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(915) 271-4777
Schedule Your Visit
(915) 271-4777

Paul Vera

Benefits of Dental Bridges

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What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative dental treatment designed to replace one or more missing natural teeth. Unlike removable prosthetic appliances, bridges attach permanently to surrounding teeth and do not require removal for cleaning. They are custom-made for each patient, providing a natural and realistic appearance. Fixed bridges are typically long-lasting, and in most cases, can function effectively for many years before requiring replacement.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are widely available and can provide numerous benefits for those who need them. Here are some of the advantages of getting a dental bridge in El Paso:

  • Restored Functionality: Missing teeth can affect the way you eat, speak, and even smile. A dental bridge can restore your ability to do these things properly by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth.
  • Improved Appearance: A dental bridge can also improve the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps and giving you a more uniform appearance. This can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
  • Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause your cheeks and lips to sag, making you look older than you are. A dental bridge can help maintain the structure of your face and prevent this from happening.
  • Preventing Shifting Teeth: When you have missing teeth, the surrounding teeth can shift out of place and cause problems with your bite. A dental bridge can prevent this from happening by filling in the gaps and keeping the surrounding teeth in their proper positions.
  • Long-Lasting Solution: Dental bridges can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, making them a reliable and cost-effective solution for missing teeth.
  • Easy Maintenance: Dental bridges are easy to maintain and can be cleaned just like your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help keep your dental bridge in good condition.
  • Improved Chewing Ability: With missing teeth, you may find it difficult to eat certain foods. A dental bridge can restore your ability to chew properly, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
  • Enhanced Speech: Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly. A dental bridge can help improve your speech by filling in the gaps and allowing you to form words and sounds more effectively.

Dental bridges are an effective solution for restoring the appearance of your smile, as well as improving functionality. They can also prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to crowding and misalignment. 
If you’re considering getting a dental bridge in El Paso, Texas, there are many benefits to be gained. From restoring your ability to eat and speak to improving your appearance and maintaining facial structure, dental bridges are a reliable and effective solution for missing teeth. Consult with one of our 915 Smile Studio dental professionals to see if a dental bridge is right for you.

What Is The Best Way to Clean a Mouthguard?

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How Often Do Dental Implants Need to be Replaced?

Dental mouthguards may be worn to prevent patients from grinding or clenching their teeth. They are also used to help with sleep apnea symptoms, and to protect teeth from injury during sports. At our practice, we work with patients who have concerns about protecting their teeth, and part of our evaluation process is to determine if patients may benefit from a mouthguard.

As with any device, it is important to understand how to keep your mouthguard clean after each use. Taking care of your mouthguard is important to ensure the guard continues to protect your teeth properly. We recommend if patients use a mouthguard to add the cleaning process to your daily oral hygiene routine at home.

How to Care For Your Mouthguard At Home Daily

  • Rinse your mouthguard immediately after each use with warm water. This helps to loosen up any bacteria or plaque that may have built up while wearing the device.
  • Gently brush your mouthguard using a toothbrush. A separate toothbrush can be used for this process if you prefer to not use the brush used for your teeth.
  • Do not use toothpaste to brush your mouthguard as this can be too abrasive, and could damage the mouthguard.
  • Set the clean mouthguard on a clean surface and allow it to dry completely. If you do not let your mouthguard dry completely bacteria growth may occur. Typically, the drying process takes between 15-30 minutes.
  • Once the mouthguard is dry store the guard in a case to protect it from any damage. It may be best to store the mouthguard outside of the bathroom to ensure the humidity or steam does not cause the mouthguard to warp over time.

When Should I Deep Clean My Mouthguard?

We recommend patients should deep clean their mouthguard at least once a week. Patients can use a denture cleaner from your local pharmacy, mouthwash mixed with water, or mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together. Place the mouthguard in a bowl, and let it soak in the mixture of your choice for at least 30 minutes.

Once the mouthguard has soaked you can remove it, and allow it to dry completely before placing it back in the case. Cleaning the mouthguard case is also important. Cases can be hand washed every couple of days to remove any bacteria that has collected over time. We recommend mouthguard cases be replaced every 6-12 months.
When you visit our office always bring your mouthguard and case. This gives our doctor the ability to inspect your mouthguard, and ensure the guard still fits properly. Our team can also help you clean the guard if necessary during your appointment.

Taking care of your mouthguard is easy if you incorporate the cleaning process into your oral hygiene routine at home.

Looking to Find a Dentist in X to See if You Can Benefit From a Mouthguard?

