If you have ever been referred by a dentist to a dental specialist, you may remember how confusing the whole process was. Getting a referral to a dental specialist can trigger stress and anxiety. To add to the stress many patients feel comfortable with their dentist and hygienist and would prefer not to be sent…
Unless you don’t go to the dentist regularly, you have heard how important brushing and flossing your teeth is to maintain a healthy mouth. Brushing your teeth is always effective, however flossing may not be as effective as you think. The goal of oral hygiene is to keep the teeth free from plaque, bacteria, food…
You wore braces for two years, and have beautiful smile to show for it. Your orthodontist recommends that you wear a removable retainer or have a fixed retainer placed to keep your teeth from moving. How important is wearing your retainer? What options do you have for orthodontic retainers? Dental retainers are appliances that prevent…
Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint from patients. Suffering from sensitive teeth can prevent you from having a cold drink on a hot summer day, or from enjoying a piece of birthdate cake. Sensitivity can get severe enough that a patient will not be able to tolerate a simple tooth cleaning. What causes tooth sensitivity?…
Toothpaste to treat periodontal disease Recently I noticed a lot of commercials about toothpaste that can help “prevent” periodontal disease. Do these products work and are they worth paying extra money? Periodontal disease can affect anyone, from pre-puberty to old age, although it is usually seen later in life. Disease can be classified as chronic,…
Is your tooth telling you something? The term “root canal” will usually elicit a negative reaction from most patients. Nobody wants to hear that they will need root canal treatment because it is expensive, and usually associated with severe pain. How does your dentist differentiate between reversible and irreversible conditions, where you may need root…
We all have heard of gum disease or periodontal disease and how, if left untreated, it can lead to loss of teeth and eventually dentures. Over the years I have seen patients that have been going to the same dentist for a long time and thought that they were doing fine, get upset when they…
