also be on hand for blood donations. With the help of You, and Texoma Regional Blood Center this event will continue to save lives in our community.  We urge everybody to stop by and donate a pint of blood.

Patients are asked to arrive early as the event is a first come, first serve basis. Event registration will begin at 7:00am and patients will be seen through 5:00pm. Patients are also encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, and to bring chairs, blankets, water, snacks, etc.

From 11:00am - 2:00 there will be free hot dogs and live music. Even if your not getting dental work done, you can still stop by, give blood, enjoy some live music, and have lunch with us.

Previous events have helped more than 250 people while providing approximately $60,000 in donated dental care. This outreach comes complete with improved smiles, relief from suffering and a warm sense of gratitude. The services provided not only help patients teeth and overall health; it gives them a renewed reason to smile.

For the most up to date information, Like us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/LakeTexomaDentalCareandWellness