You Could Have Sleep Apnea and Not Even Know it

It may be hard to believe, but some people have no idea that they are suffering from Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea affects people all over the world. Your Woodlands Dentist explains that Sleep Apnea is a condition that causes men, women, and sometimes children to stop breathing while they are asleep. Recent studies have shown that people who suffer from Sleep Apnea are at risk for other complications.

Patients who suffer from Sleep Apnea and go through a sleep study wake up as many as 112 times an hour. That means that some patients who have Sleep Apnea will stop breathing two times a minute.

Unfortunately, some people who have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea after a Sleep Apnea study resort to surgery, but doctors are asking that more research be done as surgery for Sleep Apnea could cause serious complications. Although surgery may sound like an appealing option as opposed to wearing a continuous positive air pressure or CPAP while they sleep, your Woodlands Dentist Dr. Dernick will tell you there are other options.

According to Health.com surgery for Sleep Apnea has a 25 to 30 percent success rate and patients who suffer from severe Sleep Apnea are less likely to eliminate Sleep Apnea symptoms. If your doctor promises that surgery will cure your Sleep Apnea, it is time to schedule an appointment with a Woodlands Dentist who specializes in Sleep Apnea.   

Non-invasive methods are always the best option when it comes to Sleep Apnea, but Dr. Dernick, your Dentist in Woodlands, can help you sleep better at night and it does not require surgery, or a CPAP machine.

When you schedule an appointment with the best Woodlands Dentist, Dr. Dernick, and the doctors that he works with, will most likely suggest a sleep study. During the sleep study, you will be monitored in order to diagnose Sleep Apnea. If you do have Sleep Apnea, your Dentist in Woodlands and his staff will offer an alternative to a cumbersome CPAP machine.

Your Woodlands Dentist can make custom fitted and fabricated oral appliances that will help you sleep better. The appliances that are worn overnight will help your jaw move forward allowing your airways to open up. Sleep Apnea appliances have had amazing results, and are the best alternative when it comes to Sleep Apnea. Although you can buy oral appliances over the counter at your local drugstore, your Dentist is Woodlands does not recommend it. Dr. Dernick and his professional staff have had oral appliance therapy and know what is best for you.

If you believe that you may have Sleep Apnea, or have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, schedule an appointment with your Woodlands Dentist today. 

Ask Your Woodlands Dentist about Sleep Apnea

According to the best Dentist in Woodlands Texas, people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea experience disturbed sleep along with lower levels of oxygen in their blood. Men and women who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea run the risk of developing heart disease, hypertension and memory and mood problems because of oxygen starvation and disrupted sleep. Those who have sleep apnea are also more apt to become involved in a car accident.

Sleep apnea could be life threatening, and if you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your Woodlands Dentist.

Your Dentist in Woodlands works with other physicians who are experts when it comes to sleep apnea. When you schedule an appointment with your Woodlands Dentist, he will ask you how you have been sleeping and other questions regarding your sleep habits. If Dr. Dernick believes that you may have a problem sleeping he may schedule a sleep study, which usually requires an overnight stay, in order to determine if you are suffering from sleep apnea.

During the sleep study, your functions will be closely monitored while you are asleep. Those monitoring your study will check your sleep state, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiratory efforts, and airflow.  If your Dentist in Woodlands and his attending physicians diagnose sleep apnea Dr. Dernick will fabricate oral appliances that are custom made to fit.

The custom-made oral appliances from your Woodlands Dentist will help you sleep better avoiding some of the medical and emotional problems that go along with sleep apnea and are much more comfortable than traditional sleep apnea devices such as a continuous positive airway pressure device, otherwise known as a CPAP.

Your Dentist in Woodlands recommends lifestyle changes that could alleviate some of the symptoms of sleep apnea. These include:

• Weight loss
• Cutting down on alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Sleeping on your side instead of your back

Sleep apnea affects millions of people all over the world, and if you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, schedule an appointment today with your Dentist in Woodlands.

Don’t Wait Until It Is Too Late

Gum disease can cause all kinds of problems and not just with your teeth. Recent studies have shown that gum disease can cause additional problems, especially if you let it go untreated. Bleeding and swollen gums, consistent bad breath and tooth aches are just a few of the problems that you will begin to notice if you are suffering from gum disease and that is where your Dentist in Woodlands comes in. Dr. Robert Dernick has been helping people just like you get rid of gum disease giving you the healthy mouth and smile that you have always wanted.

