Koch Aesthetic Dentistry Birmingham Alabama – Blog

Periodontal disease in Alabama is more common than you might think, and can be cured with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? According to this article on Wikipedia, periodontal disease is ‘the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth.’

Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions, and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile, and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage. When caught early by your cosmetic dentist and treated, periodontal disease can be little more than an inconvenience. However the best policy is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check up at your local Birmingham dentist.

Give us a call at 205-202-8618 to schedule your next dental checkup; we look forward to seeing you.  We also provide implant dentistry and sedation dentistry services.

— Dr. J. Paul Koch

In Birmingham, tooth decay is one of the most common childhood problems. Tooth decay also affects adults. Koch Aesthetic Dentistry serves people from 12 to 95 years old to help fight tooth decay.

Bacteria are a common cause of tooth decay. Bacteria live in your mouth and combine with plaque and acids to break down the enamel coating on your teeth. The breakdown of your tooth enamel can often result in the development of small holes in your teeth which are known as cavities. The breaking down of your tooth enamel is known as tooth decay, and it is a serious dental problem for children and adults in Birmingham.

Alabama tooth decay is typically a result of diet and oral hygiene choices. When sticky foods are consumed and allowed to sit on the teeth, or foods full of sugars and starches are consumed frequently throughout the day, tooth decay can result. Foods to avoid include soda and sugary chewing gum; these foods tend to stay around for a while and create an environment where bacteria thrive. To help prevent tooth decay, simply limit sugary and starchy foods between meals. Also, brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and visiting your local Birmingham cosmetic dentist in Alabama for regular check ups and cleanings will help prevent tooth decay.

Hello, my name is Dr. J. Paul Koch and I work at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry located at 2311 Highland Avenue South, Suite 323 Birmingham, Alabama. Tooth decay is a preventable dental problem, and I can help. I will be happy to meet you, and to give you an idea of the many ways we can help you prevent tooth decay and avoid a more costly or even painful ailment.

We at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry specialize in  cosmetic dentistry including services such as dental implants and teeth whitening.  We would be happy to discuss with you any health concerns related to your teeth. Give us a call at 205-202-8618.

Dr. Paul Koch

All relationships are important. Especially your relationship with your Birmingham dentist.

Did your last Birmingham dentist cause you fear, guilt and pain? Perhaps you quit seeing your dentist because you hated going and he/she loved making you wait. Was your previous Birmingham cosmetic dentist insensitive to your concerns? Was he/she a poor communicator? Perhaps you have simply moved into the Birmingham area and need a new provider.

I am Dr. J. Paul Koch of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham. I understand that many patients are nervous (okay – downright terrified) about dental visits. I also realize that no client wants to be given a shameful lecture about their oral health.

Though I have years of experience and extensive training on all the latest cosmetic dentistry procedures, there are some things that can’t be learned in dental school; how to build trusting relationships with your patients and create a relaxed atmosphere in your dental practice. I understand that Birmingham dental clients can feel very vulnerable as they lie in the chair with their mouth open. My staff and I maintain a friendly environment in our pleasant office. We manage our practice carefully to minimize waiting and provide ample time for each valued patient.

Effective communication is a priority. I make sure my Birmingham dentistry patients understand their restorative and cosmetic options and answer all their questions before we develop a treatment plan.

If you are currently seeking a considerate, experienced, and sensitive Birmingham dentist, I look forward to meeting you. My phone number is 205-202-8618. You can learn more about me at http://www.kochaesthetics.com/meetdrkoch.htm

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As your local Mountain Brook dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Sometimes mouth sores can be an issue, and while Mountain Brook dentists often defer to an oral surgeon for extreme cases, we can help you make an assessment.

If you live in the Mountain Brook area and have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; come and see me. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment is the best bet. A better understanding of your mouth sores can lead quickly to comfort and a resolution. If necessary, treatment and pain relief can be offered.

There are two common types of mouth sores that are common in the Mountain Brook area: canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Typically a canker sore heals in a week or two. Antimicrobal mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods may offer you temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of a canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations range from a cut on the inside the mouth, and reactions to extreme temperatures or acids from food or drink, to fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or viruses, or combinations of all these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics may provide relief. There are some antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause occasional cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

As your Mountain Brook dentist, I can’t do much to stop canker sores or cold sores in your mouth. I can discuss the health of your mouth, and examine any causes that make your mouth sore. In some cases a change in the way you care for your mouth can reduce the chances of getting mouth sores. If you are in the Birmingham area, and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, give us a call at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry.

Our number is 205-202-8618.

Looking for a dentist in Birmingham is sometimes simply a matter of word of mouth. The most common way for people to find a dentist in a new area such as Birmingham is to ask a friend or neighbor. ‘Who is your dentist?’ is a common question. The answer is usually followed up with an explanation about whether or not your friend likes their dentist or not, and whether they would recommend their Birmingham dentist to a friend.

I am Dr. J. Paul Koch, and I am a Doctor serving the Birmingham Alabama community as a licensed Doctor. We call our practice ‘Koch Aesthetic Dentistry’, and we welcome new patients from the Mountain Brook area.

If you are new to the Mountain Brook area and are looking for a Birmingham dentist, please come by my dentist office in Birmingham, Alabama. I will be happy to spend some time with you to get to know you, and to introduce you to our professional care office staff who are passionate about your smile and your comfort.

