What To Do in a Dental Emergency

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. There are many common dental emergencies and learning how to deal with them is important. For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Most dentists, like Drs Aaron and Brandon Cooley at Cooley Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients so be sure to call your dentist and provide as much detail as you can about your condition. If the accident occurs when your dental office is not open, visit your local emergency room, but be sure to keep excellent notes so that the dentist the ER refers you to can appropriately bill your insurance.

At Cooley Smiles, serving patients in Bellevue, WA and the surrounding areas, we always reserve time for emergency patients and welcome your call. Remember that the best prevention against a dental emergency is having a regular dental home that you seek preventive care with. A little bit of prevention can go a long way! Contact us today to learn more about the services our dentists provide to the Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA community.

To learn more about what to do in case of an emergency, visit mouthhealthy.org.

What is the LVI Difference?

When you are considering cosmetic dental procedures, you want to make sure your dentist has devoted time to his education. Equally important, you want to make sure that your dentist has received training from an institution that is internationally known for only accepting the best and brightest in the field of cosmetic dentistry. The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies LVI has long been considered the premier school for training in cosmetic dentistry. The dental institute is the largest and most respected post-graduate dentist education facility in the world. Throughout the years, LVI's intensive, thorough curriculum and high standards of quality have enabled their graduates to distinguish themselves as being among the most highly regarded cosmetic dentists in the field. Most dental schools do not provide training in advanced cosmetic dental procedures, necessitating an institute like LVI to ensure these procedures are given as much attention as general dental studies. Going beyond the simple procedures, LVI trains its graduates in helping patients achieve aesthetically beautiful results. Highly individualized treatment plans and using the most advanced technology available are some of the core tenets of the LVI philosophy. What this means for you... Seattle cosmetic dentists Dr. Aaron Cooley and Dr. Brandon Cooley have both completed their dental training at LVI. The difficult and demanding courses offered at LVI provided them with extensive knowledge of the latest trends and procedures available through cosmetic dentistry, and they have continued to take additional continuing education courses to ensure they remain on top of all the latest advances in the field. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Bellevue or Seattle, Washington, please contact the LVI trained dentists at Cooley Smiles today to schedule your initial consultation

What Is Sleep Apnea?

We've shared several articles on our blog regarding sleep apnea; the treatments, and the dangers. We even hear about sleep apnea on the news and in commercials. But what is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which insufficient air reaches the lungs during sleep. In most cases, sleep apnea results because a person’s tongue is blocking the flow of air. This can cause blood oxygen levels to drop, causing sufferers to snort or choke awake. Sleep apnea can interrupt daily life by causing excessive daytime sleepiness, and it can also cause cardiovascular problems, so ask your dentist to prescribe an oral appliance if you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea.

• Keeps Your Airway Open

Most sleep apnea sufferers sleep on their backs. In this position, the tongue rests on the back of the throat, restricting air flow. An oral appliance, which is similar to a night guard, keeps the tongue from relaxing and blocking the flow of oxygen. 

• Provides a Cost-Effective Solution

There are a variety of oral surgeries available that can help resolve sleep apnea. However, you can easily avoid undergoing costly oral surgery while still getting relief by using an oral appliance. This affordable device can halt snoring, poor sleep quality, and other sleep apnea symptoms.

• Prevents Sleep Interruptions

Sleep apnea can lead to major health side effects, such as heart problems, depression, and memory loss. Sleep apnea sufferers easily tire, have a hard time focusing on work or school, and often feel irritable. Using an oral appliance while you sleep can ensure that you get a full night’s rest so that you can have easier, happier days. You’ll stop tossing and turning, waking up your partner, and constantly feeling exhausted.

If you’re tired of living with sleep apnea, contact Cooleysmiles today. We can provide the oral appliances needed to help you get a better night’s sleep. Our doctors also offer dental treatments and services for the whole family, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. To learn more, call us at (425) 747-7000.