Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry

Special Dental Porcelain Veneers

2010-07-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

Special Dental Porcelain VeneersThere are many criteria that go into porcelain veneers and that affects the outcome and ultimate success of dental porcelain veneers. All porcelain veneers are not the same and it is the cosmetic dentists responsibility to define the size, length and shape of the veneers that are being fabricated. This is not all, the texture, anatomy, color layering scheme,

Dental Implants and 3D Imaging Technology

2010-07-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

Dental Implants and 3D Imaging TechnologyThese are not just fancy words. Technology has definitely made dentistry less invasive as well as faster. All benefits for our patients. In fact, it takes less time to place a properly planned implant than to do a root canal! With a 3D cone and beam scan (3D Imaging)and using guided surgery techniques, we do not have to guess

Porcealin Veneers: Technology Continues

2010-07-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

Porcelain Veneers: Technology ContinuesPorcelain Veneers have been one of the best cosmetic dentistry treatments over the past 10 years. Empress veneers allowed the astute and artistic dentists and ceramists to create lifelike and beautiful conservatively. Today, with new ceramics such as Emax we can extend this beautiful esthetic care even more conservatively.Why?

Sleep Apnea and TMJ: Is there a connection?

2010-07-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sleep Apnea and TMJ: Is there a connection? What is the connection between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and TMJ pain? There is much literature around discussing this and its possible relationships. I personally, as a Houston TMJ Dentist and Houston Sleep Apnea Dentist, continue to read studies and reports on this topic. Some feel that bruxism is caused by sleep apnea, some

Cosmetic Dentistry and Implants

2010-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental ImplantsDental implants should not be a limitation to creating beautiful smiles and teeth. In fact, when correctly, planned, placed, and managed from soft tissue to position to the type of implant placed, the cosmetic results should be enhanced.In this case, this young gentleman was missing teeth, both lateral incisors. We had the orthodontist maintain the

Dental Implants: Teeth in an Hour

2010-06-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

DENTAL IMPLANTS: TEETH IN AN HOURThere are many new techniques with dental implants today. For patients who cannot save their teeth and do not want dentures that have to be removed, there are alternatives. One of them is All on Four (see photo above from Nobel Biocare), a technique that has been taught by Nobel Biocare, one of the leading implant companies.The use of "All on Four" allows a fixed

Houston Cosmetic Dentistry: Complex Cases

2010-06-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

Houston Cosmetic Dentistry: Complex CasesWe have been treating complex houston cosmetic dentistry cases for many years. Cases that involve missing teeth, rotated teeth, and even broken teeth require a blend of science and artistry to create a beautiful and proportional smile.A nice example is illustrated in the case above where a patient had missing lateral incisors and the cuspids were in this

3D Dental Implant Technology

2010-06-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

3D Dental Implant TechnologyThe future of 3D Imaging for Dental Implants is here. We are fortunate that for Houston Dental Implants the technology is easily accessible and have been using this for several years already.In our office, we have been using 3-D Cone and Beam technology for several things:1) Dental implant planning and placement2) Houston TMJ scans to evaluate the joints and neck3) To

Dental Sleep Medicine: Helping CPAP Intolerant Patients

2010-06-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

DENTAL SLEEP MEDICINE: Helping CPAP Intolerant PatientsThere are some alarming statistics that pertain to sleep apnea especially in light of the fact that the number of people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is expected to rise based on an aging demographic population and the growing weight gain of our population.The facts: 1) 40% Americans snore on a regular

Porcelain Veneers: An Update

2010-06-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Porcelain Veneers: An Update Porcelain veneers continue to be one of the best modalities for changing ones smile conservatively. Technology and advanced techniques have allowed me to extend porcelain veneer use in two ways:1) 1) Prepless veneers or minimal prep veneers: in the past the porcelains used for this were really unesthetic and bulky. No real coloring could be seen on the veneers.- I

Pure Power Mouthguards (PPM)

2010-06-16T06:41:00.001-07:00

Pure Power Mouthguards (PPM)Many of you may have seen the Channel 39 reporting segment with Steve Simon last week which featured Steve in our office. Steve heard about the Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM) (Houston PPM) or the Makkar Advantage,and contacted us to do the neuromuscular computerized K-7 scans on him so he could see what all the hype was about. Needless to say,

The Importance of the Scan and Scan Appliance for Implant Dentistry

2010-06-16T06:40:00.001-07:00

The Importance of the Scan and Scan Appliance for Implant DentistryOne of the fastest growing areas in implant dentistry is the use of the CT scan for treatment planning and implant placement. It is critical for the success of most cases and is rapidly becoming the standard of care in dentistry.We used to have guess what how much bone would be present when doing surgery for implant placement as

