Lyndsay Fogarty
As we age, it’s more important than ever to manage our health properly. We know that yearly check-ups with a primary care physician are critical for monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as managing any health issues. But what about our dental health?
“Dentistry isn’t just about keeping your smile beautiful,” Dr. Phan of Phan-tastic Smiles says. “It’s about overall health. The link between our mouth and the rest of our body is one that shouldn’t be ignored as we age.”
Not only can bacteria in the mouth cause infection that leads to
periodontitis, but it also causes problems in the rest of the body, including diabetes, heart disease and gastrointestinal illnesses, if left untreated. Additional issues arise when teeth that have broken down restrict individuals from eating a healthy diet because they’re unable to chew.
No matter how long it has been, it’s never too late to get back on track with your oral health.
The Root of the Problem
Some patients ignore their dental health for various reasons. What they don’t realize is that people are outliving their second set of teeth because they’re living longer than expected. According to a 2017 report by the National Center for Health Statistics, the average life expectancy in the United States is 79 years old, but many individuals are living well into their 90s.
Along with the natural aging process comes the wearing down of teeth. Brushing twice daily, flossing and scheduling regular dental visits will help in preventing oral hygiene issues. Additionally, restorative work that was placed at a young age will naturally break down over time and will need to be replaced. Unlike high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol issues, decay cannot be treated with diet and exercise. It needs to be addressed by a dental professional on a regular basis to prevent more intense issues such as abscesses or loss of teeth.
“There is no reason for patients to feel ashamed about the condition of their teeth,” Dr. Phan says. “Whether you may have neglected your dental health in your younger years or nature is just taking its course, my staff and I are here to help restore your smile without judgment.”
A common dental health trend is that dentists are providing patients with their 3rd set of teeth through a variety of treatments such as crowns or dentures as well as implants, which Dr. Phan frequently uses to replace missing teeth. He recently completed a memorable restorative dental treatment for a patient in his 70s.
After 15 years of not being able to eat solid food, he is now eating apples.
Those outcomes mean the most to Dr. Phan. “When I’m able to help a patient get back to enjoying solid food, which others take for granted, I couldn’t be more proud,” he says.
The Basics of Restorative Dentistry
Phan-tastic Smiles offers a number of procedures that will restore a patient’s smile to its original state, and Dr. Phan works directly with patients to determine which one is best for their situation. After learning about all of their options, the patients make their final decision.
“It’s my responsibility to provide all details regarding each individual case and the ways each treatment option could provide different outcomes,” Dr. Phan says. “It’s up to the patients to decide which treatment they will be most comfortable with.”
From one-visit crowns and veneers (CEREC) to natural tooth-colored fillings and dentures, there are many options that will provide patients with the results they desire. Even more, these procedures can be performed in a timely manner so patients can get back to their usual routine in no time.
Not only are patients impressed with their results, but they also speak highly of Dr. Phan’s technique. He is known for providing a unique, gentle touch that puts patients at ease during their procedure. The most common feedback received is that his approach relieves the anxiety that is often felt in the dental chair.
Going More In-Depth
Dr. Phan also performs several in-depth procedures to restore his patients’ smiles. Similar to dentures, mini implants are used to replace missing or broken teeth. Mini implants are identical to traditional dental implants but are narrower in diameter (about 2 millimeters wide). They are used mainly for stabilizing dentures, particularly the lower denture. This is an ideal treatment option for patients who don’t have enough jawbone to support a full-sized implant or are seeking a more affordable implant option.
A Simple Way to a Phan-tastic Smile
A healthy smile is a great first impression through all stages of life. Dr. Phan partners with his patients to boost their confidence and their overall health by providing exceptional dental care that leads to beautiful, long-lasting smiles.
Meet Dr. Phan
Dr. Cuong T. Phan has been practicing for over 20 years and is experienced in all areas of dentistry, including endodontics, periodontics, crowns, oral surgery, implants and cosmetic dentistry. “From routine check-ups to smile makeovers, we do it all at Phan-tastic Smiles,” Dr. Phan says. “This saves valuable time for patients.”
He is humbled to be the recipient of the prestigious Mastership Award, the highest Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) honor available and one of the most respected designations within the dental profession. Less than 1% of general dentists throughout the U.S. and Canada have earned this title (MAGD). Currently, Dr. Phan serves as a Florida Dental Examiner for The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments.
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