Talkin' cavities with Dr. Derek Tieken

Dr. Derek Tieken knows one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is "Cavity"! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity you ask? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

The best prevention for cavities is regular checkups with Dr. Tieken and proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. A regular checkup with Dr. Tieken consists of a thorough cleaning, polishing, and an oral exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, the doctor checks the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. At each visit, Dr. Tieken also checks old fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack. Digital X-rays will also be taken to pinpoint the cavities and to help determine the best treatment options.

If you have any questions about cavities, or to schedule an appointment at our office, please feel free to give us a call.

Dr. Tieken and team, taking steps to become more green

Dr. Derek Tieken and our staff at Tieken Smiles realize we are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth Day is tomorrow, April 22nd, and we thought this would a great time to discuss the things that our office does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that we offer patients account access 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Our office has convenient and secure online services with Sesame 24-7™. Patients can also receive appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials.

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage.

Dr. Tieken & our team would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall.

Happy Earth Day!

Let's hear your ideas!

Introducing more fun at Tieken Smiles! We are now accepting suggestions to bring excitement into the practice - let us know what your great ideas are and don't be afraid to get creative. One patient joked about having an ice cream machine, and we now plan to have one here for a month this summer! :) Stay tuned for more details... but we are ready for your feedback! Give us all you've got!

Please let us know by posting here, our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Dr. Tieken & team support Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Visiting the office of Dr. Derek Tieken on a regular basis will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy as well.

The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

As your dentist, Dr. Tieken is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment at Tieken Smiles. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Tieken

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it’s important that you consult Dr. Derek Tieken for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Tieken.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Under Armour mouthguards, available at our convenient League City office, enhance the performance of every athlete and give you peace of mind that your mouth is protected. Remember, only by using a mouth guard can folks avoid serious sports injuries. So, the next time you're in for a visit with Dr. Tieken, we encourage you to ask us for an Under Armour mouth guard.

Please give us a call if you have any questions!

How important is your smile? From Dr. Tieken

Your smile says so much about you, but if you are not satisfied with the appearance of your smile, it may not be saying anything at all. At the dental practice of Dr. Derek Tieken, we want to help you achieve a beautiful, confident, aesthetic smile that says it all!

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Please contact Tieken Smiles today at (281) 334-4944 to schedule a complimentary dental consultation with Dr. Tieken. See you soon!

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Tieken Smiles enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started! Or, you may ask Dr. Tieken and our team on Facebook!