Our Alternative to CPAP The gold standard for the management of moderate to severe sleep apnea is the CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) device. The patient employs a specially designed machine that forces a continuous stream of air into their nose or mouth throughout the night. However, many people find this uncomfortable and they stop wearing the mask.  If you have sleep apnea and can’t get used to or are irritated with your CPAP, modern dentistry has produced alternative solutions in the form of oral appliances. Our dentists can custom fit you with an oral appliance such as the Respire Blue Series™ or TAP™ (Thornton Adjustable Positioner). These small acrylic devices slide over your upper and lower teeth much like an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard. They correctly align your tongue and jaw to open your airway and allow more air to flow into your lungs as you sleep. They are easy to place and remove, simple to clean, and convenient for travel. Over 90% of patients have ...

Senior Dental Care is Different As we get older, our teeth become worn and lose strength. Prior dental work can show the wear of time. There is a greater risk for gum infection, as well. So we check our patients for the indicators – red, swollen, or bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, and loose teeth. After years of caffeine and tobacco consumption, teeth may need professional whitening to return their original luster. Some of your medications will decrease the necessary flow of saliva through your mouth, and we have products that will alleviate this complication. We advocate good nutrition, daily hygiene, and routine check-ups to help your smile stay brilliant and keep your natural teeth healthy for a lifetime. Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DMD      Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD      101 Perpetual Square Drive    Anderson, SC 29621     (864) 226-4300     CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com  

Now the Good News The dangers of gum disease have been established, and most dental insurance plans offer coverage to pay for available treatments. With advanced periodontal disease, the treatment is surgical. However, for all other cases there are potent NON-surgical treatments that, combined with enhanced dental hygiene, can essentially stop the spread of the disease. Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DMD      Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD      101 Perpetual Square Drive    Anderson, SC 29621     (864) 226-4300     CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com  

Dentistry Without Drills or Needles? Can you imagine going to the dentist and never feeling a drill or suffering the pinch of that dreaded needle? One of the most remarkable advances in modern dentistry is called air abrasion. Unlike a traditional drill, this tool aims a stream of small particles and air at the region of decay and gently sprays it away! Many patients need little or no anesthesia for this procedure. The sound and vibrations of the drill have vanished – and so has most of the pain! For many procedures, it’s good-bye needles, good-bye drill! Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DMD      Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD      101 Perpetual Square Drive    Anderson, SC 29621     (864) 226-4300     CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com  

What is Wellness Dentistry? The best course to retain your good health is not to get ill in the first place. To the degree that your good health is determined by shunning bad habits and fixing issues when they are small, it is possible to avert high-risk health factors. That’s what we call “Wellness Care.” And that’s just what we promote in our dental practice. We can unquestionably get your teeth and gums healthy and remedy any damage just like any dental office can. But we take it a step further and show you how to avoid dental issues before they become huge problems.  We start with a detailed examination. Most of our patients state they’ve never experienced such an exhaustive examination of their gums or teeth. We study your bite and how your teeth fit together, we check for oral cancer, gum disease, signs of wear on your teeth, and any indicators of problems that you might encounter later. We want to halt issues in their tracks, making your teeth and gums healthier so you wil...

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke Recent medical research has verified a link showing that gum disease contributes to the onset of stroke, heart disease, and many other life-threatening ailments. So you can understand why treating gum disease is an extremely important step in your efforts to retain your overall good health.  The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 people in the United States have periodontal (gum) disease. An 80% infection rate should require gum disease to be handled as a national epidemic, but because tooth loss has long been thought of as nothing more than unpleasant, the ruthlessness of the disease has been ignored for far too long. However, things are changing.  The American Academy of Periodontology reports: “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already c...

Snoring Isn’t Just an Annoyance Snoring is often an indicator of the critical health concern known as sleep apnea. People with this problem experience a blockage of their airway while they sleep. This obstruction keeps them from receiving oxygen regularly throughout the night, and unfortunately, they usually don’t even realize it. Sleep apnea is a major contributing element to heart disease. Sufferers of this disorder experience elevated blood pressure, which is a key risk factor in incurring heart disease and strokes.  The consequences of sleep loss can create serious health concerns and even result in premature death. Sleep deprivation negatively affects your brain function, increases stress hormones, and can induce depression. Even if you have only minor issues with sleep apnea, being fitted with an oral appliance can result in a decrease or even a cessation of snoring. This could be a great gift to your partner! Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DM...