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When Style And Oral Health Collide in Birmingham

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Cosmetic Dental Consequences Of Oral Piercing In Birmingham

Oral piercing is a popular form of body-art in Birmingham, but just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s safe. I’m Dr. J. Paul Koch, a dentist serving Birmingham Alabama and the surrounding areas. When my patients ask me about the safety of oral piercings, I make sure they understand the possible consequences.

First, people should know that infection is always a major concern with any piercing, but because the mouth is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria, oral piercings are especially problematic. Chewing, swallowing, and speaking can also be impaired by an oral piercing.

Oral piercings can lead to an increase in saliva flow and, possibly, excessive drooling, something my Birmingham cosmetic dental patients generally want to avoid. (I don’t know anyone who thinks drooling is attractive.) Chipped or cracked teeth, damage to dental fillings, and metal sensitivity are other possible results.

Another serious risk associated with piercings that should concern Birmingham area residents is nerve damage. Many people experience temporary numbness after a piercing, but for some, sensations never return. An injured nerve can also affect facial movements as well as your sense of taste.

Do you really want to risk looking like a stroke victim for the rest of your life?

If you’ve read through this and you’re still sure a tongue bar or lip piercing is for you, please consult your Birmingham area dentist so they can help you make the safest decision possible for your dental health. If you are looking for a dentist around Birmingham, our passionate staff here at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry would be happy to schedule an appointment for you. We offer dental implants, porcelain veneers, laser dentistry, and more!

We may even convince you that safe, effective cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding would be a smarter and safer way to express your personality and boost your confidence. Give us a call today!

Dr. J. Paul Koch
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
2311 Highland Ave S, Ste 323
Birmingham Alabama
205-202-8618
http://www.kochaesthetics.com/meetdrkoch.htm

Helping Alabama Love Dental Visits

Friday, April 5th, 2013

Helping Alabama Love Cosmetic Dental Visits

It’s no secret that most people in Alabama dread going to the dentist. Everyone knows it and despite your best efforts, even your dentist knows it. But when you start visiting your dentist for the latest cosmetic dental treatments, you may find that you LOVE going to the dentist!

Dentists throughout Alabama have so many procedures and advanced materials at their disposal to make your smile as beautiful as it can be. Dental crowns, veneers, implants, teeth whitening, bonding, inlays and onlays, and short term braces are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in and around Birmingham.

Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised to find that most of these procedures are more convenient than they supposed and more affordable than they expected.

I’m Dr. J. Paul Koch a cosmetic dentist in Birmingham and I want to help you love your dental visits and love your smile. I’ve practiced dentistry since 2000, and I find it especially rewarding when my dental patients find renewed confidence after a smile makeover.

At my Birmingham practice we offer cosmetic and recontructive dentistry, dental implants, porcelain veneers and more. If you have any questions, the passionate staff here at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry would be happy to answer them and schedule an appointment to see what cosmetic dentistry procedures would be right for you.

Dr. J. Paul Koch
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
205-202-8618
http://www.kochaesthetics.com/meetdrkoch.htm

Comprehensive Esthetic Dentistry At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry

Friday, March 8th, 2013

Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry In Birmingham

If you want a movie star smile and don’t have oral health issues that need to be addressed, Dr. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry can explain options for achieving the celebrity smile you desire. To book a private consultation for a smile makeover, call 205-202-8618 today.

Dr. Koch has helped many people in the 35205 zip code area achieve the smile they have always wanted.

Whether you have damaged teeth, aging enamel, or teeth that need aligning or whitening, Dr. Koch can address your problem areas, provide you with an overall esthetic assessment, and discuss your specific concerns.

A smile makeover in Birmingham typically involves two or more procedures, which may include: dental veneers, tooth implants, sculpting of gums, and teeth whitening or bleaching.

Sometimes the initial examination reveals dental treatments that are necessary to correct other problems involving bite alignment or bone structure issues that, when treated, provide added satisfaction and a natural look to cosmetic dental procedures.

When Dr. Paul Koch redesigns a smile, the teeth are treated as an integral element of the patient’s face. The lips, gums, mouth, facial structure, patient’s age, and coloring are all taken into consideration. This unified approach to cosmetic dentistry has helped Koch Aesthetic Dentistry establish and maintain a stellar reputation in the Birmingham professional dental community.

