How Severe Is Your Tooth’s Infection?

Severe illnesses require serious treatment, and make no mistake, tooth decay is an illness. Bacteria aggregate and infect your tooth, causing a cavity over time. However, bacteria won’t stop on the surface of your tooth. They will work their way deeper into the pulp of your tooth, and eventually into your tooth’s roots. The root canals of your tooth serve as a transportation system between other oral tissues. These roots can become infected, and they can spread that infection. If your tooth’s infection is severe, you’ll likely need root canal therapy. (more…)

Exploring Solutions for Bruxism and TMJ

When you think of the services that your dentist provides, you probably imagine checkups and cleanings. Maybe you need the occasional cavity filling or restorative treatment. However, your dentist can help with more than just damaged teeth. Your dentist is an oral health specialist, so when you experience an issue like jaw pain, you should talk to your dentist. Conditions like bruxism and temporomandibular joint disorders can wear down your teeth and cause you pain. Your dentist can provide solutions for these conditions. (more…)

Finding General and Preventive Dental Care for Your Child

From the time your child is born they receive medical attention, so it’s easy to develop a schedule for regularly visiting the doctor. Establishing when your child should visit the dentist on the other hand, may not be as clear. Your child should have their first dental appointment shortly after their first tooth erupts, or around their first birthday. Once you have teeth, you need to start caring for them. Children’s dental visits present an opportunity for a dental professional to administer both general and preventive care for your little one’s teeth. (more…)

How Can You Correct for Misshapen Teeth?

Cosmetic dentistry allows for all kinds of innovative solutions to help you improve the appearance of your teeth. You’re probably already familiar with many of the options. Teeth whitening is one of the most common treatments that people seek, to help remove pesky stains. Braces and aligners can help straighten your teeth to give you an even smile. However, what can you do about misshapen or differently sized teeth? Cosmetic dentistry has the answer. You may not be familiar with the procedures, but bonding and contouring can correct for misshapen teeth. (more…)

Will Dentures Give You the Relief You Need?

Since you only receive one set of adult teeth for the duration of your life, it’s important to protect those teeth. However, time and lifestyle habits can wear those teeth down. Many adults and elderly individuals experience tooth loss later in life. If you have extensive tooth loss, this can drastically affect your quality of life. You may have to change the types of food you eat. You may not feel comfortable even smiling around others. If you’ve suffered through extensive tooth loss, it’s time for a solution. Dentures can give you the relief that you need. (more…)

Will Whitening Work for My Smile?

If you’re unsatisfied with the state of your smile, you have methods to improve its brightness and appearance. There are all kinds of cosmetic dentistry fixes to help your teeth look their very best. One common technique is teeth whitening. Some people find success with over-the-counter whitening products. For many though, these products don’t deliver optimal results. Teeth whitening through your dentist can lead to much better results than using over-the-counter products. Everyone deserves to have a smile that gives them confidence. So, how do you know if whitening will work for your smile? (more…)

The Best Way to Treat Individual Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is a frustrating experience that can have health and lifestyle ramifications for you. When you lose a tooth, you have to change what you eat. You may avoid smiling because you don’t want to show off your missing tooth. The missing tooth can also cause problems for your remaining teeth as they shift into the empty space. The best way to treat individual tooth loss is with a dental implant. Implants recreate the structure and appearance of your original tooth. Plus, they stand on their own, so they don’t require the modification of your remaining teeth. (more…)

What’s a Partial Dental Crown and How Can It Help?

If you’re unfamiliar with dental crowns, you’ve either led a life full of healthy teeth, or you aren’t getting the help you need! That’s because dental crowns are protective restorations that your dentist can use to protect vulnerable teeth. Standard dental crowns are made using measurements of your tooth. The crown fits over your tooth and prevents it from sustaining any further damage. Not every tooth that needs help needs a complete dental crown. Inlays and onlays, also known as partial dental crowns, can fit within the cusp of a molar’s chewing surface to add strength and integrity. (more…)

Dental Sealants Block Out Children’s Cavities

The most common oral health problem for children is cavities. This probably comes as no surprise. Cavities arise when bacteria are allowed to build up on the surfaces of teeth. It takes time for children to learn how to properly brush their teeth, and it can be difficult to reach certain surfaces within the mouth. Luckily, your dentist has a preventive tool that can help keep your child’s teeth safe from cavities. Dental sealants are thin layers of acrylic that can be placed over uneven tooth surfaces. These sealants prevent bacteria from building up and wearing away at the enamel of your child’s teeth. (more…)

Trust Your Dentist: Cavities Can Get Worse

Many patients often develop a sense of dread or worry before dentist appointments when they haven’t visited in some time. They worry that they dentist is going to find a cavity, and they’ll need treatment for said cavity. If you haven’t visited the dentist in a few years and your home care routine (brushing and flossing) isn’t as consistent as it could be, you very well may have developed cavities due to tooth decay. However, avoiding treatment for cavities is the wrong decision. Trust your dentist, cavities can actually get much worse if you let them. (more…)