Part 3: Dental Revolution, Sleep Apnea

2010-06-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

Part 3: Dental Revolution, Sleep ApneaThe 3rd part of the changes in dental care that we provide for our patients is that of airway obstruction and sleep apnea. Both which are highly present in the population and has become a health concern for many.The medical profession has been helping patients with sleep apnea and snoring for some time. The most common remedy, until now, has been the use of a

Part 3: Dental Revolution

2010-06-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Part 3: Dental Revolution The 3rd part of the changes in dental care that we provide for our patients is that of airway obstruction and sleep apnea. Both which are highly present in the population and has become a health concern for many. The medical profession has been helping patients with sleep apnea and snoring for some time. The most common remedy, until now, has

Part 2: The Dental Revolution

2010-06-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

Part 2: Dental “Revolution” In part 1 of my article discussing the changes that have occurred in dental care, I discussed the manner in which I have been able to help patients beyond their teeth, assisting in relieving TMJ pain, cervical pain, and posture. The 2nd area where we have been able to further our patients overall

Changes in Dental Care: The Revolution has Arrived

2010-06-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

Changes in Dental Care: The Revolution has Arrived I have seen and engaged in many changes in dentistry. In our office, dentistry has gone beyond the knowledge and science of only fixing teeth. Over the next three articles I will elaborate over several of these thoughts. First, I am referring to assisting patients with TMJ pain and dysfunction. We no longer only look

Fresh Breath and Toothpastes

2010-05-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Fresh Breath and ToothpastesUnlike most other dental products that claim to freshen breath, Oxyfresh products are clinically proven to eliminate mouth odors for up to six hours. Their patented ingredient, Oxygene with chlorine dioxide, is the secret formula that freshens breath in just one minute. Oxyfresh toothpaste are safe for the whole family to use with unique ingredients you won't find in

Diode Lasers: Amazing Technology in Dentistry

2010-05-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

Diode Lasers: Amazing Technology in DentistryThe diode dental laser is simply an amazing piece of technology that every practicing dentist should have. Simply stated, the diode laser can be used to painlessly contour the soft tissue (gums).In our practice, I daily use the diode laser for:1) Gum lifts: to reduce gummy smiles2) To artistically even the gumline aound the teeth for cosmetic cases3)

The Beauty of Denatal Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry

2010-05-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Beauty of Dental Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry I have just finished writing an article that was requested by The Dental Tribune, a national and worldwide publication for dentists. The subject was the future of dental implants is now. The article will published nationwide tommorrow and sent to most dentist in the United States.My purpose of mentioning this article is to let patients and

TMJ and Smile Rejuvination: Creating Natural Smiles

2010-05-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

TMJ and Smile RejuvinationThis patient presented with concern about the worn teeth, receding gums, and jaw pain. To treat a case like this, the first step is to find the comfortable jaw position, obtain stabilization of the jaw joints (correct the TMJ problems and TMJ pain)and then restore the teeth as indicated for function and or esthetics. Not all TMJ cases require restorative

Properly Adjusting a Dental Sleep Appliance

2010-05-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Properly Adjusting a Dental Sleep ApplianceEach day, our office gets inquiries and questions about dental sleep apnea appliances and snoring. There seems to be a lot of information out there that is misleading to patients. From television advertisements to dentally fabricated appliances.The most important thing to recognize is that a diagnosis needs to be made first, before any appliances or

TMJ Pain Relief

2010-05-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

TMJ Pain ReliefWe just finished seeing an out-of-town patient whom we have been treating for severe TMJ pain. He had advanced degenerative joint disease (DJD) that had been affecting his life since the symptoms included severe ear pain, limited opening, and headaches. These symptoms were so bad that he had been to neurologists (who ruled out medical issues), had been treated by several dentists,

The Art of Bonding Teeth to Close Spaces

2010-05-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Art of Bonding Teeth to Close Spaces Bonding teeth has become a lost art in the era of porcelain veneers. What can be done for patients who have really nice teeth but would just like spaces closed or have the teeth shaped a little differently?The photo shows a patient we just finished bonding on, this is the art of bonding teeth. No tooth preparation was necessary and the bonding was

Eliminating Gummy Smiles Painlessly with Lasers

2010-05-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

Eliminating Gummy Smiles Painlessly with LasersMany patients present with what they consider a gummy smile or small teeth. Not all these cases need porcelain veneers or bonding. Amazingly, the gummy smile case can be treated with dental lasers painlessly. This allows us to raise the gum level of the teeth which makes the teeth appear more normal in size. In our office, I use the laser every day.

