Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
SEPTEMBER 2024
LONGVIEW
TYLER
3665 US Highway 259 N Longview, TX 75605
1520 Rice Road Suite 100 Tyler, TX 75703
903-758-5551
903-597-2201
www.texassedationdental.com
LABOR DAY APPRECIATION
Thanking the People Who Make Our Practice Shine
Teamwork truly makes the dream work. Whether you’re grabbing dinner at your favorite restaurant, running errands at the grocery store, or taking your car in for a service, the incredible effort of team members makes all the difference. Their smiles, the extra mile they go, and the behind-the-scenes work create a memorable customer experience. On Sept. 2, we celebrate Labor Day, a time not only for a day off but a moment to recognize and honor the hard work that people across every industry put in day in and day out. Getting up every morning, heading to work, and giving your best effort isn’t easy, but millions of workers do it, contributing to the success of our communities here in Texas. Labor Day is a reminder to appreciate everyone who contributes to making our world function smoothly, from the barista who hands you your morning coffee to the mechanic who keeps your car running. As we celebrate Labor Day this year, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible team at Texas Sedation Dental & Implant Center. Our success isn’t just about our services — it’s about the people behind them. From our amazing doctors, Dr. Timothy Gengal and Dr. Kirk Hampton, to our IV sedation specialist, Waylon Williams, every team member has their own strengths and expertise that make our practice stand out.
But it doesn’t stop there. Our management team works tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Our front desk specialists greet patients with warm smiles, setting a positive tone from the moment they walk through our doors. Our hygienists and assistants are compassionate and attentive and deliver personalized care to every patient. Our sterilization technicians ensure our environment is safe and clean, and the lab technicians help create custom solutions that bring our patients the smiles they’ve always wanted. It’s often said that a team is only as strong as its weakest link, but I am proud to say that every team member brings their A-game daily. Whether it’s supporting each other, lifting someone’s spirits, or going the extra mile for our patients, the camaraderie within our team is truly something special. It’s always a joy to witness our staff excelling in their roles and building genuine connections with our patients while making them feel comfortable, cared for, and valued. Texas Sedation Dental & Implant Center wouldn’t be what it is today without these remarkable individuals. Our team’s professionalism, compassion, and commitment to excellence are what keep our patients coming back and trusting us with their dental care. Their hard work and dedication are the foundation of our
practice, and it’s an honor to work alongside such a passionate and talented group.
This Labor Day, I want to thank my amazing team. They are the reason for our success, and their efforts make a difference in the lives of our patients every single day. Thank you for all you do — you are the center of our practice!
-Dr. Travis Kendall
LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551 | TYLER - 903-597-2201
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AUTUMN AWAITS Ideas for Your Fall Bucket List
After a summer spent adventuring outdoors, you may feel like turning into a pumpkin come fall. But fall is full of uniquely enjoyable opportunities. From brewing cider to hanging up creepy Halloween decorations, here are three bucket-worthy activities that make the most of autumnal creativity and coziness. APPLE PICKING FOR APPLE CIDER Apple picking season starts in the waning days of summer before ending in October, making September the best time to visit a local orchard. Whether you’re in Alaska, Wyoming, or almost any state in between alphabetically, pick-your-own apple orchards offer you and your friends the chance to get back out in nature, exercise, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Best of
all? Apples are the easiest fruit to pick, and the reward is a delicious, ready-to- eat snack or an ingredient in a refreshing beverage. Ground-up apples are the base ingredient for apple cider, a delicious drink that epitomizes the greatness of fall! BLAZING BONFIRE Now that summer is spent, a good, old- fashioned bonfire is in order. Whether making s’mores or sharing ghost stories, a bonfire is a recipe for a good time with friends, family, and the occasional apparition. HORRIFYING HALLOWEEN HOME We have all seen the homes on the block with bare lawns and dark porches during Halloween. But what’s the fun in that? If that was your home last year, now is the perfect
time to turn it around and embrace the most macabre, creative ideas for decking out your home — inside and out. From creatively posed skeletons to a front porch full of jack- o’-lanterns, there is no shortage of simple, scary props to adorn your home. If you have never carved a jack-o’-lantern, it should be on your bucket list — not just for fall. See how far you can take Halloween this year!
Protect Your Smile UNDERSTANDING THE LINK BETWEEN STRESS AND ORAL HEALTH
Stress strikes all of us at one point or another in our lives. While most of us know that it can affect our mental and physical well-being, there’s something many aren’t aware of: It can potentially impact our oral health. TEETH GRINDING AND JAW CLENCHING Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it (bruxism), but the effects
can be damaging. Persistent grinding can wear down tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity, chipped teeth, and tooth loss. It can also contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which cause pain and discomfort in the jaw and facial muscles. GUM DISEASE Stress weakens the immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infections, including those in the gums. Chronic stress can lead to an increased risk of gum disease (periodontitis), which, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss and other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. People under stress are also more likely to neglect their oral hygiene routines, increasing gum disease risk. DRY MOUTH Stress can sometimes lead to changes in lifestyle habits, such as increased smoking, alcohol consumption, or even taking certain medications, all of which can cause dry mouth. Saliva is essential in keeping your mouth healthy by neutralizing acids and
washing away leftover food particles. Without enough saliva, your mouth can become a breeding ground for bacteria. ORAL INFECTIONS AND CANKER SORES Stress can also trigger painful mouth sores, like canker sores, making eating and speaking uncomfortable. It may also contribute to fungal infections like oral thrush, especially if you take antibiotics or corticosteroids to manage stress-related health conditions.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MOUTH FROM STRESS
Practice stress-reducing techniques such as exercise, meditation, and proper sleep to maintain good oral health. It’s also important to stick to your oral hygiene routine, even during periods of stress. Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups help prevent stress- related dental issues. If you notice signs of stress impacting your oral health, such as jaw pain, sensitive teeth, or gum problems, set up an appointment at our office! Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.
