Root Canal

Endodontics: Root Canal 101

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At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, St. Helens, OR area patients can learn about the endodontic treatments available with our professional team. One of the most common and routine endodontic treatments is that of root canal therapy.

What is a “root canal?”

The root canal are the areas in the tooth that extend down to the roots. These areas hold a mass of tissues known as the dental pulp. If the dental pulp becomes traumatized or infected, it can result in a severe toothache. To resolve the problem, the dentist may recommend a treatment known as endodontic therapy or “root canal therapy.” During this procedure, the dentist will access the inner portion of the tooth to remove the dental pulp. Then, the area is sealed off and often covered using a dental crown. This protects the tooth from damage as it can become weak and brittle without the dental pulp in place.

Is root canal therapy painful?

Some patients are worried about the treatment being painful. However, the toothache that brings patients to our practice is more painful than the procedure itself. This is because our team utilizes proper sedation and anesthetics to ensure patient comfort from start to finish. While some discomfort may occur after the procedure for a day or two, patients can often manage it with the use of over-the-counter pain medication as the area heals. Patients should never be fearful of root canal therapy as it is a comfortable procedure when performed correctly and with the use of proper sedation and anesthetics.

What are the alternatives to root canal therapy?

Due to the circumstances that lead to root canal therapy, there is no other alternative treatment outside of permanent extraction of the problematic tooth. It is important that patients understand that removal of a permanent tooth requires immediate replacement to avoid bone loss and the shifting of other teeth. Tooth replacement options may also be much costlier than performing root canal therapy instead.

Discuss root canal therapy with your dentist today

Call our team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group of Saint Helens, OR to discuss your dental needs with an area professional. The friendly front office team be reached at (503) 397-6144 and can help schedule an appointment at the practice.

Bad breath

Eight things that your breath can reveal about your overall health

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Your breath can tell a lot about your health, and is more than just a nuisance. If you notice continued and chronic bad breath problems, it may be due to an underlying medical condition or a sign that oral health and wellness habits are lacking. Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR are pleased to educate patients on what bad breath can reveal about one’s health.

  • Poor oral hygiene. Bad breath may be a sign that food particles and debris are building up in the mouth and are becoming a serious problem. Patients should take note of this issue and improve it with brushing and flossing after every meal.
  • Consumption of fast food or processed meals. Many patients who indulge regularly in processed foods or drive-thru meals and at a higher risk of developing bad breath than those who eat a more healthy, balanced diet high in fresh foods.
  • The presence of periodontal disease or tooth decay. If you have been avoiding the dentist, you may notice your bad breath progressing. It is important for patients to see their dentist every six months for an evaluation and cleaning, and to monitor one’s oral health.
  • You experience dry mouth. Low levels of saliva and saliva flow in the mouth can contribute to bad breath, though this may also be a side effective of certain medications or caused by dehydration.
  • Postnasal drip. If you have a cold or are dealing with allergies, you may notice increased postnasal drip. This mucus can cause bad breath when it is present on the tongue or when it mixes with natural bacteria in the mouth. Seek treatment with effective medications and make sure to properly brush and floss after each meal to reduce the presence of bad breath during this time.
  • Heartburn/acid reflux. Many adult patients deal with acid reflux or heartburn after enjoying some of their favorite foods. This reflux can result in bad breath over time, especially if the stomach bacteria H. pylori makes an appearance.
  • Smoking. Tobacco can cause a wide range of problems, including persistent bad breath as it can dry out the mouth, irritate the gums, and leave behind a bad odor.
  • indication of a more serious medical problem. Sometimes, the persistent bad breath may indicate a more serious problem somewhere else in the body. Changes in breath odor may indicate issues such as kidney failure, liver failure, and certain cancers of the lungs or stomach.

Call Hiebert Smith Dental Group today!

Patients in the Saint Helens, OR area who are ready to improve their oral health and address bad breath are invited to book a consultation visit with Drs. Hiebert and Smith today! Call (503) 397-6144 and visit us at 1550 Saint Helens Street. We accept new patients and families into our facility for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.

Why Are Lower Full Dentures Sometimes More Loose Than Upper Full Dentures?

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Full dentures are a wonderful solution for patient who are missing all of the teeth in the upper or lower dental arch. They are the most economical way to repair the smile and improve functionality. However, patients who hear of full dentures often have a lot of questions. Will they look natural? Are they difficult to adjust to? How do I keep them in place? It is natural to have a lot of apprehension when choosing a method of tooth replacement, but the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group is here to help.

What are full dentures?

A full denture is an appliance that is made to replace an upper or lower dental arch. These restorations are made to look as natural as possible, and with proper impressions, will fit precisely over the ridge of the gums. Full dentures are more affordable than replacing all the teeth with dental implants or other alternatives, making them a popular choice.