If you are looking for dental restoration options, and are interested in finding out if you can benefit from a mouthguard, call our office to schedule a consultation. Our evaluation process can help answer any questions you may have, and we can listen to your concerns to determine if a mouthguard is right for you.

Interested in Dental Implants?

Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygienehabits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. Our friendly teamis here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answerquestions and help you every step of the way.

If youare interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they may benefit you, contactus to schedule your consultation as soon as possible.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns?

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How Often Do Dental Implants Need to be Replaced?

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that places a cap over a tooth or dental implant. Crowns help keep the underlying tooth from breaking apart, and can be used to help fix an area on a tooth that is broken. There are different types of crowns available to patients, and depending on the severity of the tooth will determine which type of crown is best. Crowns are typically made of hard materials such as porcelain or ceramic, but can also be made of gold, resin, or stainless steel. They can be made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth and blend in nicely.

Pros of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns improve your appearance, and can help correct any cosmetic issues in the mouth. There are many benefits to dental crowns, and crowns are commonly used today.

  • Crowns are used to replace large or worn out fillings in the teeth
  • Restore dental implants
  • Restore cracked, injured, or damaged teeth
  • Correct discoloration or alignment
  • Reshape your teeth
  • Keep cracked or damaged teeth from breaking down further
  • Protect the underlying tooth after a root canal
  • Crowns are durable and last for years

Cons of Dental Crowns

With any dental procedure there are always some disadvantages patients should consider. In some cases, crowns may need to be repaired or replaced. This is not common but does happen occasionally. During a crown procedure the tooth has to be filed down to ensure the crown can be securely placed. If a crown is not fitted properly there is risk that it can fall out, or allow bacteria to enter underneath the crown. Patients may become more sensitive to hot or cold after their crown is placed. Our office typically recommends a sensitive toothpaste to help with this issue.

If patients ever have an issue with a crown we encourage them to contact our office right away. Leaving a damaged crown untreated can lead to further issues or complications. Overall, crowns are extremely helpful in preserving teeth, and give patients a beautiful natural white smile. The benefits of crowns definitely outweigh the risks.

Interested in Dental Implants?

Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygienehabits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. Our friendly teamis here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answerquestions and help you every step of the way.

If youare interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they may benefit you, contactus to schedule your consultation as soon as possible.

How Often Do Dental Implants Need to be Replaced?

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How Often Do Dental Implants Need to be Replaced?

If you have been recommended for dental implants, you may wonder if they will ever have to bereplaced. Implants are a permanent restorative solution for patients seeking that perfect smile.Dentalimplants look and feel natural in the mouth,and last upwards of 25 yearsif they are cared for properly.

At our practice, dental implants are one of the most common restorative options performed. Manypatients are leaning towards this permanent option to give them a durable smile that will last for years.Dental implants can last your entire life, and they are one of the most reliable tooth restoration optionsavailable to patients.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Implants have a 95% success rate, andwe encourage patients to use good oral hygiene habits to keepthe implants clean and free of plaque. This helps the implants to last, and prevents infection which canmake them unstable in the mouth. Implants moving or needing replacement is rare. If an implant shiftsout of place this could indicate the bone tissue is not providing enough support, and you should contactourdental office immediately.

Tips to Ensure your Dental Implants Last a Lifetime

Here are some helpful tips that you can start using to get the most out of your dental implants:

  • Floss daily using an implant specific floss or wax free floss to help keep the area clean and freeof plaque. A Waterpik Water Flosser can be used to assist in removing plaque around theimplants.
  • Use a low abrasive tooth brush such as a soft type brush on your implants.
  • Avoid any products, foods, or drinks containing any ingredients that may stain your teeth.
  • Anti-microbial rinses can be used to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
  • Avoid products thatcontain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or baking soda. Theseingredients can make the implants prone to corrosion.

Interested in Dental Implants?

Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygienehabits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. Our friendly teamis here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answerquestions and help you every step of the way.

If youare interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they may benefit you, contactus to schedule your consultation as soon as possible.

Is It Better to Get a Dental Implant or a Bridge?

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Is I t Better to Get a Dental Implant or a Bridge?

When deciding on a restorative solution it is important to look at all of your options to help you decideon the best option that works for you. A common question patients face is if they should choose adental bridge or dental implants when they are looking for a tooth replacement solution. Both arerestorative solutions for missing teeth, and it is helpful to understand the differences. At our practice,we provide our patients with a thorough consultation to examine their teeth and mouth, and discuss thedifferences between all of the restorative options available. Our staff works closely with our patients tohelp choose the best solution.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge isa fixed restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges areanchored to one or more neighboring teeth also known as abutment teeth. Bridges can be supported bynatural teeth or by dental implants. The false teeth are in-between and are called pontics.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

During your first appointment we prepare the neighboring teeth. The preparation for a bridge involvesremoving part of the enamel to allow room for the crown. The crowns are placed over the neighboringteeth. Impressions of your teeth are takento make the bridge in the lab,and temporary bridges areused while you wait for your permanent bridge.

