Periodontal Health Assessment

Some form of periodontal gum disease affects most Americans. Often you don't even realize it! Worsening gum disease causes bad breath, bleeding gums, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth loss. The simple truth is that it is easily prevented with proper dental hygiene, consistent home care, and timely professional treatment. When disease is present, early diagnosis means the condition is easier to treat with effective solutions that promise success. Your visit with Dr. Shannon includes a complete evaluation of your gums and supportive tissues.

Periodontal Supportive Therapy

Shannon DentalCare provides an array of nonsurgical periodontal services for patients with and without active gum disease. Timely and regular treatment of your gums with professional cleaning of the teeth helps to maintain a healthy smile. Combined with effective home care most patients will never experience the harmful effects of gum disease.

Perhaps you have been diagnosed with gum disease and treated for it. If so, ongoing supportive therapy is vitally important to your successful management of this condition so it does not worsen. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, "following a course of active treatment and periodic ongoing care at regularly prescribed intervals is essential." Periodontal gum disease can reoccur so continuous treatment is absolutely necessary to prevent the infection from becoming active again and destroying the healing that has been achieved.

Your Periodontal Maintenance Visit includes the following:

• Evaluation of your oral health to detect any subtle signs of gum disease reoccurrence
• Assessment of the effectiveness of your home care
• Appropriate professional cleaning of the teeth and gums
• Appropriate anti-bacterial therapy to destroy difficult to reach bacteria
• Recommendations of additional in-office and home health aids as deemed beneficial by Dr. Shannon

Tooth Removal

The goal of dentistry is to preserve and protect the teeth so they can be kept in good health for a lifetime. However, sometimes a tooth is too badly damaged and cannot be saved. Dr. Shannon can recommend treatment options to replace a tooth should it be necessary to remove it. The tooth removal can often be done in-office and you will receive comfortable, gentle care from our team.

TMJ/Myofacial Dysfunction

Does your jaw pop when you open or close? Do you experience pain in your jaw joints or facial muscles? You may be one of the many Americans who subconsciously clench and/or grind your teeth. This condition is called bruxism and is often a physical response to stress. Bruxism is a harmful habit made worse by teeth that are not correctly aligned. It causes chronic tension of the facial muscles and can lead to sore jaw joints.

Bruxers may or may not be aware of their habit. Common signs of the condition include teeth that are excessively worn down, chipped, cracked, fractured, and loosened. Symptoms may include sore jaw joints, headaches, neck pain, tooth sensitivity, and gum inflammation.

Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Shannon can recommend a solution that will help alleviate the problem. One option is a Nightguard. A Nightguard is a bite appliance worn at night to protect the tissues from harm. Dr. Shannon can make you a custom-fitted Nightguard that will successfully intervene and allow you to rest comfortably at night.

Endodontic Therapy

When the vital tissue within a tooth (tooth pulp) becomes infected or damaged root canal therapy is sometimes required in order to save the tooth. Despite what you may have heard, this treatment can be done with little or no discomfort when carefully managed. Controlling the infection with antibiotics first can calm the infection and alleviate the toothache it causes. Dr. Shannon often starts treatment this way. Once the tooth is calmed, he removes the damaged tooth pulp and then fills the space with a medicated sealer. Afterwards the tooth is made whole with an appropriate restoration such as a filling or a crown.

Multi-rooted teeth are more complex and challenging to successfully treat compared to single-rooted ones. Occasionally teeth which have been treated with root canal therapy may deteriorate over time. Depending on the patient's unique circumstances, Dr. Shannon may recommend treatment by an endodontist (a dental specialist with experience in managing more difficult situations). When making such a referral he will make certain that the patient is well cared for.

As Financial Coordinator and Scheduling Assistant, Kathleen enjoys helping patients receive the greatest benefit possible from their dental plans and finding ways to help with out-of-pocket expense. She is always available to answer questions about dental insurance, payment plans, treatment scheduling and enjoys helping patients meet their goals for their dental health as well as their finances. Kathleen's family is from Jackson, Mississippi and Kathleen graduated from Ole Miss University. Prior to joining her husband in opening Shannon DentalCare, her business experience included time as a research assistant and commercial appraiser. Kathleen has two wonderful nieces who have been like her daughters, Ginny and Ashley.

Kathleen is an active participant in Bible Study Fellowship. She has served as a discussion leader, children's leader and children's supervisor. She currently attends the Plano Evening Women's Class and leads a discussion group on Monday nights. She and her husband are active members of Prestonwood Baptist Church. Kathleen has volunteered on several event-planning committees for the McKinney Chamber of Commerce.

Kathleen's family loves Boston terriers and has had several during the years. During her spare time, Kathleen enjoys sewing, cooking, reading and window shopping for antiques.

Melinda Metzger is a graduate of the Northeast Texas Community College Dental Hygiene School. She won the school's "Horizon Award" for her contributions to the community in service to the underprivileged. Melinda is married and currently resides in Paris with her husband Jimmy and 7 dogs. You read that right! She is a serious dog lover, especially rescued Weimaraners.

Melinda brings energy and enthusiasm to Shannon DentalCare. She wastes no time in winning the approval of all of her patients. Many have commented on the thorough and gentle treatment she provides. Melinda currently works Monday through Wednesday – if you haven't already done so, contact the office today and schedule your next dental check-up. You'll appreciate her friendliness and professionalism.

Shelly Calvert has had the privilege of working side-by-side with Dr. Shannon as his dental assistant since the practice opened. As a Dental Assistant, Shelly helps Dr. Shannon provide advanced treatment for patients of all ages. Her chairside manner is a significant factor in helping patients feel comfortable while undergoing treatments. Shelly has experience in pediatric dentistry as well as general dentistry.

Shelly and her husband Gary are blessed with two children. Cortney graduated in 3 years from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, receiving a Bachelors degree in Sociology and a minor in Social Work and is a social worker with Dallas Child Protective Services (CPS). Their son Brandon is attending college in Collin County with plans to pursue a career in criminal justice. Shelly and her family feel like the Father above has blessed them richly.