When harmful bacteria cause an infection in a tooth or in the gums, there is a chance that an abscess will form. Pus gathers at the source of the infection, appearing as a lump or boil. This inflammation will often make the area swollen and painful. Getting a diagnosis of an asbcess, or suspecting you...
Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities for kids. But are they just for kids? After all, tooth decay can still happen at any age. Why shouldn’t adults get dental sealants, too? Instead of asking “can adults get sealants?” (the short answer: They can), a more relevant question is whether the...
Most people assume that they have no choice but to get a crown after a root canal. But patients who are concerned about the time, discomfort, and cost of a crown might wonder if they can skip this part of a tooth restoration. While placing a crown is the typical final stage in almost all...
Dental fillings are the go-to solution for a cavity. They offer a safe, effective fix that can be completed in a single visit to the dentist. While placing a filling is a quick and routine procedure, there are times when a dentist might choose to do a short-term repair with a temporary filling, sometimes called...
Modern-day dentistry has advanced in some remarkable ways. Things like dental implants that look and feel just like real teeth and dental sealants that help children avoid getting cavities would have surprised dentists and patients alike 100 years ago. As welcome as these advancements are for many people, they are bound to raise some questions....
Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or a clicking or locking of the jaw joint are all signs that there might be a problem with the temporomandibular (tem-per-oh-man-DI-byoo-ler) joint, or TMJ. This is the joint that connects the lower jaw, or mandible, to the skull; it can be found in front of the ears on both sides...
Dental crowns are an effective tool in restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Even though crowns are not expected to last forever, patients might assume they no longer need to worry about getting a cavity in the crowned tooth. Unfortunately, it is possible to get cavities under a dental crown. And just like cavities anywhere else...
Nearly half of adults age 30 and over have gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Problems with gums may include seeing blood when brushing or flossing teeth. Puffy or dark red gums may also signal the beginnings of gum disease in adults. Gum disease starts with a buildup of...
It is natural for parents to want what is best for their kids, and that includes their dental health. To prevent cavities, some parents invest in dental sealants for their children. How young is too young to get sealants? Can a dentist put sealants on baby teeth? While sealants are typically applied to permanent teeth,...
Dental crowns are a safe and effective method of fixing teeth with certain problems. In some cases, they might be necessary to save the tooth. Like many dental restorative dental procedures, however, crowns can cost a lot. If the dentist recommends one, how can patients find affordable dental crowns? What Is a Crown and Why...