General & Family Dentistry in El Reno

Did You Know? February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

February 2, 2015

It’s a fact, healthy children have healthy teeth. In 1950, the American Dental Association (ADA) worked with Congress to prescribe February 6th as National Children’s Dental Health Day. Now the entire month of February is known as National Children’s Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association sponsors the month every year to raise awareness about the importance of children’s oral health. Help us celebrate by making your child’s next dental appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia specializes in protecting little smiles. El Reno Family Dentistry restores smiles daily throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and nearby Canadian County areas.

Explaining Dental Care to Your Child

Your child should have their first dental visit by age 1. You can make their first visit entirely enjoyable and positive. Before the appointment, tell your child that someone will look at and clean their teeth. Let them know that it’s the dentist’s job to examine their teeth and gums for early signs of cavities and other dental health problems.

How Common Is Tooth Decay In Children?

Although cavities are entirely preventable, tooth decay is actually one of the most common chronic childhood conditions in the United States today. Untreated tooth decay can cause severe pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. The stats are startling:

About 1 in 5 or 20% of children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated cavity.
About 1 in 7 or 13% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.

El Reno Children’s Dental Appointments

Nothing is as precious as your child’s happy and healthy smile. As a parent, you know your child’s oral health is to their overall health and wellbeing; however, you may still have many questions about dental hygiene as your child grows. We’re here to help. Make your child’s next dental appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia can protect your child’s smile for years to come. El Reno Family Dentistry proudly restores smiles daily for patients of all ages daily throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and nearby Canadian County areas.

Renew Your Smile with El Reno’s Most Reliable Restorative Dentistry Office Today

January 5, 2015

Do you think your smile is beyond repair? Dr. Cohlmia wants you to know that it’s never too late to restore damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Today, restorative dentistry offers several fast and effective methods for repairing even the most neglected smiles. To discover how easily your smile can be renewed, make an appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and his highly qualified team of restorative dental professionals at El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia is a trusted restorative family dentist. El Reno Family Dentistry proudly serves patients of all ages throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and the surrounding Canadian County communities.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is characterized by the prevention and treatment of diseases of the teeth in order to restore or bring them back to their best health. Restorative dentistry also includes the repair or replacement of damaged or missing teeth.

What Are Your Restorative Dentistry Options?

Dental Implants: Dental implants can fully replace missing teeth and tooth roots with tiny biocompatible titanium posts. Dental implants are permanent and can be cared for just like natural teeth. Dental implant surgery is an alternative to dentures and bridgework.
Dental Crowns and Bridges: Teeth that have a lot of decay or fractures, or have undergone root canal therapy, may require a dental crown in order to restore the full form and function of the remaining tooth structure. Dental crowns also are used when a very deep cavity has rendered a tooth vulnerable to further decay. A fixed dental bridge can be used along with a dental crown to restore more than one tooth. The dental crowns are cemented into place by the dental bridge and the surrounding healthy teeth.
Dental Partials and Dentures: Complete dentures are used when an entire row of teeth are missing, where as partial dentures are used when some natural teeth still remain. Removable partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to gum-colored plastic bases along with a metal framework that clasps around your remaining teeth.
Tooth Colored Composite Fillings: A dental filling is used to fill in an area of a tooth that has been removed due to decay. Cavities that require a dental filling are usually rather shallow. To fill a cavity, Dr. Cohlmia will begin by using a special dental drill to clean out the decayed area of the tooth. The decay is then removed and the tooth is cleaned. Tooth colored composite material is then bonded to the tooth to replace its natural form, color, and functioning.

El Reno Restorative Dentistry Appointments

Remember, it’s never too late to remake your smile. Make your restorative dentistry appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia can help you find your confident smile again. El Reno Family Dentistry restores smiles daily throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and nearby Canadian County areas.

