What is a dental bridge? A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth, thereby “bridging” the space between two teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented into place next to the “abutment” teeth–the surrounding teeth on either side of the space, or “span.” Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges are not removable. […]
Quitting Chewing Tobacco
Chewing tobacco affects your dental health as well as the rest of your body. If you use smokeless tobacco and have thought about quitting, we can help. How do you kick the habit? We can help you kick your chewing tobacco habit. In addition to cleaning teeth and treating bad breath and puffy, swollen gums […]
Brushing Tips
What is the best technique for brushing? There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to ask during an appointment to determine which is the best one for them, since tooth position and gum condition vary. One effective, easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of […]
Pregnancy and Oral Health
How does pregnancy affect my oral health? It’s a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth, but you may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary change is a surge in hormones–particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone– which is linked to an increase in the amount of plaque […]
Dentures: Get Your Smile Back
What is a denture? A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Who needs […]
Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
When should my child first see a dentist, and why? The ideal time is six months after your child’s first (primary) teeth erupt. This time frame is a perfect opportunity for us to carefully examine the development of your child’s mouth. Because dental problems often start early, the sooner the visit the better. To safeguard […]
Tooth Decay: A Preventable Disease
What is tooth decay, and what causes it? Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities. It is not life threatening and is although it is highly preventable, it will affect most people to some degree during their lifetime. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches […]
Teeth Whitening Facts
Is your wedding approaching and you want your smile to be its brightest? Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement? Whatever the reason, tooth whitening isn’t just for the movie stars, and it isn’t just for one day. Many people have their teeth whitened, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire […]
Expiring Insurance Benefits—Use Them or Lose Them!
What if someone gave you free money to spend on improving your smile? With one string attached: use it all by New Years’, or lose it. Well, for those fortunate enough to have insurance, there are several ways to take advantage of your plan’s benefits before they expire at the end of the year. Many dental […]
Your Mouth and Gum Disease
“A Family Affair” Think of the great things you’ve passed along to your kids: sense of humor, charm, style, wit—why, the list could go on and on of course! Unfortunately, some of the things that get passed from parent to child aren’t that great. One is a predisposition towards periodontitis, or gum disease. Of the […]