Advanced Dentistry

Let’s Make A Plan

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry

personalized dental treatment plan Reno

When you are passionate about reaching a goal, the difference between success and failure often comes down to whether or not you follow a plan. A sporadic effort is hardly ever effective.

Do you have a goal to improve your smile? Perhaps you have not thought much about your teeth in the past but lately, have noticed problems. These troubles can be purely aesthetic such as tooth staining or a pressing hazard such as a loose tooth.

Do you have a goal for your smile?

  • Reverse gum disease
  • Whiten your teeth and avoid future staining
  • Replace missing teeth
  • Straighten crowded teeth
  • Repair cracked teeth
  • Prevent tooth loss
  • A complete smile redesign

Here at The Reno Dentist, we are dedicated to customized patient-focused care. This means that we create a unique dental treatment plan for each patient. After all, each patient is different. Age, lifestyle, current status of oral health, overall physical health, and risk factors are all taken into account.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation by calling 775-323-0700. Shane Sykes, DMD will discuss your goals and concerns with you, complete an extensive examination, and explain your options. When you leave our office you will have all of your questions answered and a unique dental treatment plan.

The Reno Dentist is located at 855 W Seventh St Ste 200 in Reno, Nevada. Our services include dentures, Invisalign, root canals, porcelain veneers, and wisdom teeth extraction.

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

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Forensic Dentists: The Unsung Heroes of Dentistry

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental technology, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

forensic dentistry RenoLet’s start with a disclaimer: at The Reno Dentist we are fully committed to delivering the highest quality of general and cosmetic dentistry services to living patients. In today’s post, however we will veer a bit off the beaten path, so to speak, and share some insight into an important dental specialty; forensic dentistry. The official term for the use of dentistry in criminal cases and post mortem identification is forensic odontology. These professionals are rarely recognized but play a fundamental role in crime and disaster investigations.

Dental X-rays, dentures, and bite marks are all used to provide clues about the victim’s identity and/or the manner of death. A person’s teeth are as singular as fingerprints and can often sustain forces such as fire, explosions, submersion in water, and natural decay without being destroyed.

Identifying One Victim

Identifying a victim through dental records is aided immensely when authorities have narrowed down a group of suspected victims to just a few people (or, ideally, just one) and can consult the dentists who had treated them. When the identity is totally unknown, a forensic dentist investigates other databases such as those kept by the armed forces and prisons. “Dental identifications are so much quicker and so much less expensive than DNA,” says Dr. Mark Bernstein, dentist and forensic dental consultant.

Identifying Hundreds of Victims

While identifying one victim of a homicide or accident can be relatively straightforward, natural disasters, plane crashes, and other large-scale tragedies are exponentially more involved.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Burkes, chief forensic dental consultant for the 9/11 attacks, over 140 dentists toiled to identify the fragments of remains that were recovered from the scene of the terrorist attacks. The identification effort was an extremely painstaking and complicated process. First, the dentists were assigned to one of four teams. The Go Team gathered evidence from the scene, the Antemortem Team analyzed existing dental records of suspected victims, the Postmortem Team X-rayed the retrieved dental evidence, and the Comparison Team compared the X-rays of the remains of unknown individuals to the records of missing people deemed to have been at the scene. “Dentistry fulfills one of its most important social, moral, and professional obligations by applying its unique knowledge and expertise to the task of identifying countless persons who are tragic victims of fires, catastrophes, disasters, and homicides,” says Burkes.

If you are looking for quality dental care in the Spanish Springs, Virginia City, or Carson City areas, we hope you’ll give The Reno Dentist a call at 775-323-0700 to schedule a consultation.  We offer a wide variety of dental services such as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, dentures, cleanings and prepless veneers. Call us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

How is Snoring Different from Sleep Apnea in Reno?

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Sleep Apnea

sleep apnea in Reno

It’s estimated that 50% of people snore at some point during their life. Sleep apnea is a more serious, but also common sleep disorder. Snoring and sleep apnea are related. Many men and women who snore also have sleep apnea in Reno, but there are important differences.

Why is Sleep Apnea in Reno So Dangerous?