Pediatric Dentistry 101: Brush Two Minutes Twice a Day for a Healthy Smile

December 1, 2014

Is Your Child Safe from Tooth Decay? The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives now recommends children brush their teeth for “two minutes, twice a day,” to reduce the chance of developing childhood tooth decay. Regular dental checkups, along with a healthy oral hygiene routine, can ensure a lifetime of positive dental experiences for your child. To protect their developing smile, make an appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and his experienced team at El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia is committed to the prevention of tooth decay for every member of your family. Dr. Cohlmia’s kid friendly dental office proudly serves patients of all ages daily throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and the surrounding Canadian County communities.

Why Are Pediatric Dentistry Appointments So Important?

Your child’s primary teeth are vital to the development of their jaws and the placement of their permanent teeth. Dental decay (cavities) in your child’s primary teeth can cause many problems including pain, infection, and damage to the developing permanent teeth. Dental decay in children can begin in the first year of life; however, it’s entirely preventable with proper dental hygiene routines and regular dental checkups. Since dental decay in children can progress very rapidly, it’s critically important that your child see’s a dentist early, and often for optimal oral health.

8 Pediatric Dentistry Tooth Brushing Tips

Encourage your kids to brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
For kids age 3 and under, brush using a rice grain sized amount of toothpaste
Use a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste for kids ages 3-6; use slightly more after age 7
Teach them to spit out the toothpaste when they’re done so they don’t swallow it
Help your kids place the toothbrush at an angle against their gums
Make sure they move the brush back and forth, gently, in short strokes
Help them brush the front, back, and top of teeth
Teach them to brush their tongue to remove germs and freshen their breath

Pediatric Dentistry Appointments in El Reno, OK

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child starts visiting a dentist at twelve months, with semi-annual visits thereafter. Our pediatric dentistry experts can keep your child safe from tooth decay and infection with thorough oral examinations, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments. You can also rest assured that we will do everything we can to make sure your child has a fun and positive dental visit. In fact, Dr. Cohlmia and the highly qualified team at El Reno Family Dentistry can provide great dental experiences, excellent oral health, and beautiful smiles for your entire family. Make your child’s next dental appointment with Dr. Cohlmia and his family-friendly dental team at El Reno Family Dentistry today. Dr. Cohlmia is dedicated to keeping your child smiling all year long. El Reno Family Dentistry is trusted by families throughout El Reno, OK, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and nearby Canadian County communities.

There’s Still Time! Use Your Dental Benefits Before the End of the Year

October 27, 2014

If you are anything like the majority of working American adults, you most likely spend a portion of your monthly paycheck on a dental insurance plan. Before 2014 comes to an end, make sure you’re getting the most from your dental benefits with Dr. Adam Cohlmia at El Reno Family Dentistry in El Reno, OK.

The Importance of Using Your Benefits

There are three major reasons to utilize your dental insurance before the end of the year, and all of them involve saving you money.

Consider your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money that a patient must pay out of pocket before his or her dental benefits will take effect. If, for instance, your deductible is $50, you simply pay $50 and then begin enjoying the full benefits of your plan. If you have already met your deductible but have not been back to the dentist, your benefits are going to waste. Furthermore, when your plan resets on January 1^st, you will be required to pay your deductible all over again. Use your benefits now to get the most from your plan and the money you’ve already invested.
Yearly maximum. Insurance for dental care is not cumulative, which means that if you don’t use it, you lose it. Take a look at your policy’s yearly maximum (this is typically $1,000 for most plans). Your employer can help you find this amount if you are unsure of your maximum. If you haven’t taken full advantage of this amount, whatever balance is left remaining goes unused and is forfeited when your plan rolls over.
Premiums and getting your money’s worth. If you are paying monthly premiums for dental insurance benefits and you’re not using them, your hard-earned money is essentially going to waste. This may seem like an obvious reason to schedule a dental appointment, but millions of Americans pay into an insurance plan and never come in for so much as a cleaning. Why would anyone want to pay for dental benefits that they’re never going to use?

Naturally, the best reason to visit the dentist is to safeguard the health and beauty of your smile. Dr. Cohlmia will develop a personalized treatment plan just for you, tailored specifically to fulfill your unique oral health needs. Our financial coordinator is always happy to help you with any questions or concerns you have about your insurance plan, so never hesitate to ask!

