Major oral procedures can be intimidating for many patients. This intimidation can be drastically compounded if you’re an individual who suffers from dental anxiety. Luckily, you don’t have to experience oral surgery without a little help. Dental sedation is used for many procedures — from wisdom teeth removal to basic visits — to help patients relax and feel comfortable during treatment. Your dentist will determine what kind of dental sedation you need for your procedure. There are a number of different options that address all kinds of patient needs. (more…)

Teeth grinding is something everyone does from time to time. It’s a natural reaction when you become stressed or frustrated. For millions of individuals though, that teeth grinding isn’t limited to these isolated moments. For those individuals, teeth grinding is a chronic, subconscious issue. It’s known as “bruxism,” and it does its damage at night while you sleep. While normal teeth grinding isn’t much to worry about, the chronic effects of bruxism can cause serious damage to your teeth and pose an oral health risk. To combat the effects of bruxism, you should talk to your dentist. (more…)

Periodontal disease is a difficult condition that can cause a number of other health risks. Periodontal disease refers to conditions that affect the health and wellbeing of your jawbone and gums. When you develop gum disease (gingivitis), the condition is caused by infection beneath the gum line. As that infection grows and spreads, it can begin to destroy your jawbone (periodontitis). Periodontitis is an irreversible condition, but it can be managed. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, there is a way back for you. (more…)

Something that many people don’t know about cosmetic dentistry treatment is that it’s actually pretty simple. Most cosmetic dentistry treatments are non-invasive, and while their impact is low, they can create a massive improvement for the appearance of your smile. If concerns about the scope of treatment or treatment timetable have prevented you from exploring cosmetic dentistry options in the past, then it’s time to revisit these options. Treatments like porcelain dental veneers and teeth whitening can create a noticeable cosmetic upgrade for your smile. (more…)

Wisdom teeth extraction is often a process that people complete in their early twenties. Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that many people develop. These teeth are often removed because they can cause discomfort, and is some cases, alignment issues. Wisdom teeth that become impacted can push on and damage your other teeth. If you pass on the surgery during your early twenties, but your wisdom teeth become a problem later, does that mean you missed your window? The short answer is no. (more…)

Restorative dentistry is a powerful tooth that can extend the life of your teeth. Over time, your teeth experience wear, and in some cases, infection. If you have cavities or gum disease, this can cause your teeth to become damaged and less stable. Restorative dentist can use treatments like dental fillings and dental crowns to repair your teeth and allow you to comfortably chew food with them. However, not every tooth can be repaired by restorative dentistry. Some teeth are too damaged. So, how can you know when a tooth is past the point of saving? (more…)

Dental implant surgery is one of the most incredible prosthetic capabilities of modern dentistry. Using dental implants, your dentist can rebuild your smile and give you the kind of bite strength you enjoyed with healthy natural teeth. However, dental implants are also more involved, invasive procedure than other prosthetic options. For that reason, it’s good to know what to expect before the treatment. You’ll want to discuss all of your options with your dentist before treatment, but here is an introduction to what you can expect from dental implants. (more…)

“Cancer” can be a scary word. It’s not one anyone wants to hear, but if you are diagnosed with cancer, you want to catch the problem early. An early diagnosis of oral cancer leads to a positive outlook for most patients. How can you be sure to catch something like oral cancer in its early stages? For one, be sure to listen to your body. If you start experiencing something abnormal, take note of it and bring it up with your physician. Second, be sure to attend biannual appointments with your dentist for cleanings and examinations. This is how you can catch and treat oral cancer early. (more…)

There are many patients who don’t enjoy their time at the dentist’s office. It can be a real source of anxiety for many individuals, which is dangerous. When it becomes difficult for you to schedule and attend your dentist appointments, it becomes more likely that you’ll develop an oral health condition. That won’t do you any favors when it comes to managing your dental anxiety. If you’re someone who suffers from dental anxiety, you are not alone, and your dentist actually has solutions to help you. Sedation dentistry is a common method used to put anxious patients at ease during their visits. (more…)

When you’re awake, it can be easy to tell when you’re experiencing a health problem. You can clearly note when you feel differently, or when something is causing you pain. Those signs get harder — nearly impossible in most cases — to spot at night while you sleep. Conditions that affect you while you sleep are particularly dangerous because you may not even realize you’re experiencing them. Your teeth could actually be suffering at night from a condition called “bruxism.” This is unconscious teeth grinding that occurs while you sleep. You can combat bruxism with help from your dentist. (more…)