Better Understanding and Treating TMJ Problems

2010-05-03T12:54:00.001-07:00

Better Understanding and Treating TMJ ProblemsTreatment for TMJ and TMJ pain has continued to evolve over many years. With neuromuscular dentistry and computerized TMJ anaysis, we can better understand and treat TMJ problems and its associated pain then ever before.I have just finished a 3 day Advanced TMJ and Scan Interpretation course in which the newest advancements and understandings were

TAKE YOUR GAME TO A NEW LEVEL

2010-05-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

TAKE YOUR GAME TO A NEW LEVELAthletes know that every game counts, and that the difference between performance and optimum performance can make or break a game or even a career. What if you had the ability to improve your balance and flexibility, increase strength, and achieve speed and agility without any extra effort or training? Are you looking for that competitive edge to give your best

HYDROFLOSS: High Tech Home Dental Care

2010-05-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

HYDROFLOSS: High Tech Dental CareAccording to the Surgeon General of the United States, periodontal disease (gum disease) affects 75% of adults at some point during their lifetime. That's 3 out of every 4 adults! Numerous illnesses and diseases of the body have been linked to periodontal disease, such as diabetes, stroke, anemia, kidney disease, heart and lung disease, low-birthweight and

Amazing Implant Dentures

2010-04-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Amazing Implant DenturesNo longer do patients have to have dentures that flop around and do not stay in place when speaking or eating. Implant dentures are simply wonderful for these patients and there are several options of how to best use the implants. There are several different types of "anchors" that we can use to secure the denture in place. This photo shows one the snap type anchors we use

ADVANCED MICROSONIC DENTAL TECHNOLOGY TO CLEAN TEETH

2010-04-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

ADVANCED MICROSONIC DENTAL TECHNOLOGY TO CLEAN TEETHOur mouths contain many different types of organisms like bacteria and viruses, and these can be broken down into hundreds of different types of species. The majority of bacteria in the mouth are not harmful, are beneficial to proper digestion of food, and keep the bad bacteria in check. It's this "bad bacteria" that's responsible for the onset

Eliminating the Numb Feeling: Hi Tech Dentistry

2010-04-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Eliminating the Numb Feeling: Hi Tech Dentistry Lingering numbness is one of the after effects of having dental care that no one enjoys. It often interferes with speech, meals, meetings, and worries about biting the tongue.A new product, Oraverse, which I have been using for almost a year eliminates these problems to the delight of our patients! Our office was one of the first to use the product

Bonding: The Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment for Broken Teeth

2010-04-22T06:04:00.001-07:00

Bonding: The Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment for Broken TeethWhen a patient breaks a single tooth, especially a teenager breaks a tooth, many times bonding is an excellent choice of cosmetic dentistry to correct the esthetics and broken tooth. This is truly an artistic process and requires a high level of skill to master. When done correctly, artistic bonding to repair these teeth is

SAY GOODBYE TO SENSITIVITY

2010-04-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

SAY GOODBYE TO SENSITIVITYOne of the most common dental complaints stems from pain caused by sensitive teeth. And receding gums is one of the major causes of tooth sensitivity. Gum recession means the roots of the teeth are exposed to the elements, where the pain receptors (nerves) are located. Sensitive teeth can be so painful that proper brushing and flossing can be compromised, which can lead

ARE YOU A HUNDRED-PERCENTER? FACTS ABOUT GUM DISEASE

2010-04-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU A HUNDRED-PERCENTER? FACTS ABOUT GUM DISEASEChances are, you've grown up with the knowledge that brushing and flossing your teeth will lead to good dental health, whether you were told this by a dental professional or just heard it from your parents. And yes, it does all begin with good brushing and flossing. But what about the areas you are probably missing? It's equally important to see

COSMETIC DENTSITRY

2010-04-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Dentistry: Know Your OptionsSeveral weeks ago a young lady came to see us for a second opinion. She had seen several dentists with regards to her lateral incisors which were discolored from bonding the years ago.When I inquired as to what her concerns were about the previous recommendations, she replied none, that she really liked both except that both had recommended porcelain veneers

Oral Head and Neck Cancer Week

2010-04-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Oral Head and Neck Cancer WeekApril 12-18 was Oral Head and Neck Cancer week awareness in the US and Canadaand was started to educate the public and healthcare personnel on the diagnosis andtreatment of this disease. Amazingly, more than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancers this year. In the US, it is a known fact that one person dies from oral cancer every hour!The problem with

TMJ and Pain Relief

2010-04-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

TMJ and Pain ReliefI just came across an article from the the AADR, an organization that is run by academic dentists. This article stated that many TMD patients tend to improve or resolve over time. It would be nice if this is was the case. I have been treating TMJ patients for more than 15 years and the overwhelming majority have lived in pain and misery for years with no relief. I can attest

New Studies Tie Sleep Apnea to Strokes: Even Mild Sleep Apnea Poses Dangers

2010-04-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

New Studies Tie Sleep Apnea to Strokes: Even Mild Sleep Apnea Poses DangersI wanted to share new research that was released on April 10, 2010 with those who have sleep apnea concerns or family members with sleep apnea. There has been a great deal of medical research going on for years, most of which continue reveal the hazards behind this disease.A new study that was just released in which

