Trying to decide between a dental crown and veneers, a tooth extraction, or a dental bridge? Each of these options provides numerous benefits as well as some disadvantages. Veneers are more for aesthetic benefits and a dental bridge can replace up to three missing teeth. Dental crowns, on the other hand, can be used to meet a variety of needs. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits directly over a natural tooth that ...
In a perfect world, your natural teeth would last a lifetime. Unfortunately, our world isn’t perfect, and tooth loss happens. Sometimes tooth loss occurs because of a car accident or sports injury, but other times a necessary tooth extraction is the cause. Dentists typically recommend extractions as a last resort to help patients avoid additional health issues. You may benefit from a tooth extraction if you have any of the following oral health problems ...
A dental injury is alarming. But, knowing what to do in the event of a dental emergency can help you avoid disaster and save your smile from irreparable damage. If you are currently handling a serious dental emergency, then contact our dentist or call 911 for further instructions. However, if bleeding, swelling, and pain are relatively controlled, then keep reading. In this post, we tell you three ways to treat a dental injury before you ...
One gift that’s in short supply during holiday vacations is relaxation. Instead, it’s go-go-go and ho-ho-ho! Travel. Shopping. Parties. More parties. Healthy habits often take a backseat, and dental health? Well, it’s buried under the luggage in the trunk. You’ve invested some of your precious holiday time in reading this article, so think about how you can implement these pro-tips into your busy schedule. If you keep your teeth as white ...
The temporomandibular joint (also called the jaw joint or TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body. These all-too-important joints allow us to speak, chew, yawn, and laugh. So, when our jaws fall victim to injury or dysfunction, it can have devastating effects on our physical, mental, and social health. Luckily, calling attention to these overworked (and underappreciated!) joints can help you avoid painful TMJ disorders in the future. And ...
Dental implants are an amazing tool used to restore your smile. Dental implants can replace the missing parts of a natural tooth, including the root of the tooth and the crown; implants also restore multiple missing teeth with a prosthesis such as a dental bridge or a denture. There are essentially three parts that make up a single implant. Implants are a titanium post used to replace the tooth root, an abutment that fits onto ...
October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Let’s talk about the amazing world of dental hygiene and our awesome dental hygienists. Dental hygienists assist the dentist with performing dental cleanings and other preventative care such as dental sealants and fluoride treatment. They are an essential part of every dental practice and celebrating Dental Hygiene Month means celebrating them too. How important is dental hygiene? Much like personal hygiene, dental hygiene focuses on your oral health ...
What would we do without our dental practice office manager? Quite frankly, our dental practice would likely be falling apart! Office managers do so much to keep our team members and patients happy and our office organized. It takes special skills to do what they do, and that’s not lost on us. To all the office managers: You are so appreciated and needed. Thank you for all that you do for us and our ...
It’s a great debate among husbands and wives, roommates, parents and children, and partners– is it better to brush your teeth before breakfast or after? Well, regardless of which side you are on, the answer isn’t as black and white as it may seem. First, let’s talk about what the American Dental Association recommends. It has long been established that people of all ages should brush twice daily and for two minutes ...
According to a study completed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a beautiful smile can make a person appear more attractive, intelligent, happy, and successful. Would you like for those things to be said about you? We all would! Even more important than what others will think is what you think and feel about yourself. If you have stained, gapped, or crooked teeth, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. This can lead to ...
Something as small, and seemingly insignificant as plaque can wreak havoc on your oral health. In fact, failing to properly and continually remove plaque on your teeth can result in tooth extraction. Yikes! The good news is that teeth don’t go directly from plaque buildup to tooth extraction. When plaque builds up on the teeth, it takes between 24-72 hours to turn into tartar (a hardened substance that must be professionally removed). When tartar ...
Dental professionals have been placing dental implants since the 1960s. Since then, technology has improved drastically, making the procedure simpler, more affordable, and more accessible. Modern dental implants are safe, effective, and long-lasting, and studies show that they are the best option to replace one or several missing teeth. If you have recently discussed dental implants with your dentist, you probably know that there are two main options regarding the material of the dental implant ...
When you chew, there are about 30-40 pounds of pressure put on your teeth. If you grind your teeth, that pressure can increase to 250 pounds. Yikes! It’s no wonder that people who suffer from regular teeth grinding (or bruxism) often experience excruciating toothaches, dental damage, and jaw pain. In many cases, a person doesn’t know that they grind their teeth because it typically happens during sleep. A family member, roommate, or spouse ...
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people in the United States have implants, and that number grows by 500,000 each year. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, educating yourself on what to expect and how to ensure a successful outcome is key. Below, we’ve listed five common mistakes that can derail your dental implants. 1) Being unaware of your options The dental implant journey is lengthy yet ...
Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ (also known as DARW) is held the first full week in March (this year, it's March 6-12), and we want to take this opportunity to give our hard-working dental assistants the recognition they deserve! Our dental assistants are crucial to the success of our practice. They perform multiple functions, and we couldn't provide the level of patient care we do without them. One of the dental assistant's most ...
The only permanent solution to tooth loss, dental implants have gained favor as the preferred method for tooth replacement. Not only do today's implants restore function, but, just as importantly, they also fulfill patients' esthetic expectations. What exactly are dental implants? Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that create a strong foundation for artificial teeth known as crowns. Crowns are custom-made to fit a patient's mouth and match their natural teeth. Many ...
The benefits of preserving tooth structure goes beyond cosmetics to impact your overall health. Teeth are part of an intricate network of bones, tissues, and nerves. While they may look straightforward (i.e., a hard surface that grinds down food), teeth have a complex structure. Each tooth is comprised of the following components: Gums – Gums house the teeth and protect a tooth's roots and any teeth that have yet to break through. Crown - The ...
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. The best way to enjoy the holiday festivities and keep your oral health intact is to balance those sticky, sugary foods with some that actually benefit your teeth and gums. We promise it’s not as hard as you might think! Fruit ...
Over 500,000 dental implants are placed each year in the US. If you find yourself among this group, you probably have some questions, chiefly among them, how long will my dental implants last? The answer depends on a number of factors. Implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that create a strong foundation for artificial teeth known as crowns. Crowns are custom-made to fit a patient's mouth and match their natural teeth. By design ...
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 ...
