“How long does novocaine last?” may be the first question a patient asks before getting dental work. Luckily, with the continued improvement in pain control using novocaine and other agents, dentists have the tools they need to make visits comfortable and pleasant for patients needing dental treatment. Types of Anesthesia By discussing your options with your dentist, you can decide what type of anesthesia is best for you and your
What Happens During a Dental Visit? First, it is important to find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable. Once you’ve found a dentist you like, your next step is to schedule a check-up — before any problems arise. On your first visit to a dentist, they will take a full health history. On subsequent visits, if your health status has changed, make sure to tell them. Most dental visits
If you’re on the hunt for a new toothpaste or just feel like you need an added ingredient that will clean your teeth more efficiently, you may come across the term “hydrated silica.” While cultures like the ancient Egyptians and Romans used eggs and oyster shells as teeth cleaners, we’ve luckily come a long way with abrasives for our teeth! Hydrated silica is a much gentler abrasive that, for the most
Ready for your annual vacation? Did you schedule your snorkeling excursion? Your museum tours? Your root canal? Wait … what? When you think of tourism, you probably think of tropical beaches or famous attractions in a foreign city. But some people plan their vacation around dental tourism. Here’s what you need to know about this unique way of traveling, including the why and where of dental tourism. (Plus, the downsides.)
If you have a dental procedure coming up, there may be a part of you that is afraid — but this is common. Anywhere from 50% to 80% of adults in the U.S. have some form of dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe, according to a study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene. It’s important to know that you are not alone in your anxiety, and there are techniques
Some oral infections are common from childhood to adulthood. Learn about eight common oral infections, their signs and symptoms, and when to seek treatment. Like any part of your body, you can get infections and illnesses that can affect your teeth, gums, and tongue. Some oral infections are more serious than others. But arming yourself with the knowledge of these common mouth infections, their causes, and typical signs can help
Who doesn’t wish that at-home care would be enough for a perfectly white smile? Unfortunately, for common issues like plaque buildup, your daily oral health routine is only part of the equation. Let’s dive into what plaque and tartar are, what role you can play in preventing their buildup and why having a dental professional remove them is the safest and smartest option. Plaque, a sticky substance of bacteria and sugars,
You’re probably familiar with the function of your nervous system. Your nerves send and receive sensory and motor function information to and from your brain. But what may not be as clear is where exactly your buccal nerve is. Once you discover that “buccal” refers to your cheek, suddenly everything becomes a bit more clear. We’ll let you know more about this nerve, how it may affect you, and how
Did you know there’s a party going on in your mouth? That’s right, according to News in Health, your mouth is home to over 700 species of microbes, including bacteria, fungus, and more. Some bacteria can be helpful, while others can be associated with tooth decay and bad breath. Luckily, figuring out how to get rid of harmful bacteria isn’t that hard. It all comes down to a good oral care
Have you been outside today? The health benefits — both mental and physical — add up quickly the more time you spend with Mother Nature. This includes much-needed access to vitamin D. The “sunshine vitamin” plays an important role in your overall health and provides great benefits for your teeth and gums. Learn more about vitamin D and how it impacts your oral health. What Is Vitamin D? Vitamin D
If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, your dentist will try to fix it with a filling, crown or other dental treatment. But when there’s too much damage for the tooth to be repaired, the tooth may need to be extracted — or removed — from its socket in the bone. Beyond damage and decay, here are some other common reasons for tooth removal: Some people have
If you’re having a tooth extracted and your dental professional is recommending a socket preservation procedure, you may be wondering what exactly that means. Why can’t they simply remove the tooth and let it heal on its own? We’ll break down why socket preservation is done, what you can expect from the operation, and give you some tips for aftercare so you can feel confident you’re getting treatment that will