This blog has moved

2010-04-13T12:20:00.001-07:00

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Worn and Broken Teeth: Correct the Bite and Cosmetics To Create a Lasting and Attractive Smile

2010-04-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Worn and Broken Teeth: Correct the Bite and Cosmetics To Create A Lasting and Attractive SmileEver wonder why some people have teeth that are worn and broken whereas others do not?If you are one these people and are considering cosmetic dentistry, please consider correcting your bite otherwise you could possibly do the same damage to the new dental care. If your bite is correctly neuromuscularly,

Meeting of the Minds

2010-04-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

2010 Meeting of the MindsMeeting of the Minds 2010I wanted to share with you, what Meeting of the Minds is. Four years ago, at a meeting in San Diego, four neuromuscular dentists and I were visiting after a long day of meetings at the IACA.We came across the idea of starting an exemplirary study club which would have 12 select neuromuscular dentists, all with similar training and from different

Prepless Porcelain Veneers: An Exciting New Cosmetic Treatment

2010-04-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Prepless Porcelain Veneers: An Exciting New Cosmetic Dental TreatmentFor many years, prepless porcelain veneers were not a very cosmetic treatment option. This was due to nonvital appearance of the porcelain and inability to layer the shading of the veneers as well. A new porcelain, called Durathin, in the hands of skilled dentists and ceramists, now allows us to use prepless or minimal prep

Esthetic Driven Implant Dentistry

2010-04-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

Esthetic Driven Implant Dentistry: The Future is NowThe science of implantology has continued to evolve through the years and is one of the fastest growing segments in dentistry. The focus of implantology seems to have emerged from simply getting the implant in the bone to placing the implant in the best position for function and esthetics. In other words, the days are gone when we try to place

Snoring versus Sleep Apnea

2010-04-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

Snoring versus Sleep ApneaThere is so much talk in todays media about snoring and sleep apnea that I feel compelled to define the two to give patients a better understanding of the differences between the two.Snoring is a problem that affects many adults. The biggest difference is that patients who snore only, do not have a cessation of breathingSleep Apnea is the cessation of breathing during

Five Excellent Cosmetic Techniques

2010-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Five Excellent Cosmetic Dentistry TechniquesConsidering improving your smile? For those dentists who constantly stay update with new technology, there are a wide range of new esthetic options, many which are more conservative and effective than the older methods. The list below discusses some new and exciting esthetic choices:1) Durathin Veneers: these are the first highly esthetic porcelain

SUMMER SMILES

2010-03-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

SUMMER SMILESSpringtime has finally arrived in Houston, but soon we'll find ourselves in the midst of another long, hot summer. Time to shed those extra pounds and long sleeves in favor of cool cotton shorts and a deep, dark tan. And what better way to compliment your new summer look with a radiant, white smile? In one short dental visit, you can transform your dull coffee-stained teeth and leave

TMJ and Surgical Problems

2010-03-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

TMJ and Surgical ProblemsDr Konig:I had TMJ surgery in 1991. On the right they "sutured the disc" into the posterior position and on the left they just removed adhesions and effusion. I have been doing really well and now suddenly I have pain and obvious muscle tension of my left jaw. I guess my question is are any of these traditional methods going to be helpfulLisaThank you for your inquiry.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine Guidelines for Dental Appliances

2010-03-25T05:48:00.001-07:00

American Academy of Sleep Medicine Guidelines for Dental AppliancesThere are many advertisements and promotions with regards to dental appliances for sleep apnea. This is certainly not a subject to be taken lightly as it is a health issue in which patients can die from.The guidelines proposed by the AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) states that:"Oral appliances should be fitted by

SAY CHEESE! DIGITAL XRAY TECHNOLOGY

2010-03-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

SAY CHEESE! DIGITAL XRAY TECHNOLOGY Dental radiographs or xrays have long been an integral part of the diagnostic portion of the dental examination. Xrays allow the dentist to see in-between the teeth and down into the bone and supporting structures in your mouth, where decay or other disease processes are likely to form. Traditionally, the typical dental xray film has been mildly uncomfortable

Cosmetic Dentistry and Your Bite

2010-03-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Dentistry and Your BiteEver wonder why some people break and chip their front teeth and the dental work that has been done? Many times it is the bite, or the way the teeth meet together with respect to the jaw joint and muscles of your face.For this reason many people break or wear down their teeth and the new dentistry. How does this relate to cosmetic dentistry? If you are going to

Coach Kubiak and Sleep Apnea

2010-03-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

Coach Kubiak and Sleep ApneaThe following article was published about the Texans Coach Kubiak. He will undergo surgery for sleep apnea:Surgery for sleep apnea forces Kubiak to miss combineBy JOHN McCLAINCopyright 2010 Houston ChronicleFeb. 25, 2010, 1:52AMINDIANAPOLIS — The Texans brought their coaches, personnel people, doctors and rehabilitation specialists to the NFL scouting combine that

Bleaching Teeth: How to Choose the Correct System for You?