Patients return to the office,and we remove the temporary bridge to prepare for the permanent bridge.The new bridge is installed,and we check to make sure the bridge is comfortable,and the perfect fit.Patientsmay have to return to our officeagainto ensurethe bridge is working well with your bite. Oncewe know the bridge fits properly we will cement the bridge in place.

How Long Will Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges last around 10-15years. Bridgesdoinvolve using some of your natural teeth, and this cancause your bridge to fail over time. The teeth around the bridge arestillvulnerable to decay and diseasewhich can attribute to the life of the bridge. Patients must practice good oral hygiene habits at home tokeep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. We recommend brushing twice a day and flossing toensure youcarefullycleanaroundboth the falseand natural teeth. Visiting our office regularly can helpto keep yourteeth clean,and your bridge looking and feeling great.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

  • Surgery is not required
  • Dental bridges tend to be lesscostly compared to implants
  • Jawbone density is not an issue with bridges
  • Overall the bridge procedure is less invasive compared to dental implants

Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are a permanent solution for patients that have missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They aredurable,and act similar to a screw that is placed into the jawbone. The screw acts like an artificial toothroot, and provides a strong base for one or more artificial teeth. Implants require a healing periodtogive the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. Thisprocess allows the implant to function just like anatural tooth.

How Can I Tell if I Need a Periodontist or an Endodontist?

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How Can I Tell if I Need a Periodontist or an Endodontist?

Knowing which type of dentist to call can be stressful. Bothperiodontists and endodontists are oralhealth specialists, and have been trained as dentists. Each specialist has additional training,andunderstanding those details can help you decide which is best for you.

Periodontists

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontaldisease. This type of dentist specializes in dental implants and other cosmetic procedures. Periodontistsreceive three additional years of education in the area of periodontal disease and treatment.

Patients that have issues with their gums or tissues in the mouth may need to visit a periodontist.Periodontists lookfor gum recession, pockets around the teeth, infection, and any issues around thegums. There are special treatment procedures periodontists offer to help patients that have damagedgum tissue. They can removethedamaged tissue to help preserve both yourteeth and gums.

Endodontists

An endodontists is another type of dentist that specializes in any issues inside the tooth. This includesthe pulp, blood vessels, and tissue. A common treatment done by an endodontist is a root canal. Theycan remove any infected pulp,and seal the area to help save your tooth. If you have a cracked, broken,or injured tooth, an endodontist is the specialist to visit.

General Dentists

It is important to also know when to see a general dentist and the differences between a general dentistand a specialist. General dentists focus on your teeth and oral health. This includes prevention,diagnosis, and treatment of various issues. Your general dentist takes care of your cleanings and exams,and can treat cavities. In addition, general dentistscan provide veneers, crowns, and other variouscosmetic treatments. If patients need specialized treatment the general dentist will typically refer thatpatient to the proper specialist.

What are My Next Steps i n Finding a Specialist?

Talkingto your general dentist is important. If you notice you have an issue with your gums, or have hada root canal and are in pain, it may be time to see a specialist. Your general dentist can typically give youa referral to a great specialist in your area that can treat the issue.
If you have been referred to our office we look forward to meeting you. Our patients are our priorityand we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of care to all of our patients.
To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists contact our office, and our staff will be happy toassist you.

Orthodontics

If youhave an issue with your bite orthodontics may help correct your gummy smile. Orthodontictreatment can help adjust your bite to avoid gum tissue showing when you smile.

Looking To Take the Next Step to a Beautiful Smile?

If you are looking to correct yoursmile we encourage you take the first step and schedule a consultationin our office. This will give our team the opportunity to evaluate your concerns,and discuss possible treatment options that work for you. We want you to be proud of your smile,and weare here to helpyou get the smile you have always wanted.If you are interested in scheduling acosmetic consultation, contact our office and we will be happy toassist you.

How Can I Fix a Gummy Smile?

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How Can I Fix a Gummy Smile?

Do you notice when you smile you see gum tissue more than your teeth? This is known as a gummysmile, andmany patients are bothered by how their smile looks. There are treatment options to correcta gummy smile,and we are here to help you find a treatment that works best.

What Can Cause a Gummy Smile?

