What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea in Silver Spring, MD?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects the way patients breathe while sleeping. By causing your breath to become interrupted for 10 to 20 seconds at a time and jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm multiple times a night, the condition can cause your energy, mental acuity and productivity to suffer. Over time, sleep apnea can even lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and weight gain.

At Bishop & Bishop Dental, Dr. David Bishop uses oral surgery to treat sleep apnea and increase the quality of sleep and life for his patients.  Oral surgery relieves sleep apnea symptoms by removing the blockage caused by excess tissue, which vibrates and blocks the upper air passages. One way this is done is through UPPP, or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which involves removing excess tissue from the upper mouth and throat while under general anesthesia. Maxillomandibular advancement is another procedure used to treat sleep apnea. This procedure moves the lower jaw forward, away from the rest of facial bones, which allows more room behind the soft palate and reduces any obstruction.

If these treatments fail to relieve your sleep apnea, a tracheostomy can be performed. A tracheostomy is when a tube is inserted into your throat to allow breathing. The tube is covered during the day while you are awake and then opened at night while you sleep.

If you have sleep apnea, call (301) 608-9270 to schedule an appointment in Silver Spring, MD. For more information about the dentist and his services, please visit www.bishopdental.com.    

Extractions

If decay has reached too deeply into one of your teeth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, you will need a tooth extraction, and at Bishop & Bishop Dental, Dr. David Bishop can perform one to help you restore your oral health in Silver Spring, MD.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. If it is a simple extraction, the tooth will be loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Dr. Bishop may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone afterward, and once he is finished, he will suture the gums.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, so a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, the dentist can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment at our practice in by calling (301) 608-9270. For more information, visit www.bishopdental.com.

Mini Implants

Mini Implants

If you have a missing tooth, it may make you feel self-conscious, but it can also have a negative effect on other teeth. Leaving a space from a missing tooth can lead to other teeth shifting.

At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we are happy to offer you options when it comes to replacing missing teeth including mini implants. Similar to traditional implants, mini implants involve creating a post, which is inserted into the jaw bone. The post supports a restoration, such as a crown or bridge.

 

A mini implant is smaller than a traditional implant and requires less recovery time. The treatment process is also quicker than a conventional implant. Since the implant is smaller than a traditional implant, it works best on incisors. Small teeth of the lower jaw may also be replaced using a mini implant.

 

Our experienced dentists will be happy to evaluate your situation and determine if you are a good candidate for a mini implant. Individuals who are not a candidate for a mini implant may still be able to replace a missing tooth with a conventional implant.

 

Our team at Bishop & Bishop Dental provide comprehensive dental services including endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery and dental hygiene. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service for your whole family.

 

For more information on mini implants or to schedule an appointment, please call 301-608-9270.