Category: general dentistry

The Power of PRP

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You may have heard of PRP, aka platelet-rich plasma, for facials, hair restoration, and joint repair, but did you know PRP is increasing in popularity in dentistry, too?

It’s true. This powerful substance is full of growth factors, antibodies, and healing power. Millennium Smiles uses PRP in patients after tooth extractions to speed healing and reduce the risk of infection and dry sockets. Learn more about PRP in this blog.

What Exactly Is PRP?

Image of PRP before being during dental extraction.

PRP is the plasma byproduct of blood rich in platelets, the tiny blood cells that play a big role in clotting. PRP has been used for years in a variety of hospital settings, but only recently, has become more mainstream for cosmetic, regenerative medicine, and dental uses.

PRP’s popularity and availability have increased in recent years because new technology allows for the easy harvest of platelets from just a few vials of blood.

Why Is PRP So Beneficial After Extractions?

PRP has some significant benefits. For one, it allows the body to use its natural healing power. It also speeds up healing, because the growth factors and antibodies found in PRP signal the body to send blood, oxygen and other nutrients to the wound site. PRP also tells the stem cells in the area of the wound to wake up and start regenerating into new tissue. In fact, within just 30 minutes after an extraction, blood vessels and cells are growing into a web-like structure in the wound to protect the jaw bone from being exposed.

Another reason that PRP is so beneficial after dental extractions is that PRP also contains BMP or bone morphogenic protein. BMP plays a critical role in forming new bone tissue, which helps to keep the area of the extraction in good health and can potentially mean patients can skip bone grafts if their jaw is healthy enough to accommodate a dental implant.

Other Benefits of PRP

It’s safe. PRP comes directly from the patient’s own blood, and therefore cannot transmit disease or be rejected by the immune system.

It’s convenient. There is no need to go to a laboratory or hospital to have your PRP generated. Dr. Korous has the state-of-the-art technology to take a small amount of your blood and process it into PRP in the office in about 20 minutes.

It’s powerful. PRP can speed up healing time and heal tissues quickly compared to conventional membrane usage in dental extractions.

For more information about PRP and its benefits, call Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899.

Tongue Talk

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We talk a lot about teeth. It can be expected – we are a dental office, after all. But, do you know that Dr. Korous is also concerned about the health of your tongue, too? The tongue is just as important to your mouth as your teeth and gums, and without it, you would not be able to taste, speak, or swallow. Here are some other facts about your tongue and a few ways to keep it healthy.

Tongue Facts

  • The tongue heals faster than any other part of your body.
  • The tongue is a muscle but functions independently of bones. (This makes it unique in comparison to all of the other muscles in the body.)
  • Not only is the tongue a muscle, but it also contains muscles. Eight muscles help the tongue move, flip, fold, and curl.
  • Although the tongue is a muscle, it contains eight muscles, too. These muscles allow you to curl, flip or fold your tongue.
  • Your tongue helps you swallow by moving food to your throat.
  • The tongue helps clean food out of your teeth after eating involuntarily. (Don’t stop flossing, though!)
  • The average tongue contains 3,000 to 10,000 taste buds, but some individuals can have more than 30,000 taste buds!
  • Ninety percent of taste buds are on the tongue, and ten percent are found on the cheeks and gums.
  • Did you know that your tongue contains half of the bacteria in your mouth? This makes taking care of your tongue all that more important!

Which brings us to another point, how exactly should you take care of your tongue? Here’s what we recommend:

Brush regularly. Yes, brush your teeth, but also brush your tongue, too, to reduce bacteria build up. Some people opt to brush their tongue with a toothbrush, while others choose a tongue scraper as part of their regular oral hygiene routine.

When you brush, be gentle, or else you may damage your taste buds. You can add a layer of toothpaste to your tongue before you brush to make it a more comfortable process.

Rinse. Rinsing after brushing or scraping helps to get rid of bacteria and keep your mouth healthy. You can also add saltwater to your rinsing routine, occasionally, too! Use one cup of water with just half a teaspoon of salt and swish for 30 seconds to a minute.

Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is critical for your tongue’s health and your health overall. Try to get at least half your body weight in ounces per day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink 75 ounces of water per day.

