Dr. Graves Dentistry Goes Global
After 30 years, Cynthia Graves, DDS has a storied history with her profession. The most recent of which was her dental mission trip to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Rather than soaking up the sun or scuba-diving, one of her favorite pastimes, Dr. Graves was providing her dental expertise to underprivileged people on the island.
The Dominican Republic is known for lush beaches and beautiful weather. But what is often forgotten is that one third of their population lives in poverty and cannot afford basic dental care. As a dedicated member of the International Dental Implant Association, Dr. Graves felt this was an opportunity to serve people with her talents.
International Dental Implants Association
IDIA, International Dental Implants Association, has been organizing trips for just under a decade, and has a global mission to provide advanced dental care to people unable to afford it themselves. The vision for this organization was for economic empowerment in these impoverished areas. Dr. Arun Garg created the IDIA to provide training alongside the dental procedures in these underserved communities. While the organization started small, it now boasts almost 3000 members globally, including Dr. Graves.
On average, each trip will provide dental and facial surgery for 500 implants, 45 complex sinus lifts, 10 ridge splits and 5 crestal sinus lifts. A team of 30 doctors will perform around $2 million worth of dental care.
This trip involved a team of 25 dental surgeons, all associated with IDIA. Dr. Graves herself provided almost $200,000 worth of dental implants in the space of 3 days. Putting over 30 hours of time towards the effort earned Dr. Graves a prestigious IDIA commendation. And almost 300 patients benefitted from her and her associates’ work.m
Overcoming Challenges
The International Dental Implant Association has pioneered the world’s most successful live patient educational programs. For many dentists it can be a struggle to balance teaching and treatment. But this is not so for Dr. Graves. She spoke of the experience excitedly. Being able to teach while also practicing dentistry is something she incorporates into her work in Texas, “It’s second nature for me, teaching and tending to others go hand-in-hand,” said Dr. Graves.
The most challenging aspect was the work schedule and using unfamiliar equipment. At the clinic, a 10+ workday was standard and she only had the tools provided. Often these were unfamiliar or antiquated. Here in Austin, Dr. Graves uses guided dental implants to create perfect smiles. Luckily, her decades of dental experience meant she never felt unprepared.
Looking Forward
Dr. Graves celebrated Labor Day by doing the work she loves. She feels confident that she’ll return to the Dominican Republic, though perhaps as a tourist in the future. For now she’s happy to return to work in Austin, as there’s plenty of adventure to be found at home.
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Can Gum Health Affect Your Heart Health? The Answer May Surprise You.
Periodontal disease is unpleasant, to say the least. It can also be very dangerous for your oral and overall health. Left unchecked, diseases such as gingivitis can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, infection, tooth loss, and even heart problems.
It’s true! Periodontal disease can seriously affect the health of your heart and cardiovascular system. There are recent studies showing a similar link between diabetes and oral health. Because of this, it’s crucial to get your 6-month check-ups from Austin dentist, Cynthia L Graves, DDS. Regular visits allow dentists to monitor periodontal diseases, and help prevent them all together. But how exactly does your gum health affect your heart health?
The Gum-Heart Connection
Though there is some debate on the subject, most dentists agree there is a link between gum disease and cardiovascular issues. A landmark 2010 analysis of dozens of individual studies showed that advanced periodontal disease was correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as stroke, heart disease, and heart attacks. But why?
The Answer Is Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the primary symptoms of gum disease. As plaque builds up on your gums and hardens into tartar, your gums respond by swelling and bleeding.
Your gums are full of tiny blood vessels, and once inflammation occurs, bacteria can easily get into your bloodstream, causing inflammation elsewhere in your body. Bacteria such as streptococcus sanguis (well-known for its role in strokes) can be transferred into your bloodstream.
Inflammation of blood vessels in the body also causes a condition known as atherosclerosis – the hardening of arteries that can make it more difficult for blood to flow to the heart. Combined, excess bacteria and inflammation can lead to an increased risk of common cardiovascular problems.
Currently, research indicates this is the primary reason that periodontal disease and unhealthy gums can contribute to the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health issues.
However, there is also another contributing factor. Periodontal disease tends to occur more commonly in folks with sub-par health habits, or lifestyle-based health issues (diabetes, smoking, and poor diets are common contributors to periodontal disease). Because of this, severe cases of gum disease can easily contribute to an already poor level of heart health, potentially triggering a serious heart issue.