Dr. Paul Koch has years of experience in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, helping patients leave our office with more confidence and a smile they are proud to show off.

Raise Your Dental IQ In Alabama

Friday, December 21st, 2012

Cosmetic Dentist Alabama

There are many simple things that the average Alabama resident can do to raise their Dental IQ and improve their oral health. One simple lesson involves bacteria, and everyone’s mouth has a lot of it.

But, don’t worry, bacteria per se isn’t the problem. General and cosmetic dental problems occur for Alabama patients when the balance of bacteria becomes unhealthy. This is where brushing and flushing might come into play. Another precaution you can take to guard against the wrong kind of bacteria is to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, and close the lid of the toilet before you flush.

Make sure to wash your hands before you brush and floss. No exceptions!

When it comes to a good toothbrush, don’t get sentimental. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If you can avoid the unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, you can avoid gum disease, tooth decay, as well as bad breath.

If you can avoid decay, it’s less likely that you will need more extensive dental work such as dental implants and crowns.

I’m Alabama cosmetic dentist Dr. Paul Koch and I am passionate about helping my patients have healthy mouths and beautiful smiles. If you would like to know more about a custom smile makeover in Alabama, give us a call at 205-202-8618 and a member of our comfortable staff will answer any questions you have and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

Call today!

Dr. Paul Koch
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
2311 Highland Ave S Suite 323
Birmingham, AL 35205
205-202-8618
http://www.kochaesthetics.com/

Koch Aesthetic Dentistry For A Smile Impossible To Ignore

Friday, November 9th, 2012

Porcelain Veneers Birmingham

Many Birmingham folks consider the myriad options available to stop the aging clock. Whether it is a surgical procedure, botox, hair implants, or a chemical peel, Birmingham residents have countless choices to help them look more youthful. I am Dr. J. Paul Koch and I am exited to tell you about a simple and affordable procedure we offer at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry that can create a younger looking you.

Porcelain veneers will produce a smile that will have people asking you if you have lost weight or started going to the gym because the effect porcelain veneers have is stunning.

Haven’t you noticed that when you talk with someone who has sparkling, straight white teeth, their smile catches your eye? An engaging smile draws attention away from wrinkles or a flabby belly because a dazzling smile is the first impression others have of you – and it is impossible to ignore!

At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, our porcelain veneers will improve the color of your teeth, cover chips, cracks, or misshapen teeth. Veneers can lengthen teeth that look too short, fill in gaps between teeth and cover any irregularity your teeth may have. Porcelain veneers reflect light the same way natural teeth do making them a great choice for a smile makeover.

If you are a middle-aged (or older) Birmingham area resident pondering ways to improve your appearance, Koch Aesthetic Dentistry can help you turn back the clock by creating a youthful smile. Koch Aesthetic Dentistry has been serving the folks of Birmingham since 2000. We offer affordable, professional services including smile restoration, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, and laser dentistry.

The smiles in the 35205 zip code area can rival those of Beverly Hills 90210 thanks to porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental procedures. Contact Koch Aesthetic Dentistry today for a younger you!

A New Reason To Eat More Fish In Birmingham

Friday, October 26th, 2012

Cosmetic Dentistry Birmingham Hello Birmingham cosmetic dental blog visitors, welcome to the Koch Aesthetic Dentistry blog. I am Dr. J. Paul Koch.

I came across an interesting dental article on the Web MD Health News site the other day. The article is entitled ‘Fatty Fish, Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease.’ Author Jennifer Warner explains that a recent study links diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) with a lower risk of periodontitis.

Gum disease is a common dental issue for many Birmingham folks. When gum tissue pulls away from a tooth, it forms a pocket. (You know what they say about Nature abhorring a vacuum.) This pocket is a warm, moist place for bacteria to flourish. If periodontitis goes untreated, the tooth and jaw bone are at risk. During dental examinations, I carefully measure gumline pockets and examine all teeth for gum disease.

“Researchers found that people whose diets were rich in PUFAs were as much as 30 percent less likely to have gum disease than those who ate little or none of this type of fat.”

Foods high in PUFAs include salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring. Oils high in PUFAs include safflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and margarines made with the previously mentioned oils. Almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds are high PUFA nuts/seeds.

