Category Archive

People who have poor oral health are more likely to experience cardiovascular problems like strokes or heart attacks than people with good oral health. This was a surprising observation made by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling in a blog published by Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing. While there is no definitive reason why or how oral health is correlated to heart health, there are several theories explaining the phenomena.  How Are Oral Health and Heart Health Connected? Diseases that affect a person’s gums like gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by bacteria. These bacteria can travel to other parts of the … Read More

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can be a frustrating and painful condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. While it primarily involves the jaw joint, its symptoms can extend to headaches, neck pain, and even earaches. At Academy Dental Care, we can provide relief and improve your quality of life through personalized treatment. Discover how our Albuquerque dentists can treat TMJ. Understanding TMJTMJ refers to issues with the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. This complex joint allows for the smooth movement required for chewing, speaking, and yawning. However, several factors can lead to dysfunction and discomfort. Common Causes … Read More

When it comes to human health, the interplay between oral health and overall well-being is gaining increasing attention. At Academy Dental Care, we are committed to not only ensuring the health of your smile, but also understanding its impact on your systemic health. One significant connection that has emerged in recent years is the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular health. Learn more about this correlation and uncover why caring for your gums may be crucial for your heart. The Oral-Systemic Bridge Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, is more than … Read More

When trying to get a flawless smile, the decision to decide the right orthodontic treatment is one that requires careful consideration. At Academy Dental Care, we understand that choosing the right method to align your teeth is crucial, which is why we proudly offer Invisalign as a premier option for our patients. What sets Invisalign apart is its revolutionary approach to teeth straightening, offering a blend of effectiveness, comfort, and discretion that traditional braces simply can’t match. Invisalign utilizes a series of custom-made, clear aligners that seamlessly blend into your lifestyle. Invisalign: Discreet and Comfortable Teeth Alignment One of the … Read More

The importance of proper tooth alignment extends far beyond aesthetics. At Academy Dental Care, we believe that straighter teeth not only enhance your smile but also contribute to a healthier mouth and a healthier you. Let’s take a look into the many reasons why investing in tooth alignment can lead to a lifetime of oral wellness. Many patients at Academy Dental Care are unaware that correcting malocclusion can address everyday oral problems they experience. Issues like halitosis, gingivitis, cold sensitivity, and chipping may all stem from improperly aligned teeth. By addressing malocclusion, not only can these immediate issues be resolved, … Read More

Good oral hygiene is fundamental to overall health, with simple yet effective practices recommended by dental experts forming the foundation. The American Dental Association advocates for a two-minute brushing routine twice a day, underscoring its importance in oral care. However, beyond these basic guidelines, a nuanced understanding of dental maintenance emerges, encompassing factors such as diet, saliva production, and microbial balance. Learn more about the multifaceted aspects of oral health as explained by our expert doctors, shedding light on the holistic approach required to preserve healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene While it is recommended to engage in … Read More

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Dr. Chelsea Gonzales, a true pioneer in the field of dental care, who has recently been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Qualified Member status by the esteemed Crown Council. Dr. Gonzales’ unwavering dedication to excellence, compassionate patient care, and tireless commitment to community service make her a shining example of what it means to be a dental professional. This recognition is not just an achievement, but a testament to Dr. Gonzales’ unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and community service. For years, Dr. Gonzales has been a shining example of what it means … Read More

We’re proud to have been featured on Henry Schein Dental TV! Henry Schein is a company that provides solutions for healthcare companies and works with many dental professionals to help them succeed. They interviewed our own Dr. Chelsea Gonzales and Gabe Gonzales to showcase our practice, and they explained how Henry Schein Dental helped with the logistics of moving into our new dental office. With a strong focus on patient experience and dedication to quality care, Henry Schein helped the practice avoid pitfalls. The new office allowed us to create a great environment for our patients that is calming and … Read More

