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Dental Simulation Lab
12/02/02
Do you get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist? Well, you'll be happy to know that dental students are learning how to make you more comfortable before they even treat a real patient! Dr. Niessen reports from a state of the art simulation lab at Baylor College of Dentistry.
Thanksgiving Smile
11/25/02
In holiday photos, do you hide your teeth by smiling with your lips together? Tis the season to take action. Dr. Niessen looks at one Dallas woman with a famous voice who plans to smile for the first time in upcoming holiday photos.
Season to Remove Wisdom Teeth
11/18/02
Most people only have room for 28 teeth - not 32. So when the wisdom teeth start to come in, they can get trapped beneath the gums or jaw bone. We call this situation “impacted.” Dr. Linda Niessen discusses this important Dental topic in this week's Dental Health Check.
Financing dental work on the rise
11/11/02
Do you need expensive dental work but can't afford it? The answer may be to finance it. With interest rates at an all-time low, special dental plans are literally putting new smiles on patients' faces. Dr. Niessen looks into dental financing for procedures not covered by insurance in this week's Dental Health Check.
Using Wisdom to Grow New Teeth
11/06/02
We are born with tooth buds for every tooth we will ever develop. But four of those teeth, our wisdom teeth, usually cause crowding problems and are extracted. Researchers grow teeth from "buds" in the laboratory opening up a new frontier of future dental treatment for patients. Dr. Niessen looks at this amazing research in this Dental Health Check.
Fangs
10/28/02
Long, sharp and pointy canine teeth can look like fangs. With Halloween just a few days away, Dr. Niessen explains how dentists can turn scary looking teeth into a beautiful smile.
Instant Dentures
10/21/02
The fear of being without teeth for even a few days causes many people to put off getting dentures. But now, many dentists eliminate that fear by removing teeth and placing a denture the same day. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at this unconventional technique in today's Dental Health Check.
Teeth Too White?
10/14/02
The bleaching craze is changing how dentists match natural teeth with bonding or porcelain materials. This raises the question: can teeth be too white? Dr. Niessen says many dentists think ultra white teeth can look unnatural, in today's Dental Health Check.
Signs of Grinding
10/07/02
Do you wake up with a headache? After a night's sleep, do you still feel tired? The problem may be diagnosed NOT by your physician but by your dentist. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the signs of grinding in today's Dental Health Check.
Small Teeth
09/30/02
Genetics play a key role in a person's overall health. But did you know that genetics also can determine how your teeth develop. Dr. Niessen looks at one common condition that often runs in families---little teeth or microdontia.
Dental sealants help protect students' teeth
09/23/02
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling for more dental sealant programs in public schools. Recent studies show sealing a child’s permanent molars can save money and reduce the number of days absent from school. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at one of the nation’s pilot programs in today's Dental Health Check.
Sports Mouthguards
09/16/02
Should mouthguards be required in other contact sports besides football? NCAA is looking at recommendations for volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Dr. Linda Niessen visits with the team dentist for TCU in Fort Worth and a TCU soccer goalkeeper.
Whiten your teeth without lightening your wallet
09/09/02
To bleach your teeth, you can now skip a trip to the dentist. Instead, take a trip down the dental aisle.
Root of Pain
08/26/02
Does your morning cup of coffee cause more pain than comfort? Dr. Linda Niessen explains what dental heat sensitivity and other symptoms may mean.
New Smile
09/24/02
In a recent survey, 90 percent of American adults believed an attractive smile was an important social asset. Dentists report that many single adults undergo cosmetic dentistry to make a better first impression in social and professional situations. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at one such case in today's Dental Health Check.
Lance Armstrong discusses oral side effects of cancer
04/22/02
During an hour-long panel discussion, cancer survivors got a chance to ask questions and share common experiences with three-time winner of the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong. Dr. Linda Niessen reports.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
04/15/02
"It's like your tongue is real thick," she says. "And it doesn't want to do what you want it to do. Your gums burn. It's hard to talk. It really is."
Tom Cruise and adult braces
04/08/02
When Tom Cruise presented at the Academy Awards, you may not have noticed the new clear brackets on his teeth.
Gene Therapy
04/01/02
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have discovered a way to actually make dentin. That's the part of the tooth just under the enamel.
Replacing Facial Parts
03/25/02
Samuel Boutris was born without a left ear, but through amazing dental implant technology, he'll leave the dental office with one that looks very close to the real thing. How does it work?
Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.
