Donald Marks the State College, PA Preventive Dentist

May 15, 2015

dv1617007The hand that strikes also blocks is a mantra of the martial art form, Wing Chun. It means to be on the offensive to avoid receiving a blow from an opponent. This mantra should also be applied to your dental health. The best way to keep your teeth and gums at optimal health is to stop tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health concerns before they start. In State College, PA our professional, friendly staff will help you to achieve your healthiest smile and keep it for life. From six month dental check-ups and hygiene appointments, to fluoride treatments and dental health education, we help you land the first strike in the fight for your perfect bite. Contact us today to schedule your general dentistry check-up.

Check-ups and Hygiene Appointments Your Frist Line of Defense

At Donald Marks Family Dentistry, our skilled dentists and outstanding dental care services help you maintain a perfect smile. At check-ups scheduled every six months, we will screen for oral cancer, check the alignment of your bite, look for signs of teeth grinding that may require TMJ treatment, and use state-of-the-art DIAGNOdent laser technology to screen for cavities.

Oral cancer, bite alignment and teeth grinding screenings are checked visually by our dentists. Oral cancer often manifests as a lump, bump or sore in the mouth that does not go away over time. When you visit the same dentist every six months, he will take note of any areas that may show signs of oral cancers. Bite alignment and teeth grinding too are most noticeable when the same dentist views your teeth over time, but some misalignments and severe grinding are apparent right away. By screening for these items at every visit, our dentists help you maintain a healthy smile.

DIAGNOdent is one ways that our dentists use technology to ensure your ongoing dental health. While adults should only receive dental x-rays once per year at the very most, DIAGNOdent is a hand-held, laser device that allows your dentist or hygienist to view or monitor areas with potential for tooth decay. This highly affective device allows our team to find cavities in some of the most difficult to see spots, and clear out decay-causing bacteria growth.

Above all, maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine in and out of our office puts you on solid footing to develop strong bite. Our hygienists will thoroughly clean and examine your teeth and gums. They will consult with you regarding any changes to your oral health, and suggest and at-home hygiene adjustments that may be beneficial. Our number one priority is your health and wellbeing.

Family Dentistry

From infancy, our teeth help to deliver nutrition to our bodies. Early examination of teeth or gums in young children can help our dentists diagnose and treat any dental health concerns before they can have a lasting impact on your child. Our friendly staff will put your child of any age at ease, and give her foundation upon which to build a life-time of dental health. Don’t wait until children have their adult teeth, we recommend an initial visit with our staff before the age of two.

Schedule an Appointment

Our team is here to help you with any of your State College, PA family dentistry needs. Don’t wait until you have a problem to schedule an appointment with us, stop dental health issues before they start with our outstanding preventative dentistry options. Contact us to schedule an appointment in State College, PA. We also welcome patients from nearby Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewistown, Phillipsburg, and the surrounding communities.

Restore Your Good Oral Health with Comprehensive Periodontal Therapy in State College, PA

March 10, 2015

200355327-001Do you have swollen or bleeding gums? If so, you may already have periodontal disease (gum disease). If left untreated, periodontal disease can slowly deteriorate your gums and the structures that support your teeth, eventually leading to noticeable gum recession and tooth loss. Additionally, many medical studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with more serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Don’t take chances with your good health; schedule the periodontal therapy appointment you need with Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry is the leading family dentistry of: State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the surrounding communities.

Are You at Risk for Developing Periodontal Disease?

  • Age: Recent studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease; in fact, over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
  • Tobacco Use: Many recent studies have also shown that tobacco use could be the most significant risk factor in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
  • Genetics: Some patients may actually be genetically more susceptible to periodontal disease.
  • Stress: Problems with stress can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.
  • Certain Medications: Some drugs, including oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth at night can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues deteriorate.
  • Other Diseases: More serious systemic diseases that interfere with the body’s inflammatory system may worsen the condition of your gums, including: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Poor Diet: A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection.

State College Periodontal Therapy Appointments

We offer gentle but comprehensive periodontal therapy that may include:

  • Scaling: Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and beneath your gums.
  • Root planing: Root planing smoothes your tooth root surfaces, discouraging future buildup of tartar and bacteria.
  • Antibiotics: We may also recommend using topical or oral antibiotics to help control a bacterial infection.

In any case, we will work to ensure that your gums are rehabilitated and protected from further inflammation. Schedule the periodontal therapy appointment you need to stay healthy with Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry is the trusted family dentistry of: State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the neighboring areas.