We are extremely excited to announce that Dr. Elizabeth VanLeeuwen will be joining Academy Dental Care! With her passion for high-quality, comprehensive dentistry, she strives to make recommendations and give advice about oral health. Her patients over the years have become like family, and it is important to her that they remain relaxed and comfortable. As a partner in her patients’ care, she can make treatment recommendations based on experience but ultimately wants to work with them to make the best decisions. Like all good dentists, she is keenly aware of the connection between dental health and overall systemic health, … Read More

Cosmetic dentistry is a popular option to improve the overall look and aesthetics of your smile and overall appearance. Whether you’re interested in fixing a cracked or chipped tooth, fixing gaps or spaces in your teeth, tooth discoloration and staining, or simply want to feel more confident with your smile—cosmetic dentistry is a wonderful option to discuss with your dentist. At Academy Dental Care, our dentists have the expertise and latest technology necessary to ensure your cosmetic dental experience is a comfortable one. What Is the Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and General Dentistry? Dentists are typically seen as concerned with … Read More

Invisalign is a set of custom-made clear braces worn for the orthodontic treatment of misaligned teeth. Invisalign is comfortable to wear and less noticeable than traditional braces and is an excellent option for those looking for a discreet way to realign their teeth. If you’re exploring your options for orthodontic care that’s right for you, contact us today. At Academy Dental Care, our experienced dentists will discuss your options and find the right treatment plan for you, including taking digital imaging of your teeth which are then used to custom fit your Invisalign braces to your mouth. Transform your smile … Read More

A temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a set of joints in the jaw that help to open and close the mouth. TMJ issues affect nearly 10 million people but are often ignored or go unnoticed. While TMJ disorders can be temporary, there are cases where it becomes chronic or long-lasting, causing pain to the individual with TMJ. When you suspect you have a TMJ disorder, it’s important to get checked thoroughly by a dental professional for any underlying causes and a treatment plan. At Academy Dental Care in Albuquerque, Dr. Shane Krohnfeldt is able to discern if your chronic jaw … Read More

Academy Dental Care is proud to have Monica Padilla, who joined us in July 2021, as part of our team of caring, experienced, dental hygienists. Monica Padilla graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2008 and has focused on helping her patients feel their best through compassionate dental care. She cares for her patients by teaching them about how better oral health can lead to better overall health and helps to show her patients the best way to ensure their oral health is cared for. Monica Padilla is passionate about connecting with her patients and learning more about their … Read More

At Academy Dental Care, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality, compassionate dental care for all our patients in New Mexico. We’re happy to welcome the newest member of the Academy Dental Care team, Stephanie Baca, an experienced and caring dental hygienist ready to make a difference in the lives of all our patients through radiant smiles!  Stephanie Baca began her interest in dentistry while watching her sister-in-law attend the University of New Mexico’s Dental Hygiene program. She was inspired and eventually went on to earn her graduate degree in dentistry and traveled and lived abroad. She eventually returned to … Read More

The Crown Council is a community of the industry’s most elite dental professionals, providing resourcesto achieve and maintain a Culture of Success™ within every area of a member’s practice and life.It’s a prestigious mark of distinction, signifying a constant striving for better—a philosophy that AcademyDental Care & Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico are proud to reflect through our very own ShaneKrohnfeldt, DDS Crown Council-QualifiedDr. Krohnfeldt recently achieved his first qualification with the Crown Council, and we couldn’t be moreproud! This is the first accomplishment of the Crown Council Qualified Program, which provides a yearlyaction plan and resources that keep dental … Read More

At Academy Dental Care, we strive to provide our New Mexico community with exceptional, compassionate dental care and radiant smiles—which our newest provider takes great pride in! We’re excited to welcome, Liz Goodwin, an experienced hygienist and EFDA, to our team! Liz Goodwin has been a dental hygienist since 2006, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Mexico, as well as a license in Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary in the art of restorative dentistry. Liz is dedicated to her patients, taking the time to build meaningful relationships with them at every appointment. Her passion … Read More