Your Woodlands Dentist will tell you that gum disease does not always cause discomfort and pain. Unfortunately, most people do not even know that they have gum disease until it has progressed to periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is usually accompanied by bleeding gums. If you suspect that you may be in the early stages of gum disease, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with the best Dentist in Woodlands.

Gum disease is caused by food that is caught in between your teeth and if you do not brush, floss, and see your Woodlands Dentist on a regular basis, bacteria will begin to develop. Bacteria or plaque will eventually turn into tartar that can destroy your healthy gums. Once the bacteria have settled into your gums it can cause your bones to shrink away from your teeth. A loose tooth is a sure sign that you have a periodontal disease. Unfortunately, if you have reached this stage and your teeth are already falling out the damage has been done and is irreversible. If your perodontitis has gotten to this point, your Dentist in Woodlands will have to replace your lost teeth with dental implants, dentures, or bridges.

Your Woodlands Dentist can easily treat your gum disease, but if you want to avoid restorations, you must schedule regular appointments with your Dr. Dernick. Your Dentist in Woodlands and his highly trained team of professionals will monitor your gums by measuring the depths of your gum lines. If there are noticeable pockets, your Woodlands Dentist will recommend a deep cleaning or scaling and planing.

Do not wait until it is too late. Schedule an appointment with the Best Dentist in Woodlands from a thorough examination. Only Dr. Dernick will be able to determine if you are suffering from gum disease.

Woodlands Dentist for Crowns and Bridges

Dr. Dernick Woodlands Dentist can help you determine what type of restoration you need for your teeth. Schedule an appointment with the best Dentist in Woodlands if you are having difficulty with fractured, missing, or discolored teeth. Bridges and crowns are permanent restorations that can help restore your beautiful smile back to the way it used to be.

Your teeth are meant to complement each other. According to Web MD, every tooth in your mouth performs a function that helps to keep the arches in balance and in proper position. If you are missing one or more of your teeth, the teeth that are remaining could drift out of position. This places unnatural stress on the tissues inside your mouth leading to gum disease. Fixed bridges and crowns placed by your Woodlands Dentist will restore your teeth back to their normal function. Crowns and bridges can improve your speech, chewing ability and appearance.

A bridge is a restoration that is designed by your Dentist in Woodlands and will replace a tooth or teeth. The bridge is cemented into place and attached to your natural teeth. Bridges are permanent and similar to a cap or crown but have false teeth that are bonded between two caps or crowns on either side.  

Crowns, also referred to as caps, are restorations that cover a tooth in order to restore it back to its normal size and shape. Crowns also strengthen a tooth and can protect a damaged or decayed tooth from becoming fractured. Crowns can also be used to straighten teeth. There are several types of materials used for crowns, which include precious and semi precious metals, acrylic resin, porcelain or a combination of the materials listed above. Your Woodlands Dentist will use all-porcelain crows or crowns made of porcelain fused to metal in order to give your crowns stability and strength. When you schedule a consultation with your Dentist in Woodlands, the two of you will discuss your options and make a decision based on your Woodlands Dentists knowledge and expertise.

Bridges and crowns require the same dental hygiene and should be looked after as if they were your permanent teeth. If plaque is allowed to accumulate underneath your gums, it could loosen your crowns or bridges. It is imperative that you schedule regular check-ups and cleanings to make sure that you have been taking care of your crowns and bridges properly.

Schedule an appointment if you are having problems with missing or damaged teeth. With over thirty years of cosmetic dentistry experience, your Woodlands Dentist will be able to provide you with quality restorations that will enable you to flash that toothy grin without feeling self-conscious.

Talk to your Woodlands Dentist about Periodontal Disease

Although the jury is still out and more studies are needed, your Woodlands Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Robert Dernick DDS believes that there is a strong connection between inflammation, bacteria, and periodontitis. Systemic diseases, blood disorders, diabetes, AIDS, and HIV infections lower your body’s resistance to bacterial infections making periodontal disease more severe.

Research conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found that periodontal disease could be responsible for chronic inflammatory conditions. The study showed that people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontitis. If periodontal disease is present, it could cause serious diabetic complications and a spike in blood sugar levels.

Contact your Woodlands Dentist if you think you may have periodontal disease as you could be increasing your risk of stroke and heart disease. Although the research is still being conducted, periodontal disease can increase the risks associated with heart disease and stroke. Scientists have begun to study the relationship between periodontal disease and inflammation. If you suffer from periodontal disease contact your Woodlands Dentist as you could be exacerbating any existing heart conditions.  

