Nashville Dentist | Poss Dental Designs

April 30, 2013

Fight Nashville Sleep Apnea with the Help of Dr. Poss

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Sleep Apnea — Tags: cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, Nashville Sleep Apnea, sleep apnea, stop snoring — bdavis @ 7:11 pm

The field of dentistry can do more than simply make sure that your teeth are straight and clean. There are a number of conditions that dentistry can treat, and I have devoted myself to helping patients with their overall health, as well as the beauty of their smiles. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field of dentistry, as well as a wealth of training in a number of specialties, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to help patients with all aspects of their oral health. Although you may not consider the services of a dentist when you suffer from certain maladies or conditions, your overall health is closely tied to your oral health. This is why I recommend that you visit my Nashville cosmetic dentist office if you feel you might be suffering from sleep apnea.

If you have noticed that you often wake up feeling exhausted and fatigued, or if your partner has complained about unusually loud snoring, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. This condition affects both men and women, but it is more common in males. Sleep apnea is thought to affect approximately 7% of the population, but many medical and dental experts believe that it affects a much higher segment of the population. This is because the condition is so difficult to diagnose, particularly among those who sleep alone. The condition is characterized by a patient’s inability to breathe regularly while sleeping. Patients can stop breathing during sleep for several seconds, or even minutes. This can lead to a number of additional health problems, many of which can be fatal.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is likely that you have tried using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine to help regulate your breathing overnight. Although these machines have been able to help many patients fight the effects of sleep apnea, they can be incredibly cumbersome. If you are like most people, you prefer to feel free and comfortable during sleep. Unfortunately, a CPAP machine prevents freedom while sleeping because you must remain tethered to it throughout the night. This can actually lead to a further deterioration in the quality of your sleep.

I believe that there is more than one solution for those suffering from sleep apnea. As a Nashville dentist with years of experience treating patients, I have seen a number of people come to my office complaining of problems associated with sleep. Although many of them have expressed surprise when I tell them that oral correction can give them extraordinary results, my patients have been able to see their lives improve through the use of special appliances that fit comfortably and correct a number of breathing problems. These appliances are wonderful alternatives to bulky CPAP machines, and they have helped many patients overcome the problems associated with sleep apnea. Moreover, the appliances are custom-made for each individual patient.

It is likely that one of my custom appliances will be able to help you if you suffer from sleep apnea, but it is possible that you will require oral surgery to correct the condition. If that is the case, we can suggest some recommended practitioners.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you might not think to contact a dentist to seek solutions. However, you should consider our team if you want effective alternatives to CPAP machines and other medical treatments. Sleep apnea is serious, and it should be treated immediately once it is discovered. I encourage you to make an appointment to visit me in my office so we can discuss effective and manageable solutions that you and your partner will appreciate.

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April 1, 2013

Dr. Stephen Poss is Accepting New Nashville and Brentwood Patients

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Oral Health — Tags: dentist, dr poss, nashville dentist, nashville oral health, oral health — bdavis @ 6:38 pm

Good afternoon,

I am Dr. Stephen Poss (also known as Steve),

Are you a local Nashville resident? How about a person in the surrounding areas? Well, welcome to our website and blog!

Our dental practice is known as Poss Dental Designs and is located at 1646 Westgate Circle, Suite 100 in Brentwood, TN, 37027. I’ve been practicing dentistry for almost 30 years. Not only am I dedicated to helping individuals maintain a healthy smile, but I’m also invested in the well being of the entire field of dentistry. As a teacher and a sleep diplomat – not only do I bring a wealth of experience to the exam room – I also bring it to the classroom for fellow practioners.

Some services that may be of interest: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, full smile makeovers, veneers, six month smiles, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, metal free dentistry, TMJ treatment and much more!

With all sincerity, we ask that you call our office with any and all questions. If you’re thinking about some cosmetic procedures we’d be happy to schedule an initial consultation to see how we can help.

I pride myself on being the best, but also easy to talk to!

If you have dental insurance, call our office to see if we are contracted with your provider. If you don’t have dental insurance, call us at 615-373-1056 to talk with our office about rates and additional options. Budgeting for regular cleanings and checkups can ensure a healthy smile and can keep your long term dental costs way down.

