Emergencies, by definition, are unexpected events. Dental emergencies are no different. Even people who take good care of their oral health can suffer accidents, trauma, or the sudden worsening of a dental problem. Some issues call for immediate emergency dental care and should not wait until the next checkup. What types of things can wait...
Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities for kids. But are they just for kids? After all, tooth decay can still happen at any age. Why shouldn’t adults get dental sealants, too? Instead of asking “can adults get sealants?” (the short answer: They can), a more relevant question is whether the...
Most people assume that they have no choice but to get a crown after a root canal. But patients who are concerned about the time, discomfort, and cost of a crown might wonder if they can skip this part of a tooth restoration. While placing a crown is the typical final stage in almost all...
People love the fact that Invisalign aligners are removable. It allows patients to eat whatever they want or just take a short break for things like a photo or job interview. It also allows wearers to keep the alignment trays—and their teeth—sparkling clean. Some might think that because Invisalign trays are disposable (they are swapped...
Dental fillings are the go-to solution for a cavity. They offer a safe, effective fix that can be completed in a single visit to the dentist. While placing a filling is a quick and routine procedure, there are times when a dentist might choose to do a short-term repair with a temporary filling, sometimes called...
Finding the best dentist for kids and teens can sometimes be tough. Obviously, internet searches and word of mouth are good tools, but what else should parents do if they want to find the best dentist for their kids? This can be especially challenging for parents of young children who have recently moved to a...
Modern-day dentistry has advanced in some remarkable ways. Things like dental implants that look and feel just like real teeth and dental sealants that help children avoid getting cavities would have surprised dentists and patients alike 100 years ago. As welcome as these advancements are for many people, they are bound to raise some questions....
Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or a clicking or locking of the jaw joint are all signs that there might be a problem with the temporomandibular (tem-per-oh-man-DI-byoo-ler) joint, or TMJ. This is the joint that connects the lower jaw, or mandible, to the skull; it can be found in front of the ears on both sides...
Dental crowns are an effective tool in restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Even though crowns are not expected to last forever, patients might assume they no longer need to worry about getting a cavity in the crowned tooth. Unfortunately, it is possible to get cavities under a dental crown. And just like cavities anywhere else...
Nearly half of adults age 30 and over have gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Problems with gums may include seeing blood when brushing or flossing teeth. Puffy or dark red gums may also signal the beginnings of gum disease in adults. Gum disease starts with a buildup of...