2010-03-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

Teeth Whitening: How to Choose the Correct System for YouTeeth whitening continues to grow as most patients are interested in whiter teeth and are interested in cosmetic dentistry as well. There are probably at least four options for patients to choose from. I will attempt to clarify and elaborate on each of the four listed below to try and help patients decide what is best for them, these

HEADACHES and TMJ

2010-03-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

HEADACHES AND TMJDue to the fact that our practice has a special interest in TMJ treatment, almost no day goes by that we do not see a patient who has been relentlessly searching for a headache or migraine remedy.Today, a young lady came in with a history of migraines twice a month and most of the time she wakes up with them. Sure enough after clinical examination and discussion, she clearly

New Generation of Porcelain Veneers

2010-03-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

New Generation of Porcelain VeneersNot all porcelain veneers are the same. In fact, there are huge differences in porcelain veneers from the type of porcelain used to the design of the smile. Furthermore, the artistic ability of the cosmetic dentist and ceramist is essential to creating smiles that look great and fit the individual.Todays dentist who keep up with technology can offer their

GUM INFLAMMATION AND HEART DISEASE

2010-03-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

GUM INFLAMMATION AND HEART DISEASEInflammation can be described as redness, pain, heat and swelling in the body, due to injury or disease. It's your body's red-flag reaction to harmful germs, bacteria and viruses. And new evidence is now suggesting that inflammation in the body is a common trigger of heart attacks, even when there is minimal clogging of the arteries. Several studies are also

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE

2010-03-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND HEART DISEASENumerous studies exist that explore the possible link between periodontal disease (gum disease), and heart disease. In the January/February 2010 issue of HealthMatters at Shell Oil Company, the newsletter identifies points to remember about dental health and heart disease.Be sure to give your dentist a complete list of the names and dosages of all the

Dental Implants: The Shift from Bridges to Implants

2010-02-28T19:16:00.000-08:00

Dental Implants: The Shift from Bridges to ImplantsA recent article in the New York Times, discusses the benefits of dental implants versus dental bridges. The the article is dated November 16, 2009. It brings up many important and true facts about the benefits of dental implants as opposed to bridges. Whereas there is a place in dentistry for bridges, the majority of the time, implants can be

Implants and Dentures

2010-02-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Dr. Konig:HOW DOES A FULL UPPER DENTURE THAT IS SECURED BY FOUR SCREWS WORK? CAN YOU PUT THIS IN IMMEDIATELY AFTER EXTRACTION OF MY REMAINING TEETH? THANKS,CHARLESCharles:Thank you for your inquiry. You have asked a good question and a difficult one to answer. There are more factors to consider than just how many implants. Generally speaking, for the kinds of cases described, we try to

Migranes and Headaches: TMJ, a Highly Overlooked possibility

2010-02-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

MIGRANES and HEADACHES: TMJ, a HIGHLY OVERLOOKED POSSIBILITYThere are numerous articles written everyday about Migrane Headaches, such as the one that follows this article. So many times, every single medical connection is mentioned along with possible issues. The vast majority of all articles leave out the possibility of TMJ being the problem.Amazingly, having a special interest in TMJ treatment

Bode Miller Wins Gold: Wears PPM Mouthguard

2010-02-22T06:19:00.000-08:00

Bode Miller Wins Gold: Wears PPM MouthguardEveryday more and more professional athletes are wearing the PPM Mouthguard (Pure Power Mouthguard). Bode Miller has been training and using the PPM Moutguard and now he has won the gold.Exactly why do Shaq O'Neal, Bode Miller, Terrell Owens, Manny Ramirez, the New Orleans Saints and hundreds of others use the PPM Mouthguard? Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD,

SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA?

2010-02-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA?If you are like most people, you may not be aware of a snoring problem until someone else tells you. And without diagnostic sleep testing, you could very well have the more serious condition of sleep apnea. which is characterized by snoring, interrupted sleep, choking halts in breathing, and gasping for breath. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of

How to Select a Cosmetic Dentist

2010-02-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

Closeup Photos: before and after, note the details and healthy gumline HOW TO SELECT A COSMETIC DENTIST This is an interesting question. The web and media is bombarded with information with regards to cosmetic dentistry. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry and are interviewing cosmetic dentists, what questions do you ask and how do you know if your dentist is truly

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE GUM DISEASE?