Stephen Poss DDS

Poss Dental Designs
1646 Westgate Circle
Suite 100
Brentwood, TN 37027

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January 29, 2013

Treating A Dry Mouth To Prevent Tooth Decay

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist,General Health,Oral Health — Tags: dr poss, dry mouth, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, nashville oral health, treating dry mouth — bdavis @ 6:40 pm

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common problem amongst seniors. It is caused by a reduced flow of saliva, which could be a side effect of a medication or a symptom of a medical condition. If you take antihistamines, painkillers, blood pressure lowering medications, decongestants, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, Parkinson’s disease medications, diuretics or incontinence medications, you will be more likely to suffer from this condition.

An insufficient supply of saliva can cause many problems. Saliva is required to help digest food, wash away stray food particles and reduce the amount of plaque that builds up in the mouth. It also helps to heal sores and prevent infection by controlling the amount of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the mouth. If left untreated, a dry mouth can feel very uncomfortable, can leave a constant dry feeling in the mouth and make it difficult to eat properly. It also makes you more prone to developing mouth sores, experiencing cracked lips and suffering from a rough tongue.

In addition to causing a wide range of oral health problems, dry mouth can cause severe tooth decay. Tooth decay develops when food particles and bacteria join together to form a sticky substance called plaque. Saliva naturally decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth and prevents plaque from building up on your teeth. A lack of saliva can contribute to plaque accumulation, which can cause the surfaces of your teeth to slowly break down. If left untreated, plaque can damage your teeth and expose their nerves, causing you to feel pain and discomfort.

If you develop tooth decay, Dr. Poss can help to repair your damaged teeth. He can also recommend several products to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms and subsequent issues. Tooth decay is relatively easy to treat in its early stages. If you fail to seek treatment, you may eventually require costly root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

If medication is causing you to suffer from xerostomia, you should first consult with your physician to determine whether it would be beneficial for you to change your medication or adjust your dosage. If this is not possible, you should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily and eating a range of nutritious foods. You should also visit us regularly for check-ups, dental cleanings and topical fluoride rinses. During your consultation, we may advise you to make changes to your lifestyle to improve your saliva production. Increasing your water intake, chewing sugarless gum, reducing your intake of sugary foods and refraining from consuming alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks may be recommended.

If you reside in the Nashville area and desire more information on the treatments for a dry mouth, contact Dr. Poss, Nashville Cosmetic Dentist to discuss your options.

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December 26, 2012

Options for Teeth Whitening in Nashville

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening — Tags: brentwood dentist, cosmetic dentist, dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, nashville teeth whitening, teeth whitening — bdavis @ 11:17 pm

With more innovations cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening has increasingly become more effective, affordable, and widespread. For anyone looking to improve the shimmer of their smile and the aesthetics of their features, whitening their teeth can create an affable look that everyone will appreciate. There are several options for teeth whitening depending on the current state of teeth stains and the frequency of cleaning necessary.
You can find several toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market that feature a whitening ingredient but over the counter products do not have the power needed to eliminate most stains. A stronger peroxide that can only be found at a dentist’s office is the best solution for whitening. A cosmetic dentist will be able to provide the different types of peroxide bleaches that have the necessary strength for you to get a clean white look. Most teeth whitening products have a peroxide concentration between ten and twenty percent.

No matter what the state of your smile is, clean your teeth thoroughly and frequently or else the whitening process will not last. Some people’s oral health is too poor for some whitening procedures and they need to increase the health and strength of their teeth or gums. If your dentist clears you for a procedure, however, there are several options to take for a pearly white smile.

A bleaching is the most typical whitening procedure used by a cosmetic dentist. When people talk about teeth whitening, bleaching is most often what they a referring to. This procedure is a direct application of peroxide by a dentist. The application takes about an hour and must be done several times over the span of a few weeks for results to show. Zoom! whitening is a more rapid version of this procedure - which speeds up the traditional process.

Whitening gels advertised on television clear away the debris from teeth and replace it with a cleaning and whitening ingredient. You can purchase these from supermarkets but a dentist’s whitening trays will be far more effective. These need to be applied on a regular basis over a long period of time and may take up to a week before the gel takes effect. Unlike the over-the-counter gels, a dentist’s whitening trays will have a much stronger bleaching agent.
If you live in the Nashville area and want more information, contact Dr. Poss to discuss your treatment options. You can decide how white you would like your teeth as well as how quickly you want the process complete.

