When Was Your Last Oral Cancer Screening?

January 10, 2015

510041113The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 36,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, and the disease will cause over 6,000 deaths. The single greatest factor affecting the oral cancer survival rate is the stage at which the cancer is discovered. Detecting the disease in its earlier stages can mean the difference between life and death. Each time you visit our office, we will examine you to look for signs of oral cancer, as part of your routine dental checkup. Skipping your semi-annual dental appointment means that you’re not getting the oral cancer screenings you need to protect your health. Don’t gamble with your good health. Make your oral cancer screening appointment with Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole, or Dr. Weisenburger at Dental Group West today. Dental Group West proudly serves patients of all ages Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and the surrounding communities.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can develop in anyone at anytime, but men are twice as likely to develop the disease as women, and the risk for everyone increases with age. The exact triggering mechanisms that cause the changes in DNA that lead to oral cancer is still unknown. However, behavioral factors that heighten the risk for developing oral cancer include:

  • Using any tobacco products
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Poor nutrition
  • Contracting the human papilloma virus (HPV)
  • Excessive sun exposure

What are the symptoms of Oral Cancer?

The most common oral cancer symptoms include:

  • red or white patches in or near the mouth
  • a lump anywhere near your mouth or throat
  • mouth ulcers that don’t heal
  • persistent pain in the mouth
  • changes in the tone of your voice
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • sudden unexplained weight loss
  • bleeding or numbness in the mouth
  • loosened teeth
  • difficulty moving your jaw or chewing
  • pain or difficulty when swallowing

Oral Cancer Screening Appointments in Toledo, OH

If you, or someone you love, are at a heightened risk for developing oral cancer, make an appointment with Dental Group West for an oral cancer screening today. The experienced dentists of Dental Group West are trusted general dentistry practitioners, now proudly serving families throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and nearby areas.

Effective Holiday Teeth Whitening from Dental Group West

December 10, 2014

118462997Would you like to impress your family and friends this holiday season with a dazzling new smile? If you want a teeth whitening treatment that works effectively the first time, and won’t irritate your sensitive teeth and gums, you should make an appointment with Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole, or Dr. Weisenburger at Dental Group West today. Their take-home teeth whitening trays are easy to use and can whiten your teeth by several shades before your next holiday gathering. Dental Group West proudly serves patients throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and the surrounding communities.

Holiday Teeth Whitening Options: Which Is Best?

  • Teeth Whitening ToothpastesTeeth whitening toothpastes can’t deliver on their teeth whitening promise. These toothpastes don’t contain the bleaching agents necessary to whiten your enamel. They can only polish away the shallow surface stains you may acquire during the day. If you do choose to use whitening toothpaste, it’s best to do so as a way to maintain the whitening results of a more effective treatment.
  • Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products– These products can come in many varieties including whitening strips, gels, rinses, or whitening trays. However, it can take many weeks of daily use for these treatments to have the same whitening effects of professional whitening products. Additionally, these products contain harsh chemicals that may irritate your teeth and gums.
  • Professional Take-Home Teeth Whitening– Dental Group West offers a quick and easy professional teeth whitening solution with their take-home whitening trays. These customized trays can be worn at home at your leisure, and will effectively whiten your teeth without causing gum discomfort or irritation.

Holiday Teeth Whitening Appointments in Toledo, OH

In some cases, deep staining and severe discoloration may need to be treated with dental veneers or dental bonding. Only an experienced cosmetic dentist can make that determination. To avoid the frustration of using a teeth whitening treatment that doesn’t work, make an appointment with Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole, or Dr. Weisenburger at Dental Group West today. Dental Group West proudly restores smiles throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and nearby areas.

What Can You Do About TMJ Disorder?

November 10, 2014

80720280Have you been experiencing unexplained headaches, earaches or difficulty chewing? If yes, you may be suffering from a TMJ Disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint on each side of your head that connects your jawbone to the rest of the skull. This important joint and its surrounding muscles enable you to open, close and rotate your jaw. Sometimes, this joint can deteriorate or malfunction due to excessive wear from teeth clenching/grinding, arthritis or injury. The restorative dentistry experts of Dental Group West can diagnose and provide treatment for TMJ disorder. Don’t allow your TMJ to get out of control. Make an appointment with Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole or Dr. Weisenburger today. Dental Group West proudly serves patients throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg and the surrounding communities.

Signs of TMJ Disorder

  • Pain– Pain in the joint area or surrounding muscles. Usually located just in front of the ear, radiating between the cheek, the ear and the temple.
  • Limited Function– Jaw movement may be difficult. A tight or stuck feeling in the jaw. In more severe cases the jaw may get “locked”, making it hard to open or close the mouth.
  • Unusual Noises– Clicking or popping noises coming from the jaw joint when chewing or moving the mouth.
  • Ear Discomfort– Because the jaw joint sits just in front of the ear, some may experience ear symptoms such as noises in the ear, sensitivity to sound or dizziness.

