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Archive for May, 2009

What Is On Your Dental Wish List?

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

What Is On Your Dental Wish List? A cosmetic dental consultation is informative and enjoyable. As the patient, you’ll have the opportunity to describe your goals and expectations. If this is your first visit to the practice, you’ll discover how comfortable you feel with our dentist and other members of the treatment team. Cosmetic dentistry consultations help us provide the highest level of Birmingham area dental care.

This is the time to ask questions about possible procedures such as teeth whitening. You can look at pictures of actual porcelain veneer patients and dental implant recipients. Our cosmetic dentistry patients really get excited when they see images of the possible results for their teeth.

By listening effectively and asking the right questions, Dr. J. Paul Koch can fully assess the many variables unique to your needs.

Dr. J. Paul Koch thoroughly examines teeth, gums and biting function. Complete x-rays are taken. Existing dental work, tooth color, tooth alignment, and gum condition are taken into consideration. Medical history and lifestyle are also important factors. Birmingham cosmetic dentistry costs are outlined.

Taking the first step by scheduling a cosmetic dental consultation is your key to understanding your options and preparing to make decisions. Learn about the possibilities for your smile at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry; give us a call at 205-202-8618.

Restoring Smiles at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Restoring Smiles at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham A great smile is essential for putting your best face forward. At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we not only restore teeth to their original condition; we make many Birmingham smiles better than they ever were before!

Some patients have only a few problems they wish to correct. Perhaps one or two teeth are misshapen and seem out of alignment. If the problem teeth are only superficially crooked—meaning they do not need to be moved into place with orthodontia—porcelain veneers are the answer. Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that are attached to the front of one of more teeth. They are extremely versatile and can correct shape, color, or both.

Another plus: porcelain veneers are essentially non-invasive and do not affect healthy tooth structure.

Some of our Alabama dental patients were happy with their smile in years past but now want to bring up the whiteness a notch or two. Teeth whitening is a popular procedure for our cosmetic dentistry clients. We provide a variety of teeth whitening options for every type of smile. If you are ready to brighten your smile, come on in; we’ll help you find the best tooth whitening system for your smile.

  • Dr. J. Paul Koch, DMD
  • Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
  • 2311 Highland Avenue, Suite 323, Birmingham, AL
  • Birmingham, Alabama 35205
  • 205-202-8618
  • http://www.KochAesthetics.com

Put your best face forward with a brand new smile!

The Dangers of Oral Piercing

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

The Dangers of Oral Piercing If you live in the Birmingham area and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, read this:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Birmingham dentists and doctors are continually treating serious infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily chip tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or ‘gum disease’, can cause gum recession and exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hyper sensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers. Dr. J. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry can give you more information about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have damage, call 205-202-8618 to schedule a consultation.

Koch Aesthetic Dentistry on Jaw Bone Deterioration

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Birmingham Jaw Bone Deterioration To remain dense, your jaw bone requires the continual stimulation and pressure of chewing, biting and talking. Each of your teeth has a root structure attached to the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates the bone to which the root is attached.

When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that previously surrounded the root structure begins to recede. Though tooth extraction is often the only possible treatment for our Birmingham patients with tooth damage beyond repair, every effort should be made to preserve the root structure.

Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new root which keeps the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant consists of a titanium post which is placed in the jaw bone. It replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone. After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and meshed with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

To learn more about dental implants, call Dr. J. Paul Koch at 205-202-8618. The friendly professionals at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry provide world-class dental treatment for patients in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

The Dental Spa

Let’s Talk About Your Smile

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Let’s Talk About Your Smile I’m Dr. J. Paul Koch of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry. My office is located at 2311 Highland Avenue, Suite 323, Birmingham, Alabama. One of the best things about being a Birmingham area dentist is interacting with my patients. During initial dental consultations, I listen carefully to my patient’s short and long term dental goals.

I enjoy discussing options and developing effective treatment plans tailored specifically to each person. Some of my clients desire a total smile makeover. I explain in detail the treatments available including teeth whitening, dental veneers, orthodontia, crown restoration, and dental implants.

If a client is nervous about undergoing treatment, we discuss oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation, sometimes called oral sedation dentistry, is a great option for anxious patients. Dental visits do not have to be painful!

After the treatment has been completed, it is very gratifying for me to see my patient’s reaction to their new smile.

I never get tired of creating dramatic smile transformations for the dental patients in Alabama!

If you have been considering a smile makeover, call Koch Aesthetic Dentistry at 205-202-8618 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation.

Bad Breath Treatment at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Bad Breath Treatment at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry Do you suspect that you have bad breath? I’m Dr. J. Paul Koch of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, a full-service dental office in Birmingham, Alabama. I help our dental patients diagnose and overcome this unpleasant and potentially embarrassing condition.

Halitosis is caused by the bacteria that live on and around your teeth, gums and tongue. Breath mints and mouthwashes do not cure bad breath, they only mask the symptoms. Proper oral hygiene can cure many cases of bad breath. However, in some cases, bad breath is caused by more serious conditions. Sinus and tonsil infections, acid reflux, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, kidney malfunction, and eating disorders are just some of the health issues that can cause bad breath.

If you have bad breath, the first thing to do is make sure you are cleaning your teeth, gums and tongue thoroughly. This does not mean you should brush as long and forcefully as possible. Brushing too vigorously can harm gums and contribute to gum recession. At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we help patients of all ages learn safe and effective brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning methods.

And don’t forget regular professional cleanings. Our friendly dental hygienist is trained in the latest and most effective deep-cleaning procedures. Your teeth feel so good after being cleaned professionally!

To make an appointment for an exam, cleaning or consultation, call Dr. J. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetics Dentistry at 205-202-8618. Your teeth are too important to neglect.