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December 12, 2012

From Dr. Poss – Nashville’s Premier Dentist on Sleep Apnea

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Sleep Apnea — Tags: cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, sleep, sleep apnea, sleep problems, snoring relief — bdavis @ 9:12 pm

The field of dentistry can do more than simply make sure that your teeth are straight and clean. There are a number of conditions that dentistry can treat, and I have devoted myself to helping patients with their overall health, as well as the beauty of their smiles. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field of dentistry, as well as a wealth of training in a number of specialties, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to help patients with all aspects of their oral health. Although you may not consider the services of a dentist when you suffer from certain maladies or conditions, your overall health is closely tied to your oral health. This is why I recommend that you visit my Brentwood dental office if you feel you might be suffering from sleep apnea.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is likely that you have tried using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine to help regulate your breathing overnight. Although the CPAP is the “gold standard” of the industry about 50% of the patient who are prescribed CPAP cannot tolerate sleeping with the machine. If you are like most people, you prefer to feel free and comfortable during sleep. Unfortunately, a CPAP machine prevents freedom while sleeping because you must remain tethered to it throughout the night. This can actually lead to a further deterioration in the quality of your sleep.

I believe that there is more than one solution for those suffering from sleep apnea. As a Nashville cosmetic dentist with years of experience treating patients, I have seen a number of people come to my office complaining of problems associated with sleep. Although many of them have expressed surprise when I tell them that oral correction can give them extraordinary results, my patients have been able to see their lives improve through the use of special appliances that fit comfortably and correct a number of breathing problems. These appliances are wonderful alternatives to bulky CPAP machines and are FDA approved. Over the years we have changed hundreds of lives by allowing the patient to rest better and there sleeping partners are able to sleep with them because of the diminished loud snoring.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you might not think to contact a dentist to seek solutions. However, you should consider my Nashville dentist practice if you want effective alternatives to CPAP machines and other medical treatments. Sleep apnea is serious, and it should be treated immediately once it is discovered. I encourage you to make an appointment to visit me in my office so we can discuss effective and manageable solutions that you and your partner will appreciate.

Wishing You the Best and a Wonderful Holiday Season,

Dr. Poss

(615) 373-1056

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December 11, 2012

Nashville Sedation Dentistry

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: Dentist Anxiety, nashville dentist, Nashville Dentist Anxiety, Nashville Sedation Dentistry — bdavis @ 10:51 pm

Do you have anxiety about visiting the dentist? Do you wish this was a portion of your life you could skip? Sedation dentistry might be for you. Sedation dentistry typically entails the use of pharmacological agents to ease patient anxiety and anxiousness while they undergo dental operations. In addition to easing anxiety, it also makes a dental procedure more comfortable.

Here are four benefits of this form of treatment among patients:

Less Pain during Treatment
The main purpose of sedation is to depress the central nervous system in order to alleviate the discomfort associated with treatment procedures. Many people dread visits to the dentist due to the general discomfort of many procedures. As such, the promise of sedatives to numb pain and pressure during treatment is likely to assuage the mind of patients, especially those with a low threshold for pain. Fortunately, such treatment is safe for both adults and children alike.

Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
Patients with sensitive teeth are very likely to experience discomfort while undergoing dental surgery as well as regular cleanings. For such patients, sedation presents a welcome relief and is a much better alternative to skipping dental visits in general.

Solution for Gag Reflex
Individuals who experience rapid gag reflex often dread visits to the dentist, too. Such individuals fear that they might gag and vomit while a dentist is working on their mouth and filling cavities. For such individuals, sedatives offer an ideal solution. The sedated patient can sit still on the dentist’s chair allowing the practitioner to carry out the procedure without any interruption.

Solution for Extensive Procedures

Few people can withstand the discomfort of extensive procedures such as root canals and fillings. Some cosmetic dental procedures such as brace insertion also take a longtime to perform. Dental specialists such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons prefer to use sedatives on patients undergoing such extensive procedures to curtail movements and ease pain. Sedatives enable the professional to carry out several procedures at once, and reduce the number of appointments needed by the patient.

Many people experience anxiety when visiting the dentist and thus are reluctant to do so. Consequently, some people deliberately avoid appointments to the dentist due to tenuous phobias. Nevertheless, sedation dentistry offers a solution to any worries a patient might have. Patients can go through different dental procedures without experiencing any soreness or discomfort. Residents in need of a local Nashville dentist certified to provide sedation services should contact Dr. Stephen Poss – an expert at making people comfortable while keeping their mouths healthy.

