June marks Men’s Health Month, a 30 day awareness extravaganza, nation wide, focusing on the wellness of boys and men alike. Shifting the focus onto the male population in June from the women in May raises quite a few questions for everyone. Who has better health awareness? Which are the healthiest? Who keeps up with… Read more »
Category: Patient Education
Do you Take Bisphosphonate Drugs?
Many women are concerned with bone loss as they get older. Over the years, general physicians have started prescribing a certain class of drugs called bisphosphonates which are proven to combat bone density conditions such as osteoporosis. Intravenous bisphosphonates are prescribed for patients with certain types of cancer likely to lead to bone loss. In… Read more »
What’s Causing Your Toothache?
Your tooth right? Not so fast. Toothaches are usually caused by deep decay reaching into the pulp of the tooth, commonly referred to as “the nerve.” Other sources of a toothache are inflammation of the gums due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. But, what if you are experiencing a toothache without apparent decay or other… Read more »
How Are Your Gums These Days?
With all the attention you pay to your teeth, you might expect to notice if something is wrong with your dental health. If your teeth don’t hurt, and they still retain their pearly-white, blemish-free appearance, then you could assume they were in excellent health. Unfortunately, that assumption may be wrong, especially if you miss the… Read more »
An Overview Of Dental Implants
It may seem that everywhere you go lately, you hear about dental implants. Friends and family likely had successful dental implant surgery. You may have even heard them mentioned the last time you had your dental procedure with Dr. Shawn Hofkes. You, however, may want a general overview of the procedure, and find out if… Read more »
Why Some Teeth Must Be Extracted
It is the goal of a good dentist, such as Dr. Shawn Hofkes of Cerritos Dental Surgery, to try and save each and every tooth. Although adult permanent teeth were designed to last a lifetime, sometimes, saving a tooth is not possible or even desirable, and it may need to be extracted. The Need for… Read more »
Have you Been Spreading Around Cavities?
Cavities are bacterial infections. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that they are contagious…sort of. No, if you kiss someone with a cavity, you won’t have an instant cavity yourself. However, the germs which cause tooth decay are spread from person to person, usually when you are very young. A mere 1% of the population… Read more »
Learn about Zirconia Dental Crowns
A dental crown is considered a restoration. Designed to completely surround a damaged tooth or dental implant, dental crowns are affixed to the remaining tooth structure or titanium post using dental cement. Over the years, a large variety of materials have been used for fabricating dental crowns. Some materials proved more successful than others, but… Read more »
Cosmetic Dentistry: Veneers 101
Cosmetic dentistry may be the ideal solution to correct your cosmetic dental issues, and porcelain veneers are among the most popular cosmetic dentistry options. Perhaps images of AARP ads, where an older couple with teeth so white they look fake pop into your mind as you consider the word “veneers;” and that may not initially… Read more »
Gum Disease Linked to the Immune System
Have you been told by your dentist that you have signs of gum disease? Periodontal (gum) disease affects nearly 80% of people in the United States. Early symptoms include mild things such as puffy gums or scant bleeding when brushing and flossing. As the condition becomes increasingly severe, side effects become more major such as… Read more »
