The point of having a tooth filling placed in a cavity is to stop the hole in your tooth from growing, while restoring the strength the tooth has lost. Doing so not only alleviates the pain of a cavity, it also stops the decay from spreading throughout more of your tooth. If the tooth filling fails, then the bacteria that lead to decay can infiltrate the tooth again, and you may risk further infection and the threat of tooth loss. You might notice that your filling has failed if the tooth begins to hurt again, or if you feel the filling fall out completely. If so, then you should seek treatment as soon as possible to restore the tooth, preferably with a tooth-colored filling that reduces the risk of failure in the future. (more…)
Perform a Dental Checkup at Home!
Every six months or so, and sometimes sooner, you should visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and examination. During the routine visits, your hygienist can clean your teeth of harmful plaque and tartar, and your dentist can diagnose any potential or existing dental health risks, like tooth decay and gum disease. Yet, you may not have to wait between your appointments to gauge how well your oral health is doing. In fact, if you know what to look for, you can perform a rudimentary dental checkup at home! (more…)
Is Tooth Loss a Dental Emergency?
Losing a tooth can be devastating, and if it was due to accidental trauma, it can be painful, as well. In many cases, losing a tooth is considered a dental emergency, and you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Sometimes, though, tooth loss occurs over a longer period of time, such as when periodontal disease develops and progresses, or when a loose tooth is ignored long enough. If you neglect to treat a dental issue while your tooth can still be saved, then you could lose it, and replacing it may be an immediate need. Otherwise, the resulting discrepancy in your smile could lead to further dental health issues, and possibly more extensive tooth loss, in the future. (more…)
Do You Need A Filling?
If you have a cavity then the health and stability of your teeth are at risk. Our office provides a number of treatment options to repair a decayed tooth, including a dental filling. Do you need a filling? By treating a dental cavity you can avoid the risk of an infection or possibly even tooth loss.
Facts and Myths: Root Canal Treatments
Do you currently need a root canal treatment to restore the health of your tooth and protect your oral health? Perhaps you are too uneasy about scheduling your visit because you have heard a lot of conflicting information about root canals over the years. We find time and time again that patients enter our office with a lot of misinformation. Rather than allowing myths to stand in the way of receiving dental care, we encourage you to learn the truth. Consider some myths (and the corresponding facts), so you have a much clearer understanding of this exceptionally beneficial and comfortable procedure.
Oral Cancer: A Quiz
When it comes to detecting oral cancer, patients are often unsure about what to do. Some patients simply don’t like speaking about the topic because the associated thoughts and potential damage are so upsetting to think about. However, we strongly suggest that patients become more familiar with screenings and the benefits of early detection. Fortunately, by scheduling your checkups consistently every six months, you can rest assured that we will catch and diagnose a problem in its infancy. Wondering how much you actually know about this topic? Test your knowledge and please remember to ask any questions you may have during your next visit.
Tooth-Colored Fillings to Treat a Cavity
Have you started experiencing pain when you bite into your favorite foods? Is that sip of ice cold milk now met with a wince? If so, the bad news is that you might have a cavity. Grey or black lines along your teeth, white spots, sensitivity or discomfort isolated to a single tooth, can all be warning signs that you could have a cavity. The good news is that modern dentistry means you don’t have to choose between the discomfort of a cavity or an unsightly metal filling. Tooth-colored fillings are an excellent way to restore your smile after a cavity, both cosmetically and functionally. (more…)
Dental Emergencies Require Prompt Treatment
Are you experiencing a dental emergency? What do you do when you’re suddenly experiencing severe tooth pain, or notice a large chip in your tooth? You may not want to call 9-1-1 for a dental emergency. But, you can and should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Unlike many other parts of your body, your teeth cannot repair themselves, meaning most dental issues will only worsen if left untreated. Rather than delaying the inevitable, seeking restorative treatment quickly to help save your tooth and relieve your pain! (more…)
Checkups and Cleanings as Back-to-School Routine
Has it been a busy summer? So busy, you may have been a bit lax when it comes to your kids’ oral care? In particularly hectic times of life, dental care can tend to fall off the daily to-do list. But, now that the kids are getting ready to go back to school, it’s time to get back to the dentist, too. Regular checkups and cleanings are the best way to prevent dental problems from forming, as well as to tackle any existing conditions early on, before more extensive work becomes necessary. (more…)
Fillings, a Great Way of Coping with a Cavity
Have you developed great sensitivity to hot or cold foods? Is there a dull pain in one of your teeth? It’s all too easy to dismiss minor dental symptoms, but you should not ignore any changes in your teeth. That’s because they can be warning signs that there’s a problem, and seeking prompt restorative care is the best way to ensure you keep your smile healthy in the long run. A cavity is one of the most common dental problems. Thankfully, it can be quickly addressed with a composite filling. (more…)
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