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...
Braces used to be something that most orthodontics patients wanted to hide. But these days, a wide range of color options gives braces wearers an opportunity to express themselves. Both kids and grownups are using colored braces as a fashion accessory and a fun expression of their unique personal style. Color plays a big part...
When you get dentures, they should feel comfortable and secure. When they fit well, dentures feel natural in your mouth and allow you to talk, eat, and drink normally. Modern technologies and materials used to create dentures make customizing them for each patient easier than ever so they feel snug and do not cause discomfort....
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease—also called gum disease. It shows up as redness, swelling, and irritation of the gum tissue. Is gingivitis reversible? Luckily, it is, but it’s important not to wait too long. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a much more serious condition called periodontitis, which can result in bone...
Do you have pain in the jaw when you open your mouth? It could indicate a problem with your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, which are located on each side of your face. These joints work as a hinge to open and close the mouth, so problems with TMJ feel like there is tension keeping the...
It is rare that someone has perfectly aligned teeth. Overbites are actually quite common, scaling from mild to severe. An overbite is what doctors call a “vertical misalignment” of the teeth. It occurs when the upper teeth overlap the bottom more than they should. Over the past few years, a number of at-home treatments and...
If you have recently visited the dentist and they recommended a dental bone graft, you might be wondering what that means. A dental bone graft is a common surgical procedure used to rebuild or strengthen the bone in your jaw. The dentist attaches a small piece of bone or specialized grafting material to the weakened...
Have you been diagnosed with dental necrosis? This is a condition where the pulp tissue inside of a tooth dies. (It might also be called a necrotic tooth, which just means a “dead” tooth.) Signs that you might be experiencing dental necrosis include pain when biting down or sensitivity to hot or cold foods. A...
If you have dental implants, concerns about undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans) may come up since implants typically contain metal components. Your dentist will give you the lowdown on safety, but we will also provide some details to help you understand if there is cause for concern. Understanding Dental Implants and MRI Magnetic Resonance...
This updated post was originally published on June 4, 2018. During a recent dental visit, your dentist may have recommended sealants for you or your child. But what exactly are dental sealants, and why are they important? A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating your dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of teeth to...