Dr. Jim Erpenbach’s Blog
Dental Implants Mimic Nature, Says Knoxville Dentist
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSIn our last blog, we touched on teeth as nature intended them. Today we’ll focus on one particular procedure – dental implants. Missing teeth can pose more problems than just an unsightly appearance. Misalignment of surrounding teeth and jaw can occur when teeth are missing. Dietary limitations can exist as a result of lost teeth. One…
Teeth the Way Nature Intended Them, From Your Knoxville Dentist
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSThough we aren’t all blessed with a perfect set of teeth from birth, for the most part, nature has us set up for success when it comes to being able to chew our food, talk, and smile brightly at people. When nature betrays us, and we’re born with dental issues, turning to a dentist that specializes in cosmetic and restorative procedures…
Knoxville Dentist on Preserving Your Teeth
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSOur teeth deserve a medal. We put them through decades of chewing and grinding and bathe them in acid from foods and drinks. Because of the abuse our teeth take during our lives, some wear and discoloration may develop. Still, our teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. Despite the common myth, teeth don’t naturally become brittle…
Replace Missing Teeth with Your Knoxville Dentist
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSWhen one or more of your teeth are missing, you may appear older than your actual age. As a result, you may smile less and lack confidence. Losing teeth because of poor oral health could be embarrassing to explain the gap in your smile. Missing teeth can lead to more tooth loss and bite misalignment. Fortunately, modern prosthetic dentistry fo…
Knoxville Dentist Lists the Most Likely Causes of Your Toothache
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSAs the name suggests, a toothache describes discomfort in and/or around your tooth. A symptom rather than a dental condition, tooth sensitivity can indicate a number of different issues, most dental and some not. Treating your toothache depends on the cause; so naturally, diagnosing the aching tooth should be the first priority. To help you…
Knoxville Dentist Explains Ozone Use in Filling Cavities
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSWe previously discussed new ways to fight tooth decay with futuristic cavity filling techniques. But there are other non-traditional ways of dealing with tooth decay. Sometimes, in efforts to combat tooth decay, dentists face challenges of welcoming more bacteria. Ozone therapy, the use of ozone gas to clean parts of the mouth, is used to keep…
Knoxville Dentist Presents More Oral-Systemic Health Evidence
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSThe surface of the concept of oral-systemic health (oral and overall health) has barely been scratched by scientists. All over the world, time and money have been dedicated to research that shows compelling evidence that the various bacteria in our mouths that cause gum disease and tooth decay could very well be contributing to life-threatening…
Beware of Thanksgiving Cavities, says Knoxville Dentist
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSStreptococcus mutans might sound like something that would give you a sore throat. It is actually the name for the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay. We aren’t born with these little guys, but become exposed to them when our parents or other caretakers shower us with affection, or share cups and utensils with us as babies. Only 1% of the…
Knoxville Dentist Urges Moms to Get Kids to the Dentist
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSWhen you think of your mom, no matter what your age, you probably have fond memories of special recipes that only she seems to know how to cook. Maybe you still find yourself calling her when you’re sick, or hurt, because even as an adult, her voice soothes and calms you. You probably don’t connect your mom to brushing your teeth, and…
Knoxville Dentists Explains Jawbones Regeneration from Stem Cells
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSA research study has found that stem cells can be used for less invasive and more expedient bone regeneration than what is currently available in the medical field. Scientists at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry and the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, partnered with Ann Arbor-based Aastrom Biosciences Inc. Their clinical…