Need Periodontal Disease Treatment in Austin? Visit Cynthia Graves, DDS!
Don’t leave your gum health to chance! If you suspect you have gingivitis or periodontitis, it’s crucial to seek treatment right away. Cynthia Graves, DDS specializes in comprehensive dentistry, and the treatment of all forms of periodontal disease. Her years of experience, kind and gentle approach, and dedication to continual education, make her a premier Austin dentist for any oral issue!
Schedule an appointment today by calling (512) 258-8001, contacting us online, or visiting our office at 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750.
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What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Emergency dental care is often the only way to save a tooth in case of a serious dental emergency. Your teeth are sensitive, and if you experience trauma, it’s important to get the care you need as soon as possible.
But how can you recognize a dental emergency? Some cases of dental emergency are obvious, such as a missing tooth, but others are not so clear-cut. Let’s take a look at the most common dental emergencies, so that you can better understand what steps you should take to seek an emergency dentist in Austin, TX..
1. Missing Tooth (Dental Avulsion)
Dental avulsion is among the most serious dental emergencies. For the best chance of restoring a healthy tooth, it must be replaced within 12-24 hours–the sooner the better.
If you have knocked out teeth, it’s important to recover them so that they can be re-inserted in your mouth. Rinse them with water, if necessary, and place them in a saline solution, or in milk to preserve moisture and keep them healthy until you can see an emergency dentist.
2. Loose Tooth
Loose teeth are also a serious medical emergency. Loose teeth, whether caused by trauma or other habits like tooth grinding or periodontal disease, should be addressed as soon as possible.
Failing to restore a loose tooth can lead to infection, tooth decay, bad breath, and a variety of other issues, so you should see an emergency dentist as soon as you can.
3. Broken, Cracked Or Chipped Tooth
Broken, cracked, and chipped teeth do qualify as dental emergencies. A broken tooth is extremely painful, and can expose the nerve pulp of the tooth. This can lead to severe pain, and even dental sepsis, a serious dental infection.
A cracked tooth or a severely chipped tooth can have similar symptoms. If you suspect you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, seek a dental professional immediately. The same goes for a loose crown that will not stay fixed to its tooth.
4. Oral Tissue Injuries
Most oral tissue injuries such as lacerations, tears, or puncture wounds to the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums qualify as dental emergencies. Though the teeth may not be directly affected by these injuries, the overall health of your mouth could be at risk, and you may need a dentist or oral surgeon to treat your oral injuries.
5. Oral Pain And Extreme Sensitivity
Facial trauma is not the only cause of dental emergencies. If you are experiencing oral pain and extreme sensitivity, or a severe toothache, you could be suffering from a variety of dental emergencies, such as:
- Advanced dental decay
- Serious infection of the tooth
- Gum or tooth abscess
- Gum disease
If you are also experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods, or even the outside air, you should see a dentist as soon as you can. You could be suffering from any of these serious conditions, and you need to get emergency dental care ASAP.
Cynthia Graves DDS – Your Go-To Austin Dentist For Emergency Dental Care!
Austin dentist Dr. Cynthia Graves understands that you can’t predict dental emergencies. When you need care for a dental trauma, you need it fast! That’s why we offer flexible appointments and office hours so that we can take care of your needs, even in emergency situations!
Dr. Graves is dedicated to learning modern tooth restoration techniques, using advanced dental equipment, and applying state-of-the-art methods, all in a welcoming environment for patients. You’re in good hands with Dr. Graves!
So if you need emergency oral care from an Austin dentist, don’t wait. Contact us today at
(512) 258-8001, or visit us at 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750.
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Suffering from sinus problems after your root canal surgery?
So you’ve had your root canal surgery. The hard part is over. You’re feeling a little stuffy and uncomfortable, but you figure that’s just part of it. Well, it’s not. Other than some tenderness in your gums, or minor tooth sensitivity, you shouldn’t experience any symptoms after a root canal.
Austin dentist Dr. Cynthia Graves warns that sinus problems similar to the common cold or allergies could be a serious issue.