Good oral health vs. bad food—it’s a popular debate, forcing many to choose between healthy, beautiful teeth or enjoying the foods you love, but here at Academy Dental Care, we beg the question: why not both? As Albuquerque’s leading dental practice, you’d probably expect us to err on the side of good oral health—and we do!—but we also know that it’s possible to enjoy foods that have earned a bad reputation without risking your beautiful smile. Allow us to explain! When it comes to dental health, many of the food and drinks we crave have been labeled as “bad”, due … Read More

Academy Dental Care and Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico are proud to join forces, offering an increased level of care and service to patients in the Albuquerque area. Detailing their merge in a recent ABQ The Magazine feature, the lead doctors from both practices touched on a variety of important topics, including a shared vision and technology focus, which Dr. Chelsea Gonzales and Dr. Charles Ghallager of Academy Dental Care touched on in their portion of the interview. Highlighting their unique team dynamic, Dr. Shane Krohnfeldt and Dr. Byron Wall of Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico speak of the merger … Read More

Highlighted in the September issue of Albuquerque The Magazine is the merger of two prominent Albuquerque dental institutions: Academy Dental Care and Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico. The two practices are equally eager as they are honored to offer New Mexicans the very best in general and cosmetic dentistry care. This integration will have a profoundly positive impact on both practices and their patients. Here’s what Dr. Chelsea S. Gonzales, DDS and Charles F. Gallagher, DMD of Academy Dental Care said to ABQ The Magazine about their merge with Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico: “Our practices decided to join forces … Read More

Academy Dental Care and Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico, two of Albuquerque’s leading dental practices, have joined together to provide New Mexicans with the very best in every aspect of dental care. Distinct in their practices yet united in their passions, these teams are redefining dental care standards, offering a new, higher level of service and care. Albuquerque The Magazine highlights this merge, detailing many important topics, such as what this merge means for them and for patients, what sets their services apart from others, what patients can expect, and more. The interview with Chelsea S. Gonzales, DDS, Charles F. … Read More

Academy Dental Care has been nominated by the Hispano Chamber of Commerce for a 2021 Hispanic Heritage Award!  In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning September 15th, the Hispano Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of Hispanic Heritage Awards, recognizing numerous New Mexican businesses in nine different categories, including Small Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Women Owned Business of the Year, Health & Wellness Business of the Year, Arts & Culture Organization of the Year, Technology Business of the Year, Immigrant Business of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, and Native Business of the … Read More

Your smile has a major effect on you—and depending on its state, the effect can be good or bad. When you’re confident in the health and look of your smile, it shows! You might make a stranger’s day by flashing them a grin or simply radiate positivity throughout your day, but when the state of your smile is negative, its effect is, too. A tooth that’s broken or failing not only diminishes the look of your smile, but its functionality. From pain and discomfort to difficulty chewing, Academy Dental Care recognizes the everyday complications that compromised teeth can present, and … Read More

At Academy Dental Care, we believe smiles should be equally as beautiful as they are healthy, and have proudly built a reputation that prioritizes both. We’re excited to further build on this reputation and welcome one of Albuquerque’s best cosmetic dentists to our team—Dr. Byron Wall! Dr. Byron Wall is a champion of dental aesthetics, mastering the cosmetic dentistry field for nearly 40 years. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 1982, Dr. Byron Wall completed his general practice residency at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Then, in 1983, he began private practice in Albuquerque, … Read More

In a recent interview with ABQ The Magazine, our own Dr. Chelsea Gonzales offered her professional insight into several aspects of dentistry. From building trust to the importance of oral health, Dr. Gonzales highlights the unique dental experience that she, and Academy Dental Care, strive to provide our patients—ensuring they feel comfortable, informed, and confident about the care they’re receiving!  The interview began with questions about trust in the dental office and how she helps patients overcome bad experiences. In her response, Dr. Gonzales focuses on one thing; the patient. She believes that in order to help patients achieve a … Read More