I don’t know many families in Birmingham that regularly eat mackerel and herring. Maybe some of us could benefit from becoming more adventurous when it comes to seafood.

The possible prevention of gum disease is not the only reason to eat high PUFA foods. These foods pack a nutritional punch and have myriad health benefits. The next time you are stocking up at your local Costco, you may want to add some salmon and walnuts to your list.

It is important to understand that diet alone will not treat or prevent gum disease, however it may be an additional tool for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

If you have not been to your Birmingham area sedation dentist in a while, I urge you to schedule an examination and cleaning today. We are currently taking new Birmingham dental clients at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry.

If you are interested in teeth whitening, smile makeovers, tooth-colored fillings or invisible braces, call us today to schedule an appointment.

Dr. J. Paul Koch
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
2311 Highland Ave S, Ste 323
Birmingham, Alabama, 35205
205-202-8618
http://www.kochaesthetics.com/meetdrkoch.htm
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Missing Teeth In Birmingham? Dentures And Implants Restore Smiles

Friday, October 5th, 2012

Dental Implants In Birmingham

If you have had years of dental problems or are embarrassed by your teeth, our passionate team at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry can help you find the restoration procedure right for you. You could be a candidate for complete or partial dentures or dental implants.

A removable replacement for missing teeth, dentures can be made in advance and positioned as soon as the natural teeth are removed. Our Koch Aesthetic Dentistry dental lab creates dentures that look just like natural teeth: attractive, healthy teeth.

If you still have some healthy, natural teeth, you can benefit from dentures without having your healthy teeth extracted.

Partial dentures fill in the gaps, replacing missing teeth to complete a smile. Partial dentures can prevent natural teeth from moving. Many Birmingham cosmetic dental practices can complete these procedures in one day.

Many dental insurance providers cover most or all of the cost of dentures. Call us at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry and we can help you find out if your dental insurance covers dentures.

Another alternative for Birmingham people with missing teeth is to receive dental implants. A dental implant is a permanent tooth restoration that is anchored into the jawbone, actually replacing both the root and crown of the tooth. Dental implants have many advantages, such as preventing jaw bone recession which can occur when natural teeth are removed. However, not all Birmingham dentistry patients are good candidates for implants. Call Koch Aesthetic Dentistry at 205-202-8618 for a dental implant consultation.

Dental implants can also be used to anchor a removable denture. The denture is ‘snapped on’ or attached to the implants for no-slip confidence.

The combination denture/implant smile restoration solution is being used successfully by many Birmingham dentists. It is usually more affordable than dental implant replacements for several natural teeth.

Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health, improving your ability to eat and speak. If you are embarrassed to smile or laugh, it’s time to bring back your beautiful smile!

To learn more or to ask about dental financing options, contact our Birmingham office today!

Dr. J. Paul Koch
205-202-8618
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
http://www.KochAesthetics.com

At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, we provide advanced general and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about sedation dentistry, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and laser dentistry.

Oral Health For Alabama Diabetics

Friday, September 7th, 2012

Cosmetic Dentist Alabama

Today’s dental article is entitled ‘Oral Health For Alabama Diabetics.’ Many people with diabetes have dental problems. However, gum disease, tooth loss, and periodontal disease are not unavoidable.

Blood sugar is the complicating factor. Alabama diabetics who control their blood sugar have lower rates of cosmetic dental problems. In fact, many Alabama dentists have noticed no increased risk of dental disease among diabetics who maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

When blood sugar levels rise, the amount of sugars and starches increase in your mouth. These substances combine with the bacteria naturally present to create enamel-eroding plaque. Untreated plaque creates cavities.

In addition to cavities, Alabama dental patients with diabetes need to be vigilant about gum health. Because diabetes can make it harder to control the growth of bacteria, the amount of plaque in your mouth can multiply quicker. Plaque not only causes cavities, it inflames and weakens gum tissue and eventually the bone surrounding teeth.

Untreated gum disease progresses to periodontitis, a more severe infection. Because Alabama diabetics have a lower resistance to infection, it can be difficult to reverse periodontitis in people with diabetes. To make matters even worse, the presence of infection can make it harder to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Bottom line? 1: Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque build-up. 2: See your Alabama cosmetic and sedation dentist for twice-yearly cleanings to remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated under the gumline.

