Darren G. Koch's Blog

On its own, sleep apnea is already a very dangerous problem. Having your breathing interrupted repeatedly during the night can take a heavy toll on your blood pressure and heart health, and drowsiness from a lack of quality sleep can lead to accidents during the day. However, recent studies have shown that some sleep apnea sufferers may have even more to worry about. Researchers are finding that women with sleep apnea have a higher risk for oral cancer, and understanding why could be the key to protecting your overall health.

When you’re a child, there’s nothing unusual about a tooth becoming loose and falling out every now and then. Once you reach adulthood, however, all of your teeth should be permanently anchored in place for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, trauma, poor oral hygiene, and tooth decay can all cause adult teeth to come loose. This is an extremely serious dental emergency, and you need to act quickly if you want to protect your smile. The post below covers what you should do if you notice a loose tooth.

Everyone wants to have a bright white smile, but discoloration happens naturally over time, especially if you enjoy items like coffee, tea, and red wine. It is something many people are self-conscious about. No wonder you see so many techniques online for DIY teeth whitening. Unfortunately, a lot of these “hacks” can put your oral health at risk. Continue reading to learn about the dangers of DIY whitening, plus safe alternatives, from your cosmetic dentist in Cary.

It can be nerve-wracking to chip a tooth. You may not know what to do right at first – but placing a call to your emergency dentist right away will help you get relief. Until you can make it to their office, there are a few other things to keep in mind to increase the likelihood that repair is possible. Keep reading to find out what to do after a chipped tooth!

If you’re like many families, you probably have a first aid kit tucked away for medical emergencies. If you keep bandages and tweezers on hand for a sprained ankle or hurt foot, why not do the same for your teeth and gums? Preparing a dental emergency kit now can help you keep your cool in the event of an injured tooth, gum, or lip. Keep reading to find out what to pack. 

In recent years, sedation dentistry has become more and more sought-after. With more than 50% of Americans struggling with mild to severe dental-related anxiety, it’s not hard to see why. While it’s certainly effective and safe, it’s not an ideal fit for everyone. That’s why your dentist will consider the following factors during your initial appointment to determine your candidacy!

You might think dental implants are only good for replacing teeth. Namely, they don’t stand out more than similar services like dentures or bridges. However, that’s far from the case — implants have more to them than most would expect.

Here are four lesser-known facts about dental implant treatment, explained by your Cary dentist. See for yourself that it can do more than just fill smile gaps.

Ever since you found out you were pregnant, your health has been your top priority. You’ve been taking all of the recommended vitamins and staying away from anything that may harm the health of your unborn baby. However, one thing you may not have been aware of is that pregnancy comes with a higher risk of gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease. Since gum disease has been linked to complications such as low birth weight or pre-term birth, you’ll want to avoid it at all costs. Keep reading to learn how you can recognize, prevent, and treat pregnancy gingivitis.

Have you been tossing and turning all night because of an intense toothache? If so, you’re probably thinking that you should call your emergency dentist first thing in the morning when they open. That’s the smart thing to do – your dentist can target the source of your pain and bring you relief right away. But how can you get some shuteye in the meantime? These five tips may help you temporarily soothe the pain and fall asleep when you have a stubborn toothache at night.

Dental implants are an excellent solution for patients missing some or all of their teeth. They’re the most permanent method of tooth replacement, restoring the ability to bite, chew, speak, and smile with complete confidence once again. Your new smile can last for decades or even a lifetime, but only if you take proper care of them. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are crucial practices to extend the longevity of your implants. With that in mind, here are a few things you should know about flossing with dental implants.