Are you stressed out about an upcoming dental procedure? Do you find yourself unable to get comfortable when you’re in the dentist’s chair? You’re not alone. It’s not unusual to have dental anxiety, but the good news is that dental anesthesia and sedation can help. These methods make you feel...
A dental implant is a permanent solution for a missing tooth. Getting a dental implant involves surgery to place a small titanium screw into your jawbone. This screw serves as a replacement for the root of your missing tooth, and it supports a crown or bridge to restore the appearance...
It’s normal for children to lose all their primary teeth between ages 6-12, and the adult teeth that take their place are meant to last a lifetime. But unfortunately, teeth don’t always last forever. An estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one adult tooth. Extraction is often the...
Has your dentist told you that you need gum grafting surgery? The thought of gum surgery can be scary. But the truth is that it’s a safe, effective procedure to improve your oral health. You might need gum grafting to treat receding gums, tooth sensitivity, or periodontal disease. At a...
More than 40% of American adults experience tooth pain each year. Toothaches are very common, but when your mouth hurts, it’s not always easy to identify the cause. If you have mild tooth pain or sensitivity, you can usually wait a few days for a regular dental appointment, but other...
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the top oral health conditions in the United States. It’s characterized by gum tissue inflammation and infection, and it poses a serious risk to your teeth and your overall oral health. Gum disease starts with mild inflammation called gingivitis. If it’s left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis,...
Do you avoid scheduling routine dental cleanings? Does the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair make you sweat? Have you neglected your oral health because you can’t bring yourself to step into the dentist office? You might be suffering from dental anxiety — and you’re not alone. Up to...
Eating a balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for your health. Nutritious food gives your body the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs, helping you maintain a healthy weight and feel your very best. But did you know that the foods you eat also affect...
The crown of your tooth is the white part that’s visible above your gumline. Crown lengthening is a procedure to make tooth crowns longer, whether it's for cosmetic purposes or part of a larger dental restoration. Crown lengthening involves removing excess gum tissue, bone, or both to expose more of a tooth. J....
Your gums are vital to your overall oral health. Although that soft, pink skin might seem delicate, gums do a lot to protect your teeth and your jawbone. Unfortunately, periodontal disease, the most common oral disease in the country, can compromise the health of your gums and the rest of your...
Do you have receding gums? It’s a common oral health problem, and it puts you at risk of tooth decay, sensitivity, and an unsightly smile. The good news is that gum recession is treatable, and the procedure isn’t as scary as you might think. J. Paul Fuentes, DDS, and Andrew Peterson, DMD,...
Did you know that more than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? Tooth loss due to injury, decay, and periodontal disease is a problem that affects adults of all ages. And if you’re missing a tooth, you’re not alone. Although it’s common, having a missing tooth isn’t something to take lightly....
Dental anxiety is a fear of undergoing dental work. And for many people, that fear is enough to keep them from getting the dental care they need. If you’ve avoided going to the dentist or you’ve pushed off dental treatments you know you need, it’s time to learn more about...
Gum disease is the No. 1 oral health problem in the United States. It’s such a common condition that if you’re over the age of 30, there’s a good chance you have it. But what exactly is gum disease? What are the signs? And why is it so common? J....
Gingiva is the soft, pink tissue that surrounds your teeth. Better known as gum tissue, it creates a gentle seal around your teeth to hold them in place and protect them from decay. Healthy gums fit snugly around your teeth and cover the sensitive roots. But millions of Americans have...
You probably know that taking care of your teeth is important. Whether you have early signs of periodontal disease or you’re missing a tooth and need restorative surgery, seeking proactive care gives you a healthier mouth. But you may not look forward to visiting the dentist — especially if you...
Maybe you saw bright red blood when you flossed your teeth at home. Or maybe your dental hygienist told you that your gums were bleeding at your last dental cleaning. Either way, your gums bleed when you floss, and now you’re wondering if you’re doing something wrong. Bleeding is usually...
Are you considering dental implants? They are permanent, artificial teeth that look just like natural teeth — and they’re a great option if you have a gap in your smile. If you have missing teeth or damaged teeth that need extraction, dental implants may be the answer. Implants help your...
Nearly 65 million Americans have periodontitis. It’s the most severe form of periodontal disease, and it’s the No.1 oral health disease in the United States. Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis. While gingivitis can be reversed with dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits, it can progress to periodontitis if you...
The term “plastic surgery” might bring to mind nose jobs, facelifts, and tummy tucks, but did you know it can transform your smile, too? Periodontal plastic surgery procedures shape your jaw, teeth, and gums to give you a smile you love. Gum health is at the heart of all periodontal...
Your gums are the soft, pink tissue that surrounds your teeth. Healthy gums hug your teeth, holding them in place and protecting the tooth roots from harmful bacteria and decay. But age, genetics, and other factors contribute to a common dental issue known as gum recession. Receding gums pull away...
Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease among American adults. In fact, it’s so common that there’s a 50% chance you already have it if you’re over 30. Also called gum disease, it starts with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. If not treated, the condition worsens, loosening your teeth....
Over 120 million American adults have at least one missing tooth. Losing a tooth as an adult can be embarrassing, but it often creates more problems than just a gap in your smile. Adults lose teeth for a number of reasons, from sports injuries to natural aging and decay. When...
Most people don’t relish the thought of visiting the dentist. But if dental appointments give you anxiety, worry, and fear, it could be dental anxiety. Avoiding the dentist’s office completely might seem like the way to handle dental anxiety, but ignoring your oral health could have serious consequences. From tooth...
Regenerative therapy has become something of a buzzword in the medical community. Popular among everyone from professional athletes to weekend warriors, it’s touted as a revolutionary way to heal and recover. But what exactly does regenerative therapy mean? In short, regenerative medicine enhances your body’s ability to heal itself. The...
While the thought of periodontal surgery might not be appealing, it could improve your oral health and the look of your smile. Periodontal surgery is dental surgery involving your gums and jaw. Some common periodontal procedures include gingivectomy, grafting, and dental implants. J. Paul Fuentes, DDS, and Andrew Peterson, DMD,...
Your gums naturally grow around your teeth, offering support and protection. But years of wear-and-tear or aggressive tooth brushing can cause your gums to recede, revealing more and more of your teeth. Receding gums are a common dental problem, particularly in people over the age of 40. But don’t write...
If you’re an American adult and you’re over 30 years old, you have a good chance of having some form of periodontal disease. It’s infection and inflammation of the gums and bone in your mouth, and nearly 50% of Americans over age 30 have it. Periodontal disease ranges in severity....
If you dread the thought of going to the dentist, you’re not alone. An estimated 36% of American adults suffer from dental anxiety or dental fear. Most people don’t look forward to visiting the dentist, but dental anxiety can make you avoid routine dental care. It can also put you...
If your gums are inflamed and sore, your mouth is trying to tell you there’s a problem. You may have gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. This condition can proceed from bad to worse if left untreated, so you should seek periodontal treatment right away. What is periodontal disease? ...
With advancements in dental technology and treatments, dentures and bridges are no longer your only option for restoring your smile. In fact, dental implants are the preferred choice for replacing missing teeth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. Yet, you still may wonder if they’re the best option for...