Snoring alone doesn’t cause breathing to stop. People who suffer from sleep apnea in Reno actually stop breathing. This can happen many times during the night. When the brain is deprived of oxygen—not surprisingly—serious problems can occur. Even death. People who suffer from sleep apnea are at risk for heart problems including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. They are also at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. One of the most common problems is daytime fatigue. This can be debilitating. Untreated sleep apnea lowers the quality of life. The health consequences are not limited to the person with the condition. Their bed partner is also deprived of restorative sleep and, as such, is at risk of health complications.

Are Your Health Issues a Result of Sleep Apnea?

If you suffer from daytime sleepiness, or your partner says you stop breathing temporarily during sleep, see your doctor ASAP. If you want to start out with a specialist, ask your primary doctor for a recommendation. In the U.S., the American Board of Sleep Medicine certifies physicians who treat sleep disorders. Your doctor will diagnose whether you have sleep apnea and which of the three types you have. This may require a visit to a sleep disorder clinic.  If your physician diagnoses your condition as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, don’t assume that there is only one treatment. Sleep apnea in Reno can be treated with an oral appliance, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or surgery. If your physician believes you are a candidate for a dental appliance, consult a dentist who specializes in treatment for sleep disorders. At The Reno Dentist, we treat patients with Sleep Apnea in Reno, so feel free to give us a call and ask us any questions. We also offer services such as laser dentistry, implants, and root canals.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

How Does Pregnancy Impact Oral Health in Reno

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Dental Health, Gum Health, Oral Health

Pregnancy And Oral Health In Reno

In today’s The Reno Dentist blog, we will discuss how pregnancy impacts your oral health in Reno. At the Reno Dentist, we want all expectant Nevada mothers to realize the importance of good oral hygiene during pregnancy. Because of the changes going on in a pregnant woman’s body, there are potential dental health issues that may arise.

The Risk to Oral Health in Reno

Many Reno women experience morning sickness accompanied with vomiting. The gastric acid increases the acidity in the mouth which can easily lead to enamel loss and tooth decay. Heightened levels of progesterone and estrogen may relax the ligaments that support the teeth causing them to loosen. Most Reno residents have experienced gingivitis, but during pregnancy, the hormonal changes increase your risk for gingivitis. Without proper dental care, gingivitis can lead to gum disease.

What Can You Do?

If you are pregnant, our at The Reno Dentist recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush for daily brushing. Floss carefully and rinse your mouth with a fluoride wash. If you experience morning sickness, clean your mouth with a baking soda and water mixture to improve oral health in Reno. If you are planning to become pregnant, we recommend that you have a cleaning and exam prior to your pregnancy. If you need any dental procedures, it is a good idea to get them done as soon as possible. If you experience any dental problems during your pregnancy, please call and schedule an appointment at 775-323-0700. Untreated dental disease can affect your overall health. At The Reno Dentist we not only offer excellent dental care to our pregnant patients, but we also provide quality preventative care and root canals for the entire family. Our Reno patients can expect professional cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and Invisalign clear braces.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Dental Health in Reno: Which Type of Toothbrush is Best?

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Dental Health, Gum Health, Oral Health

Toothbrush Wars in Sparks Oral Health in Reno dental health in reno

It may surprise you to know that some men and women have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best. Is manual or electric? Is there really one that is clearly better? Most dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used thoroughly, are effective at removing plaque. Choosing which kind you prefer is really up to you. Today, we want to give you some extra information about toothbrushes to help you select which kind is right for your dental health in Reno.

Does It Save You Money?

You need to consider cost and convenience. Some people argue that even though electric toothbrushes are more pricey, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim. Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be problematic when buying replacement heads. People who travel may find that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack and batteries are not needed.

Impact on Dental Health in Reno

The pressure you put on your gums with either type of toothbrush is essential. Some people say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure they use with electric toothbrushes, while others say that because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums than when they use manual brushes. You may want to try them both to establish your brushing style. Then you can discuss how it affects dental health in Reno with your dentist.

Schedule an Appointment

Special consideration should be taken for people with arthritis. Most dentists guide their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is diminished. As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern of parents. Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months. Don’t forget, we also offer services such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and laser dentistry.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Tooth Bleaching in Reno, Nevada: Fact or Fiction?

