When you come to Ponderosa Dental Center and meet with your Bend dentist Dr. Benjamin De Graff, you will be impressed with our state-of-the-art technology: we just know it. One of the ways we provide a more comfortable, innovative dental experience is by using an exciting piece of technology known… Read More…
Choosing to undergo Invisalign® treatment is undoubtedly an exciting and super rewarding time in life – no matter if you’re a teen or an adult. With the help of BPA-free, clear aligners that are customized to fit your mouth comfortably, you can have a straighter, healthier smile in no time… Read More…
We can say it time and time again, but your Bend dentist is the best to remind you that your smile or your teeth are one of the first things people will notice about you — from Zoom meetings to first in-person impressions. Let’s make 2022 the year you put… Read More…
Are you missing a tooth or maybe multiple teeth? You’re not alone! Your dentist in Bend and the American College of Prosthodontists say that more than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and about 120 million people are missing at least one tooth. How does it happen? Why… Read More…
Have you ever heard of tonsil stones? Your Bend dentist thought it might be a good idea to shed some light on this often overlooked health issue. Let’s talk a little about what exactly it means to have tonsil stones and how you can help yourself at home should they… Read More…
Did you know that crooked teeth can affect more than just your appearance? Teeth that are overlapped or crooked can affect your bite, make it difficult to properly clean your teeth, and even cause problems with digestion. But there’s good news — you don’t have to live with a crooked… Read More…
Smoking can be harmful to many parts of your body, including your teeth. It increases the likelihood of tooth discoloration, cavities, and oral cancer, among other things, so it’s no surprise that quitting smoking can improve oral health. If you currently smoke but are interested in quitting, let your dentist… Read More…
The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold. Of course, we all know how easy it is to catch a cold, but can you also catch cavities? Sounds pretty far-fetched. But guess what your dentist in Bend knows? Catching a cavity… Read More…
Dental insurance can be a good thing to have, but the benefits don’t last forever. If you have dental insurance, there’s a chance that it’s going to expire at the end of the year. Unfortunately, many people let their benefits sit unused. However, there are several good reasons why you… Read More…
Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, it’s important to take good care of your mouth during recovery to minimize pain and speed up healing time. Even though wisdom teeth removal is usually a pretty straightforward procedure, it can still cause some pain and discomfort as you heal from the… Read More…
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and can cause some unwanted side effects, such as your gums pulling away from the teeth. This can lead to deep pockets between your teeth and gums. Gum disease also makes your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay, and, if left… Read More…
If you want to know how to get whiter teeth, you’ve come to the right place! Thanks to advancements in whitening technology, your dentist in Bend offers several ways for you to whiten your teeth and give you back that gorgeous smile! Read on to find out which methods will… Read More…
What’s the best way to freshen your breath? We’re glad you asked! August 6th is recognized as National Fresh Breath Day, and your dentist in Bend wants to take a closer look at what you can do to get that minty freshness all day long, as well as what may… Read More…
You might think that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking — and you wouldn’t be alone. Many former smokers, and even never-smokers, are turning to electronic cigarettes as a safer smoking option. But just how much safer is vaping than cigarettes? As it turns out, not much safer at… Read More…
The American Dental Association, along with your dentist in Bend, recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, every day. However, many people don’t brush their teeth as often as they should. This can increase the risk of developing some serious oral problems. 1. Cavities The… Read More…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 90% of American adults have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. Most of the time, these cavities will be fixed with a filling from your dentist in Bend. While dental fillings are tough restorations, there is a chance… Read More…
We’ve all heard our dentists talk about how important it is to take it easy on the soda. But did you know that there’s another drink out there that can also harm your teeth? It turns out that the sugar content in sweet sodas isn’t the only thing that concerns… Read More…
If you notice that your teeth aren’t quite as white as they used to be, or if there’s a sudden appearance of brown, yellowish, or black spots, you have every right to be concerned. After all, we all want to have bright, white smiles we’re proud to show off. But… Read More…
Pollen counts are high, eyes are itchy, noses are drippy, and sinuses everywhere are stuffy. It’s allergy season, and even though allergies don’t directly cause cavities, allergies can still be concerning for your dentist in Bend. In fact, the way our bodies react to allergens can put us at increased… Read More…
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is an incredibly common problem associated with the digestion process. So why in the world is your dentist in Bend writing about something that’s typically seen as a stomach problem? The truth is, acid reflux can wear down tooth enamel… Read More…