Preventive Dentistry in Indianapolis IN

CPAP

CPAP is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the tongue blocks the airway during sleep, causing breathing interruptions. It’s mainly for moderate to severe cases, using a mask connected to a machine delivering constant air pressure to keep the airway open.

Oral Appliances

Oral Appliances (OA) are custom-fabricated oral devices. They are designed to fit on the upper and lower teeth with a mechanism to keep the lower jaw in a forward position, which in turn keeps the soft tissue and the tongue from collapsing back and closing the airway.  

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal diseases are gum infections that can lead to tooth loss. They’re caused by dental plaque, which, if not removed by daily brushing and flossing, can irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. Over time, this can lead to pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventual deterioration of the supporting tissue and bone, resulting in tooth loss if left untreated.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a severe sleep disorder where the airway becomes blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs for 10 seconds or more. This lack of oxygen is linked to higher risks of irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a reduced life expectancy of 5 to 7 years.

Snoring

Snoring stems from various facial factors, often involving the soft palate’s vibration or nasal passage obstruction, enlarged uvula, tonsils, or base of the tongue. With 90 million Americans affected, snoring is common but shouldn’t be ignored. It can impact personal life and health, leading to daytime drowsiness, reduced energy, libido, and even depression. Habitual snoring may also elevate risks of heart attacks, stroke, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and high blood pressure.

Teeth Cleaning

A cleaning treatment is performed to thoroughly clean the teeth, gums, and is an important dental procedure for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions occur for various reasons, including severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, irreparable breakage, poor positioning (like impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. However, removing a single tooth can affect chewing ability, jaw joint, and teeth alignment, significantly impacting dental health.