2010-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE GUM DISEASE?Gum disease is not always obvious because it is often painless in early to even moderate stages. Dr. Ronald Konig, a Houston Cosmetic Dentist, or your hygienist can check your teeth and gums and determine if you have any evidence of gum disease in your mouth. However, there are some signs that you may notice yourself:Gums that bleed or red, puffy, swollen and

Questions About TMJ Treatment

2010-02-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Questions About TMJ TreatmentDr. Konig: I would like to know more about your TMJ treatments. Have had TMJ problems for about 12 yrs to 15 yrs. I wore braces in my 20's... age 45 yrs. now.LynnThank you for your inquiry. There are many ways to treat TMJ problems. I am not sure what type of problem you are experiencing so I will generalize. Obviously, if you have had problems for this long, I will

NEW WAY To WHITEN TEETH: POWER BLEACHING

2010-02-08T07:46:00.001-08:00

NEW WAY To WHITEN TEETH: POWER BLEACHINGTeeth whitening is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your smile. BriteSmile, (the patented blue-light technology), is an effective, simple method that can whiten your teeth in as little as an hour. But for some people, even this isn't enough to get their smile as white as they can be. Older patients with difficult to whiten teeth, and

Emax: The New Porcelain Revolution in Dentistry

2010-02-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

IPS e.max: The New Porcelain Revolution in DentistryRestorative and Cosmetic Dentistry continues to evolve. For years the search for a truly esthetic and life-looking porcelain was the goal. This was accomplished with Empress porcelain and under the hands of skilled cosmetic dentists and ceramists outstanding esthetics were possible. Where would we go from here? The

ALTERNATIVE TO CPAP

2010-02-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

ALTERNATIVE TO CPAP As stated in a recent Wall Street Journal article, as many as 18 million people have obstructive sleep apnea, and the numbers are expected to rise. Most people receive an accurate diagnosis from a sleep lab, where the patient is monitored throughout the night. The most common form of treatment has been the CPAP, a breathing mask that's connected to an air pump and sends

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Problems

2010-02-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

Update on Common Cosmetic Dentistry SolutionsCosmetic Dentistry still remains one of the most popular ways to enhance ones smile, increase youthfulness and confidence. There are numerous techniques that cosmetic dentistry offers, some of the most common are:1) Porcelain Veneers: a very artistic process that can be used to straighten, whiten, and create a fuller smile. These can be used from a

Long Term Stabilization of TMJ Treatment

2010-01-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

LONG TERM STABILIZATION OF TMJ TREATMENTOne of our patient's whom we treated for TMJ and severe headache problems 4.5 years ago had moved to Chicago after we completed treatment. To stablize her jaw and muscles it was necessary to build up the lower back teeth on both sides. This time she returned, not for her jaw, but to discuss cosmetic dentistry! She wears no nightguard or appliance is pain

Migrane Headaches and TMJ Problems

2010-01-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

Migraine Headaches and TMJ ProblemsIn the Health Section of the New York Times on Jan 29, 2010, there was an article title "Migraine Sufferers Do Their Own Homework". This was an interesting article which provides some insight to what migraine sufferers should do and whom to see if they have them and to be sure that their doctor does specialize in headache. Additional statements talked about

How do you adjust dental sleep appliances?

2010-01-29T07:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Dr. Konig:I have sleep apnea (AHI is 25.9, but in supine sleep it is 39.1). Cannot tolerate CPAP-severe stomach distention. Considering an oral appliance, such as Somno Med MAS. Have some concern about not being able to titrate it in a sleep study to know exactly where it needs to be for optimum air flow. Thanks.You are not alone with CPAP Intolerance! The Somnomed is a nice appliance and is

TMJ and Headaches

2010-01-28T18:01:00.000-08:00

TMJ and HEADACHESOur TMJ patient whom we have been treating for 2 weeks came in the office today elated!She advised us that she no longer has headaches, her neck and shoulders feel better as well as her jaw muscles. This is something that happens weekly in our office. However, not everyone gets such complete relief in two weeks.The amazing thing is how many patients suffer these symptoms which

Dental Fear and Sedation Dentistry

2010-01-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

Dental Fear and Sedation DentistryDear Dr Konig: My husband and I are new to Houston and havent been to the dentist in several years. I am very fearful of the dentist, evening regular cleanings seem to be painful.Thank you for your inquiry. Welcome to Houston as well. You are not alone with your dental fears, many people feel the same way.There are many ways to work with you in this situation. To

HEALTHY MOUTH HEALTHY BODY

2010-01-26T06:22:00.000-08:00

HEALTHY MOUTH,HEALTHY BODYThe mouth is a window into the health of the body. Signs of nutritional deficiencies and infection can show itself in the mouth. Certain diseases that affect the entire body such as diabetes or Sjogren's syndrome may also be apparent because of lesions in the mouth, or other oral problems.You probably already know that numerous bacteria thrive in the mouth and are linked