  • Your Bite

    Your bite can be genetic and your top jaw may not align properly with your bottom jaw. If your bitecauses the upper jaw to protrude this can cause a gummy look.

  • Hyperactive Upper Lip

    If your lip raises up too high gum tissue may be exposed,and this results in a gummy smile.

  • Excess Gum Tissue

    The most common cause of a gummy smile is having too much gum tissue. In many casesgum tissuecan over growwhenpermanent teeth erupt in the mouth.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening helps to reshape the gum tissue around the tooth and correct a gummy smile. Thisprocedure exposes more of the patient’s natural tooth and make the teeth look longer.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring can help change the shape of your gum,and this can be done if you have excess gumtissue. This procedure also helps if the gum line is uneven. Gum contouring removes the excess gumtissue and exposes more ofyour teeth. This helps to give patients a beautiful even looking smile.

Scaling and Root Planing

If a gummy smile is caused by inflamed gums a deep cleaning treatment may be recommended. Scalingand root planing reach down deep into the gum pockets to remove bacteria. This can help the gummyappearance subside.

Lip Lowering

This procedure involves removing a section of gum tissue to reveal a shorter looking lip. This keeps theupper lip from rising too high and exposing your gum tissue.

Orthodontics

If youhave an issue with your bite orthodontics may help correct your gummy smile. Orthodontictreatment can help adjust your bite to avoid gum tissue showing when you smile.

Looking To Take the Next Step to a Beautiful Smile?

If you are looking to correct yoursmile we encourage you take the first step and schedule a consultationin our office. This will give our team the opportunity to evaluate your concerns,and discuss possible treatment options that work for you. We want you to be proud of your smile,and weare here to helpyou get the smile you have always wanted.If you are interested in scheduling acosmetic consultation, contact our office and we will be happy toassist you.

What is the Main Cause of Crooked Teeth?

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Many patients long for that perfect straight smile. It seems everywhere you turn; you see people with beautiful smiles as a result of braces. If you have crooked teeth, you may feel isolated and your self confidence is lost. Not everyone is born with perfect teeth, and some people will need help in order to get that beautiful straight smile. The good thing is there are many orthodontic options to help correct crooked teeth, and get you the smile of your dreams. At 915 Smile Studio, our dentist in West El Paso have years of experience in orthodontics, and creating beautiful smiles is our passion.

What Are the Common Causes of Crooked Teeth?

Genetics

Genetics is the main cause of crooked teeth in many patients. Unfortunately, we do not have control over how our teeth will develop. If a patient has a smaller mouth, their risk for overcrowding increases. Other causes can be related to jaw issues such as overbites or underbites.

Habits

Many children suck their thumbs or use a pacifier. This can actually do more harm than good, and the damage is typically noticed years later. These types of habits can lead to crooked teeth. If you thrust your tongue or breath through your mouth, this can also cause crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment is typically recommended to straighten teeth, and keep your teeth aligned.

Injury

If you suffered from an injury in the mouth or jaw this can cause crooked teeth. When teeth are loose or lost, this can cause your remaining teeth and jaw to shift, and cause your teeth to become crooked. Seeking help from an orthodontist is important to help repair your mouth, and get your teeth back in place.

Keeping Primary Teeth

Taking care of a child’s baby teeth is important. Primary teeth help the permanent teeth erupt into the right place. If a child loses their primary teeth too early due to decay or trauma, this can directly affect how their permanent teeth erupt. This can cause a child’s permanent teeth to come in crooked.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Orthodontic treatment can help patients with crooked teeth at any age. If you start early, you can get the best possible results. Today, there are many options for orthodontic treatment such as traditional braces or clear aligners. At 915 Smile Studio, we discuss all of the orthodontic options during our detailed consultation process. Depending on the severity of the correction and health of your teeth, we help our patients choose the option that best fits their lifestyle. Your oral health is our priority, and we love to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams.

Looking for a Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a dentist near you that offers orthodontic treatment, 915 Smile Studio can help. Our doctors have years of experience in orthodontics, and we provide the highest level of service to all of our patients. Don’t live with crooked teeth, let our team help you get on the road to a beautiful smile. Correcting your smile can boost confidence, and allow you to feel great around others.

To schedule your orthodontic consultation with us, contact 915 Smile Studio, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Soon Can I Work After Getting a Root Canal?

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Root canals can help save a tooth and are a common procedure done today. Most patients can return to their normal activities directly after their root canal procedure. Patients should plan to rest the day of their root canal procedure, and most can return to work the very next day. Our bodies need proper healing time, and this time can vary between patients.