Other health issues that could be directly related to periodontal disease include osteoporosis. Research shows that there may be a link between jawbone loss and osteoporosis. Because bone density is lost with osteoporosis, it could also affect the bone that supports your teeth meaning that your teeth are no longer supported with a solid foundation.

Periodontitis could also lead to respiratory disease as the bacteria that grow inside your oral cavity could travel to the lungs causing upper respiratory issues like pneumonia.  

The, “Big C,” Cancer, could be linked to periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies show that people with serious gum disease are almost 50 percent more likely to develop certain kidney cancers while 54 percent of men are most likely to develop pancreatic cancer if not treated by a Woodlands Dentist.

If periodontal disease is left untreated by your Woodlands Dentist, your teeth will eventually become loose, fall out or have to be extracted.

Contact your Woodlands Dentist today if you are experiencing red, swollen or tender gums, loose or separating teeth, persistent bad bread or bleeding gums while flossing or brushing.

Periodontal disease is serious and the sooner you schedule an appointment with your Woodlands HillsDentist, the sooner you can get to the root of the problem.

Woodlands Cosmetic Dentistry will have you grinning from Ear to Ear

Woodlands Cosmetic Dentistry understands how important your smile is, and if you have been unable to flash that famous grin of yours, a trip to Woodlands Cosmetic Dentistry could be just what the doctor, or dentist, ordered.

Dr. Robert Dernick and his professional team from the best Woodlands Dentist in Texas offer a variety of procedures that will help you get your confidence back. Whether your teeth are uneven, broken or stained the only cosmetic dentist in Woodlands offers several procedures including bleaching in order to give you a brighter smile. Your Woodlands Dentist can reshape your teeth, close unsightly gaps, add porcelain crowns, veneers, and fill your cavities with perfectly matched tooth-coloring materials and dental implants. Your favorite Woodlands cosmetic dentist can even advise you on bridges, crowns, dentures, and dental implants.

According to the American Academy of Peridontology and Dr. Robert Dernick from Woodlands Cosmetic Dentistry, a dental implant is a procedure where your Woodlands dentist replaces a tooth that you have lost due to an injury, periodontal disease or a number of other things. Your Woodlands dentist will replace the tooth with an artificial tooth placed directly into the jaw or bridge. There are two types of dental implants that your Woodlands dentist may recommend when you come into the office for a consultation.

Endosteal

This type of procedure takes place in the bone and is the most common type of dental implant used by your Woodlands Dentist. Blades, screws, or cylinders are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Each implant is designed to hold prosthetic teeth. Endosteal is used as an alternative for patients of Woodlands Cosmetic Dentistry who would rather not wear dentures or bridges.

Subperiosteal

This type of implant is placed directly on the bone and means that the posts protrude through your gum in order to hold the prosthesis. Patients of Dr. Robert Dernick who are unable to wear removable dentures or those than have little or no bone height usually opt for Subperiosteal dental implants. Your Woodlands Dentist will give you a recommendation based on your initial consultation.

Whether you have Endosteal or Subperiosteal surgical implants, your Woodlands Dentist in Texas will advise you to take care of your new implants just as you would your old teeth. Dr. Robert Dernick will work with you in order to develop an at home care plan that will work best for you and your new smile.

Contact Woodlands Cosmetic Dentistry today and ask about dental implants. This affordable procedure will have you grinning from ear to ear in no time. 

Dr. Bob and Kara welcome Dental Assistant, Amanda Woodard to the team. We look forward to you meeting her soon.  At Robert Dernick, DDS, we strive to provide the most caring and exceptional dental experience possible.  Feel free to contact our dental office in The Woodlands, TX with any questions you may have.

Please remember to brush, rinse and floss thoroughly at all times.  This is an important part of your oral-health.  

Dr. Dernick is not your average dentist; he has standards of excellence in patient care that he will not compromise. He is committed to helping patients improve their quality of life with optimal oral health and beautiful smiles. The doctor is warm, caring, compassionate, considerate, honest, and very experienced, which are exactly the qualities you want in the person who will be your long-term oral health care partner. Dr. Dernick's office has a relaxing atmosphere of trust and comfort, exhibiting a dedication to quality that is hard to find elsewhere.

We offer a wide array of preventive, general, cosmetic, and restorative services to meet the needs of our patients:

• Crowns

• Bridges

• Veneers

• Composite Bonding

• Teeth Whitening

• Dentures

• Dental Implants

• Gum Disease Treatment

• Root Canals

• Sleep Apnea Treatment

• Teeth Cleanings

• Patient Education

Pictures of Dr. Robert Dernick from the USGA Jr. Amateur Qualifier Memorial Golf Course.

