I love being a dentist! Every day I spend time with fascinating people, talking with and learning from them, as we work together to improve their oral health. My practice serves a diverse community and I appreciate how my patients stories and experiences enrich my life.
My team and I are passionate about painless, advanced dentistry. Were patient and excel at helping people work through any dental anxiety they might have. Instead of judging and lecturing patients, we listen to their concerns and seek to understand what they need from care. I love having the ability to change peoples perspectives on dentistry: todays dental technology and options mean comfortable treatment and amazing results!
Ive been practicing since 2008: I knew, growing up, that I wanted to go into healthcare and am a former engineer. Dentistry is the perfect fit for my skills and interests. Im able to help people improve their lives, by relieving pain, restoring function, and creating more beautiful smiles, and get to use my hands, technology, and tools in the process!
Remarkable advancements in oral healthcare, from new techniques and materials to revolutionary technologies, are ongoing. Its essential Im current on these changes in order to evaluate each and determine if theyre appropriate for my patients needs. I want patients to have multiple options for achieving and maintaining a healthy smile and continuing education allows me to offer those.
In addition to general dentistry, Ive completed post-graduate courses on aesthetic (cosmetic), and implant dentistry. Ive also studied full-mouth rehabilitation, occlusion, and surgical grafting procedures. My patients deserve leading-edge dental care and continuing education ensures I exceed their expectations.
I grew up in a mixture of the Chicagoland area and northern Michigan, so Im familiar with both urban and rural living. Right now my wife and I live in Houston, where weve been for several years, and are preparing to move to the Brazoria area.
Our eventual goal is to purchase 20-25 acres and raise cattle, chickens, and whatever else we want. And Ill need space to tinker with cars and motorcycles, too. Right now Im converting my 25 year old Miata into an Exocet.
Your oral health, and that of your family, is important to you. At Osga Dental, we understand the role dental health plays in your life and would love to help you and your family achieve a lifetime of health-filled, wonderful smiles! Not only will we help you reach your dental health goals, well have you smiling at every visit!
Dr. Osga uses digital X-rays with reduced radiation. These are almost instantly viewable and ideal for treatment planning. The doctor is able to show you exactly whats happening in your mouth and clearly walk you through the care options.
While we provide technologically advanced dentistry, we never forget that were caring for a person. Dr. Osga and our team are friendly, warm, and people-oriented. We want to get to know you as a person and learn about your life. Working in dentistry allows us to build lasting relationships with our community: we love those connections and look forward to becoming your friends.
Starting with your first visit, well spend time talking with you. Its important we understand your dental goals and needs. We also need to know about your hobbies, overall health, and financial concerns. This ensures Dr. Osga is able to create the perfect treatment plan that meets all of your needs.
Persistent dry mouth can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including cracked lips, a sore throat, and a feeling of stickiness. Decreased saliva can also lead to frequent thirst and mouth sores.
Without sufficient saliva, normal daily activities can be more difficult. You may struggle to speak due to a hoarse voice or need to drink water frequently in order to swallow. Many individuals with dry mouth also have a decreased sense of taste.
Smoking and chewing tobacco can affect the amount of saliva you produce and exacerbate dry mouth. Regularly breathing with your mouth open can also contribute to dry mouth symptoms. Individuals with seasonal allergies or other conditions that limit their ability to breathe through their nose may suffer with frequent dry mouth as well.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. Some cancer therapies can also affect saliva.
Decreased salivationis also associated with health conditions. Nerve damage in the head or neck can affect salivary glands. Dry mouth can also result from diabetes, Alzheimers disease, and certain autoimmune disorders.
Discussing your symptoms and medical history with your dentist is the best way to determine if your dry mouth is serious. They can review the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, and examine your mouth for signs of serious issues.
There are a variety of products available to lubricate the inside of your mouth. Your dentist may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter mouthwash designed for dry mouth, artificial saliva, or a moisturizer.