Dr. Koch of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry is accepting new patients in the Alabama area. We can help diabetic dental patients keep their smile beautiful. If you are in need of cosmetic dentistry because of diabetes related decay or gum disease, we can restore your beautiful smile with the latest tooth restoration options. Ask us about crowns, dental implants, implant anchored dentures, porcelain veneers, inlays/onlays, and same-day restorations.

Koch Aesthetic Dentistry is located at 2311 Highland Ave S, Ste 323, Birmingham Alabama. Call us at 205-202-8618 to schedule a consultation. Thanks for visiting the Koch Aesthetic Dentistry Alabama dentistry blog!

Dr. J. Paul Koch
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
2311 Highland Ave S, Ste 323
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
205-202-8618
http://www.kochaesthetics.com/meetdrkoch.htm

Diet Changes For Healthier Teeth In Alabama

Friday, August 24th, 2012

Cosmetic Dentistry Alabama

Hello, I am Dr. J. Paul Koch of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Alabama. Today’s blog topic is ‘How Your Diet Affects Your Smile.’

I’m sure you brush and floss regularly and hopefully visit your Alabama cosmetic dental practice for cleanings, but did you know that making small changes to your diet can improve your oral health?

Most Alabama residents are aware that sugar found in candy, cookies, and sodas can harm your teeth, but some Alabama people don’t realize that all carbohydrates can cause cavities. A handful of pretzels or a piece of pumpernickel bread can have the same effect on your teeth as a fudge brownie.

All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are converted into plaque, which can then cause cavities and gum disease. Carbs are naturally sticky and adhere to your teeth. Eating carbs with meals is healthier than eating them as snacks because more saliva is generated at mealtime. Saliva helps prevent food particles from sticking to teeth.

At Koch Aesthetic Dentistry, I continue to see tooth damage caused by sodas and sports drinks. If you choose to drink them, sip them through a straw. By limiting the contact of these drinks on your teeth, you will help preserve your enamel.

Another way Alabama folks can improve their oral health is to get 800mg of calcium a day for men and 1,000mg for women under 50. Calcium helps strengthen your jaw and secure your teeth firmly in the jaw bone.

Diet alone will not prevent cavities and gum disease for Alabama folks, however, a few changes in eating habits can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

My staff and I at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry are accepting new Alabama general, cosmetic and implant dentistry patients in the 35205 zip code area. I encourage you to call 205-202-8618 today to schedule an exam and cleaning.

Koch Aesthetic Dentistry offers a full menu of general and specialty dental services including smile restoration and reconstructive and laser dentistry. For more information, call today to schedule an appointment or visit http://www.kochaesthetics.com/meetdrkoch.htm.

Dr. J. Paul Koch
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
2311 Highland Ave S, Ste 323
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
205-202-8618
http://www.kochaesthetics.com/meetdrkoch.htm

What Does A Missing Tooth Say About You?

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Dental Implants Birmingham When you meet someone in Birmingham who is missing a front tooth, what does that say to you? Do you wonder if they were in an accident? Do you automatically start making assumptions about their income, level of education and overall physical health?

Though it is extremely unfair, we are often judged (and misjudged) by our appearance. Even if a person is impeccably dressed and groomed, a missing front tooth detracts from the overall pleasing impression.

Here is a personal story from a woman who lost a tooth:

I lost my job and along with it my dental insurance, then a month later, one of my front teeth. It has been very hard to find work…. and I know the missing tooth has cost me several jobs.”

A missing tooth can be a big deal.

Dental implants not only restore oral health, they restore self-confidence. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Studies have shown that after more than 20 years, the vast majority of dental implants placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue to function at peak performance. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental implants are one of the procedures we routinely perform at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry to help our Birmingham clients regain the beautiful smile they once had. Not all cosmetic dental procedures are as extreme as teeth implants. There are many minimally-invasive remedies for unattractive smiles.

Porcelain veneers instantly provide a perfect, gleaming tooth surface for Birmingham clients with broken or discolored teeth. Teeth whitening is a quick and affordable dentistry procedure in Birmingham that achieves dramatic results without requiring the removal of any tooth structure. Call Koch Aesthetic Dentistry at 205-202-8618 for more information about smile design and restorative dentistry.

-Dr. Paul Koch