Dr. Marks Saves You Time and Money with CEREC One Visit Crowns in State College, PA

February 10, 2015

460571223Have you heard about new CEREC One Visit Crowns? A dental crown is used to cover or cap a damaged tooth, to restore its normal form and function. Besides strengthening your tooth, a dental crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape, and alignment. Dental crowns are also used to top off dental implants to provide an artificial tooth shape and structure. Dental crown placement used to take two or more visits, and required the use of messy putty moldings and the wearing of temporary crowns. Today however, Dr. Marks offers one visit crowns with CEREC dental technology. CEREC One Visit Crowns can save you both time and money by eliminating the need for multiple visits and uncomfortable temporaries. Make your CEREC One Visit Crowns appointment with Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry is the leading restorative dentistry of: State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the surrounding communities.

What Are CEREC One Visit Crowns?

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is an advanced dental restorative system utilizing CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) dental technology to restore decayed teeth, place crowns, remove defective silver fillings, or place cosmetic veneers in just one short visit to the dentist.

How Are CEREC One Visit Crowns Made?

CEREC crowns are made in two distinct phases, acquisition and milling:

  • CEREC Acquisition: First, Dr. Marks will use the CEREC camera to take a digital picture of your damaged tooth. This picture is used instead of a traditional putty impression. The computer and CEREC 3D software converts the digital impressions into a virtual model. Dr. Marks can this use this model to design your restoration chairside. Dr. Marks then sends the design specifications to the in-office CEREC milling machine for fabrication.
  • CEREC Milling: Dr. Marks will select a ceramic block that matches the preferred shade of your new tooth. Using this block and the data from the acquisition process, two diamond coated burs will precisely carve the block into the perfect restoration. After the milling is finished, Dr. Marks will polish your finished crown and bond it into place. This entire process usually takes about 30 minutes depending on the size and type of restoration.

State College CEREC One Visit Crowns Appointments

Make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin today for your new CEREC One Visit Crown restoration.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry is the trusted family dentistry of: State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and neighboring areas.

Renovate Your Smile in 2015 with State College Porcelain Veneers

January 10, 2015

508126371Do you need a smile overhaul? If you have worn down tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, spacing, discoloration, or chips and cracks, a new set or porcelain veneers could restore your smile. Porcelain veneers are versatile and customizable and can be used to address many cosmetic imperfections at the same time. To renew your smile for the New Year, make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry for your porcelain veneers consultation today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry proudly restores smiles throughout: State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the surrounding communities.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of layered tooth-colored porcelain or composite bonded over the surface of your enamel to mask cosmetic imperfections.

How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?

Porcelain veneers can usually be completed in two office visits. First, Dr. Marks will administer a local anesthetic to block any discomfort during tooth preparation. Your natural tooth will then be prepared with minimal reshaping. Then, Dr. Marks will make an impression of your teeth which will be sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication. When they’re ready, the veneers will be placed on your teeth, shaped, and hardened using a high intensity light. The veneer will be corrected to match the shape, length and form of your natural teeth. When finished, the veneers will be polished to create a beautiful new smile.

State College Porcelain Veneers Consultations

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, natural-looking, and durable. Make your porcelain veneers appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry is a trusted cosmetic dentistry proudly serving families throughout: State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and nearby areas.

Relieve Pain and Discomfort with State College, PA TMJ Disorder Therapy

December 10, 2014

479066503When is a headache, more than a headache? If it is accompanied by neck and ear pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking noises in the jaw, you could be suffering from a more serious condition, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These important joints are located on either side of your face to help regulate your facial muscles and jaw movement.TMJ disorders are a group of degenerative conditions resulting from strained and damaged temporomandibular joints. For your TMJ disorder evaluation, make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today.  Dr. Marks is an experienced general and restorative dentist that can help you get to the root of the problem. Donald Marks Family Dentistry is conveniently located on University Drive and provides quality dental care to patients of all ages throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders typically fall into one of three categories:

  • Myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) syndrome– pain at the TMJ due to various causes of increased muscle tension and spasm. It is believed that MPD syndrome is a physical manifestation of psychological stress. Pain is secondary to events such as nocturnal jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Treatment is focused on behavioral modification as opposed to joint repair.
  • Internal derangement (ID)– where the problem lies within the joint itself, most commonly with the position of the articulating disc, usually resulting from facial injury.
  • Degenerative joint disease– where arthritic changes result in degeneration of the joint and muscles.

Common TMJ Disorder Symptoms

  • Radiating pain in the ear and jaw that gets worse when chewing
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Ear clicking or popping
  • Headache and/or neck ache
  • A bite that feels uncomfortable or different from usual
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain
  • Bruxism, teeth clenching
  • Increasing pain over the course of your day
  • A history of jaw or facial trauma

State College, PA TMJ Disorder Therapy from Donald Marks Family Dentistry

Dr. Marks can offer immediate and non- invasive TMJ disorder relief with custom-made nightguards and bite appliances to stop and reverse TMJ disorder damage. Don’t put off the TMJ disorder therapy you need any longer. Make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today.  Donald Marks Family Dentistry proudly serves families throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, Hollidaysburg, and the surrounding communities.