The Sinus-Tooth Connection:
Much like how the ears, nose and throat are connected, so are your sinuses and teeth. There’s only a thin barrier of bone separating the sinuses from the dental canals of the upper jaw. Sometimes when that bone is breached, hypochlorite seeps into the sinuses and drips back into the patient’s mouth, leaving an unpleasant taste. Hypochlorite is a dental disinfectant solution, but the seeping and dripping can lead to swelling and facial pain. This is known as acute chemical sinusitis and should be taken seriously.
Symptoms include:
• Runny nose
• Pressure or congestion in the face and nose
• Symptoms similar to eye and nasal allergies
• Sinus drainage
• Symptoms similar to the common cold
Wait for improvement? Absolutely not!
Don’t hesitate to follow up with your dentist or specialist when you notice the symptoms. You may only need antibiotics and decongestive therapy. However it may be necessary to close the breach, which requires further consultation.
Dr. Graves is a highly recommended family dentist offering comprehensive dental care, including the treatment of gum disease, cavity fillings, dental crowns, restorative dentistry and preventative care. Through continuous learning and a gentle touch, she can advise on and treat any oral health issue you experience. Consult with Dr. Cynthia Graves today!
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Can Acid Reflux Damage My Teeth?
After studying the effects of acid reflux on teeth in a “Worn Dentition” course, Dr. Graves is confident that a well-trained family dentist is often better able to detect the warning signs of acid reflux before your regular physician.
Do I Have Acid Reflux?
You’re the picture of health: you eat plenty of nutritious foods, move your body and, of course, brush your teeth morning and night. You even floss (side note from me: keep it up!). And you’ve got a mouth full of straight, white teeth—the kind of smile that truly lights up a room—to show for it. The last thing that’s on your mind is visiting the dentist.
Checkup Today, Smile Tomorrow
You know the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Did you know that your six-month checkups (a.k.a., preventative dentistry) are about much more than just getting your teeth cleaned? During your appointment, your family dentist examines your teeth and gums for the early signs of tooth decay, erosion, periodontal problems, and even risks of oral cancer.
When you visit the dentist on a regular basis, we can help you identify and treat minor issues—the ones that are hard to notice—before they turn into problems that require more extensive (and expensive) dental work.
Oral Health for Overall Health
The state of your mouth gives your dentist clues about your overall health, too. For example, we’re often able to diagnose the early stages of a common digestive disorder called gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD).
GERD causes frequent heartburn and leads to increased acidity in the mouth. At your checkup, your dentist will look for oral signs of GERD, including weakened enamel, tooth erosion and other early indicators of tooth decay.
Some of the most frequent symptoms of GERD include:
- Heartburn or chest pain
- Sinus infections
- Bad breath
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Dry cough
- Difficulty swallowing or the sensation of a lump in the throat
Caught early, you can protect your tooth enamel from exposure to excess acid and prevent the rapid deterioration that GERD can cause—shielding yourself from a mouth full of cavities!
Protect Your Teeth From Acid
If you suspect you might be suffering from GERD, talk to your physician and your dentist. Your healthcare providers will help you identify strategies that will alleviate symptoms and resolve the uncomfortable side effects of extra acid in your mouth and throat.
Your doctor might prescribe medications or changes in lifestyle to help you minimize your discomfort. You can experiment with your diet, too—maybe certain foods are a trigger for you? Often times, acidic foods like tomato, citrus, coffee, alcohol and hot spices will aggravate GERD. Sometimes, smaller, more frequent meals will help.
Your dentist may suggest dental sealants to help strengthen your tooth enamel, to stop deterioration before it has a chance to turn into cavities.
Preventative Dentistry in Austin, TX
At Cynthia L. Graves, DDS, we welcome all patients in the Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Wimberly and surrounding areas to our office! Our goal is simple: early detection and treatment of minor dental issues using state-of-the art equipment and gentle methods. We want you to experience the comfort of good oral health—for life!
Call us today at (512) 258-8001 to book your next checkup and experience the friendly, patient-centered care that we offer in our Austin, TX facility. Here’s to your continued health … and a great smile.
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3 Common Misconceptions About Dental Implants
If you’ve struggled with tooth loss, but shy away at the thought of visiting the dentist, we want to provide you the facts about your options–before you find yourself searching Google. As your trusted dentist in Austin, Dr. Cynthia Graves and her team are debunking dental implants myths to get you closer to good health in a functional and beautiful smile.
