Darren G. Koch's Blog

Dear Valued Patients,

We are pleased to announce that our office is open with regular hours and we are taking all appointments!

The entire team of Darren G. Koch, DDS, PA hopes this email finds you and your family in good health. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding regarding our temporary office closure intended to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Along with social distancing, we know that cleanliness and hand hygiene are an important defense against the COVID-19 virus. For dentists, personal hygiene standards for themselves and their staff have always been high, and those standards have only become more stringent since the pandemic began. Keep reading to learn how dental offices go above and beyond when practicing hand hygiene. These protocols are designed to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus so you can get the dental care you need without worry!

People often underestimate the positive aspects of mouthwash. While brushing and flossing seem to be the two things most dental professionals talk about when discussing oral hygiene, rinsing is equally as important because of its many benefits. Because COVID-19 remains a problem throughout the world, your dentist is working to identify ways in which you can better protect yourself as well as your dental team, one of which is to perform a rinse before an appointment. How is this being accomplished? Read on to find out.

Along with seeing a dentist for regular checkups, a good oral hygiene routine at home is the foundation of your dental health. The cleaner you keep your teeth and gums, the fewer problems you’ll have and the less dental work you’ll need. And though it may seem inconsequential, the quality of your toothbrush can be essential to achieving that goal. In this blog, you’ll find out what to look for in a toothbrush and how often to replace it. With these guidelines, you’ll remove more plaque and keep your smile in better shape overall. Learn more below!

A dental emergency can happen at any time, and the best way to be prepared is by knowing who to call before it happens. And during the COVID-19 crisis, this is more important than ever! But how should you go about finding a high-quality emergency dentist that you can count on? Start online by looking through their website for the 4 criteria below. If they “check all the boxes,” you can be confident that you and your family will get great care when you need it most. Learn more below!  

In the midst of the guidelines for self-isolation and “shelter in place” during the COVID-19 crisis, you may already know that elective dental procedures are postponed for at least the next several weeks. But what about dental emergencies? At this time, people are encouraged to avoid hospital emergency rooms whenever possible to keep from overwhelming healthcare facilities that are already strained. However, an emergency dentist is still available for assistance! Learn more below about what to do in a dental emergency during this time.  

It’s estimated that 80% of those who have sleep apnea don’t know that they have the condition. Without a diagnosis, you can’t get treatment to address the many risks associated with sleep apnea such as chronic fatigue, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and more. But one of the most important things you can do is also the simplest: Learn about the signs and symptoms and get regular checkups from a dentist who provides screenings. Learn more below!

It’s a fair bet to say that a patient would rather visit a dentist for preventive care than for a dental emergency. So what should you do if you experience a toothache that is intermittent or seems to resolve before a scheduled dental appointment? It’s natural to think you’re in the clear and that the problem has somehow taken care of itself. But a lack of symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean good oral health! In fact, you would be surprised at the serious risks involved with not getting treatment. Keep reading to learn why toothaches can come and go and why it’s always in your best interest to see an emergency dentist right away.

Chipping a tooth can be an alarming experience for anyone. And since chips can be large or small and may or may not be painful, it’s sometimes hard to know if you should call an emergency dentist or not. In this blog, you’ll find out if you need immediate care for a chipped tooth and learn about 3 possible treatments a dentist may recommend to restore your smile. Keep reading to learn more!

It’s estimated that around 25 million Americans have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but millions more don’t know they have it. Unfortunately, when this condition is left untreated it can lead to serious health problems. Understanding the risks of sleep apnea and the importance of being tested is your best defense against this common disorder. Keep reading below to learn more. You’ll also find out what your options are for sleep apnea therapy, including a custom-made oral appliance from a dentist.