Maximize Your Dental Health Benefits

Most dental insurance plans run on a calendar year, so December 31^st marks the last day before your policy resets. We want to help you make the most of your dental benefits before time runs out! Contact our office today to schedule your visit with Dr. Cohlmia and his caring, experienced team. We look forward to serving your every oral healthcare need. Our family-friendly dental practice in El Reno, OK is privileged to serve patients from throughout El Reno, Minco, Hinton, Calumet, and surrounding areas in Canadian County.

Microbeads in Toothpaste: What You Need to Know from Dr. Cohlmia in El Reno, OK

September 22, 2014

Microbeads are tiny, round particles of polyethylene, a plastic commonly used in cosmetics, body wash, shampoos, and facial cleansers. Microbeads have also been added to many types of toothpaste for aesthetic reasons. They come in a variety of colors and offer a sparkling effect that many consumers find enjoyable. Recently, however, microbeads have come under considerable scrutiny in the news as patients and dentists debate their safety. At El Reno Family Dentistry in El Reno, OK, Dr. Adam Cohlmia and his team are always here to answer your pressing questions about oral health and hygiene. Today, we’d like to address the topic of microbeads in toothpaste.

Are Microbeads in Toothpaste Harmful?

First, it is important to note that microbeads provide no oral health benefit whatsoever, so patients who choose a toothpaste without microbeads aren’t missing out on anything useful. In fact, steering clear of these little plastic bits may actually help you avoid periodontal problems. Various dentists from across America have reported finding the tiny beads embedded in their patients’ gums. Any foreign object trapped beneath the gum line has the potential to cause irritation, and patients who do not see the dentist regularly may not even realize their risk until inflammation develops.

In addition to the potential risk to your smile, microbeads are not biodegradable and have been found in sources of fresh water in various areas of the country. Though further research must be conducted, it is relatively safe to say that microbeads in our water supply would be something to avoid.

Our doctor recommends that patients who are concerned about microbeads find an alternative that doesn’t include the plastic spheres. Any regular white toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) should provide the oral health benefits you need without the worry of unnecessary additives.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Do you have questions or concerns about your oral health or your home hygiene routine? Dr. Cohlmia and his team are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about the way your oral healthcare products affect your smile, and schedule you visit to our El Reno, OK dental office. Our state-of-the-art practice warmly welcomes families from throughout nearby communities in Calumet, Hinton, Minco, and surrounding areas in Canadian County. We look forward to serving you!

How Can You Prevent Heart Disease?

August 18, 2014

A shocking statistic, about 600,000 Americans die of heart disease every year, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. Annually, 720,000 Americans have a heart attack, and 515,000 of those are their first heart attack. It is no secret that heart disease is definitely something that everyone should be extremely conscious of, and taking preventative measures against heart disease is crucial to living a long life of heart health. Thankfully, the American Heart Association has given people in all age ranges tips that they can live by in order to achieve wonderful cardiac health. Dr. Michael Kirk and Dr. Adam Cohlmia want their patients to be as knowledgeable as possible in order to have a healthy heart.

One thing you can do while you are in your 20s is find a doctor whom you trust and have regular wellness exams. This is very important in making sure that everything in your body is running copasetic and working in tandem. It is important that your doctor knows about your diet and lifestyle. Your doctor will be able to perform heart-health screenings, making sure that everything internally is working well. Also, being physically active and avoiding tobacco-based products, even secondhand smoke, is a wonderful way to make sure your heart stays in great condition. In your 30s, it is important to know your family history of heart disease, as knowledge is always very powerful. When you know your family history with heart disease, you can take the proper steps in making sure you avoid heart disease altogether. Taming your stress is another wonderful thing you can do in your 30s in order to avoid heart disease. When you experience stress long-term, that can result in an increased heart rate and heightened blood pressure, giving your arteries the opportunity to damage.

