As part of an effective dental hygiene and preventive routine, most people recognize that routine checkups and cleanings are important. Yet, many patients don’t realize the importance of sticking to the routine every time. Therefore, many patients may skip an appointment here and there, and despite their efforts, they still experience dental issues that may have otherwise been prevented. Today, we examine what checkups and cleanings help you avoid if you visit your dentist as often as recommended. (more…)
The Consequences of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
A wisdom tooth, or third molar, is the last molar to grow at either end of your upper and lower dental ridges. The four molars typically begin to erupt by the age 17 or 18, when all others have already fully developed. The problem with wisdom teeth is that there is often little room along the dental ridges to accommodate them, which can lead to the molars becoming impacted. When left alone, wisdom tooth impaction can have serious consequences for your oral health, which is why extracting wisdom teeth is usually the best course of action. (more…)
A Few Facts About Fillings
Tooth fillings have been around almost as long as clinical dentistry itself (and perhaps longer), and today, they remain one of the most frequently recommended treatments. Part of the reason why is because cavities, the condition that fillings treat, are still the most common dental health issue around the world. The other reason is that modern fillings have come a long way over the centuries, and today’s restorations can improve your tooth’s appearance as well as treat a cavity and restore your tooth’s good health. Today, we take a look at a few facts about fillings, and how they became the discreet, highly effective restorations they are now. (more…)
Teeth-Whitening Questions for Your Dentist
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once helps you prevent a lot of things, like cavities and gingivitis, that could threaten the health of your smile. Unfortunately, good hygiene can’t prevent everything; teeth stains, for example, can develop no matter how clean and healthy you keep your teeth. The good news is that they don’t always mean something’s wrong with your oral health (other than the appearance of your teeth). The even better news is that your dentist may be able to quickly land effectively erase teeth stains with the right professional teeth-whitening treatment. (more…)
A Few Things You Should Know About Snoring
Depending on how often and how loudly you snore, it may not seem like a big deal, especially if you stop snoring as soon as you roll over to your side. For many patients, though, snoring occurs more frequently than they may realize, no matter what they position they sleep in. For chronic snorers, the constant noise could eventually have a significant impact on your overall health. It may even indicate a more serious problem, such as obstructive sleep apnea, that should be addressed as soon as possible. (more…)
How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?
Once you know that you have gum disease, you can take appropriate steps to treat it, starting with a visit to your dentist. However, for some patients, the signs of gum disease aren’t obvious, and the symptoms are often mistaken for minor occurrences. That’s because many people aren’t aware of what the early signs of gum disease are, and since these symptoms don’t usually include discomfort, there doesn’t always seem to be cause for alarm. Today, explore the common symptoms that could be a warning of trouble, and what to look for so you can know if you have gum disease. (more…)
How Do I Prevent Tooth Loss from Happening?
The good news about tooth loss is that it isn’t as big of a deal as it used to be. With fewer options for replacing lost teeth and rudimentary technology, dentists of the past were limited in their ability to design appropriate prostheses. Today, however, custom restorations can rebuild virtually any smile. In addition, advanced technology and dental treatments has also improved to the point where most people can successfully prevent tooth loss from occurring in the first place. (more…)
Things You Can Do with Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin, highly customized shell of dental porcelain that can be bonded to the front surfaces of one or more teeth. If you want to restore your smile’s healthy, beautiful appearance but are worried about undergoing extensive cosmetic work, porcelain veneers may be the ideal solution. In many cases, custom veneers can provide a number of improvements to the size, shape, and appearance of your teeth, without needing multiple cosmetic procedures to do it. (more…)
Answering Common Questions About TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is common, but it is still one of the lesser-known and understood of all chronic dental health issues. Because many patients are aware of what TMJ disorder is or how it can affect their oral health, they often aren’t aware that there’s an issue when they begin to show signs. Understanding TMJ disorder and alleviating the wide range of symptoms it can cause require a conversation with your dentist about the state of your jaw health. If you do have TMJ disorder, then your dentist can design a customized treatment plan to help you get over it. (more…)
Replacing a Single Tooth with a Dental Implant
Since they became a part of clinical dental health care, dental implants have become an essential resource for rebuilding patients’ smiles after having suffered tooth loss. For patients who’ve lost a significant amount of teeth, implants are well-known for their ability to preserve the health and integrity of their jawbones. However, even if you’ve only lost a single tooth, a dental implant can offer the same benefits to your smile that they do for patients with more severe tooth loss. In fact, with the help of a dental implant, your replacement crown can also help you reduce your risks of losing more teeth in the future. (more…)