Bob was the OIC as he is one of the USGA TX representatives for the USGA Jr. Amateur 

It was a 36 hole qualifier and the 3 lowest scoring juniors will now compete at the USGA Jr. Amateur in Martis Camp, Truckee, CA, in July. 

There were also 10 other USGA Rules Officials and volunteers from the Houston area that helped run the event.

Feel free to contact our The Woodlands, TX Dental office with any questions.  We look forward to seeing you.

Dr. Dernick Attends Sleep Dentistry Seminar in Baltimore, MD

Last week Dr. Dernick and his wife attended the AADSM in Baltimore, MD, where Dr. Dernick  took courses on the latest research and most effective treatment of sleep apnea for his patients. Here are some of the photos from the AADSM and from their adventures in and around Maryland. 

This is Dr. Dernick enjoying a taste of the local barbecue at the ball park - where he compared his Texas BBQ palate to that of the East Coast: 

The seminar was right across the street from Camden Park so they took in a baseball game. The Orioles defeated the Tigers in the bottom of the 9th inning. It was a very exciting game to watch, especially if you were an Orioles fan:

They also enjoyed seeing some of the ships in the harbor and were able to tour this submarine from WWII, the USS TORSK.

What Your Woodlands Dentist Wants Your To Know

Dr. Robert Dernick of The Woodlands sees a lot of people and consequently, a lot of teeth throughout the day. As such, there are a few things he wants his patients to know a few things about their oral health they may not be aware of.

First things first, flossing is key. If you don’t floss regularly, you’re missing a lot of debris in the gaps between your teeth. his is where decay and gum disease are most likely to occur. The truth is, brushing just won't effectively reach these areas. And while the floss picks and other flossing devices are good, nothing beats traditional floss for really getting at every crevice.

Second, if your gums are bleeding, you’re doing something wrong. This is not a normal reaction to brushing. In fact, healthy gums don't bleed during proper brushing or flossing. If yours do, talk to your dentist. During a routine cleaning, some bleeding is normal because dental hygienists are doing such a thorough job and using instruments.

And finally, the mouth is a part of the human body. This may seem like an obvious thing to say,  but somehow the mouth is isolated from the rest of the body in many people's minds and even by our health care system. To wit: Why are there separate insurances for medical and dental care? Disease in the mouth affects the rest of the body and vice versa, particularly when it comes to problems like diabetes and gum disease as well as oral cancers. Keeping this fact in mind helps people take better care of their oral health.

Photos From Dr. Dernick's Birthday 2013

First, Dr. Bob celebrated his birthday at his office with his staff:

Happy Birthday Dr. Bob!

Dr. Dernick and Staff

Of course, the birthday cupcakes...

Then, Dr. bob spent some time on the links:

And finished off his birthday celebration with Dan and family Austrailian V-8 Supercars Race at the Circuit of the America's racetrack:

Happy Birthday Dr. Dernick! 

Woodlands Dentist: Energy Drinks Are Bad For Teeth

Many people believe energy drinks are useful consumable items that get them through the day. However, studies are suggesting that although energy drinks give people a short burst of productivity, they actually contribute to declining oral health.  Many people believe that an energy drink is a healthier alternative to soda and other sugary drinks. Specifically, the study shows that ingredients contained in sports drinks can damage tooth enamel which leads to increased risk of developing cavities.

The ABA led the research team, where 13 “sports” drinks (like gatorade) and 9 “energy” drinks (like Red Bull) were tested for their acidity. They tested six drinks for their effects on tooth enamel and found both types caused damage. Energy drinks, however, were twice as bad. Damaged tooth enamel cannot be fixed.  This study was published in the journal, General Dentistry.

The samples of enamel were immersed in the  test drinks for 15 minutes. The samples were then  to artificial saliva for two hours. This process was repeated four times a day for five days. The beverages were replaced with fresh ones every day. This process was developed in order to simulate real life, since people tend to consume these drinks throughout the day. The research shows that enamel loss was evident after five days of exposure!

If you’re an avid energy drink/sports drink user, then it would be wise to dilute the liquid with water in order to minimize the harmful effects to your teeth. Dr. Dernick, a Woodlands dentist, suggests discontinuing use of  these beverages as a source of energy and instead, make healthy changes to your sleeping and dietary habits. You’d be surprised to find out that little steps will make you feel healthier, refreshed, and less dependent on stimulants.