No Patient Is The Same
At Cynthia L. Graves, we can share honest information about your dental health options within a consultation. We want you to know what to expect after tooth loss and how to treat it, so you can ultimately make the best decision for your health and lifestyle.
3 Misconceptions About Dental Implants
Misconception #1: Does Getting A Dental Implant Hurt?
Replacing a missing tooth isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. But recovering your smile is essential for supporting positive health throughout the body. When it comes to restoring your health with a dental implant, many patients are surprised that the process demonstrates little or no discomfort.
At your dental implant appointment, a local anesthetic is used (as is common with root canals) to support a gentle and painless experience. For patients concerned about dental anxiety, there are additional calming options, such as using Nitrous Oxide Analgesia (or “laughing gas”). Dr. Graves may also prescribe an over-the-counter pain reliever to aid in a gentle recovery.
Misconception #2: Dental Implants Take HOW LONG?!
On the contrary! Using advanced guided implant dentistry, Dr. Graves is able to place dental implants with excellent precision and accuracy, with an average placement-to-healing time of just 5-8 months. A few months is a small investment to accomplish a functional and aesthetically pleasant smile, that can serve you the rest of your lifetime.
Dr. Graves implements Sirona Chairside 3D technology, (also known as the CEREC Omnicam) to design and build your dental crown. When it comes time to attach a crown to your dental implant, you won’t be left waiting on a dental lab–we can design, build and place dental crowns in-office.
Misconception #3: Any Dentist Can Place An Implant.
Specific training for placing dental implants is not provided at general dentistry schools. You must make sure that your dentist continues his or her education each year to gain the experience and knowledge necessary for placing dental implants.
Do You Know Your Dental Implants Benefits?
In addition to reducing bone loss in the jaw and preventing facial sagging (which can make you look older), the benefits of dental implants are numerous:
- Can last a lifetime with proper care
- Do not slip or shift out of place while eating or speaking
- Have a 98% success rate for safe and reliable care
- Reduce the risk for future additional tooth loss
A Leading Visionary In Dental Care
Cynthia L. Graves, DDS is happy to provide excellent dental care to patients in Austin, Round Rock, Wimberley, and surrounding areas. We are passionate about changing the lives of our patients for the better! If you are curious about the positive impact that dental implants can have on the appearance and health of your smile, give us a call (512) 258-8001 and we will schedule a consultation!
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We’re Doing Dental Differently
Transforming Modern Dental Care In Austin, TX
Dr. Cynthia L. Graves isn’t your typical dentist. Don’t be distracted by the whimsical butterfly garden in the front of the office or the Pizza Hut styled architecture that draws many amused smiles through the door. On the inside, this dental office is nothing like the cookie cutter memories you have of an oversized medical closet and a distracted front office staff. At Cynthia L. Graves, we’re doing dental differently. And it all starts with you.
Fully Integrated Technology. When you need dental work done, you want it done right the first time, and you want it to last. Dr. Graves, who is a certified CEREC Basic Trainer with a Clear Aligner Therapy Certification and countless hours of continuing education, trains other dentists on CEREC technology. She also treats dentists that travel across Texas to see her, as well as local dentists in the community. Wouldn’t you want the same dental care that other dentists in Austin schedule themselves for? We thought so.
A Staff To Write Home About. Our staff is so passionate about our standard of care that they’re known to thumbs up dental posts on the Internet and text reading materials to each other on the weekend. There’s not a lot of Cosmopolitan or Lifestyle Magazine in this office– but we might have those for you to read, too!
One thing that makes our office so delightfully sweet for our patients and their teeth is our exceptional dental cleanings. We have the most advanced dental technology here, too, but if it’s just a simple cleaning you need, we’re just as devoted to providing high standards of care.
“Our patients have said they’ve never had such a thorough cleaning and they are surprised at how gentle the hygienists are! I purchased new equipment for the hygienists so they can ultrasonic clean and high power-polish teeth more comfortably.”
24/7 Access, 365 Days A Year. Ever thought you’d be cool enough to have your dentist on speed dial? Now you can. Dr. Cynthia Graves will be there for you from beginning to end of your dental treatment. If you’ve had restorative dental work (many patients have chosen us for dental crowns and bridges, dentures and dental implants), Dr. Graves will provide her personal phone number. Don’t be worried if you have a dental emergency or a question about a toothache on Christmas Eve–she’s been there, and she’ll be there for you too.
