Common Questions

Dr. Van Huffel has been treating patients since 1994 and provides high quality care through a whole-patient approach. She practices conservative dentistry, recommending only the treatments that are necessary to your optimal oral health. Because of her commitment, we enjoy wonderful relationships with our patients.

The American Dental Association has stated that the mercury levels in amalgam fillings is safe, however, our office prefers to take a conservative approach with our patients’ health. Our office is completely metal-free and only places composite, all-white fillings. A natural-looking alternative to amalgam, composite fillings closely match the color of your tooth and are as durable as their metal counterparts.

Yes. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that should not be taken lightly. Sleep apnea causes the sufferer to stop breathing for up to 10 seconds or more. The lack of oxygen signals the brain to wake up and breathe, and this cycle can happen hundreds of times a night. Sleep apnea can cause stress and exhaustion by depriving you of the deep, restorative sleep you need to feel rested. That’s no way to go through the day. Additionally, sleep apnea carries with it serious risks including, heart attack, stroke, memory loss, and an increased instance of accidents.

Yes, very important! As many as 40% of all sports injuries involve the face. Concussions are also more likely without protection for your teeth. There’s no reason to risk an emergency trip to our office, or the hospital, when a mouthguard can be used to prevent damage.

Bruxism is just a fancy term for teeth grinding, a condition that affects both children and adults, which usually occurs at night when sleeping. Both children and adults can suffer with bruxism, which can be triggered by several external factors including stress, as well as oral health issues such as misalignments. Bruxism can be the culprit behind a sore jaw, headaches, and earaches, and the constant grinding and clenching of the teeth can contribute to TMJ disorder.Dr. Van Huffel can discuss with you how to stop the damage from this unconscious habit.