Will full dentures stay in place?

There are many ways patients will keep their dentures in place. Some use natural suction which can keep the dentures on the arch. Others rely on denture adhesives, which act as a special bonding agent to keep the denture in place on the ridge of the gums. Additionally, some patients choose implant-retained dentures, which use titanium posts to hold the dentures in place.

Why are the lower dentures more loose than upper dentures?

A common complaint in denture wearers is the looseness of the lower dentures when compared to the fit and function of the upper dentures. In many situations, the lower denture has less stability than the upper denture. This occurs due to the shape of the lower ridge gum line and the movement of the denture caused by movement of the tongue. For patients who have consistent issues with maintaining the placement of their lower denture, implant-retained solutions may be examined.

Schedule a visit with the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group today

If you are interested in learning more about full dentures, we welcome you to take the time to consult with Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR. Our dental professionals can walk patients through the process of obtaining dentures and determine if these restorations are most appropriate for their unique needs. Patients in the community can call (503) 397-6144 to schedule an appointment at 1550 Saint Helens Street.

Gum Disease Treatment St. Helens OR

5 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

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Patients in the area of Saint Helens, OR may think more about their teeth when it comes to their smile than they do their gums. Many are worried about how straight their teeth are or how bright and brilliant their tooth enamel is. However, it is important that patients don’t forget about their gums, and learn about the reasons why they need to keep their gums healthy for improving oral health and wellness overall. In fact, if patients fail to take good care of their gums, they may be putting their smile at risk for periodontal disease, or “gum disease.”

What is periodontal disease?

This condition is an infection that develops in the mouth, starting with the soft tissues of the gums. The infection results in inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. If patients do not seek diagnosis of their condition and treatment early on, they may be putting their entire smile at risk. Periodontal disease, as it progresses, can be damaging to not only the gums, but the natural bone and the teeth. Taking good care of the gums is the best way to avoid the development of this condition and to reduce the risks of damaging infections.

Ways to keep the gums healthy

Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR encourages patients to consider these methods of caring for the smile that ensure healthy gums:

  • Flossing. Flossing removes food particles that may be difficult to remove with brushing alone, and can also remove plaque that can develop between the teeth. At least once a day is all it takes for healthier gums!
  • Brushing. Brushing after ever meal with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste helps remove food and plaque that can get stuck on the gums and contribute to periodontal disease.
  • Routine dental cleanings. By visiting a dentist, patients can not only have their teeth thoroughly cleaned by the dental hygienist, but their dentist will have the opportunity to evaluate the health of the smile and catch problems like periodontal disease early for effective treatment.
  • Avoid tobacco products. Smoking and chewing tobacco are especially harmful to the health of the gum tissues and other soft tissues int eh mouth. It can also have negative effects on the entire body, and should be avoided at all costs.
  • Mouthwashes. Even when you have finished brushing and flossing the teeth and gums, you should always wrap up your hygiene habits with the use of a mouthwash. Mouthwashes allow one extra step in fighting gingivitis, plaque, and tartar buildup.

Book an appointment with the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group

Saint Helens, OR area patients who are interested in comprehensive dental care solutions, including an education in proper oral health habits, are welcome to book a consultation visit with Drs. Hiebert and Smith. Call (503) 397-6144 today to speak to our team at 1550 Saint Helens Street about the many ways you can keep your gums—and smile—healthy!

The Importance of Periodontal Therapy for Gum Disease Treatment

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At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, Saint Helens, OR area patients have access to solutions for the entire smile. Whether patients need cosmetic work or treatment for decay and disease, they can seek solutions with our practice. One common treatment offered for patients is that of periodontal therapy for the treatment of periodontal disease, or “gum disease.”

What is periodontal disease?

Conditions such as periodontal disease are often easy for a dentist to diagnose when patients come into the office for their routine evaluations. This condition is completely avoidable with proper oral health care. Periodontal disease starts in the gums as an infection. Without treatment, this condition can progress into later stages that can permanently impact the smile. It can cause the loss of natural teeth, bone, and soft tissues. With early diagnosis and intervention, many patients can bring their smile back to health with a dental provider.

Periodontal therapy for treatment

Periodontal therapy may involve a variety of treatments to address periodontal disease, depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed. For example, the earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. This condition is often noticed by patients and dentists due to bleeding and redness of the gum tissues. Patients may also take note of increased bad breath. At this point, the condition can be treated with a thorough cleaning at the doctor’s office. However, if the condition has gotten worse, it may become periodontitis and require extensive treatments such as antibiotics or scaling and root planing. These are more aggressive ways of addressing the condition in an attempt to bring the smile back to health and avoid further damage to the smile.

Which treatment is right for me?

