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What Is Plaque?

March 21, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — S. John salivonchik @ 8:32 pm

BrushingPlaque is one of those dental terms that you hear mentioned on toothpaste commercials and visits to Dr. Salivonchik’s Coplay dental office, but do you know what it means?

Plaque results from a buildup of bacteria around the teeth and gums. It’s a sticky, filmy material that contributes to both gum disease and tooth decay. That’s why it’s so important to keep the amount of bacteria in your mouth under control.

One of the best ways to do that is with a dedicated oral health routine. We recommend brushing twice a day, or after every meal if you can. Flossing will also help you control plaque by removing pieces of food from between teeth. For even more protection, consider rinsing your teeth with an antibacterial mouthwash, or a mouthwash with fluoride.

To fully protect your smile, though, you’ll still need to see Dr. Salivonchik for regular cleanings. Some parts of your smile are harder to clean than others. A professional cleaning will make sure those areas get the attention they need. Dr. Salivonchik can also look at your teeth and let you know how they’re doing. If you need extra help, we can recommend one or more of our many general, cosmetic, and restorative services. We design treatment plans with your personal needs in mind.

Do you have questions about plaque, or do you need to schedule an appointment? Contact our Coplay office. We serve patients from Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and surrounding communities.

Dr. Salivonchik Supports Cancer Patients and Cancer Research with Teeth Whitening

March 7, 2014

Why is teeth whitening so popular with patients today? It’s popular because a white smile sends a positive message to others and helps you feel more confident. Don’t let stains caused by age, tobacco use, or the foods and drinks you consume keep you from sharing your smile with friends and family.

At Dr. Salivonchik’s Coplay dental office, we can supply you with custom-made whitening trays and a special whitening gel. In just a matter of days, you’ll see the stains on your teeth disappear as your whiter smile emerges.

But you’re not just helping yourself when you see Dr. Salivonchik for teeth whitening. Dr. Salivonchik donates the money he receives for teeth whitening to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. That simple action turns a cosmetic service into something that can make a big difference in the lives of many.

What inspired Dr. Salivonchik to do this? You can find out by watching this video.

When you come to us for help with teeth whitening, we’ll start by taking impressions of your teeth. Our lab will use these impressions to make your custom-made whitening trays. When your trays are ready, we’ll also give you a supply of whitening gel and explain how the whitening process works.

Are you fed up with the stains on your teeth? Call Dr. Salivonchik’s Coplay dental office to schedule an appointment with us. During your visit, we would be happy to talk to you about how teeth whitening works and how your money will help support cancer research. We offer teeth whitening to patients from Whitehall, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and beyond.

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Experience Relief with TMJ Therapy

February 27, 2014

TMJMillions of Americans experience TMJ disorderTMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These joints are located underneath the ears and help us open and close our mouths smoothly.

Pain occurs when one or both of these joints malfunction. What causes them to malfunction? That can vary. Sometimes it’s physical or emotional stress, but a misaligned bite or an injury can also contribute. Other symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

  • A jaw that pops or clicks
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Inability to fully open or close the mouth
  • Chronic earaches

Effective Treatment with Oral Appliance Therapy

Dr. Salivonchik uses oral appliance therapy to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. This effective treatment method uses a custom-made mouthpiece that fits over teeth and holds the jaw forward slightly. This action releases tension in the jaw and gives stressed muscles a chance to relax, easing pain as a result.

Do you want to find relief from TMJ pain? Call our Coplay, PA dental office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salivonchik. Our entire team would be happy to help you. We offer TMJ therapy to patients from all around Lehigh Valley, including WhitehallAllentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and beyond.

Laser Dentistry for Coplay and Beyond

February 25, 2014

laser dentistryIn our last post, we talked about how important treating gum disease is—and not just for your oral health. As we noted, gum disease raises your risk of developing a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension, pancreatic cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

Some patients might be anxious about seeking care for gum disease, but gum disease therapy doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. At Dr. Salivonchik’s Coplay dental office, we use laser dentistry to help patients enjoy better oral and overall wellbeing. Aided by a diode laser, Dr. Salivonchik can comfortably remove bacteria from above and below the gum line and encourage tooth reattachment, all without the need for a scalpel or stitches. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, but with laser dentistry, patients can preserve their oral health and enjoy more of their natural smile for longer.

A diode laser is just one of two lasers you’ll find at our Coplay office, though. A Waterlase laser can not only be used on gum tissue, it can also be used on teeth for fillings and to help with root canal therapy. Treating teeth with a Waterlase laser makes it possible for patients to get important care without the need for local anesthetic. With both of these lasers, our Coplay-area patients can enjoy excellent care that is comfortable and reduces anxiety.

Call our Coplay, PA dental office today to learn more about laser dentistry or schedule a consultation with Dr. Salivonchik. Our office is located in Lehigh Valley and serves WhitehallAllentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and surrounding areas. We look forward to helping you!

Treat Periodontal Disease Now for a Healthier Future Tomorrow

January 31, 2014

Medical CheckupWhen you think about the effects of gum disease, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps it’s noticing blood on your toothbrush or floss, unexplained sensitivity or even tooth loss. While it’s true that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults, this common condition can actually impact your health in a number of other ways as well. At the office of Dr. S. John Salivonchik in Coplay, PA, we use advanced laser dentistry to protect our patients from the variety of complications associated with gum disease.

Periodontal Disease and Overall Health: The Systemic Link

When a patient suffers from untreated periodontal disease, tiny pockets form between the gum line and the teeth as gingival tissue pulls back from the surface of the enamel. Bacteria accumulate within these pockets, further deteriorating the surrounding tissue. When the bacteria from this infection leach into the blood stream, it can spread to other tissues and organs throughout the body. Some of the complications associated with untreated or poorly managed gum disease are:

  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Higher chance of developing coronary artery disease

Fortunately, treating periodontal disease with laser therapy can greatly reduce your risk of being affected by these and other serious medical conditions. Dr. Salivonchik will carefully assess your unique case and discuss with you the various laser dentistry solutions available to you.

Reclaiming Your Oral & General Health

If you suspect that you are affected by periodontal disease in any of its stages, contact us at our Coplay, PA office to schedule your appointment today. Dr. Salivonchik and his experienced staff of dental professionals look forward to helping you restore not only your overall oral health, but your general health as well. We proudly serve patients from throughout Lehigh Valley and the surrounding communities of Easton, The Poconos, Allentown, Bethlehem and beyond.

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