Tis the Season to be Healthy! Dental Care for a Healthier Holiday Season

November 10, 2014

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Although the holidays may lead many of us to consume more sugary treats and alcoholic beverages than usual, we don’t have to give up our healthy smiles. You can make dental care a priority and help keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy despite the abundance of cavity causing food and drinks this season. After you’ve adopted some healthier habits, be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today.  Keeping on top of your family’s regular dental check-ups is the easiest way to ensure that their teeth stay in tip top shape this holiday. Donald Marks Family Dentistry is conveniently located on University Drive and provides quality dental care to patients of all ages throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

5 Important Holiday Dental Care Tips

  1. Don’t Savor the Flavor- To reduce the risk of damage from drinking highly acidic red and white wines, refrain from swishing the wine around in your mouth and try drinking water between glasses of wine to rinse the acid from your teeth and gums.
  2. Get Help From Cavity Fighting Foods- Holiday goodies like cookies, chocolate and candy canes contain high levels of sugar that promote the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. After eating sweet treats like these, try drinking fluorinated tap water, chewing sugarless gum, eating a piece of cheese or drinking a glass of milk. Each of these cavity fighting foods contain ingredients that help increase saliva flow, wash away bacteria and strengthen the enamel.
  3. Just Say No to Stress- As you get stressed over the holiday season, your oral hygiene routine can suffer. Make a conscious effort to pay special attention to your home dental care habits to combat tooth decay. Since teeth grinding and clenching can increase with heightened stress levels, this is also a great time to see the dentist for a custom fitted night guard to protect your teeth.
  4. The Perfect Stocking Stuffer- Help your family care for their teeth by stuffing their stockings with new toothbrushes. Dentists recommend that toothbrushes be changed at least once every three months.
  5. Avoid Sticky Situations- Holiday favorites like fruit cake, candy canes and caramel popcorn can wreak havoc on your teeth. These hard and sticky substances can be difficult to remove and can also easily injure your gums or fracture a tooth. Try avoiding them this season altogether.

Holiday Dental Care Appointments in State College, PA

Give your family the gift of a healthy smile by making an appointment with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin at Donald Marks Family Dentistry today.  Their family dental care office is conveniently located on University Drive and proudly serves families throughout State College, PA, Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

Dental Health for Athletes

October 10, 2014

76649015If you are an athlete or you lead an athletic lifestyle, your physical fitness is a top priority. Yet many athletes don’t realize that good dental health is an important part of achieving top physical performance. Recent studies have even found that hundreds of world class Olympic athletes suffer from dental hygiene issues regularly. This is because many of the habits that athletes develop to maintain their physical condition can lead to dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin help athletes keep their teeth and gums healthy at his University Drive dental office in State College, PA. You can make an appointment with the doctors today to proactively tackle your oral health.

Dental Health Concerns for Athletes

One risk of decay is caused by the daily use of sports drinks, which can actually be more damaging to teeth than sodas because of high acidity and large amounts of sugar. Athletes often have intense training regimens that require maximum physical performance. To refuel during these workouts, many athletes consume energy and sports drinks, protein bars, and eat frequent meals throughout the day, all of which can be detrimental to your oral heal. Excessive sweating could also cause dehydration, which reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in protecting the teeth from decay by rinsing away harmful bacteria and restoring tooth enamel.  Athletes can place a lot of stress on their teeth from clenching and grinding while exerting maximum effort during training or competitions. These habits can also wear down the health of an athlete’s teeth and worsen the damage caused by tooth decay. Athletes also have an elevated risk of tooth, gum and lip injuries.

Dental Health Care for Athletes in State College, PA

There are important steps to take to protect the health of your teeth and gums if you are an athlete or lead an athletic lifestyle. The first is to switch from sports drinks to water to keep hydrated. Also, try to gut down on supplements or meal replacements that are high in sugar. To protect teeth from injury, and to minimize the effects of clenching or grinding your teeth, it’s also important to wear a custom fitted mouthguard. Due to the increased risks of dental problems, athletes should also see a dentist more often than non- athletes. You can contact Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin today to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin are conveniently located on University Drive in State College, PA and proudly serves patients from surrounding Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

Shine Bright This Semester with Teeth Whitening

September 10, 2014

137110504Now that a new semester is here, students are gearing up for studying, note taking, and meeting tons of new people. With each new semester comes a new slate, and wanting to make the best first impression possible is very important. Whether it is a fellow student or your favorite professor, making sure you look your best is crucial. If your smile is less than dazzling, you may find it hard to be confident in the way you look, and can negatively affect the way you interact with the people around you. Having a stained smile is never esthetically pleasing, and Dr. Donald M. Marks and Dr. John A. Martin are able to whiten the smiles of their patients using teeth whitening.