A healthy tongue is pink; if your tongue is discolored or has white or black spots, sores, or lesions, it’s time to schedule a checkup with Dr. Korous by calling 972-987-4899

Don’t Put Off Seeing the Dentist

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So, the American Dental Association suggests that individuals visit their dentists at least twice per year, but while twice a year is great for some, others may need to make more frequent appointments for things such as periodontal maintenance, extra cleanings, or because they have a condition, such as sleep apnea or TMJD that requires extra attention. But, when else should you visit Millennium Smiles?

If you’re experiencing any of these situations, call today to schedule an appointment:

Pain. Many things can be the source of tooth pain, but all of the reasons mean you need to see a dentist. The most common reasons include cavities, tooth sensitivity, an abscess, or injury, but also pain caused by tooth clenching and tooth grinding. Pain can also be caused by gum disease or heavy-handed brushing. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, do not delay. We repeat: do not delay. Call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Sensitivity. Are you living with tooth sensitivity? Does it hurt when you drink hot coffee or iced tea? Do you ask for “water without ice” when out to eat? If you’re avoiding your favorite food and drinks because your teeth hurt, you don’t have to live with pain. Call Millennium Smiles today and get seen by Dr. Korous. Sensitive teeth can be caused by tooth decay, enamel loss, gum disease, injury, an exposed tooth root, injury, or heavy-handed brushing. Dr. Korous will be able to help get you out of pain and back to eating ice cream in no time.

Damage. Do you have a tooth or teeth that are chipped, cracked, or fractured? If so, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to get checked. During your appointment, Dr. Korous will be able to assess the damage and see if your tooth can be saved. If your tooth cannot be saved, Millennium Smiles offers a wide range of cosmetic dental solutions to restore your smile.

Dry Mouth. Did you know that chronic dry mouth is a problem? If you are living with long-term dry mouth, no matter how much you drink or rinse, you may have an underlying health condition that can negatively impact your oral health. Call now to set up an appointment to discuss your dry mouth concerns.

Bad Breath. Bad breath happens to everyone at some point, but bad breath that won’t go away no matter how much you brush could mean that you are living with tooth decay or gum disease. Talk to Dr. Korous about what you’re experiencing and get a solution for chronic bad breath.

If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, call us today at 972-987-4899 to get an appointment.

Use Your HSA Accumulated Funds Before the End of the Year!

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Do you have a health savings account? If so, you’re probably thinking of the ways you to use the funds you have built up in your account before the end of the year. Did you know that you can use your HSA dollars for dental procedures? The IRS allows individuals with HSA accounts to use their funds to pay for “the prevention and alleviation of dental disease”. Don’t put off using your HSA, call Millennium Smiles today to make an appointment!

What Does Preventive Treatment Mean?

Preventative treatment includes procedures such as teeth cleaning, X-rays, sealants and fluoride treatments. These procedures are designed to prevent tooth decay and cavities.

What Is the Alleviation of Dental Disease?

These treatments include fillings to treat cavities and tooth decay, and include treatments such as:

Fillings: Fillings are a common dental procedure to replace cavities after Dr. Korous has removed decayed enamel and dentin.
Root canals: Root canals are treatments that remove infected tooth roots to stop the infection from spreading and prevent tooth loss.
Extractions: In some cases, extraction is necessary to remove a tooth severely damaged by tooth decay or injury.
Crowns: Crowns are a permanent dental procedure designed to repair damaged, broken or cracked teeth.
Bonding: Dental bonding is also covered. Bonding uses a resin to repair cracked or chipped teeth. The resin is sealed with ultraviolet light.
Dentures: Dentures are removable, artificial teeth. Both full and partial dentures are covered with HSA funds.

What Treatments Are Exempt from HSA Spending?

Cosmetic dental treatments, such as tooth whitening, are not covered by an HSA but may be covered an FSA (also known as a Flexible Spending Account). We suggest that you consult your plan for details before spending any funds. Another critical point to remember is that expenses are eligible under your HSA as long as they cannot be reimbursed by your insurance or another source.
We also recommend that you save all of your receipts for qualified expenses.

HSA dollars cannot be spent on dental products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste or dental floss.