No Less Than The Best. It’s our standard. It’s your expectation. At Cynthia L. Graves in Austin, we’re changing the way patients view their trip to the dentist by offering state of the art dental care in everything from custom Clear Aligner Therapy orthodontics to guided dental implants. Your life may change for the better when you call us for a consultation! We’re all about delivering the best, so you can breathe easy knowing your family is in good hands.
Thank Goodness For A “Real” Dentist. You don’t often meet a dentist who scuba dives, builds butterfly gardens for migratory Monarchs or serves coffee and neck pillows in the office. But just like her favorite butterflies, Dr. Graves is all about transforming the way you feel at the dentist. If you’ve ever been nervous to see the dentist or gone cross-eyed looking at dental insurance, we’re here to take the hassle out of dentistry for you. At Cynthia L. Graves we’re all about the exhale when you realize your experience with us was even better than you thought it could be.
It’s Okay To Look Forward To Your Appointment.
We look forward to seeing you! Give us a call to set up you next visit. If you’re still making up your mind about going to the dentist, grab your bike and go for a ride through our butterfly garden–you won’t be the only one! Reach us at (512) 258-8001 or swing by our office in Austin, right down the street from Westwood High School. We’re located at 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750.
What Is A Dental Implant?
What Is A Dental Implant?
You might be wondering what a dental implant is. Put simply, dental implants function as close to your natural teeth as possible. Made of titanium, the implant mimics the root of your tooth and is inserted into jawbone permanently. You will be able to chew, drink, laugh, smile, and speak effortlessly. What could be better than that?
Dental Implants in Austin, TX
The experience of tooth loss can be stressful, but not to worry: we have solutions for you! At Cynthia L. Graves, DDS, we use state-of-the-art technology to restore your beautiful, natural-looking smile with dental implants.
Your tooth loss might be the result of untreated tooth decay or gum disease, or perhaps the result of a tooth extraction or dental injury. It is nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed of! Whatever the reason, we want you to feel assured that you have the best treatment plan available to you. As your general and restorative dentist in Austin, we can fully restore your smile and have you walk out of our office feeling confident.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant
Dr. Graves will use an Omnicam, a highly advanced digital scanner, to scan your mouth, and create a digital 3D impression.
Next, a same-day crown will be designed in the office with our onsite milling machine that utilizes Sirona CAD/CAM software (aka CEREC). Gone are the days where you need to wait for days for a crown to be made! Relax in your chair as we create your natural-looking, custom-designed tooth replacement right in front of you.
Your Dental Implant Options:
Each patient has unique needs, and Dr. Graves will provide your treatments with personalized care and excellence.
- Single-tooth replacements are naturally resistant to tooth decay, such as cavities. These have the highest success rate, and are considered the best long-term investment for replacing a single tooth.
- Multi-tooth replacements are perfect for when three or more teeth in a row need replacing. The tooth implants used to connect the replacement teeth to the surrounding teeth do not affect surrounding teeth.
- Implant-supported dentures replace the entire jawline, whether the top, bottom, or both rows of teeth. The dentures never shift or fall out as they lock into place.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are multiple benefits in choosing crowns, bridges, or dentures. Here are a few reasons why dental implants are highly desirable for tooth replacement:
- They are naturally strong and resistant to cavities and staining
- They do not require any changes to be made in a regular healthy dental hygiene routine
- They can last a lifetime with regular at-home maintenance and regular dental checkups
- They can reduce or even prevent rapid bone loss in the jaw after tooth loss
- They are designed to look and feel natural
- They are shown to reduce the risk for losing adjacent teeth after tooth loss
Your Family Dentist in Austin, TX
We welcome all patients in the Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Wimberly and surrounding areas to our office! At Cynthia L. Graves, DDS, we invest in cutting-edge technology as part of our commitment to providing you with ongoing superior service, detecting oral health issues early on, and delivering treatment plans with unmatched accuracy and excellence.
Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a complete restoration, you’re in for a patient-centered, gentle experience. Give our Austin office a call today at (512) 258-8001 and we can get started on restoring your confidence and your beautiful smile!
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