TMJ Disorder Treatment in Toledo, OH

You may have found it difficult to find the right treatment for your TMJ disorder in the past. But you can find effective treatment to reduce stress on the joint and prevent further damage at Dental Group West. The experienced dentists of Dental Group West can provide immediate relief from TMJ symptoms. Make an appointment with their Toledo office today. Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole and Dr. Weisenburger proudly serve patients throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg and nearby cities.

Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dental Bridges

October 10, 2014

122421420A missing tooth can cause you to miss out on enjoying your life. It can affect your willingness to laugh and smile or eat the foods you love. To replace a missing tooth permanently, you have two basic choices, either a dental bridge or a dental implant. It’s important to get all of the facts before you make such a big decision as permanently replacing a missing tooth. A missing tooth should be replaced to protect your other teeth from moving, and to preserve your bone and jaw structures.The dentists at Dental Group West want to help you restore your smile in the least painful manner possible. Contact their Toledo office today to set up a Sedation Dentistry appointment to replace your missing tooth and restore your smile.

What are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a frame with two attached dental crowns and a replacement tooth (pontic) in the middle. The crowns are fitted over the adjacent teeth of the missing tooth. To fit the crowns, the adjacent teeth must be shaved down and the pontic is positioned in the gap over the gums. Besides adversely affecting the adjacent teeth, dental bridges do not replace the missing tooth root which could lead to misalignment among the surrounding teeth and in the jaw bone.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium rods that can be surgically inserted into the jaw to replace the root of the missing tooth. Once the rod is placed, a synthetic but realistic looking prosthetic tooth is attached. During the healing process the jawbone will grow around the implant, cementing it in place. The implant can completely replace the natural tooth in both form and function. Dental implants are more expensive than dental crowns, but are the more natural looking and feeling alternative.

Dental Group West Restorative Implants and Bridges in Toledo, Ohio

Whichever method of tooth replacement you choose, it’s important to go to a dentist that can not only perform the dental work needed, but employs a caring and comfortable approach. The dentists at Dental Group West can help you restore your smile using Sedation Dentistry techniques, which can eliminate the pain and anxiety of restorative procedures. Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole and Dr. Weisenburger proudly serve patients throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg and the surrounding communities.

Your Smile will Dazzle with Porcelain Veneers!

September 10, 2014

186932212There are many things that people wish to accomplish in their smile, and they may be willing to do almost anything to make it happen. Whether someone wants a perfectly aligned smile or a minor chip covered, there are many cosmetic procedures that are capable of making your smile look absolutely flawless. One thing that many people wish for when it comes to their smiles is perfect teeth. Though your smile has collected wear and tear over the years, you are able to reverse the hands of time! Our doctors are able to offer porcelain veneersto their patients in order to achieve the dazzling smile they have been wanting!

One of the wonderful aspects of porcelain veneers is that they are very multitalented. They are able to cover up many flaws you smile, such as misalignments, gaps, stains, chips, and cracks. Another wonderful thing about porcelain veneers is that you are able to have a new smile in a relatively short amount of time, cutting out significant waiting time! A wonderful cosmetic treatment for many reasons, the results for porcelain veneers are unmatched!

The first step to getting your porcelain veneers is a consultation with one of our doctors. They will be able to evaluate your smile in its current state, and determine whether or not porcelain veneers are right for you. You will also have that time to address any questions or concerns about the procedure, as we want you to be comfortable and well-informed throughout the entire process. If you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, we will make impressions of your smile and send them to a dental lab. The lab will make your veneers, and will be made with your smile goals and facial aesthetic in mind. Your natural tooth is prepared by removing a small bit of enamel, making sure there is space for your new smile. When your veneers are ready, they are applied and made permanent with dental resin cement. At the end, you are left with a dazzling smile! If you would like a new smile using porcelain veneers, contact our Toledo, OH dental office today!

Contact our office in Toledo, Ohio today and schedule your appointment with one of our caring and experienced dentists. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry need you may have! Our patient-centered practice warmly welcomes families from throughout Toledo and the surrounding communities, including Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and more.

Back to School Dental Checkups!

August 9, 2014

shutterstock_149625803Now that school is around the corner, many people are getting prepared to start a new school year. Back to school shopping with tons of notebooks and pens may get you excited about school, but there is one thing you may not be preparing for. There is no doubt you are going to meet a lot of new people and reconnect with old friends when the school year beings again, and you want to make sure your smile is as healthy as possible. With regular dental checkups, you can be sure your smile is in tip-top shape just in time for the new school year.

When you come in for your dental checkup, one thing our doctors will do is evaluate the pocket depth of your gums, looking for any sort of decay, such as gum disease. Should we find signs of gum disease, we will be able to address the situation with nonsurgical procedures to get your smile back on track. We will also take x-rays of your teeth and jaw, making sure there are no underlying issues and that your bite is aligned.

We will also give your fluoride treatments during your dental checkup. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your enamel, making it harder for bacteria to break it down and cause decay. Fluoride also attracts other minerals, all contributing to a healthier smile! We also offer dental sealants, which are plastic coatings in the grooves of your teeth that prevent bacteria and other particles from falling into the crevices of your molars. If you are ready for your dental checkup and would like help from our doctors, contact our Toledo, OH office today, and we would love to help!