When you are in your 40s, paying attention to your weight and having your blood sugar level checked are important. Your metabolism starts slowing down in your 40s, and adding on extra weight on your body only puts stress on your heart to work harder. You should have a fasting blood glucose test by the time you are 45, and every three years after that. Paying attention to snoring is also important, as one in five adults suffer from sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

In your 50s and 60s, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, focusing on a lot of fruits and vegetables, fish, and having some meals without meat. Being aware of the warning signs of heart disease and stroke are also important, as you can be more aware as to what to look for. Being sure you stay on any sort of treatment plan you may have is another wonderful way to avoid heart disease. Also in your 60s, having an ankle-brachial index test done every two years is important, as it is able to measure the amount of plaque that has been able to build up in the arteries of the leg.

By keeping these tips in mind, you are sure to be more aware of your risk of heart disease, and will have many preventative measures already in place in order to accomplish a full life with a healthy heart!

If you’d like to set up an appointment, call us today at El Reno Family Dentistry. Our office is located in El Reno and serves patients from El Reno, Yukon, Minco, Calumet, Hinton, and other communities in the Canadian County.

Preventative Dentistry for the El Reno Community

July 9, 2014

There are many things that go into making sure you have a beautiful, healthy smile. From brushing your teeth to flossing, it really is the little things that make a difference in the overall health of your smile. A big aspect in making sure your smile is the best that it can be is with preventative dentistry. With biannual dental checkups and other preventative measures, Dr. Michael Kirk and Dr. Adam Cohlmia are able to make sure your smile is the best it can be, and it is important for our patients to know about the options they have in ensuring their oral health.

The biggest aspect in preventative dentistry is dental checkups. During your checkup, our doctors will leave no stone unturned when looking for any sort of decay or potential problems in your smile. Part of the checkup includes inspection of your soft tissues, looking for signs of oral cancer or periodontal (gum) disease. Our doctors will inspect each and every tooth, making sure that all is well. Should we find anything in your smile that requires attention, our doctors will tackle the situation immediately. Also, should we find old dental work that needs replacing, such as fillings, crowns, inlays, and etcetera, we will be happy to replace them with tooth-colored alternatives, giving you a more natural looking smile.

The reason why preventative dentistry such as dental checkups is so important is because by looking for problems every six months, we are able to handle potentially harmful situations early on, saving you pain and money. Oral cancer claims 7,500 lives every year, and if treated early, we can control and eliminate the harm. We recommend bringing your children, as young as two years of age, into our office to establish healthy oral routines early, and, as always, that you come into our El Reno office every six months for your own health and care!

Get A Smile Makeover with Cosmetic Dentistry!

June 9, 2014

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Having a perfect, beautiful smile is definitely something a lot of people strive for. A flawless row of teeth is a sign of health and vitality, and people go through great lengths to achieve such a goal. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and it is important to make sure you put your best smile forward! The doctors at El Reno Family Dentistry are able to offer an assortment of cosmetic dentistry options, always keeping in mind that their patient’s flawless smile is the goal.

Our cosmetic dentistry options at our practice allow our doctors to deliver a perfect smile for their patients. Veneers and Lumineers are able to transform your smile in a very short amount of time. Lumineers require minimal, if any, preparation of your natural tooth, and are able to fix cracked, stained, misaligned, and gapped teeth in an instant. Veneers require minimal tooth preparation, which also reduces the potential for tooth sensitivity. Both veneers and Lumineers are stain resistant and give you a stunning smile that can last for years with proper care and maintenance.

Invisalign Clear Braces are able to give you the beautiful, straight smile you have always wanted. Discreet and effective, Invisalign straightens your smile through a series of clear aligners, all designed specifically for you. Simply wear the aligner for the given amount of time then switch to a new one to start the next phase in your straightening process. By the end of the aligner series, your smile is straight and beautiful!

Teeth whitening, another option in our cosmetic dentistry line, is able to turn your smile from dull to lustrous! Whether you choose our in-office whitening or our at home-whitening, your smile will be transformed eight whole shades lighter, removing deep stains in very little time!

If you are interested in our cosmetic dentistry options and want to know how they can benefit you, set up and appointment at our office, and we will be happy to help!