Koch Aesthetic Dentistry Birmingham Alabama – Blog

If you are planning extensive cosmetic dental work, you may be wondering whether to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost
In the long run, It is less expensive to do it all at once. At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most Birmingham residents. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us at 205-202-8618 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

Time
With the latest materials and cosmetic dental techniques, healing times are shorter than ever before. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants often require a short healing period.

It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Birmingham dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and necessary healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less down time if you receive several procedures at once.

Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Sedation Dentistry
When you come in for a smile analysis, we can discuss oral sedation dentistry. Many cosmetic dental patients benefit from this safe and effective solution for pain and anxiety management. Conscious sedation is especially helpful for procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.

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

Hi, I’m Doctor Dr. J. Paul Koch, DMD. Most every day, I can be found at my Mountain Brook area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Birmingham diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is 205-202-8618.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Alabama folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many Birmingham dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.KochAesthetics.com

There is a tooth connection that links osteoporosis and oral health. If you are a woman, you have probably heard about the high rate of osteoporosis in America. The state of Alabama is no exception. Osteoporosis can often progress without any outward symptoms. However, there may be clues in a person’s mouth that indicate compromised bones in the rest of the body.

The following dental and periodontal issues could indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

• Gum detachment
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Jaw bone recession and erosion
• Difficulty with ordinary mouth function such as eating or speaking

There are many Mountain Brook dental professionals that can determine the presence of bone deterioration with x-rays and other diagnostic tools. If we suspect the possibility of osteoporosis, we can refer you to a local medical professional, whether you live in Vestavia Hills, Crestline, Homewood or Mountain Brook.

The experienced dentists at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the oral health problems sometimes associated with osteoporosis. Schedule a consultation in Birmingham by calling 205-202-8618 and we can discuss your dental concerns. While you are here, we can also tell you about the cosmetic dental services we provide. Aesthetic dentistry continues to improve smiles for our friends and neighbors in the Birmingham area.

If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoporosis, please see your physician right away. While your dentist can help identify some of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis, you should not rely on your dentist to provide a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

When a tooth is threatened by severe decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled Birmingham dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.

Koch Aesthetic Dentistry: 205-202-8618

During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment) the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build up and crown.

At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we fabricate strong, natural-looking crowns that blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.

I am Doctor Dr. J. Paul Koch DMD of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry. I have been practicing dentistry since 2000. During that time I have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often cause no symptoms, it is important to have regular dental examinations. I can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved. Is it time for a thorough dental exam? Call our office at 205-202-8618.

Call Koch Aesthetic Dentistry immediately if one of your teeth is screaming for attention!

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.

Whether you have lived in Alabama for a long time, or just moving in to the Birmingham area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Koch Aesthetic Dentistry located at 2311 Highland Avenue, Suite 323, Birmingham, AL and our specialty is smile restoration using cosmetic dentistry.

You can reach Koch Aesthetic Dentistry by calling 205-202-8618.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Birmingham, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Birmingham area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose a Birmingham dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new Birmingham dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Birmingham dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Birmingham dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist in Birmingham will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Birmingham dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry our staff that is passionate about your smile, your comfort and your professional care will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Birmingham, Alabama and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at 205-202-8618, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-The Dental Spa