Most people think that toothaches and cavities go together. While they often do, some cavities hurt very little or not at all—at first. Likewise, a tooth can experience pain without a cavity. Any cavity, whether it hurts a little, a lot, or not at all, should be taken seriously and fixed as soon as possible....
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...
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....
Most people are familiar with hydrogen peroxide and might even have that familiar brown bottle in their medicine cabinet. In addition to its disinfectant properties, it is also a main ingredient in teeth whitening products. People may be less aware of carbamide peroxide, but it, too, can whiten teeth. Whether going to the dentist for...
No one likes the idea of getting a root canal or a tooth extraction. Unfortunately, the dentist might recommend one of these procedures at some point. It is important to note that while they both address the problem of a severely decayed or damaged tooth, they are not interchangeable. A root canal can save a...
Dental x-rays, also called radiographs, are a key diagnostic tool for dentists. Many people think x-rays are dangerous; but x-rays are among the safest and most reliable imaging technologies today. Dentists and dental hygienists are trained in the safe use of x-rays in a dental office setting. For example, patient safety is maintained through: Using...
Dental expenses can be a big part of an individual’s or a family’s medical expenses.Dental procedures such as root canals, fillings and repairs, and braces can run into the hundreds and even thousands of dollars. It would be great if these procedures were all tax deductible, but this is not always the case. Many dental...
A cavity, simply put, is a hole in a tooth. In the early stages, a cavity may resemble an innocent white spot. But when left untreated, that cavity may cause more serious dental issues. Can cavities go away on their own? Unfortunately, no. A “Hole” Lot of Trouble Although many of us do our best...
There is currently a bill making its way through Congress that would require the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to provide dental care for veterans in the same way it provides medical care. Currently, there are about 9.3 million veterans getting VA health care, but only 1.35 million meet the requirements for dental care....
Along with regular brushing and flossing, professional dental cleanings play an important part in keeping teeth healthy. Some people avoid getting their teeth cleaned at the dentist because they think it will not only be painful, but might actually harm their teeth. If it’s been a long time since the last cleaning, it is true...