Welcome Summer with a Fuller Smile with Dental Implants!

June 16, 2014

shutterstock_151587851With summer knocking at your door, many people are doing everything they can to make sure they look their absolute best for the summer season. Whether it is buying the best food for the barbeque or going to the gym to get ready for the beach, many people want to have as much fun and feel as confident inside and out. If you have teeth missing from your smile, you may find it difficult to find confidence in the way you look. You are sure to reconnect with old friends and meet many new people this summer season, so making the best impression is important. Dr. Donald M. Marks and Dr. John A. Martin understand the struggle their patients go through when they have teeth missing from their smile, and they are able to give their patients the smile they have always wanted using dental implants.

A dental implant is a small piece of biocompatible titanium that is placed directly into an empty tooth socket. The titanium post-like implant will act as a new tooth root, and will prevent the rest of the teeth in your mouth from shifting to make up for the empty spaces due to the missing teeth. The bone in your jaw and your gum tissue with bond with the implant over time, creating a strong, permanent bond. After the right amount of healing time as passed, a crown is added on top of your implant– a crown that exactly resembles a natural tooth. At the end of the procedure, you are left with a beautiful, full smile you can be proud of.

Dental implants can be used to anchor a dental crown to completely recreate a tooth, or to hold a fixed bridge permanently in place. Both solutions create a natural-looking row of teeth that you are ready and willing to show off at any given moment! So if you are ready for a beautiful, full smile just in time for summer, make an appointment with Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin, and they will be more than happy to help!

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.

Give Your Gums the Star Treatment with Periodontal Disease Therapy

May 14, 2014

shutterstock_111358292People often forget that to have a healthy result, one must have a healthy foundation. Many people believe that as long as your teeth are straight and white, they are healthy. Unfortunately, not much attention is paid to the gums, which are the most crucial contributors to a healthy smile. Gum (periodontal) disease is when your gums are under attack, and it can result in unhealthy teeth. Our experienced doctors are dedicated to making sure your gums are as healthy as they can be, which is why they offer periodontal therapy to their patients.

Periodontal disease affects over 80% of the population, which makes it one of the more common diseases out there. One point that may be shocking is the fact that many people may not even be aware that they are suffering from periodontal disease, leaving their mouths to ongoing infection and deterioration. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, tenderness, and loose teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to an increased risk in heart disease, stroke, dementia, and much, much more.

When you come in for your appointment, we will tackle your periodontal disease with scaling and root planing. These procedures allow us to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This way, we are able to remove all of the harmful bacteria in areas that your toothbrush and flossing cannot reach, giving you a clear mouth! We will also be able to smooth the root surfaces, making it more difficult for tartar to build. We will give you antibiotics for your gum disease, helping your mouth heal, then close the appointment with instructions on how to better take care of your gums. If you’re interested in how Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin are able to help you with your periodontal disease, make an appointment at our office, and we’d be more than happy to help.

Call our State College dental office for an appointment. 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.

Create a Dazzling Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

April 18, 2014

cosmetic dentistryDo you want a stunning smile? Many people do. But not everyone is born with naturally bright, straight, perfect teeth. Thankfully, recent advances in dentistry have made it possible for patients to achieve natural-looking results with affordable, accessible services.

Dr. Marks offers the following cosmetic dentistry services:

Every year, we help hundreds of patients improve the appearance of their teeth in just one or two visits with one or more of these services.

But which service is right for you? Dr. Marks would be happy to consult with you at his State College dental office. During your appointment, he will look for stains, cracks, chips, rough spots, misalignment, or other imperfections and then recommend one or more services that will help you. Afterwards, he will recommend a specific plan to help you.

Are you ready for a beautiful, confident smile? Call our State College dental office for an appointment. 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.

Restorative Dentistry for State College Patients

March 13, 2014

restorative dentistryDoes your smile need extra help? Most smiles do, eventually, whether because of decay, an injury, or another reason entirely.

If you’re looking for a dental office that can help you with your restorative dentistry needs, look no further than the office of Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin. At our State College dental office, we offer a full range of contemporary restorative dentistry services, including:

When you come to our State College office for care, Dr. Marks or Dr. Martin will assess your needs and help you put together a personalized treatment plan. As part of that assessment, we’ll consider what goals you have for your smile plus your medical history.

Why is seeking restorative dentistry important? Because a healthy, functional smile is important for eating, smiling, speaking, and an overall good quality of life. What’s more, when you don’t seek out restorative care, you increase your risk of experiencing more serious issues later on. You may be more susceptible to gum disease, for instance, or tooth loss. Seeking restorative dentistry early on will help you preserve and protect your smile.

Do you have a need for restorative dentistry? Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin are committed to offering excellent care. Call our office today for an appointment. We serve patients from State College, 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 Is Sleep Apnea?

August 22, 2013

sleep apneaSleep apnea is a common but underdiagnosed condition in which patients stop breathing for 10 seconds or more while asleep. Often, patients who struggle with sleep apnea also snore loudly and all throughout the night. That’s not always the case, but if you or your partner struggles with loud snoring, learning more about sleep apnea—and even seeking a diagnosis from your State College doctor—would be a good idea.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Irritability
  • Morning headaches
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sore throat or dry mouth

If left untreated, sleep apnea patients can experience a wide variety of complications, some of them life-threatening. Advanced complications of sleep apnea include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Memory loss
  • Sudden and premature death

Thankfully, treatment for sleep apnea is possible. Patients from State College and beyond can enjoy comfortable care through sleep apnea therapy, allowing them to enjoy a more restful, peaceful night of sleep.

Call your State College dentist to find out more about sleep apnea or to schedule a consultation visit. Treating sleep apnea early is important for preventing advanced complications from developing. Then, once more is known your specific needs, a fully customized treatment plan—which could include CPAP or oral appliance therapy—can be put together by your local doctor.

Why Is General Dentistry Important?

August 9, 2013

general dentistryPatients of all ages need general dental care. Why? Because a patient becomes vulnerable to common oral health conditions like tooth decay and gum disease the minute his or her first tooth comes in. The goal with general dentistry from Dr. Donald Marks and Dr. John A. Martin is to prevent these conditions through close oral exams and thorough cleanings.

Left untreated, problems like these can develop and dramatically impact one’s oral, and even overall, wellbeing. Gum disease, for instance, is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in America. What’s more, studies have connected it to an increased vulnerability to other kinds of health problems, like diabetes, pre-term birth, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and possibly even heart disease. With regular care from your State College general and family dentist, your family can look forward to enjoying a healthier smile and a better sense of overall health.

During your regular appointment, your dentist will look for more than just cavities and gum disease, though. Your State College general dentist will also look for signs of oral cancer or a neuromuscular condition like bruxism or TMJ dysfunction.  Depending on the results of your exam, additional care may be recommended with fillings, periodontal care, a smile makeover, or some other cosmetic or restorative service. Plus, services like dental sealants and fluoride treatments can be used to give teeth—especially young teeth—extra protection.

How often should you see your general dentist? We recommend coming in every six months to make sure that your smile stays healthy. Call your local general dentist for an appointment if it’s been more than six months since your last visit. And be sure you bookmark our blog to learn more about our services and important oral healthcare tips.