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LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551
It's important to maintain your dental work, whether it’s crowns, bridges, or implants, to ensure that it lasts as long as possible and keeps your smile healthy. Let’s look at some helpful tips on caring for these restorations and getting the most out of your investment in your dental health. MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE The foundation of preserving dental work starts with daily brushing and flossing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around your crowns, bridges, and implants. Flossing is equally important, especially around these restorations, where plaque and food particles can build up. For bridges, specialized tools like floss threaders or interdental brushes help to clean under the false tooth and around the surrounding teeth. USE A NON-ABRASIVE TOOTHPASTE While regular toothpaste works well for natural teeth, it’s important to avoid overly abrasive toothpaste that can scratch the surfaces of crowns, bridges, and implants. Opt for a non-abrasive toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, which is gentle on your restorations but still effective in keeping your mouth clean. AVOID HARD AND STICKY FOODS Certain foods can damage dental restorations. Avoid biting down on hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard candies, which can crack or loosen crowns or bridges. Sticky foods like gummies and chewing gum can pull on restorations and dislodge them. Making mindful food choices helps extend the life of your dental work. PROTECT AGAINST TEETH GRINDING Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common issue that can wear down or damage crowns, bridges, and implants. If you grind your teeth at night, ask one of our dentists about getting a custom nightguard to protect your dental work while you sleep. ATTEND REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS Routine visits to our office are key to maintaining your dental work. Your dentist will check the integrity of your restorations and make any needed adjustments. Regular cleanings also ensure that plaque doesn’t build up around your crowns, bridges, or implants, which could lead to gum disease and other complications. Caring for crowns, bridges, and implants requires consistent effort, but the benefits are worth it. By practicing good oral hygiene, being mindful of what you eat, and seeing your dentist regularly, you can keep your smile healthy and your dental work intact for years. How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dental Work Protect Your Investment
BAKED SAUSAGE WITH APPLES AND FENNEL
Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
This comforting dish, packed with seasonal flavors, is perfect when the weather starts to get chilly.
• 2 apples • 1 fennel bulb • 8 raw, flavored sausages • 2 red onions cut into wedges • 1 tsp fennel seeds INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp honey • 2–3 oz dry white wine
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Cut apples into six wedges and slice off any core, leaving the skin on. Place in a roasting pan. 3. Slice fennel in half and remove the core. Chop and add to pan along with sausages and onion wedges. 4. Using a pestle and mortar, break up fennel seeds and sprinkle over the pan. Add oregano. 5. Next, drizzle oil, honey, and wine over the ingredients, then toss all together. 6. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing occasionally until sausages are golden and fruit and veggies are tender.
TAKE A BREAK
ABUNDANT APPLES
COOKOUT CRUNCHY FALL GOLDEN GRANDPARENTS HARVEST
LABOR MAPLE SPORTS WINDY
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TYLER - 903-597-2201
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551 TYLER - 903-597-2201 WWW.TEXASSEDATIONDENTAL.COM
3665 US HIGHWAY 259 N LONGVIEW, TX 75605
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
A Labor Day Tribute to Our Amazing Staff
2
Completing Your Fall Bucket List
The Surprising Connection Between Stress and Dental Problems The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Crowns, Bridges, and Implants
3
Baked Sausage With Apples
4
Shoot Your Shot: Take a Picture
Many popular hobbies pose barriers to entry. Running marathons requires fitness, skydiving requires nerves of steel, and video gaming requires skill and money. A growing number of adults in their 50s and 60s are embracing a hobby that is perhaps the most adaptable pastime in the world — photography. For those interested in creative expression, mental and social stimulation, or simply a little low-impact exercise, photography offers a path for everyone. At a stage when personal narratives become more important to many people, photography enables adults to document their life experiences in creative ways. Photographers can choose from vast equipment types at a wide range of prices, from smartphone or point-and-shoot cameras to elaborate gear for nighttime or underwater photography. Potential genres range from landscapes and dark skies to street photography or portraits. And subjects can be found almost anywhere, from inside your home to continents on the other side of the world. Photography offers opportunities to learn about complex topics: You can express your artistic vision through a photo’s composition, lighting, and editing. Hunting for new images motivates people to get Discover the Benefits of Photography SNAP HAPPY
outdoors. Some photographers say they are enriched by the constant search for beauty in everyday life.
Photography clubs or photo walks bring together individuals with shared interests. Also, a high-quality photo of a family member or friend can be a cherished gift. To produce an image your subject will love, pay attention to lighting. “The golden hour” often occurs right before sunset or after sunrise, when the light is even and casts a flattering glow, says Maddy, a Boston photographer and TikTok influencer. Maddy says there is no need for a costly light meter to ensure the most flattering light. Simply hold up the palm of your hand facing you and rotate until your palm is bathed either in all sunshine or all shadow, she says. “Whatever light hits your palm is also going to hit your subject,” Maddy says. The result, she says, is “phenomenal photos of your friends, so they’ll love you even more!”
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