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Reno Teeth Whitening and Veneers Tooth Bleaching in Reno You have probably seen ads for lightening products contain terms such as “white brite,” “22 carbamide peroxide” and “peroxide teeth.” How do you separate fact from fiction when it comes to tooth bleaching in Reno?

Some dentists will guarantee fantastic results for any patient that desires a whiter smile. At The Reno Dentist, we only recommend tooth bleaching for patients that are good candidates for the process. We invite you to speak with our team at our Reno office. Not all teeth whitening systems are appropriate for every person.

Don’t be fooled by teeth whitening hype and risk poor results. If you have existing cosmetic dental work such as porcelain crowns, bonding, partial dentures, or bridge work, it is critical to talk to a legitimate professional about worry-free tooth bleaching in Reno.

If you have all-natural teeth that are dull or stained, tooth bleaching in Reno will probably brighten your smile. If you have several crowns in the front of your mouth, veneers, or gums that have receded, conventional tooth whitening may not be successful. Porcelain veneers may be a better solution for you. There are several brands of veneers such as Lumineers by Cerinate, da Vinci, and Mac. The vast majority of Reno veneer recipients are thrilled with the results. Porcelain veneers not only brighten your smile, but they can also provide many other improvements. Veneers are sometimes called “instant orthodontics” because they can repair tooth misalignment and gaps as well as furnish instant teeth whitening.

At The Reno Dentist, we care about the status of our patients’ oral health and overall well-being. Schedule a consultation by calling us or visiting us online. For more details about our services which include root canals, wisdom teeth extraction, or dentures, give us a call at 775-323-0700. Our team looks forward to meeting you and discussing your unique smile.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Take 5: Straight Talk About Braces in Reno

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Beautiful Smile, Orthodontics

invisible braces in renoHello, and welcome to the dental blog of The Reno Dentist. Our team supports healthy oral hygiene and regular, consistent dental checkups. However, we realize that hygiene for braces in Reno is a bit different. Here are five vital concerns to keep in mind with braces:

1. Be Careful What You Eat
Sweets and extra food stuck in hard-to-notice spaces may lead to plaque and yellowing around the appliances in your mouth. Avoid sweets, juices, sodas, anything that will stain your teeth. Also, sticky things like gum and caramel can break the equipment in your mouth.

2. Consider a Mouth Guard
Sports are the center of life for many Reno families. We love the fact that Reno is an active community, but residents should keep in mind that a quality mouth guard provides important protection for both your teeth and braces.

3. Take Time for Gum Health
Maintaining healthy gums requires deliberate brushing and flossing. In the past, two minutes of quality brushing was acceptable. Braces in Reno are trickier to clean. What’s another minute to make sure every nook and cranny is taken care of?

4. Check the Mirrors
Humans are exceptional at noticing flaws. Check your smile often in a mirror to keep your braces free of obvious food particles.

5. Smile with Confidence
At first, people will notice the change in your smile. But if you’re relaxed about your new braces, soon your friends will simply look past them without even noticing. Thanks for visiting our dental blog today. We hope it helps prepare you for braces in Reno.

We’ve been treating patients in Sparks, Virginia City, Carson City and beyond since 2011. You name it, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or dental implants. We do it. Meet with us today and we can go over the possibilities and manageable options to meet your needs. Can’t wait to see you!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Precision with Advanced Laser Dentistry in Reno

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, General Dentistry, Laser Dentistry

top dentist Reno Laser Dentistry in Reno

The powerful, precise, highly-concentrated beam of light originally known as Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) is so common that the acronym has now been relegated to lower case and is used instead.

Lasers are Everywhere!

Lasers are now used in everything from weapons to barcode scanners in grocery stores. They have increased efficiency and advanced technology in numerous industries such as communications, manufacturing, and virtually every branch of science. Today’s post focuses on how lasers have influenced dentistry.

Advanced Laser Dentistry in Reno

Lasers are now used in many technologically-advanced dental practices for a broad range of procedures. Laser Dentistry in Reno allows dentists to be extremely precise when working on either teeth or gum tissue.

