Category: General & Preventive Dentistry

How is Periodontitis Diagnosed?

Gum disease is a common oral health problem. But to treat it successfully, you must first know how to spot the signs. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that 42.2 percent of people aged 30 or more show signs of periodontitis or gum disease. Of that percentage, the agency says 34.4 percent…

What Helps Tooth Extractions Heal Faster?

Unfortunately, you may need to have your tooth pulled. But you can speed up the recovery period with these at-home care tips. Getting a tooth pulled is not something anyone looks forward to. Yet sometimes, a tooth extraction is the only option to prevent further infection in the mouth, remove troublesome wisdom teeth, or correct…

Does Getting a Dental Crown Require a Root Canal?

Getting a crown doesn’t always require a root canal, and vice versa. But in some instances, you might require both treatments. Here’s what you need to know. If you think every root canal-treated tooth requires a dental crown — and vice versa — think again. Of the approximately 25 million root canals performed annually, not…

What is the Red Bubble in My Mouth?

Has a red blister emerged in your mouth? Don’t panic. It’s a benign condition that will soon go away. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with the pain. Suppose you feel pain in your mouth. When you look in the mirror, you see a red bubble on the side of your cheek. Although…

Here’s the Fastest Way to Stop a Toothache

Suppose your tooth is aching, but you can’t see the dentist immediately. Here’s what you can do in the meantime to make the pain stop. A throbbing toothache can make your life miserable. The pain keeps you up at night, and you can’t complete your everyday chores because of your painful tooth. You make an…

Is Dentin Decay Reversible?

Your teeth contain a second layer after enamel called dentin. So what happens when decay hits dentin? When you look at your teeth, you’re seeing the strong outer covering known as enamel. But did you know your teeth consist of another layer called dentin, and it’s not visible to the naked eye? Teeth are made…

What are the Different Types of Tooth Extractions?

Sometimes, a tooth extraction is your best option to treat a badly damaged tooth. And you have two types of extractions from which to choose. Your dentist will almost always prefer saving your natural tooth with a filling or crown over tooth extraction. However, an extraction is the best option if a tooth is so…

How Do I Repair Chipped Veneers?

Veneers are highly durable, but accidental chips happen. So what do you do? Dental veneers can dramatically reshape and brighten your smile via a thin coating of either porcelain or composite resin. Less invasive than crowns and more permanent than bonding, veneers cover discolored teeth, fill in gaps between teeth, or even out oddly shaped…

Nine Root Canal Aftercare Tips

Root canal treatment has a very high success rate. But what you do afterward also matters. More than 41,000 root canals are performed daily, adding up to an annual total of 15 million. In addition to being one of the most common dental procedures, root canal therapy is ] one of the most effective, with…

Is There a Gum Disease Treatment I Can Do At Home?

Home remedies can ease some symptoms of gum disease, but they are not a cure. See your dentist for treatment. Gum disease affects nearly half of all people over 30 to some degree, with 9 percent having the most severe form of this common yet serious dental condition. Treatment by a dentist can reverse the…