Some people might associate sedation with major surgeries, but it is quite commonly used in dental settings as well. Whether or not sedatives are used is highly dependent on patient comfort levels and the type of procedure. Sedation is often used with invasive or painful dental procedures, but can also be used to ease various...
Believe it or not, you lose—and regrow—a little bit of bone every day of your life. Age, trauma, and disease can interrupt or slow down the rebuilding process, resulting in diminished bone density. This can make bones weak, fragile, and unstable. Bone loss in the jaw is particularly troublesome. Strong jawbones, also called the maxilla...
Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. They look and function just like natural teeth, making them a popular choice. But what about patients with gum disease? Can they still get dental implants? This is a common question, and the answer is that it depends on a few factors. Patients...
Tooth fillings are common in adults. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, an adult aged 20-34 has about 5 fillings in their teeth and this number only increases with age. Considering that fillings have a limited lifespan, it’s not surprising that at some point in their lives, some people will have...
A missing tooth is not only a cosmetic concern; it can also make chewing difficult, cause gum decay, and even lead to bone loss. Filling the space promptly is the best way to prevent major dental issues, but is a bridge or implant better? We will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each. Is a...
Nobody wants a missing tooth. For many people, it’s simply a matter of aesthetics, but there are several functional reasons to replace missing teeth. The extra space in the mouth can cause shifting of adjacent teeth, speech problems, difficulty chewing, and even health problems . For example, research has shown that missing teeth are a...
If you or your child has been told they need a frenectomy, you might be a bit worried. What exactly is a frenectomy, and what is involved? A frenectomy is a simple procedure in which the dentist removes a piece of connective tissue in a patient’s mouth to allow their tongue or lip to move...
When a patient has a small cavity on the tooth’s surface, the typical protocol is to have it filled by a general dentist. But if bacteria makes its way into the inside or “pulp” of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected nerves and tissue. In many cases, a dentist...
Root canals are often associated with the back molars. However, patients sometimes need a root canal on a front tooth. Find out when this dental procedure might be the best solution, what treatment and recovery is like, and how it may impact the patient’s smile. When is it Necessary to Have a Root Canal on...
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, begin to come in sometime between ages 16 and 23. For people who have plenty of room in their jaws, these final four teeth (one on either side on the top and bottom) will erupt without any trouble. There is also a small group of people who never develop...