ORAL CANCER STOPS HERE

2010-01-26T05:39:00.000-08:00

ORAL CANCER STOPS HERESigns and symptoms of oral cancer are often missed by the naked eye. You may not know that oral cancer is deadlier than breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, this silent killer is responsible for one death every hour of every day.However, when detected early, oral cancer patients have an almost 90% survival rate.Thanks

TMJ Question

2010-01-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

Can my wear on my front teeth, sore muscles around the ear and jaw joint, and headaches be caused by TMJ?The symptoms you mention are very commonly related to TMJ dysfunction and is not pleasant to live with. Your lower front teeth maybe sensitive as your bite is too far back or rather you are hitting on the front teeth which may be forcing your jaw too far back. It is difficult to assess without

Prepless and Minimal Prep Veneers

2010-01-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Prep-less and Minimal Prep Porcelain VeneersFor years many patients have wanted porcelain veneers, but did not want to have grind any toothstructure away. This made it very hard if not impossible to get natural and esthetic results without making the teeth appear bulky, opaque and unnatural, especially for those with tetracycline stains.No longer! The advent of Emax and Durathin Porcelain

DR. OZ and Oral Health

2010-01-12T19:12:00.000-08:00

Dr. Oz and Your Oral HealthIn a recent article by Dr. Oz regarding overall health, one section was devoted to oral health. He states that it is essential to brush and flush daily as inflammation causes more health problems than you would imagine! In fact your body becomes dangerous when it is inflammed. Inflammation causes rusting of the body, like an apple becoming brown 20 minutes after it

SNORING and SPOUSES

2009-12-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

SNORING and SPOUSES The experts estimate around 80 million people snore in the US alone. If you also add in the spouses and children who listen to the snoring, that total is far greater! Snoring causes many health problems, not just the anger and frustration from listening all night. Amazingly, so many spouses whose partner snores are also having health issues from lack of sleep!Many of you may

2009-12-01T19:27:00.001-08:00

The Sadly Unknown Cause of Many HeadachesThis title states it all. This afternoon , a new patient came in complaining of headaches, limited opening of her jaw, pain, and clicking of her jaw. She had been to several doctors, her dentist, and finally her physical therapist who suggested perhaps she had TMD (temporal mandibular joint dysfunction). This had been going on for over a year and no one

WORN AND BROKEN TEETH: WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN

2009-11-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

WORN AND BROKEN TEETH: WHY DOES THIS HAPPENMany patients present with worn and broken teeth, only to have their teeth fixed and crowned in an attempt to keep this from happening again. Years later the crowns break and the opposing teeth appear to be worn further. Root canals and gum treatments have also ben rendered. What is happening? Why the continuous pattern of breaking and repairing?This is

CPAP INTOLERANCE

2009-11-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

CPAP INTOLERANCEThe use of a CPAP for sleep apnea problems certainly works, however, there is a huge population out there that will not or cannot tolerate wearing a CPAP machine. Truth of the matter is that they should or utilize some of the other non-surgical alternates. Amazingly, this population is not aware of the options of using a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) that is fabricated by

GUM LIFT: The Conservative Smile Enhancement

2009-11-12T19:19:00.000-08:00

GUM LIFTS: The Conservative Smile EnhancementThere are many people who have beautiful teeth, but feel they show too much gum tissue when they smile or that their teeth are too short. These patients have alternatives other than surgery or veneers to rejuvinate their smiles. Lasers can artistically remove excess gum tissue to solve the gummy smile issue! This not only creates a less gummy smile

THE NOT SO PERFECT SMILE

2009-11-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

THE NOT SO PERFECT SMILECosmetic dentistry is a a huge portion of the self improvement in the United States. For years, people saw famous actors on television with huge chiclet white smiles. Whereas this provided great exposure for esthetic dentistry, it actually kept many patients away due to the unnatural and standardized look.In our practice, a lot of our cosmetic patients have favored the

MEDICAL RISK & PERIODONTAL DISEASE

2009-10-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

MEDICAL RISK & PERIODONTAL DISEASEPeople with periodontal disease-bacterially-induced chronic inflammatory disease of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, may have nearly twice the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, recent studies suggest. Also called gum disease, affects almost 50% of adults, many who do not know they have it as it is usually painless in the earlier stages of

Conservative and Beautiful Cosmetic Dentistry

2009-09-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

CONSERVATIVE & BEAUTIFUL COSMETIC DENTISTRY Changing smiles can mean changing lives. Not all cosmetic dentistry has to be porcelain veneers.Many cases can be dramaticallly changed through whitening of the teeth and then some bonding to correct defects or spaces. The abov e case exemplifies the beautiful results that can be obtained using artistic skills required for bonding. In most cases,

Stem Cells Grow a Tooth in Mice!