I realize that most of our new patients will come to us by word-of-mouth referrals and our patient testimonials. It is our goal to deliver such a positive dental experience that you will be compelled to tell your friends about how happy you are with our dental service.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. J. Paul Koch, DMD

205-202-8618

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Most people in the Birmingham area between the ages of 12 and 95 need a dental checkup every six months. If you live in Birmingham and are at higher risk for oral diseases, you should have your teeth checked every four months, or at least three times a year.

Come into our office, located at 2311 Highland Avenue, Suite 323 in Birmingham, or give us a call to make a dental appointment. You can visit our website at http://www.KochAesthetics.com for more information.

Most people in our Birmingham community are in a medium to low risk category. However if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar in your diet (including lots of soda), or have poor oral hygiene habits, you are likely in a higher risk category and should have your teeth checked right away.

We look at a lot of factors to determine your personal dental hygiene, and your future dental outlook. We want you to have the healthiest smile possible so that you can enjoy your teeth for many years without significant problems. If you live in the Birmingham area and are ready to have your teeth checked, please give Koch Aesthetic Dentistry a call.

We are passionate about your smile and your comfort. Your professional care staff will be ready to get you started with a dental checkup.

Talk to you soon.

Malocclusions (bite problems) include overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders restrict proper chewing, talking, and swallowing. They can also cause teeth to shift around in the mouth. Birmingham dentistry patients with bite problems are at a greater risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease because bite misalignment often makes it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.

When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the situation is reversed, it is called an underbite. Crossbite occurs when lower teeth are in the wrong position.

Bite problems can cause headaches and TMJ pain. Some dental patients with severe bite problems develop a distorted facial shape and damaged teeth.

If you suspect your toddler or older child has a bite problem, it is important to see your Mountain Brook dentist as soon as possible. Bite issues and their various related problems get worse over time.

At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we diagnose and successfully treat bite problems in addition to providing general and cosmetic dentistry. We can be reached at 205-202-8618. Our office is located at 2311 Highland Avenue, Suite 323 in Birmingham. You can find more about us at http://www.KochAesthetics.com.

Most of our patients live in Birmingham or nearby in Vestavia Hills, Crestline or Homewood. If you have recently moved into the Mountain Brook area and need a skilled family and cosmetic dentist, come visit our office.  We are passionate about your smile, your comfort, and your professional care team. We pamper every patient and make dental visits as comfortable as possible.

The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentist in Birmingham. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in an Birmingham dentist:

Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist in Birmingham. If you live in the Birmingham, Alabama area, there are many options, and most locations are not too far out of the way. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their Birmingham dentist.

Relationship is a strong factor. Your Birmingham dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Birmingham dentist and the dental office staff.

Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Birmingham. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local Birmingham dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.

If you are looking for a dentist in Birmingham, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Koch Aesthetic Dentistry.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. J. Paul Koch, DMD

205-202-8618

What is ‘ General Dentistry ‘? Here are a couple definitions, found from around the web:

The World Health Organization defines General Dentistry as “the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth”.

According to Wikipedia :

A dentist is a healthcare professional qualified to practice dentistry after graduating with a degree of either Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Bachelor of Dentistry (BDent), Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), or Bachelor of Dental Surgery/Chirurgiae (BDS) or (BChD) or equivalent.

In most western countries, to become a qualified dentist one must usually complete at least 4 years of postgraduate study. Generally, 2 years of clinical experience working with patients in an educational setting are required.

If you have a need for General Dentistry in the Birmingham area, please give our practice a call. We are Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, and our general dentistry office is located at:

2311 Highland Avenue, Suite 323, Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, Alabama 35205

We practice General Dentistry in the city of Birmingham. We provide general dentistry services to the greater Mountain Brook area, which includes general dentistry services for anyone in the cities of Vestavia Hills, Crestline, Homewood or Hoover .

Give us a call at 205-202-8618 to schedule a general dentistry appointment in Birmingham, or to ask questions about general dentistry.

The Dental Spa

Hello! I’m Dr. J. Paul Koch, DMD, of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham.

I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 2000. Dentistry is a challenging and fascinating profession; dentists must have diagnostic skills, dexterity, extensive scientific knowledge, and good visual memory. Dentistry also requires artistic ability. In addition to the technical aspects of dentistry, I really enjoy interacting with my Birmingham dental patients.

I recognize that my clients have other choices in Mountain Brook area dental practices, and I work continually to earn their trust and surpass their expectations.

Each dentistry client is unique. Many of my patients come in twice-yearly for an exam and cleaning. We help them maintain excellent oral health. Some cosmetic dentistry clients come to me seeking major restorative dental work. It is extremely gratifying to complete a smile makeover and see the client’s reaction when they see the result for the first time.

When I have a pre-treatment consultation with a new dentistry client, it is very informative for both of us. The patient learns the specifics about the possible procedures and I learn about the clients’ goals, concerns and expectations. Then I work with the client to develop a dental treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs, desired outcome and budget.

My dental practice is located at 2311 Highland Avenue, Suite 323, in Birmingham, AL. If you are looking for an experienced dentist in the Birmingham area, call 205-202-8618 to schedule a consultation.

I look forward to meeting with you.