Employees have spoken and the results are in — Albuquerque Business First reveals 2019’s Best Places to Work and we’re proud to say Academy Dental Care is a finalist! There are two common passions shared amongst the Academy Dental Care team – dental health and our patients. Everyday, we come to work eager to educate each patient on good oral health and are excited to help them achieve a beautiful smile. We love where we work because we love what we do, and it shows in every one of the hundreds of patients we’ve helped smile with confidence! Reports show … Read More

Twice a year you come to Academy Dental Care and visit our dentists for a checkup, cleaning, and likely, a lesson about the importance of flossing your teeth! Maybe you begin to floss for a day or two, but if you’re like most, all that floss talk goes in one ear and out the other. We’re dedicated to care and dental services of the highest quality so that you can live a healthy life, with a healthy smile, and believe flossing is an essential part of this!  Floss is an interdental cleaner and is specifically designed to get into the … Read More

Her expertise, extensive knowledge, and local outreach have deservingly made her a beloved member of our practice and community. Dr. Chelsea Gonzales loves her job, finds it rewarding, and goes above and beyond every day to help every patient achieve a healthy smile. Her achievements in the dental industry along with her caring, honest nature have attributed to the great success of Academy Dental Care its treatments and renowned patient care. Being a praised member in the business community, we are proud to announce on her behalf that Dr. Chelsea Gonzales has been selected as an honoree for this year’s … Read More

At Academy Dental Care, we pride ourselves on having a team of doctors and staff members who are dedicated to providing next-level care and high-quality services! It is with great excitement that we announce our very own Dr. Chelsea Gonzales has been recognized for her commitment to providing outstanding care , and has received qualified membership status with the Crown Council! The Crown Council is a prestigious alliance of dentists who have achieved significant success in leadership, continued education, community outreach, and positive team culture within their practices. These dentists are committed to continually improving and through shared experience, insight, … Read More

The mouth’s warm, moist conditions make it the ideal place for the millions of bacteria found in the mouth and on the tongue to multiply. Although grocery store shelves are lined with mints, gum, and mouthwash to fight bad breath, they are only temporary fixes and don’t address the root of the problem – bacteria in the mouth. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, has varying extremities and origins such as the oral hygiene, smoking habits, and health conditions. Most cases originate in the mouth and are improved with proper, consistent dental hygiene but others may be caused by a … Read More

Academy Dental Care is partnering with dental practices across the nation and Smiles for Life from March 2019 through June 2019 to whiten teeth for a charitable cause! In an effort to help our community and those in need, you can schedule an appointment with us for a teeth whitening session, and rather than paying for the service, your $100 donation will go directly to the Smiles for Life charity and help raise money for less fortunate children locally and globally! Ultradent donates the supplies, we donate our time, and our patients receive bright new smiles! Participating in community partnerships … Read More

Academy Dental Care in Albuquerque has been recognized as one of the most successful practices in diagnosing periodontal disease, and we’ve adopted the most advanced treatment technology to ensure the health of our patients. OralDNA® works to identify, treat, and monitor diseases by using a patient’s saliva for salivary diagnostics. From this, we are able to create a customized plan for treating periodontal patients, gauge the success of their treatments, and revise home care regimens. “Salivary diagnostics enables us to treat the patient’s whole health by tying their periodontal condition to their medical history and treating the specific bacteria that … Read More

Being tired all the time might be a sign that you need to go to bed earlier—or it could mean there’s a more serious, underlying issue that’s disrupting your sleep, such as sleep apnea. So what is this condition and how can it be treated? We’ve got some answers for you! What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a condition when breathing stops repeatedly while you sleep. In most cases, people with sleep apnea don’t wake up when this happens and aren’t even aware that they stopped breathing. People who suffer from sleep apnea not only wake up feeling tired, … Read More

Our second annual Smiles for Life campaign was a huge success! We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this donation possible for The Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico, and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We would like to wish a very special congratulations to this amazing young man who only has three weeks left of treatment. Rachelle and Cindy got to spend time with this wonderful family at the Gala this year and couldn’t be happier to have been reunited with them yesterday afternoon! We can’t wait to see what next year brings! … Read More