In most cases we recommend patients can return to work the day after their root canal procedure. Our dentist in West El Paso will discuss after care treatment with you, and answer any post treatment recovery questions you have. We will give you tips on what to do during recovery, and we always recommend calling our office if you have any prolonged pain after your procedure.

What Can I Do Immediately After My Root Canal Treatment To Help With Pain or Swelling?

  • Take over the counter medications or antibiotics if recommended by your doctor.
  • Use cold packs on the area to help with swelling and pain.
  • Follow a soft food diet until the area is healed, and avoid chewing on the tooth that was repaired.

After your root canal procedure, you may experience pain or sensitivity, but this should subside after a few days. Following our after-care guidelines is important, and can help with your recovery. If you have had any type of anesthesia during your root canal, you should avoid operating any machinery for at least 24 hours.

Patients will return home with the area still numb, but this should wear off. Depending on how you feel, and the pain afterwards, will determine if you can return to work the next day. Most patients can resume normal activity directly after their root canal treatment.

Ready to Find Out More About Root Canal Treatment?

If you are interested in finding out more about root canal treatment and how this can benefit you, contact 915 Smile Studio. Our doctors have years of experience in root canal therapy, and always make your oral health a priority. We provide a calm and welcoming environment using state of the art technology. Our practice is accepting new patients, and we welcome you to join our dental family. Come experience quality dentistry you can trust, and let our team help you take control of your oral health.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact 915 Smile Studio, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?

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bad breath

Many people suffer from chronic bad breath or halitosis. Bad breath is something you do not want to be known for, and typically finding the cause is easy. If you suffer from bad breath but also brush, floss, or gargle each day the cause may not be obvious. Taking the time to figure out the underlying problem that may be causing your bad breath is important, and finding a cure can be simple.

Common Cause of Bad Breath

Dental Hygiene

The first area patients should focus on is their dental hygiene habits. Gum or mints are only a short term solution, and finding the cause is the only way you can truly get relief from bad breath. Looking at your dental hygiene is a great place to start because dental hygiene is the most common cause of chronic bad breath. About 85% of bad breath comes from inside the mouth. If you do not brush and floss daily, bacteria can get left behind and cause issues with your breath. Bacteria eats the leftover food particles in your mouth, and as a result leaves a foul smelling odor in your mouth and on your teeth.

Devices

If patients wear retainers, dentures, or mouthguards while they sleep, these devices can trap bacteria or food particles if not cleaned properly. This can attribute to halitosis or chronic bad breath. Taking care of your teeth and mouth is extremely important for your overall and oral health, and can prevent issues such as bad breath that could be embarrassing around others.

Cavities or Infection

If you suffer from cavities or have an infection lingering in your mouth that has not been treated, this can cause bad breath. Attending regular visits to our office for your dental cleaning and exam is important. Our skilled dentist in El Paso can get in front of issues such as cavities or infections and prevent further problems in the future. If patients have issues with their tonsils or throat, this can cause bad breath, and can be from an infection such as strep throat. Patients should seek treatment from their primary care physician if they feel there is an issue with their tonsils or throat.

Dry Mouth or Dehydration

Dehydration or dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. Saliva and water wash away bacteria or food particles. If your mouth is not hydrated this reduces saliva and can cause halitosis. Our saliva contains pertinent minerals and proteins that help defend against bacteria. Staying hydrated is important to keep our mouth healthy and to prevent bad breath.

Other Possible Causes for Bad Breath

  • Diabetes
  • Throat or mouth cancer
  • Sinus infection
  • Digestive issues
  • Acid reflux
  • Lung infection 
  • Liver disease

What Can I Do to Cure My Bad Breath?

  • Brush and floss two times a day
  • Use an antimicrobial rinse daily
  • Tongue scrape daily to remove bacteria
  • Remove any devices and clean them thoroughly
  • Visit our dental office for regular cleanings and exams
  • Review your diet and try and stick to eating healthy foods
  • Drink water and stay hydrated
  • Avoid tobacco products

Looking For Help With Chronic Bad Breath?

There are many simple solutions to cure bad breath. We encourage you to make an appointment for an exam in our office to discuss your concerns. Our skilled staff can help give you tips, and our thorough dental exam can help identify any issues you may have that could be causing chronic bad breath. If you have already tried simple solutions and still notice your bad breath does not go away, we may advise you make an appointment to see your primary care physician. 

If you are interested in finding a solution to cure bad breath we can help. To schedule your appointment contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

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We invite you to come in and experience 915 Smile Studio. Call today or contact us to schedule your appointment.

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(915)-271-4777

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3260 N. Zaragoza Road, Suite D406
El Paso, Texas 79938, USA

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