Do you have questions about HSA spending with Millennium Smiles? Call us today at 972-987-4899 for more information.

Candy Is Okay for Halloween – with Some Considerations!

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Halloween is just a few weeks away. As you are planning your costumes and thinking about festivities, we want to take a minute to talk about one of the best parts of Halloween: candy. Yes, candy! We know you are probably surprised to hear a dentist say that candy is great, but let’s face it, candy is actually pretty great. Of course, we recommend that you eat candy with a few rules in mind.

So, It’s Okay to Eat Candy?

Yes, it is okay to eat candy. But, candy is best consumed in moderation. We suggest limiting yourself or your kids to one to two pieces a day (yes, a day!), instead of grabbing the bowl and binging. We recognize that this means practicing serious restraint, but trust us, it will be to your benefit.

Too much candy shows. It shows up on your waistline and on your teeth, which could lead to cavities if you don’t brush or floss regularly. Keep in mind that any food can lead to cavities if you don’t take care of your teeth!

A Word About Gum

While gum is not candy, we want to take a minute to talk about it, too. Chewing gum can help keep your teeth healthy because its sticky nature helps to pull out tiny bits of food left behind after you eat until you can brush or floss. The act of chewing gum helps to cause saliva production, which is beneficial because saliva can help remineralize your teeth.

What About Sugar-Free Candy?

While there is a time and place for sugar-free candy for some individuals, sugar-free candy frequently contains artificial sweeteners, as well as acidic additives that can be damaging to tooth enamel.

We would love to see a picture of your trick or treaters! Be sure to share on our Millennium Smiles Facebook page!

Want Whiter Teeth? Try These Foods!

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Want a bright, white smile? Who doesn’t? If you’re like most people, you want your pearly whites to look, well, pearly. One way to keep your teeth looking great is to brush and floss regularly and to visit Millennium Smiles for regular cleanings. Another way to keep teeth looking bright is to avoid foods that can leave them stained, such as wine, coffee, tea, and some fruits. However, did you know that eating certain foods can help to whiten your teeth, too?

Whiten Teeth with These Foods Teeth – Naturally!

Consider Crunchy Foods. Crunchy and fibrous foods such as carrots, celery, and apples require much chewing, and as a result, their fibrous pulp helps to scrub away sticky dental plaque and polish stains away from your tooth enamel. Broccoli, especially, serves a natural toothbrush and helps to brush away stains.

Don’t Forget About Dairy Products. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese contain lactic acid which can help whiten your teeth and lighten stains. Do you love cheese? If so, you’ll be happy to know that eating cheese yields an additional benefit for your teeth; cheese can affect the pH balance of the mouth and make it unfriendly for decay-causing bacteria.

Think About Citrus Fruit. Citrus fruit such as oranges and grapefruit can help brighten your teeth because citric acid can neutralize decay-causing bacteria, too. However, a word of caution before you start stocking up on citrus – too much citric acid can cause damage to your tooth enamel.

Stop and Eat Strawberries. Strawberries? Yes, strawberries. Although these favorite-of-many-fruits seem to stain everything else, the malic acid found in strawberries acts a natural whitening agent against stains.

Choose Chocolate. Yep, chocolate. Specifically, dark chocolate. Why dark chocolate? Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that work to neutralize that bacteria that cause tooth decay, and an alkaloid known as theobromine that can help repel stains.

Stay Hydrated. By now, you probably know that staying hydrated can help protect your health and keep your body systems functioning properly. But, did you know that water helps keep your teeth looking great, too? Yes! Water helps by rinsing away foods and drinks that cause staining.

Do you want whiter teeth? Call Millennium Smiles today for more information about tooth whitening and other cosmetic treatments.

Brushing Correctly? Make Sure With These Tips From Dr. Korous!

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Do you think you’re a pro at brushing your teeth? You probably have been doing it many years now, and really, is there a wrong way to do it? It turns out, there actually is. Improper brushing can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Find out how to make sure you take care of your teeth the right way with these teeth brushing tips from Millennium Smiles

1. Check Your Form. Are you holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when you brush? This is the angle recommended by the American Dental Association to clean your teeth effectively. Why? Because brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle allows the bristles of your toothbrush to reach all surfaces of your teeth. Brushing with your toothbrush at this angle is especially important when brushing your molars because the curves of these teeth make cleaning them properly critical. While we are talking about brushing, be sure not to put too much force on your teeth because you could wear away enamel. 