Albuquerque the Magazine is well known for polling Albuquerque citizens to determine what businesses they think are the best in the city. In its September 2018 edition the magazine features the top dentists in town, as determined by those who should know — dentists! For the magazine, Academy Dental Care’s own Dr. Chelsea Gonzales was nominated as one of the top dentists in town, and the issue includes a full-page interview with her. She was nominated in two categories: general dentist and cosmetic dentist. The staff at Academy Dental Care is no stranger to honors from the magazine, as the … Read More

Academy Dental Care’s own Dr. Chelsea Gonzales is one of the most influential dentists in America! Kleer chose the most influential dentists in the country based on their social media footprint, positive patient ratings, overall media presence, and leadership and philanthropic efforts. Thousands of dentists from across the country were considered, but the final list consists of only 156. It is part of Kleer’s ongoing effort to recognize trustworthy dental providers, and dentists that are determined to give patients affordable and excellent care. The announcement that Dr. Gonzales is one of the country’s most influential dentists comes not long after … Read More

At Academy Dental Care, our patients love us, and we love our patients — that’s why we’re happy to be located near I-25 and Paseo Del Norte, a location that makes it easy for patients from Albuquerque and beyond to get to us for the compassionate and expert dental care they know we provide. Accessible Care No Matter Where You Are For our patients in the Albuquerque area, we’re just a short 15–20 minute drive from anywhere in the city. We have patients who come to us from the west side, the North Valley, and Placitas, but we also have … Read More

We are very excited to announce that from now until the end of August we will be accepting donations for our first ever Backpack Drive! Help us help others in need this school year by bringing in a backpack and receive a complimentary fluoride treatment. We thank you for all your support. -The Academy Dental Care Team

At Academy Dental Care, we’ve made it our mission to provide our patients with the very best dental care, which is why we’re excited to share that our very own Dr. Gonzales recently visited Utah to attend an incredible two-day seminar, “Icons of Dentistry: A Workshop for Women.” Dr. Gonzales was among only 100 women who were invited to this prestigious seminar and workshop. The theme for this year’s workshop was compassion, and focused on all the great things women in dentistry bring to the practice, and the problems they face everyday. The event allowed attendees to interact with other … Read More

We often hear about all the foods that are harmful to our teeth and our oral health, but we hardly ever hear about the foods that you should eat for a healthy mouth. While it’s widely known to stay away from dark colored drinks such as soda and wine, you may not know that some foods you already enjoy may have more benefits than you thought. Here are just a few of the many different foods that are good for your oral health and teeth: Apples Apples can be sweet, but they are also a great source of fiber and … Read More

When it comes to all the things you have to do during the day, flossing probably isn’t too high on the list. For many people, it falls so far down on the list that it doesn’t get done at all. It’s not that we don’t know about the benefits of flossing: clean, healthy teeth; less time in the dental chair; and taking care of the investment in your dentistry, just to name a few. It’s not that we can’t do it. It’s not that we don’t have floss available. So then why is it so hard to get into the … Read More

Sometimes your visit to the dental office is easy. Just a checkup and cleaning. Sometimes however, it may not be that simple. You may find that you might require several procedures to take care of your teeth and your health, and sometimes these procedures can be more than one or two visits. I recently found this out myself when going for a medical procedure that went on for weeks longer than I had expected. Sometimes it is easy to either get frustrated or to lose sight of the end result that you’re shooting for. Persistence however, does pay off. When … Read More

According to colgate.com, up to 15% of Americans are afraid of going to the dentist. Not only can this fear prevent you from the getting the care you need, but postponing dental visits can lead to serious health problems down the line too. At Academy Dental Care, we don’t want visiting the dentist be something you dread — so how do we prevent this? We pride ourselves on providing expert dental services, having a friendly and professional staff that listens to you and your concerns, and of course, offering lots and lots of compassion to our patients! How Our Kind … Read More