2009-09-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

STEM CELLS GROW A TOOTH IN MICEScientists have used stem cells in a mouse's mouth to generate an entirely new tooth. This is truly amazing and promising. The researchers at Tokyo University of Science created a set of cells that contained genetic instructions to build a tooth, then implanted this inot the mouses empty tooth socket. Amazingly the tooth grew out of the socket as a natural tooth

Snoring is not Funny

2009-09-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

SNORING IS NOT A FUNNY MATTERSnoring is something that most people laugh at make jokes about. Many people say my husband snores and it wake us all up so he sleeps in the other room. Believe it or not the most obvious sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. Sleep Apnea is dangerous and can cause strokes, cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, and even gastric acid reflux. In addition to snoring,

Porcelain Veneers Should Require very little Tooth Grinding

2009-08-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

PORCELAIN VENEERS REQUIRE VERY MINIMAL TOOTH GRINDING WITH NEW TECHNOLOGYPorcelain veneers have emerged as one of the premier cosmetic dentistry cosmetic techniques for enhancing ones smile. In today's world, many dentist profess to being experts at cosmetic dentistry. There is no recognized specialty for this field, altough there should be. There is definitely an art and science to correct

Sleep Apnea/Snoring is a Dangerous Medical Issue

2009-08-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

SLEEP APNEA/SNORING is a DANGEROUS MEDICAL ISSUEMore and more evidence points to medical health problems that are caused by snoring and sleep apnea. Most recently, Danny Gans, a famous entertainer died from sleep apnea and CNS medication.Even though some people think it is funny, snoring is pathological. Sleep apnea is linked to depression, heart attacks, strokes, gastric acid reflux, high blood

Cosmetic Dentistry Update

2009-08-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Dentistry continues to evolve as technology continues to improve. During my participation at the International Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry last week, new research and products were introduced that allow for even more beautiful cosmetic dentistry as well as healthier teeth after dental care. The new Empress Direct is a plus for all restorative and cosmetic dentists. This allows for the

Benefits of High Tech In Dentistry

2009-07-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Why High Tech Lasers in DentistryHigh tech equipment is more important than ever before in contemporary dentistry. The biggest benefit of belongs to the patient's in terms of better care and no discomfort. One important high tech tool which has a major role and impact in our office is the diode laser. This laser allows us to contour the gums (soft tissue) without anesthesia or post-operative pain

GRINDING YOUR TEETH: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN

2009-07-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

BRUXISMBruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching of your teeth. This condition can affect children and adults. People with bruxism unconsciously clench their teeth during the day, often when they feel anxious or tense. Clenching or grinding that occurs at night is called sleep bruxism. Adults are either daytime or nighttime bruxer"s, where children are at night.Bruxism maybe mild and

Osteoporosis Medications and Dental Health

2009-05-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

OSTEOPOROSIS MEDICATIONS & DENTAL HEALTHRecent news reports have alarmed and confused people who take biophosphonates to prevent or treat osteoporosis. The reason being that a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported in some patient's who have been taking these medications. This is a condition that can cause severe damage to the jawbone. Interestingly, over 94% of the people

Fitting PPMs for NFL Players During Superbowl Weekend

2009-05-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Certified PPM (Pure Power Mouthguard) DentistDr. Ronald Konig is a certified PPM dentist and joins a group of 300 neuromuscular dentists worldwide who are offering the PPM. He was one of five PPM dentists who were in Tampa for the Superbowl to fit NFL players with PPM Appliances. Dr. Konig who is also a Fellow of the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dentistry, has been fitting the PPM at

Local Dentist Receives Fellowship from LVI

2009-05-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Local Dental Professional Receives Fellow Designation from LVIDr.Ronald Konig has earned the designation of Fellow from LVI Global (LVI).The LVI Fellow designation recognizes that a dentist has completed a series of studies on the clinical skills and knowledge necessary to provide comprehensive aesthetic treatment for the dental patient as taught in LVI’s Core

Closing Spaces Between

2009-05-04T06:26:00.001-07:00

Closing Spaces Between Teeth with Conservative BondingTechnology offers the astute esthetic dentist a wide range of options for enhancing their smiles. It seems that bonding to close spaces on teeth is somehow becoming a lost art. When correctly done in the appropriate cases, bonding can artistically be used to close spaces between the teeth with beautiful and long lasting results. One of the

Snoring- More than Just Noise

2009-04-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Snoring can be more than just noise, it can be a serious health issue. If you are experiencing daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue, morning headache, irritability, impaired memory and judgment and mood disturbance, more than sound may be disturbing you. Loud snoring can be a signal that something is seriously wrong with your breathing during sleep. Excessive snoring may indicate obstructive sleep

2009-03-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

New Technique to reverse dental numbness!Lingering numbness for hours is a common complaint of dental patients. Finally, there is a new product called Oraverse which reverses numbness in approximately 20 minutes to 1 hour. This is the first and only local anesthesia reversal agent that accelerates the return to normal sensation and function for patients. This allows dentists who are update with