2. Check Your Brush. While a manual toothbrush can get your teeth clean, its cleaning capabilities are nothing compared to those of a soft-bristled electric toothbrush. Using an electric toothbrush means a more efficient and thorough cleaning. Dr. Korous offers patients several different electric toothbrush options. Ask her what toothbrush she recommends for you when you are in for your next appointment.

3. Check Your Time. Did you know that it takes two full minutes of brushing to make sure all the surfaces of your teeth are clean? The ADA and Dr. Korous recommend that you brush two full minutes every time you brush to ensure you removing sticky dental plaque. Time yourself next time you brush to see if you’re brushing for a full two minutes.

4. Check Your Tongue. One of the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth is that they forget to brush their tongue. The tongue collects the same bacteria as the teeth and gums, so brushing is key to keeping your mouth healthy. It also keeps your breath fresh, too!

5. Take Time to Floss. Did you know that flossing does 40 percent of the work of your toothbrush? Flossing helps to remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth and can’t be removed by your brush. Getting these particles out of your teeth takes the food source away from the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Now that you know how if you’re brushing correctly, it’s time to schedule a cleaning with us! Call Millennium Smiles, your Frisco dental experts, today at 972-987-4899.

The Importance of Seeing the Dentist During Pregnancy

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Are you pregnant? Congratulations! Having a baby is a very exciting time in your life! It’s also a very busy time for you – scheduling your regular checkups, special tests and bloodwork can all keep you busy. We want to add one more thing to your list while you’re setting up your appointments; we want you to schedule a dental checkup with Dr. Korous, too!

Why Do I Need to See the Dentist During My Pregnancy?

Pregnancy changes everything about your body – including your mouth! Taking the time to see Dr. Korous while you are pregnant will help you keep a healthy mouth and body and also protect the health of your unborn baby. Not to mention, our warm, relaxing environment complete with massage chair and warm towels after every treatment will leave you feeling rested and relaxed. What mom-to-be wouldn’t want that?

Oral Health and Pregnancy

The hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy can wreak havoc on your oral health. These changes can cause the development of a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Like regular gingivitis, pregnancy gingivitis causes redness, swelling, irritation, and bleeding of the gums. If pregnancy gingivitis is left untreated, you may end up with a more advanced form of periodontal disease. Doesn’t sound like a big deal? Think again. Periodontal disease has been linked to the development of serious heart and lung conditions, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been shown to cause low-birth-weight babies and preterm labor, too.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk of Oral Health Problems During Pregnancy?

As we mentioned, seeing Dr. Korous for regular checkups and cleanings is the first step. In addition, we want you to practice good oral hygiene habits at home, too. Brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss at least once per day.

I’m Pregnant. Can I Have X-rays?

Both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association say that the amount of radiation you and your unborn child are exposed to during a dental X-ray is minimal and does not cause harm to an unborn baby or pregnant mother.

We do understand that some patients want to delay having dental X-rays until after their first trimester or until after they deliver. Just let us know your preference when you schedule your appointment.

Call Millennium Smiles today at 972-987-4899 to schedule your appointment or to talk about your concerns regarding your dental health and your pregnancy.

Skipping the Dentist Means Serious Problems

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Are you skipping your dental appointments because you don’t have dental insurance? You’re not alone. A new report from the American Dental Association says that more individuals than ever are going without dental insurance and that means going without critical dental care. One of the age groups going without dental care because of a lack of dental insurance is millennials – and as a result, they have more untreated tooth decay than any other demographic.

Major Mouth Problems for Millennials

A report from the American Dental Association recently revealed that 30 percent of people in the United States between ages 18 and 35 are living with untreated tooth decay. This fact is a startling revelation because for decades individuals over the age of 65 were the most afflicted with dental problems.

The ADA report also showed that over 35 percent of millennials have pain when eating.