There are so many factors that can contribute to our smiles dulling over time, including coffee, tea, wine, certain medications, additives in food, and even genetics. Having a bright, beautiful smile is a sign of health and liveliness, and if that is compromised, it can be damaging to one’s self-esteem. Dr. Marks has extensively researched the results of certain whitening procedures, and believes that at-home whitening is the most beneficial to his patients.

With at-home whitening, we will be able to have custom whitening trays made for you, ensuring a personalized treatment and the most amazing results. We also offer whitening trays that are already made; it is up to you as to which you prefer. We also will be able to provide you with professional-grade whitening gel, giving you amazing, professional results. All you have to do is fill the whitening trays with the gel and wear them for an hour. Though you will see a whiter smile right away, the full results will be seen over the course of about two weeks! If you want the help of our doctors in achieving a radiant smile, contact our State College dental office today!

Call our State College dental office for an appointment. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, or restorative dental need you may have! We serve patients from Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

Sleep Apnea Therapy with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin

August 9, 2014

shutterstock_131232221No one can underestimate the power and benefits of a restful night’s sleep. When we sleep, our body is able to rest and our brains are able to recharge itself to prepare for the next day’s adventures. Unfortunately, having the opportunity to have the recommended amount of sleep each night is few and far between for some, and can be detrimental on many levels. Many people suffer from sleep apnea, prohibiting them from being as coherent and restful and they would like. Thankfully, Dr. Donald M. Marks and Dr. John A. Martin are able to give their patients the blissful rest they have been wanting by offering sleep apnea therapy.

Many people may not know this, but suffering from sleep apnea goes beyond being tired throughout the day. When your sleep is interrupted on a regular basis, it puts you at a higher risk for high blood pressure, memory loss, stroke, heart attack, and much more. You may be at risk for sleep apnea if you are of advanced age, having nasal congestion, smoke, have a family history, and so on. It is important to be aware of your symptoms in order to properly diagnose you and give you the proper treatment.

When someone suffers from sleep apnea, their breathing stops for up to ten seconds at a time due to airway collapse, and this can occur between 5-30 times in a single night. The way that Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin are able to help you with your sleep apnea is by supplying you with an oral appliance. This appliance opens up your airway by projecting your jaw slightly forward and repositioning your tongue. By wearing this while you sleep, you are able to get a peaceful rest and wake up feeling rejuvenated. If you want our doctors to help you with your sleep apnea, make an appointment at our office today!

Call our State College dental office for an appointment. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, or restorative dental need you may have! We serve patients from Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.

Comprehensive Dental Checkups for State College Community

July 7, 2014

shutterstock_149625803Many people underestimate the importance of biannual dental checkups. Though some think that the only time they should see their dentist is when a problem arises, that could not be further from the truth. By looking at the state of your smile every six months, we are able to prevent issues from arising as well as treat any existing problems. Dr. Donald M. Marks and Dr. John A. Martin strive to convey the importance of dental checkups to their patients, and they are able to offer them comprehensive examinations when they walk into our State College dental office.

One of the things that are included in our dental checkups is full examination of your soft tissues. Gum disease affects millions of people every year, and it is the most common disease people face aside from the common cold. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to many dangerous ailments, such as heart disease, dementia, stroke, bone loss, tooth loss, and much more. If we discover signs of gum disease during your checkup, we will do everything in our power and rectify the issue immediately.

We also inspect each and every tooth in your smile, looking for any signs of decay and deterioration. We use DIAGNOdent, a noninvasive laser, to detect any signs of decay in your smile, and begin your treatment as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading. We also screen all of our patients for oral cancer, making sure there are no underlying issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Though many may not realize it, the alignment of your bite plays a large role into your oral health, and we check and make sure everything is aligned correctly to ensure your wellbeing. If we find any signs of teeth grinding or TMJ, we are able to provide our patients with TMJ therapy. If it is time for you to have your dental checkup with our doctors, make an appointment today, and we will be sure to make sure your smile is beautiful, bright, and healthy!

Call our State College dental office for an appointment. We are able to take care of whatever general, cosmetic, or restorative dental need you may have! We serve patients from Park Forest Village, Spring Mills, Centre Hall, Huntingdon, Altoona, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Lemont, Bellefonte, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, University Park, Pleasant Gap, and Hollidaysburg.