I’m Chris Rafoth, the dentist at Lyons Creek Dental Care. This video explains the patient benefits of high tech dentistry. The first time you encounter high technology is in your examination. We can use digital x-rays, which are much more accurate than conventional x-rays. We use intraoral cameras that are high-resolution digital cameras that provide us a tour of your mouth much more clearly in real time. We also use laser and light fluorescent technology to discover tooth decay. We take the guess work out of deciding whether or not you got a stain on your tooth or a true… [ Read More ]

I’ve been treating patients with sleep disordered breathing for about 10 years. Originally, I was screening patients for signs and symptoms of obstructed airway disease and how I could recommend the best course of treatment with specialists.  But in 2007, I stepped up my training and became an accredited member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Now I conduct general rounds at the local sleep medicine clinic and provide therapy for patients who suffer from sleep apnea or obstructed airway disorders. When I consult with patients about the best way to breathe during sleep, I recommend more than… [ Read More ]

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that affects an estimated 12 million Americans and another 40 million are at risk for developing the disease. One of the troubling things about osteoporosis is that it is rarely detected before a fracture occurs. At that point, the disease is more advanced and bones have already lost much of their density. Luckily, dentists are on the lookout for early signs of osteoporosis. “The first sign of osteoporosis is usually discovered when we do a thorough gum and bone examination,” says Dr. Rafoth. Depending on what the dentist finds in the examination, taking into account… [ Read More ]

In times of stress, it may be difficult to add your oral health to your list of things to remember, but is important to know how stress can affect your smile and oral health. Dr. Rafoth speaks to the effects stress can have on your teeth. Immune System Breakdown “Stress can directly cause immune system breakdown, which can be connected to deterioration in dental health,” says Dr. Rafoth. “Prolonged stress needs to be managed for your overall health.” Canker Sores “We most commonly see canker sores (apthous ulcers) emerge in times of stress.” While canker sores are generally harmless in… [ Read More ]

I like to have a visit where I simply get to know the patient and their parents. That way I can best understand the patient’s level of autism, their level of tolerance, and how to communicate and interact with them. It also helps to build trust with an autistic patient, and jumping into care right away can be a negative experience without preparation and familiarization. I encourage parents to allow comfort items to come along for the visit—a stuffed animal, a blanket, a toy. My office is an active place during business hours, but it’s calm and collected, and everybody is… [ Read More ]