As a result of their dental pain, almost 40 percent of those between 18 and 35 report that their quality of life is poor, and their health is negatively affected. Many millennials also revealed that their negative oral health has impacted how they feel about themselves and even their employment; more and more millennials say they avoid relationships and job interviews because of their teeth.

Why Are So Many Millennials Avoiding the Dentist?

The number one reason millennials are avoiding the dentist is that fewer than 30 percent of them visit the dentist regularly. Reasons mentioned in the ADA report for why these individuals are skipping the dentist include a lack of dental insurance and not knowing how to obtain dental insurance.

Individuals with dental insurance cited a lack of understanding about how their dental insurance worked.

What Happens When You Miss Dental Appointments?

Missing your regular six-month dental appointment means that a treatable (and sometimes reversible) conditions such as gingivitis can turn into full-blown periodontal disease. Going a whole year without seeing the dentist means a cavity that needed a filling now may need a root canal – which is costlier and may involve more trips to the dentist.

Are You Skipping the Dentist Because of Fear?

If you’re anxious about visiting our Frisco Dental office because of dental fear or phobia, don’t worry! We understand dental anxiety and fear, and think you will find out warm, relaxing environment complete with massage chair and warm towel treatment after each treatment refreshing and relaxing! Our amazing and caring dental team is here for all of your dental needs and can help you relax and be comfortable during care.

But What If I Don’t Have Dental Insurance?

If you don’t have dental insurance, you don’t have to skip going to the dentist. You can still go to Millennium Smiles. Dr. Korous offers patients an extensive, fairly-priced dental membership option for patients without insurance. This membership option means you can still get peace of mind and the care you need to protect your health.

Also, if you are putting off necessary dental treatment due to financial constraints, please contact our office regarding options for financing your procedure. Dr. Korous and the staff of Millennium Smiles do not want any patient to put off critical dental treatment and live in pain or with a smile they don’t love because of the fear of the costs of dental care.

Find out more about our annual membership plan and financing options by calling Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899 today.

Tooth Pain: Is It Sinuses or Something More Serious?

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When is tooth pain something to call Dr. Korous about or when is tooth pain because of sinus problems? Sinus problems and seasonal allergies can often cause tooth pain, but when teeth hurt it can be worrisome, uncomfortable and even scary. Don’t be afraid – there are a few ways you can determine if it is sinus problems or time to make a dental appointment.

How Do Sinus and Allergy Issues Cause Tooth Pain?

When the hollow cavities next to your nose (also known as the sinuses) become filled with mucus and fluid, they also become inflamed. This situation is known as sinusitis, and the pain of inflammation combined with mucus puts painful pressure on the teeth. For many people, this pressure can feel like a toothache.

How to Tell If It Is Sinus Tooth Pain

Locate the Pain. For people with sinus problems, most of their pain will occur in the upper back molars. Severe cases can also cause problems in the top front and lower back molars as well. In most cases, the pain will be distributed on both sides of the mouth versus one tooth.

Also, many people have pain in their sinus cavities when they touch that part of their face. If your sinuses are sensitive or painful and your teeth are hurting, it is most likely because of sinus pain or allergies.

What Kind of Pain Is It? If your tooth pain dull? Do your teeth feel heavy? Does the pain and the feeling of heaviness go away with pain relievers, decongestants or sinus medicine? If you answer yes, tooth pain is likely related to your sinus pressure.

On the other hand, if your pain is sharp, throbbing or stabbing, this may mean an infection, a cavity or tooth decay or gum disease. If your pain is constant pain, gets worse at night or does not go away with over-the-counter medication, you should call Dr. Korous for an appointment.

Check for Other Symptoms. Do you have other symptoms of sinus problems along with your tooth pain? These symptoms would include a headache, ear pressure, ear pain, a sore throat or a runny nose. These symptoms plus tooth pain and sensitivity likely mean that you have a sinus problem and not a tooth problem.

If you have swelling or redness of the gums around your pain, bad breath that won’t go away or a foul, sour taste in your mouth or have a fever, you could have a tooth or gum problem that needs an appointment.

Are you having tooth pain? If you’re having tooth pain for whatever reason, call Dr. Korous today at our Little Elm Dental office today at 972-987-4899 schedule an appointment for a complete checkup.

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