Root Canal Procedure

What is a root canal, and why would you need a root canal procedure? If you’re having a lot of tooth pain and your dentist finds deep decay, you may need to get this in-office procedure.

How Did Teeth Evolve? - Peter S. Ungar

You may take them for granted, but your teeth are a marvel. They break up all your food over the course of your life, while being strong enough to withstand breakage themselves. How do they do it? Peter S. Ungar traces the evolution of mammalian molars from primitive cone-like structures to the myriad forms of today’s species, from lions to cows to people.

Lesson by Peter S. Ungar, animation by Cabong Studios.

Remedies for Dry Mouth

If you suffer from dry mouth, you know how frustrating it can be. But did you know it can also be associated to many other oral health issues? Here are some tips on dealing with dry mouth symptoms and keeping your mouth healthy.

How Brushing Too Hard Damages Your Teeth and How You Can Avoid It

The expression "too much of anything can hurt you" definitely applies even to keeping your teeth clean. A great tip that can help keep you from brushing away precious dentin and enamel is to start using your non-dominant hand.

What Causes Cavities

The last thing you want to hear when you go to the dentist is that you have a cavity. So what causes cavities? Here’s a quick rundown on the different types of cavities, what causes them and how you can help to avoid them.

Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Despite the common belief that if we brush our teeth they can last a lifetime, there are some diseases that can affect even the most cautious cleaners. Unlike tooth decay that is primarily caused due to poor dental hygiene, gum diseases such as periodontal disease can happen to people with perfect health, albeit less frequently. Since the disease is caused due to a build-up of bacteria-filled plaque in between the gums and teeth, there is a different procedure for both preventive measures and the treatment of the diseased gum line than traditional dental care, which primarily focuses on preventing tooth decay.

Like any ailment, prevention is more effective than even the best form of treatment for periodontal disease, which with the proper knowledge can only take out about 5 minutes of your day on cleaning your teeth. While it may seem obvious, one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause or worsen periodontal disease is to regularly brush the lower parts of the teeth that connect to the gums. Along with proper brushing with a fluoride paste, you should floss around the roots of teeth to prevent the plaque buildup that can loosen the gums and cause further complications.

It is important to be aware of the fact that some conditions that can make a predisposed individual more susceptible to developing periodontal disease. Family history of the disease can greatly increase your predisposition to being affected by it and it is a good idea to alert your dentist if it runs in your family. People who partake in tobacco use in the form of cigarettes or chew also greatly increase their odds of getting infections in their gums.

Periodontal disease is usually treatable when caught early by a dentist with knowledge of the symptoms. Bleeding or receding gums and loose feeling teeth, accompanied by a lingering bad taste, may be warning signs that you are developing periodontal disease and it is urgent that you seek treatment. If you are concerned that you may have the beginning symptoms of the disease, call your local dentist and schedule an appointment so they can begin taking steps to hinder the development and prevent further infections. Untreated periodontal disease has even been linked to developing heart disease.

The standard procedure for treating periodontal disease often involves a thorough cleaning of the area of the gums that connects to the roots of the teeth, followed up with smoothing the roots to prevent further infections. However, for more severe cases that result in tooth loss, implants and crowns may be necessary to protect the remaining teeth from further damage. If you have already been diagnosed with periodontal disease or believe you have the symptoms, your dentist will give you an individualized treatment plan. Closely following this treatment plan can make a significant difference in your health.

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How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Dental Procedure for You

Cosmetic dentistry is one of the fastest growing dental trends because more and more people are getting concerned about the physical appearance of their teeth. In fact, the majority of patients seeking cosmetic dentistry do it to improve the physical attractiveness of their teeth to gain more self-esteem and confidence.

If you've considered getting some cosmetic dental work done, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options available to you. Depending on the results you want, you may have to take some time deciding between different procedures, especially if this is your first time getting cosmetic dental work done.

Identify Your Needs First

After you've decided that you want to improve the look of your teeth, you'll need to decide exactly what that means to you. Do you want your teeth to be whiter? Maybe you want them to be straighter. You might want to finally fix that one tooth that's always looked "off." Consider what your needs are first because your cosmetic dentist will want to know what you want to achieve from the procedure.

If possible, try and find examples of what you want online. Many cosmetic dentists post before and after pictures on their websites, which you can easily find with a quick Google search. The cosmetic dentist you hire will also likely have a book of before and after pictures for you.

Get a Consultation

After you've got a good idea of the end results, set up a consultation appointment with the cosmetic dentist of your choice. These consultations are incredibly helpful as they allow you to first determine whether the dentist you chose is right for you or not. If they are, you can continue to discuss treatment plans that will work best for your situation.

If there are any facts about cosmetic dentistry you don't know, a consultation appointment is the perfect time to ask questions. In fact, most cosmetic dentists recommend you ask as many questions as you want. If you're comfortable with the procedure, their job is much easier in the long run.

Treatment and Recovery

During the initial consultation, after a specific procedure has been identified, ask about the treatment process and recovery time. Some cosmetic treatments don't require any recovery time at all, while others require several months of recovery. The amount of time you need to spend recovering may be an essential factor in your decision process.

Your dentist should explain every step of the process you choose during the consultation and subsequent appointments. This way, you know as much as you can before actually going in for the treatment itself.

Making the Decision

After attending your consultation appointment, you may want some time to go home and think about things before making your final decision. It's important you take this time to weigh all your options, if multiple are available, so you can make a decision that's best for you. If you have any additional questions during this time, don't be afraid to reach out to your cosmetic dentist.

Cosmetic dentistry can vastly improve the physical appearance of your smile, but it's also a very personal decision. Take your time making a decision. The more comfortable you feel about it, the easier the entire process will be, both for you and your dentist.

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