Dr. Dernick and Family In Kauai

In addition to family snow skiing trips and spins around a car race track, the Dernick clan recently took a trip to Kauai. Here are a few photos of the Dr. Dernick and his family on their tropical vacation escape.

Never one to miss an opportunity to drive something fun, Dr. Dernick is ready to go.

What a lovely couple!

Taking in some sun and fun at the resort

Finally, a day in the sand. 

Woodlands Dentist Discusses Electronic Toothbrushes

When electronic toothbrushes first arrived in the dental healthcare market, there was only one brand offering automatic oral health care. These days, however, there are many different electronic toothbrushes available to consumers with different options -- like re-chargeable batteries, smaller designs, and superb cleaning options. Because of this, it can be daunting when trying to figure out which electronic toothbrush is right for you.

Fortunately, Dr. Robert Dernick, a Woodlands dentist, wants to help guide you through the maze of modern electronic toothbrushes. First, let’s discuss the main difference between the two major electronic tooth brushes.

Electronic V. Sonic

Electronic toothbrushes are designed to mimic the motion of your hand when you brush your teeth with a regular toothbrush, except you get 3,000 to 7,500 rotations per minute. These toothbrushes do most of the work for you. Sonic toothbrushes dwarf regular electronic toothbrushes with 30,000 to 40,000 strokes per minute. The sonic toothbrushes rapid movements go a long way to remove plaque and ultimately, lead to an easy next check-up at Dr. Dernick’s Woodlands office.

How You Reap The Benefits

Recent studies have shown that electronic and Sonic toothbrushes help alleviate plaque and gingivitis -- reducing your risk of future gum disease as a result of gingivitis and eventually, periodontitis. Additionally, if you have any dexterity issues, having a toothbrush do the work for you, while also getting better than average results is another bonus. It might even influence users to brush more often, since there is less manual labor involved.

The only drawback associated with power toothbrushes is that they may be too expensive for some -- ranging in price from $15 to $100. Some even break the $100 dollar price point.

What Dr. Dernick Recommends

Since buying a power toothbrush can be a commitment of $100, Dr. Dernick knows how important it is to get the best one. As such, he advises his patients to ask their dental hygienist for their opinion on which electronic toothbrush is right for them during their next visit to our Woodlands, TX dental office.

Dr. Dernick and Family On Vacation

The skiing season is coming to a close, so in appreciation of a fun-filled holiday in the snow, Dr. Dernick is sharing his family's adventures in Deer Valley from this past winter. Have a look at some of the photos from the Dernick family:

Chris & Dr. Dernick

Lisa & Rawson

Lisa, Rawson & Dr. Dernick

Dan & Joy

Woodlands Dentist Discusses Tooth Wear

There are three major threats that lead to wearing down or injuring teeth: chewing, brushing, and grinding, along with accidental injuries. Today, Woodlands dentist Dr. Robert Dernick, discusses how you can avoid the daily wear your teeth encounter.

Accidental Injury

Biting down on a hard surface is how people normally imagine they’ll chip a tooth, or think they’ll chip a tooth. The reality is that chipping or breaking a tooth in this manner is actually quite uncommon. It is more likely that chipped teeth arise from those with root canals and fillings if you bite down on something hard.

Additionally, it is more likely that a chipped and/or broken teeth are a result of playing sports. Studies have found that wrestling, boxing, basketball, and karate are the biggest culprits of tooth injuries. If you play sports, be sure to protect your teeth by utilizing a mouthguard.

Unconscious Grinding: Bruxism

If you find yourself unconsciously grinding your teeth when you’re not chewing food, then you might be suffering from bruxism, and endangering the surface of your teeth. Not only does teeth grinding wear down the pointed shape of molars, but also create micro cracks on the enamel surface, making you more susceptible to tooth decay. As any with bruxism knows, grinding your teeth also creates headaches, muscle pain, and jaw injury.

Your Woodlands dentist, Dr. Robert Dernick, can usually spot the tell-tale signs of bruxism during an exam. You may not even know you suffer from teeth grinding until you go to your dental check-up. That’s another reason why it is important to see your oral health professionals twice a year.

Enamel Erosion and Acids

Teeth are built tough, but when the level of acid becomes imbalance in your mouth, the structural strength of teeth become compromised and susceptible to decay. Acidic foods and beverages and stomach acids (brought into the mouth by bulimia, morning sickness, or GERD) contribute to continued erosion of enamel.