The first step in deciding what periodontal therapy is best for a patient is by getting a proper diagnosis from a dental professional. This will help in determining the stage of the disease and therefore offer insight as to the treatment that is best suited for the individual based on their unique needs.

Take charge of periodontal disease today!

Contact the Hiebert Smith Dental Group today to speak to one of our professionals about the benefits of immediate periodontal disease treatment in the early stages. Drs. Hiebert and Smith can be reached for an appointment at (503) 397-6144.

Obtaining Root Canal Therapy Is a Great Way to Repair the Smile and Save Natural Teeth

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At the Hiebert Smith Dental Group, patients in the area of Saint Helens, OR are welcome to ask our team about a wide range of solutions for their smile. This may include some otherwise unsavory treatments like the dreaded “root canal.” It is so important for patients to understand that root canal therapy is not a painful procedure—in fact, it is performed to relieve patients of pain while maintaining the tooth and saving it from extraction.

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure that is performed by a dentist to save a tooth from requiring extraction. Patients who may need this procedure are those experiencing:

  • An abscess
  • An infection/inflammation
  • Trauma to the natural tooth
  • A severe toothache

When root canal treatment is recommended, our dentists will walk patients through the process.

First, patients are made comfortable with proper local anesthetics and sedation. Once this occurs, the dentist will create a small hole in the tooth which allows him to access the inner canals, or channels. inside each tooth is a mass of tissues known as the dental pulp that is removed during this treatment. The inside canals are then disinfected and filled with a material called gutta percha. The entire tooth is then sealed off with composite resin bonding, and then some patients may have a dental crown placed over the tooth to offer an extra layer of protection and strength.

The entire process can be done in one appointment, unless a dental crown is necessary as this is created and put in place at a later time during a second visit. Patients who have root canal therapy will enjoy the relief from pain and knowing that they did what was best for their smile. Avoiding extraction of a natural tooth also saves patients time and money, as restorations such as implants, bridges, or dentures would then be required to repair the smile.

Ready for root canal therapy?

Contact Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Hiebert Smith Dental Group in the community of Saint Helens, OR to discuss your options. We welcome new and existing patients into our facility at 1550 Saint Helens Street, and our front office team can be reached at (503) 397-6144.

Enjoy Chronic Headache Relief with Treatment for Conditions like TMD

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Drs. Hiebert and Smith of the Saint Helens, OR area is here to help patients in the community with achieving and maintaining oral health and wellness. But dental care goes beyond cavities and periodontal disease. Some patients have dental concerns that can impact them in other ways, including those who are struggling with chronic headaches from TMD.

What is TMD?

TMD is an acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition can become incredibly painful and debilitating for those who have moderate to severe cases. The temporomandibular joint is the jaw joint. It is the joint that hinges the upper and lower part of the mouth allows patients to speak, eat, and yawn. However, it can become dysfunctional and result in several troublesome symptoms, including:

  • Locking of the jaw in the open or closed position
  • Clicking and popping of the jaw
  • Chronic headaches and migraines
  • Pain from the head down through the neck and shoulders
  • Discomfort around the jaw joint with or without the muscles

When patients have been diagnosed with TMD, they may be unsure as to the ways in which they can alleviate the symptoms and improve their quality of life. Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Hiebert Smith Dental Group may make a recommendation of oral appliance therapy. This is a treatment that uses a specialized mouthguard for the smile that can help in reducing tension and pain caused by the condition. It can provide a better solution than pain medication alone, which can just mask the symptoms and not really address the problem at the source. Our team can also suggest neuromuscular exercises and other treatments that can address TMD issues effectively and affordably.

Schedule a visit with Hiebert Smith Dental Group today

Have you been struggling with pain around the jaw area? Do you suffer from chronic headaches and migraines and think they might be related to the issues with your jaw? You may be dealing with TMD and can seek treatment with our team. Call Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR at (503) 397-6144 and take the time to educate yourself on the advantages of treatment for this and other dental health conditions.

dental bridge | Hiebert Smith Dental Group,

The Use of Dental Implants Can Replace One or More Teeth in a Permanent Manner for Saint Helens, or Area Patients

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Periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other conditions can cause patients to require extraction of their natural teeth. However, once this occurs, it is essential that patients speak with their dentist to learn about replacement options available. At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, patients in and around the community of Saint Helens, OR are able to ask about treatment options such as dental implants for tooth replacement.

How do dental implants work?

Drs. Hiebert and Smith describe dental implants as replacements for tooth roots made of titanium metal. This metal is biocompatible with the body and is placed into the bone of the jaw to act as a proper and strong foundation for placing a dental crown, bridge, or full denture. Dental implants are extremely versatile and are a permanent solution to extracted or lost natural teeth.

Who is a candidate?