Contact our office in Toledo, Ohio today and schedule your appointment with one of our caring and experienced dentists. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry need you may have! Our patient-centered practice warmly welcomes families from throughout Toledo and the surrounding communities, including Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and more.

Overcome Your Dental Fears with Sedation Dentistry

July 14, 2014

shutterstock_110076917There are many things that make a person unique, and one of them is their fears. Whether it is a fear of spiders or a fear of heights, there are many fears that people have, and no matter what, they may feel as though they can never overcome them. A common fear that people share is a fear of the dentist. Though for some the fear is mild, for others, the fear is crippling, preventing them from getting the much needed dental work they need performed. Because our doctors understand this fear and want to help their patients, they offer sedation dentistry at their Toledo, OH dental office.

There are many ways we are able to help our patients relax. One of the options for our sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide (laughing gas). When inhaled, the nitrous oxide will help you relax during your dental appointment, as well as eliminate the pain as your dental work is being performed. Also, with this form of sedation, as soon as the mask is removed, the effects of the nitrous oxide subside, so you are able to drive yourself home after your dental work!

Another option for our patients is the oral conscious sedation. With this, you simply take a pill before your appointment, and this will help you become more relaxed and calm before your dental work. Unlike the nitrous oxide, you will have to have someone you trust drive you home after your appointment, as the effects from the sedation will still be in effect.

IV sedation is a more personalized and customized form of sedation. We inject the sedation intravenously, and we will be able to closely monitor how much sedation we give you. Our main goal is that you remain cool, calm, and collected at all times while you get your dental work done, and we are willing to do anything to make that possible. If you feel as though sedation dentistry is able to help you overcome or face your dental fears, make an appointment at our office, and we will be glad to help!

Contact our office in Toledo, Ohio today and schedule your appointment with one of our caring and experienced dentists. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry need you may have! Our patient-centered practice warmly welcomes families from throughout Toledo and the surrounding communities, including Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and more.

Welcome Summer with a Whiter Smile

June 16, 2014

shutterstock_192589115With summer just around the corner, many people are making sure they look their best for the summer season. Whether it is getting their hair done or they are in the gym getting their bodies ready for the beach, people are making sure they will be able to fully enjoy all the summer has to offer by feeling confident both inside and out. One thing people may be overlooking, however, is their smiles. There is no doubt you will reconnect with old friends and meet new ones this season, and making the best impression is crucial. Our doctors understand their patients wanting to look their best, and that is why they offer teeth whitening to their patients!

We offer at-home teeth whitening to our patients. This form of whitening is extremely convenient for our patients, and it is able to be done in the comfort and privacy of your home. We will provide you with everything you need in order to transform your smile. You will get custom made bleaching trays as well as the bleaching gel. The whitening gel we will provide you with is professional grade gel, so you are sure to receive the best results possible. All you have to do is simply put the whitening gel in the trays, and wear them for the allotted amount of time every day. You will see beautiful results in a week, and full, dazzling results in about two weeks!

With your smile brightened by six to ten shades, there is no doubt your smile will shine as bright as the summer sun this season! If you want to change your smile just in time for summer, make an appointment with our doctors at our Toledo, OH dental office today!

Contact our office in Toledo, Ohio today and schedule your appointment with one of our caring and experienced dentists. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry need you may have! Our patient-centered practice warmly welcomes families from throughout Toledo and the surrounding communities, including Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and more.

Straighten Your Smile Discreetly with Invisalign Clear Braces

May 20, 2014

invisaligntrioIf you have gapped or misaligned teeth, you may find it difficult to be one hundred perfect confident in your smile. Though it may not be a big deal to some, having space between your teeth can really be a major insecurity to some people. You may have thought about getting braces, but the image of having a mouth full of metal may come to mind, causing you to swear braces off. Thankfully, our experienced and talented dentists are able to resolve this issue by offering Invisalign to their patients!

Invisalign is a revolutionary piece of dentistry, as it allows you to straighten your smile seamlessly and nearly invisibly. Invisalign works by using a series of retainers that are especially made to fit your mouth. Each aligner signifies your next phase is straightening your smile. Whenever you are finished with a certain aligner, simply apply the next one in the series! Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not use wires or brackets, so the pain and discomfort usually associated with straightening teeth is eliminated.

Another benefit of Invisalign is the fact you are able to have better oral hygiene. Whenever you need to brush, floss, eat, or drink, simply remove the retainer and reapply when done. You are able to be as discreet as possible while straightening your smile with Invisalign. Because a lot of people do not like for it to be apparent they are having work done, this is a wonderful way for you to be under the radar. If you have any questions on how our doctors can help straighten your smile with the use of Invisalign, contact our office today and we will be more than happy to assist you!

Contact our office in Toledo, Ohio today and schedule your appointment with one of our caring and experienced dentists. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry need you may have! Our patient-centered practice warmly welcomes families from throughout Toledo and the surrounding communities, including Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and more.

« Newer Posts
Leave us a Review