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December 3, 2012

Choosing a Nashville Dentist

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist — Tags: Dental Health Nashville, Dentist Nashville, nashville dentist — bdavis @ 8:43 pm

Choosing a dentist can be difficult, especially if you are one of the many individuals who fears visits to the dentist’s office. While most dentists operate with effectiveness and professionalism, not all of them are able to provide a pleasant and relaxing experience. This is why so many people avoid going to the dentist on a regular basis. However, some doctors are able to offer expert care in a manner that makes you and your family feel comfortable, pleasant and safe.

If you are looking for a Nasvhille dentist who can handle the dental needs of you and your family with compassion and care, you should consider the services of Dr. Stephen Poss. Dr. Poss is one of the most respected individuals in the field of dentistry, and his practice strives to offer the best dental care.

Dr. Poss has 28 years of experience in the dental field, and he has authored a number of important articles on subjects such as sleep apnea, TMJ and cosmetic dentistry. He is an expert in these subjects, and he is trusted by other dental professionals to provide knowledge and insight into various dental issues. Although the doctor is one of the brightest lights in modern dentistry, he understands that his reputation among patients is just as important as his reputation among peers. As a result, patients can expect nothing less than the most pleasant and personable service from the doctor and his staff.

In addition to offering basic dental services for you and your family, Dr. Poss offers a number of services in the realm of cosmetic dentistry. This means that the doctor’s practice is able to provide procedures like smile makeovers, teeth whitening, porcelain veneer installations and much more. Although most dentists are able to provide these services, Dr. Poss is able to use his experience and wealth of expertise to ensure that your cosmetic procedures give you the best results. For example, most dentists can provide patients with porcelain veneers to enhance the appearance of the teeth. Dr. Poss is different because he makes an extra effort to ensure that the veneers fit in a way that complements a patient’s overall appearance. Bone structure, skin tone and numerous other factors are taken into consideration during this process.

Choosing a Nasvhille dentist can be challenging, especially if you have had negative experiences in the past. Thankfully, the dental practice of Dr. Poss offers a terrific alternative. The doctor and his team provide the best dental care in the region, and they do so in a manner that ensures the comfort and satisfaction of their valued patients.

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July 28, 2012

Oral Sedation Takes The Fear Out Of Dentistry

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist — Tags: dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist — bdavis @ 4:06 pm

Why some people fear going to the dentist and others do not is complicated. Their reactions might be the result of past experiences which were painful or stressful. They might inherit dental fear from parents, believe tall tales from friends, or even have watched scary scenes from ‘Marathon Man’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ involving drills, pain, and muffled screaming. What matters is that a person’s fears do not prevent him or her from having regular checkups or getting important dental work done.

Oral sedation might be all a person needs to let go of anxiety and get the job of a simple cleaning finished. This is good news for the dentist and the patient: the patient’s anxiety is tough on dental hygienists too. A dentist could even recommend sedation to a client whose teeth or gums are sensitive to make a cleaning session more palatable and less fraught. Sedation is not just for clients who face complicated procedures.

There are various types of sedatives including IV and laughing gas, but there are risks involved with intravenous sedation. Meanwhile, oral sedation is highly effective. Also, many dentists are able to provide this on-site without a trip to the hospital if the dose is small.

Before asking yourself if oral sedation is right for you, consider a couple of things. First of all, will someone be available to drive you to the dentist? Do you have the time to awaken fully from sedation before going back to work or relieving the babysitter who was minding your children? Will someone be available to pick you up, take you home, and maybe even keep an eye on you until the drug wears off? These are important points to think about since you will not be able to drive or even take public transport when you are groggy. Every body reacts to a particular level of sedation differently, so remember that when you request these services.

Secondly, how much sedation do you want? Would you like to be semi-conscious or just lightly relaxed? Most dentists can look after the latter of these, but not necessarily the first. Oral sedation is not a replacement for pain killers, though. If a painful routine is being done in your mouth, such as root canal or cavities, you will also need to have the area numbed with anesthetic.
Remember, too, that oral sedation can lead to side effects. It cannot be overstated that your dentist should know your full medical history, including any medications you already take. This will help you to make a decision together as to what type of sedative is suitable for you. Your dentist will explain the potential risks of combining a sedative with prescription medications or a particular medical condition. If you are considering taking sedatives before arriving at the dentist, let him know ahead of time. He might prefer it if you are fully awake when you arrive.