Dental implants are placed into the bone of the jaw to stimulate the process of osseointegration, or bone growth, around it. This is how the dental implant stays firmly in place for many years. However, patients need to have enough bone present in the jaw for this to successfully occur. Determining candidacy is done by our team with the use of x-rays to evaluate the health of the bone. In some cases, patients can undergo bone grafting to build up the bone in the area and ensure they are proper candidates for treatment. This preparatory work will cost more in the long run but can be a wise investment for patients who want a permanent, no-fuss way to replace one or more teeth in a reliable and effective manner. Patients can also ask about other alternatives such as dental bridges and dentures.

Find out more about dental implants and determine if you are a candidate for treatment

Missing teeth need to be addressed as soon as possible, and patients can improve their smile with the Hiebert Smith Dental Group in Saint Helens, OR. Contact Drs. Hiebert and Smith today by calling (503) 397-6144 and visiting the practice, conveniently located at 1550 Saint Helens Street. Dental implants and other solutions are readily available for new and existing patients to consider when replacing missing teeth.

Technology

Learn about Advanced Dental Technologies used at Hiebert Smith Dental Group

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At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, patients in the area of Saint Helens, OR are able to achieve the smile of their dreams. The practice is equipped with some of today’s advanced technologies that allow our team of professionals to provide the best possible care for new and existing patients. Drs. Hiebert and Smith are committed to ensuring patients have access to precision treatments and technologies that can help them improve the health of their smile while also enjoying cosmetic services that enhance the teeth and gums.

What technology is available at our practice?

Technology makes it easier than ever for dental professionals to provide their patients with the treatments they need to address their oral health issues. Some of the technologies that are available at our practice include the following:

  • Digital x-rays – instant imaging with far less radiation exposure than traditional x-rays
  • Diagnodent – this laser device is used to diagnose cavities that may not be visible with a physical evaluation
  • T-Scan – poor bite alignment and function can be easily seen and diagnosed with this computerized diagnostic tool
  • Myomonitor Tens – a tens unit is highly effective in the treatment of conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder
  • BioEMG – a device used for recording activity of the muscles for neuromuscular dentistry
  • Digital photography – high definition cameras can provide digital imaging for documentation and diagnostics

Reinvesting into the patient and their oral health is at the forefront of our practice. Our team provides the diagnostic tools necessary to address common dental needs. In addition, we have years of combined experience to ensure treatment of one’s specific desires. From digital x-rays to digital photography, our professionals are able to provide the services patients require.

Schedule an appointment with the team of professionals at Hieber Smith Dental Group

Saint Helens, OR area patients who are interested in working with a dental professional who has invested into the practice—and the patients—with improving technology are welcome to book a consultation visit with Drs. Hiebert and Smith. Call (503) 397-6144 and visit the office at 1550 Saint Helens Street. Patients can learn more about general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services utilized in the office to improve the health, beauty, and function of patient smiles.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea | St. Helens, OR

How obstructive sleep apnea can be improved with the help of your dentist

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At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, our professionals see patients on a regular basis who are in need of oral health care solutions. However, our practice offerings don’t just stop at cleanings and evaluations. We also offer a solution for a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.

What is OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)?

When patients are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, they may not be aware of what this sleeping disorder entails. The condition is caused by a blockage in the airway that happens when patients sleep. The blockage keeps them from being able to breath, resulting in them waking up sometimes hundreds of times a night. This cycle keeps patients from reaching the deep levels of sleep that they need to function at their best each day. Patients with this condition may “sleep” for several hours a night but never feel rested in the morning. Common signs that obstructive sleep apnea may be present include:

• Chronic headaches and migraines

• Chronic daytime fatigue

• Memory and concentration issues

• Increased depression and anxiety

• Chronic snoring as reported by sleeping partners

• Bouts of ceased breathing while sleeping

• Insomnia

Once patients have had a sleep study and have been diagnosed by their primary physician with obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP machines are often suggested. However, these devices are often cumbersome and patients tend to avoid using them—which leaves their condition untreated. Instead, patients can work with Drs. Hiebert and Smith in Saint Helens, OR to learn about an alternative treatment called oral appliance therapy. This is the use of a special device worn in the mouth while sleeping that can keep the airways open and allow patients to breathe properly all night long.

Schedule a visit with our team today!

Do you believe you have sleep apnea? Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea with a physician and believe that you could benefit from an alternative treatment to CPAP usage? If you are interested in treating your condition with oral appliance therapy and live in the area of Saint Helens, OR, we encourage you to book a consultation visit with our team of professionals at Hiebert Smith Dental Group to discuss your options. Drs. Hiebert and Smith can be reached by calling (503) 397-6144 and the office is located at 1550 Saint Helens Street. New patients and families are always welcome in their state-of-the-art dental facility.