Dentists use lasers to:

  • Remove decay while preserving more intact tooth material
  • Firmly attach bonding material to a tooth
  • Remove oral lesions or obtain tissue for biopsies
  • Reshape receded gums
  • Eliminate bacteria while performing root canals
  • Increase the effectiveness of tooth whitening agents

Dental patients benefit with:

  • Fewer stitches – some surgical procedures require no sutures when a laser is used
  • Faster healing times
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Decreased damage to surrounding tissue/bone
  • Less pain – eliminates the need for anesthesia in many procedures

Schedule an Appointment

At The Reno Dentist, our dental team employs advanced dental technology such as laser dentistry in Reno with seasoned skill to serve our valued patients. At our professional practice, we believe that every man, woman, and child deserves a beautiful smile and a lifetime of oral health. For questions about root canals, wisdom teeth extraction, partial dentures, or laser dentistry in Reno, call 775-323-0700 today to schedule a consultation at The Reno Dentist. Our friendly team looks forward to meeting you.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno: You Should Take Snoring Seriously

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Oral Health, Sleep Apnea

cost of dental crowns Sparks Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno

What is Snoring? Snoring is caused by an obstruction that restricts the flow of air in the throat. Snoring isn’t just an annoyance. It can have considerable health consequences. The obstruction can typically be caused by:

  • Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue—when muscles relax they can collapse onto the airway. Alcohol use and sleeping pills can make this more likely.
  • Thick throat tissue—Excess weight can be a contributing factor.
  • Swollen tonsils and adenoids—Most common in children.
  • Long uvula or soft palate
  • Nasal congestion
  • Deviated septum

Those who snore may have a condition called sleep apnea—a potentially health-threatening condition in which your breathing lapses while you are snoozing. This can occur hundreds of times at night. If your snoring keeps your bed partner from sleeping, his or her health is also affected. Failure to get enough quality sleep contributes to a myriad of physical and mental conditions.

You Could Benefit from Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno

Most of us have experienced trouble concentrating when we haven’t gotten enough sleep. Did you know that can limit a person’s motor function and reaction time as seriously as intoxication? Other possible health problems related to insufficient sleep include heart disease, obesity, depression, and diabetes. So why is a post about snoring and sleep deprivation in a dental blog? That’s because your dentist can offer you sleep apnea treatment in Reno.

What Are You Waiting For?

Our outstanding staff works very hard to preserve our reputation as a world-class dental office. Furthermore, our office is known for being clean and friendly. We don’t just walk away after our procedure is handled. We follow through with special instructions, follow up appointments, and careful monitoring of the sleep apnea treatment in Reno. Preventing complications is a top priority. If you suspect that you suffer from either snoring or sleep apnea, we invite you to set up an appointment today. We also offer services such as cosmetic dentistry and root canal therapy.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Learn More About Smile Makeovers and Cosmetic Dentistry in Sparks

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Beautiful Smile, Cosmetic Dentistry

Carson City cosmetic smile makeover Cosmetic Dentistry in Sparks

Even some people with top-notch oral health want to improve specific components of their smile with cosmetic dentistry in Sparks. Though proper brushing is indispensable for healthy teeth, it won’t re-contour a gum line or repair a chipped tooth. A cavity-free mouth may still have stained or slightly misaligned teeth.

If you want to correct the smile elements that can’t be improved with diligent oral hygiene, call 775-323-0700 to schedule a smile makeover consultation with Dr. Shane Sykes at The Reno Dentist. During your consultation, we will communicate with you about several topics, such as cost, function, beauty, and overall health.

Cost
Each smile makeover is completely unique, therefore the price varies from patient to patient depending on the specific procedures performed. During your consultation, Dr. Sykes will give you an estimate for your smile transformation with cosmetic dentistry in Sparks.

Function
Proper function is one of our top priorities. Your cosmetic dental smile makeover will maintain or improve your ability to talk, eat, and smile.

Beauty
This is probably the main reason you are choosing to transform your smile. Dr. Sykes will describe the cosmetic improvements you can expect from a smile makeover and the technical details about the services we offer.

Health
If you have existing cavities or gum disease, these issues need to be addressed prior to your cosmetic concerns. It may be possible to combine required restorative procedures with your cosmetic work.

If you are interested in learning more about smile makeovers or cosmetic dentistry in Sparks, call us today at 775-323-0700. We offer a variety of services from root canal therapy to sleep apnea treatment. If you’re worried about crooked teeth, then ask us about Invisalign braces, which can straighten your teeth without the unsightly wires and brackets.

 

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503