If you’re dealing with tooth loss, you’re not alone. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 178 million Americans are affected by this serious problem. We understand the significant role a healthy smile plays in self-confidence and the far reaching-impact tooth loss can have on a patient’s quality of life. We know there are many restorative options available and believe patient education is the key to choosing the right treatments. Dentures and ...
There’s no shortage of teeth whitening solutions. From in-office lasers to at-home whitening kits and snap-on veneers, there have never been more ways to achieve a white smile! But, before you order a custom kit or hit up the drugstore for whitening strips, there’s more you should know about teeth discoloration. Not all stains are created equal, and the cause of yours needs to be taken into consideration when selecting a whitening solution ...
It’s easy to get complacent with our oral hygiene - especially if we’ve never experienced issues. When our days are scheduled down to the minute, sticking to a dental care routine can feel like trying to fit in one more thing. And does it really matter if we skip flossing every now and then? In recent years, we’ve gotten used to most dental issues being correctable. From fluoride treatments to implants, it seems ...
If full mouth reconstruction has been suggested as a treatment option, you might be wondering if you really need it. Extensive dental work can be intimidating, but the results can also be life-changing. What is full mouth reconstruction? Full mouth reconstruction involves a combination of dental treatments to rebuild or restore your teeth, gums, and jaw function. While cosmetic elements, such as teeth whitening, may be a component in the process, it’s important to ...
Getting braces is exciting and nerve-wracking. Many patients come in feeling a bit anxious because they’re unsure of what to expect. While everyone is different, most patients report that getting through the first week is the hardest, but once you’ve adapted, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful smile. Tips to help you through the initial adjustment period of having braces: 1) Don’t leave the office with questions. Our ...
April is oral cancer awareness month. While not as delightful as the other signs of spring – blooming trees and longer days – a focus on early detection is a beautiful thing. While oral cancer (oral cavity and oropharynx cancers collectively) accounts for almost 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, it is responsible for 1.8% of all cancer deaths. The death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high because it is ...
We know that a trip to the dentist isn’t on anyone’s list of favorite things, but if you find yourself avoiding regular dental visits or putting off needed dental work, you might be one of the estimated 50-80% of adults with dental anxiety. Our team understands that while a procedure might be “routine” for us, it likely is not for our patients. That’s why we work hard to make sure patients are ...
Have you ever winced with sudden pain after gulping an icy beverage or slurping a spoonful of hot soup? If so, you're likely one of the 40 million Americans the Academy of General Dentistry estimates experience tooth sensitivity each year. What causes tooth sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity (i.e., dentin hypersensitivity) occurs when tooth enamel wears away, leaving the dentin exposed. This soft, inner part of your tooth houses thousands of microscopic channels that, when ...
In an ideal world, we would all have a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss ready for use after every meal, snack, and coffee break. Realistically, however, this level of oral hygiene adherence rarely (if ever) occurs. So, what does that mean for those of us who generally go all day without so much as a swish of mouthwash? Are we really doing more harm than we know? And, what about those people who forget to ...
The holidays are here and with them come all the joys of the season – lights and decorations, time with friends and family, and those special treats we only get this time of year. Unfortunately, the special treats we love so much can lead to damaged teeth and an unwanted trip to the dentist, which will definitely not have you feeling holly and jolly. We don’t want you to miss out on all the fun ...
Almost 200 million Americans use mouthwash or dental rinse. Are you one of them? If you aren’t, should you be? As mouthwash usage has increased, so has the number of options. While there are certain cases where mouthwash use should be avoided (such as those with recurring oral lesions and children under the age of six), the decision to rinse – or not - often comes down to personal preference. To help you decide, we’ve ...
You know brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing are staples of good oral hygiene, but is brushing your tongue really necessary? In short, yes. Why is my tongue important? Though the tongue often plays second fiddle to your pearly whites, it’s actually a critical body part. Without a tongue we wouldn’t be able to speak, chew, taste, or swallow food. Your tongue is an organ made up of a group of ...
From lifestyle to bristle type, there are a number of reasons why your gums might feel sore or swollen while brushing your teeth. Common causes include: Brushing Incorrectly As dental professionals, we encourage brushing twice a day, but to reap the benefits of good oral hygiene it needs to be done correctly. This means using a toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles and brushing gently with circular motions, instead of back-and-forth. Gum Disease Swollen, red, or ...
For those individuals that have lost their teeth or have been suffering from missing teeth, it is important to understand how critical it is to address the issue. The reality is that nobody would like to live their life with missing teeth. In addition to it looking very awkward, it also affects your self-confidence because it hinders you from being able to smile openly. Other than aesthetics, there are several other reasons why you should ...
The chances are good that you've heard the phrase “dental implants” thrown around a few times, even if you've never had one. However, not many people have heard about bone grafting. Ironically, dental implants and bone grafting often go “hand-in-hand” in the dental industry. What is Bone Grafting? In technical terms, a bone graft is a surgical procedure to repair or rebuild bones through the transplantation of bone tissue. By transplanting healthy bone ...
What is the most powerful and profound facial expression of all time? The one expression that transcends all cultures while simultaneously bringing positivity to yourself and those around you. It's the humble Smile! Even though there are drastic differences between the many cultures around the world, psychologists have discovered that the smile transcends them all. When we smile, it signals friendliness, openness to engaging, and an interest in people. 3 Facts About Having a ...
Even though our dental team enjoys working with teeth on a daily basis and looks forward to taking care of our patient's oral health, most people don’t rank going to the dentist at the top of the fun list. However, sometimes the reasons people don't come in for check-ups are due to preconceived dental myths. Let's examine five of the most common myths. Myth 1: My Teeth Feel Fine, So Why ...
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2020 about 53,260 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer, and an estimated 10,750 people will die from these diseases. If you think the mortality rate is high, you wouldn’t be wrong. However, this is not because oral cancer is hard to detect or diagnose, but because it is often discovered late in its development. That is why regular dental visits are more important ...
If your parents didn’t opt for getting you braces as a child, have no fear! It’s not too late! Considering the origination of Invisalign, more and more adults are discovering the beautiful smile they have always desired and with much less of the embarrassment. Those days of smiling at your third-grade crush at lunch with PB&J stuck in your braces are over. There are 5 significant advantages to going with Invisalign versus ...
You already know that having a straighter, brighter smile will improve your overall physical appearance, but straightening your teeth can do so much more for your health than simply giving you better-looking selfies. Straighter teeth can also improve your overall health as well. Let’s examine six unexpected benefits of straight teeth: Straight Teeth are Easier to Clean Crowded or crooked teeth can be much trickier to clean properly, as it can be harder for ...
