Normally, a root canal procedure takes two visits to the dentist or endodontist. But advertisements promising a “same day root canal” are becoming common. Can dentists do a root canal in one visit, or is this just a marketing ploy? It turns out that getting a same-day root canal procedure is indeed possible. But the...
Wisdom teeth begin to affect teenagers as early as 16, although many adults don’t experience complications until their early twenties. In many cases, it becomes necessary to remove wisdom teeth. For those who are having the procedure done, it is understandable to have some anxiety and concerns before surgery. Overall, serious risks of wisdom tooth...
Dental implants are artificial teeth that replace missing ones. Getting implants involves surgery that is moderately invasive, and not all dentists can perform it. It is important for patients considering implant surgery to understand what kinds of dentists do implants. General dentists, oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists may all have the necessary qualifications. ...
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 implants have become increasingly popular because of their durability in comparison to alternatives such as a bridge or dentures. Plus they look and feel like real teeth! But implants require surgery, and surgeries usually involve pain. How much do dental implants hurt, and for how long? And when should patients consult their surgeon about...
Dentists commonly recommend extraction of wisdom teeth, but is it really required if there is no pain? How do individuals know if wisdom teeth are coming in, and when to see a dentist? Pulling a tooth can be expensive and painful, but it is often necessary to avoid complications down the road. A New York...
What makes a great smile? Straight, white teeth, of course. But don’t forget about the gums. The size and shape of gum tissue can impact the overall look of a person’s mouth. Some opt for laser gum reshaping, a surgical procedure that can correct the gumline. Gums that come down too low can create what’s...
As of right now, most U.S. states have suspended elective procedures in dental practices. But this leaves the question: What about dental emergencies? Where should you go, and what should you do, if you have one? (And what counts as a dental emergency, anyway?) While many are turning to their local hospital emergency rooms (ERs),...
Your dentist’s office is closed for the holidays, and you have a dental emergency. How are you supposed to eat, drink, and be merry? Luckily, most problems with teeth or dental work are not serious health issues. Instead, they’re usually more about discomfort that puts a damper on the festivities. Luckily there are things people...
A missing tooth can create problems with the alignment of your jaw and for the rest of your teeth as they gradually move to fill in the blank space. Lost teeth can also affect your speech or make it hard to bite and chew. But even more embarrassing is the social stigma that can come...