Experiencing a dental emergency is a situation we all hope we never have to face. But what type of situation requires a call to your dentist for immediate attention? People who tend to be cautious may consider a non-throbbing toothache an emergency, while stoical types might think they can tough out a cracked tooth until…
It’s time for a pop quiz! What’s the hardest substance in the human body? If you answered “bones,” sorry! The correct answer is enamel! Because tooth enamel is 96% mineral, it’s stronger than bones, which are composed of living, soft tissue. But although enamel is tougher than bone, it isn’t indestructible — and it can’t…
The introduction of Invisalign® clear aligners in 1999 gave many teenagers and adults wanting to straighten their teeth a highly desirable alternative to traditional metal braces. Since that time, some companies – most prominently SmileDirectClub —developed a business model in which those wanting fast results at a discounted cost could bypass being treated by an…
You may have heard the terms “tooth abscess” or “abscessed tooth,” without quite understanding the condition itself. Although not discussed as frequently as tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, a tooth abscess can lead to serious — even life-threatening — complications if not treated in a timely manner. Here’s what you need to know about…
Fluoride is an essential mineral in the battle against tooth decay. In its natural form, fluoride is found throughout the earth’s crust, and released from rocks into the soil, water and air. Fortunately, its ability to be synthesized in a laboratory allows fluoride to be used as an important ingredient in most toothpastes and some…
When you’re doing something that’s detrimental to your health, you’re typically aware of your actions (or lack thereof), and — hopefully — become motivated to change your behavior. But when it’s something you’re doing unconsciously, becoming aware of your action and taking steps to overcome it is far more challenging. Such is the case if…
Dental crowns are a popular solution to restore teeth that are damaged or have undergone a root canal — as well as a durable, long-term cosmetic restoration for teeth that are permanently discolored and/or irregularly shaped or spaced. Whether you need only one crown, or are considering a smile makeover, knowing why your dentist may…
Root canal treatment is probably the dental procedure that people dread the most. In fact, it’s the standard reference for an unpleasant experience, as in, “I’d rather have a root canal than (fill in the blank).” If you’ve never had a root canal, the procedure’s bad reputation could make you so anxious that you don’t…
The quest to restore missing teeth is almost as old as history itself. Archeological excavations have unearthed dentures dating back to 700 BCE, when the Etruscans created crude initial forms of dentures using ivory as a base, into which animal and human teeth were fastened. In fact, despite the persistent myth that George Washington had…
Having a beautiful smile is a powerful boost to self-confidence — and can open doors in many aspects of your life! But the bright, perfect “movie star” smile that’s so desirable can’t always be achieved by best oral health practices alone. Fortunately, a smile makeover is designed to give you what nature didn’t — or…