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April 1, 2012

Finding the Best Nashville Dentist for Your Needs

Filed under: Dentist — Tags: best Nashville dentist, dentist, dentist in Nashville, nashville dentist — bdavis @ 6:45 pm

Finding the best Nashville dentist can be harder than you would think, but it is very important to the health of your family. A dentist can help you understand your dental needs and maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Not every dentist is right for you and your family so you will want to do some research and make an informed choice when you choose the best Nashville dentist for you.

It is not a good idea to simply choose a dentist based on their website, a random phone book search, or your insurance coverage. Finding the best practitioner for your family will take a little time and effort, but in the end, it is worth the hassle.

One of the first things you might want to do is ask your family members and friends for referrals. Some of your acquaintances might recommend Dr. Stephen Poss, one of the best Nashville dentist options. Once you hear the name, you will be able to look into the dentist yourself to get more details.

After you have a few dentist names on your list, go online and start looking up details on each dentist. If you see anything on their websites that you do not like, keep looking. You will also need to make sure that the dentist you see will be able to treat whatever ailments you have that need attention. If you have young children, you might want to choose a dentist that has pediatric experience. If you want cosmetic work done, you might want to choose one that specializes in that area.

If you find that Dr. Stephen Poss looks like he might be the dentist for your family, make an appointment to meet with him in his office. Ask about his practice methodology, the prices he charges and the care he gives and get a sense for who he is and how he runs his practice. Whenever you trust the care of your health to a professional, you need to feel comfortably with that person and be confident in the result of your visits.

If you have any other questions during your meeting, ask for references. Any dentist should be able to give you a short list of patients that you can call and talk to about the service they have received. You can ask about specific experiences, or just get a general idea of how the visits to the dentist go on a regular basis.

Once you have chosen the best dentist for your family, you can lay back in the chair on your next visit and trust Dr. Stephen Poss to take care of your teeth and gums.

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March 26, 2012

Smile-Enhancement by Dr. Poss – Nashville Comsetic Dentist

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening,Veneers — Tags: brentwood cosmetic dentist, cosmetic bonding, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist nashville, cosmetic dentistry, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, oral health, teeth whitening — bdavis @ 6:37 pm

Often thought of as only obtainable by celebrities, cosmetic dentistry is actually a rapidly growing industry. As visiting the cosmetic dentist become more popular and more affordable it also become more accessible to the general public.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses mostly on improving the appearance (and often times the functionality and health) of your teeth and gums. Common cosmetic procedures include bite reclamation, bonding, bridges, gum lifts, reshaping, veneers, and teeth whitening. Some procedures involve the addition of material(s) to your teeth and/or gums, like bonding, crowns, and veneers. Some require removing material from your teeth and/or gums. Finally, some require neither the addition nor removal of materials, like straightening and whitening.

In cosmetic bonding, an enamel-like substance is used to reshape a tooth or teeth as needed. After it is applied and sculpted, the material hardens and is polished. It closely resembles the natural appearance of the surrounding teeth and can be used to fill chips and perfect other such misshapen teeth.

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Crowns must be inserted onto the two adjacent teeth. The false tooth is then fused to the crowns to hold it in place. When properly cared for, they can last for ten years or even longer.

A gum lift is the process by which a cosmetic dentist raises and reshapes your gum line. It may involve simply sculpting the gum tissue, or, in more extreme cases, the underlying bone structure may need reshaping. The end goal is to give the teeth a more symmetrical and (if desirable) longer appearance.

Reshaping teeth requires removing bits of the enamel to create the desired look. It can improve the length, positioning, and shape of affected teeth and can fix small chips. The potential issue with enameloplasty is that once the enamel is removed it cannot be replaced. People still opt for it under some circumstances to avoid getting braces and because the results are so fast.

Veneers are also wildly popular for perfecting the appearance of one’s smile. They are made up of porcelain and/or composite materials that mimic teeth’s natural appearance, color, and structure. They are applied in very thin layers that are bonded directly to the teeth. They can completely close gaps as well as disguise discolored teeth that cannot be sufficiently lightened. Christie Brinkley, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Donald Trump are all rumored to have porcelain veneers.

Whitening is by far the most commonly practiced procedure in the industry. There are dozens of over-the-counter at-home whitening products available. However, professional treatments by a cosmetic dentist are recommended for ideal results.

If you are looking to have your smile enhanced cosmetically, Dr. Poss can help build a smile you love! Call the office at (615) 373-1056 to get started today!

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1646 Westgate Circle | Suite 100 Brentwood, TN 37027

615-373-1056