Loose teeth? This therapy may help

Scaling and root planing (SRP) may be an effective treatment for improving tooth stability and lowering the risk of tooth loss in patients with gum disease, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology. Furthermore, factors, including smoking, diabetes, and severe periodontal disease, may reduce treatment success. Identifying these factors may help clinicians set realistic expectations and determine when more intensive treatment is needed, the authors wrote.

The 5 Classifications of Tooth Luxation

Sports injuries, car accidents, or falls sometimes happen. Tooth luxation occurs when a tooth is dislodged when trauma disrupts the ligaments and tissues holding the tooth in place. If you feel tooth pain after an injury to the mouth or face, make an appointment with your dentist right away. Depending on the type of tooth dislocation or damage, you may need immediate treatment like tooth repair or root canal. Or, you

How To Find Dental Insurance That Covers Implants

If you’re considering getting dental implants or have decided that this is a great way to improve your smile, you may have a list of questions. Does your dental insurance cover implants? How do you get dental insurance for implants? What is the best dental insurance for implants? The answer to these questions is unlikely to be straightforward, as different insurance packages and providers offer varied coverage. Read this article

What Is Regional Odontodysplasia?

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare condition that gives teeth a fuzzy appearance in x-rays. These shadowy images are why this disorder has been given the more memorable nickname, “ghost teeth.” But regional odontodysplasia doesn’t just impact how your teeth look. It can adversely affect your oral health, too. If you have ghost teeth, we’ll let you know what causes the condition, what complications may arise, and what treatment options

Why Does My Child Need A Palate Expander?

If your child is getting braces, one of the first things they may receive is a palate expander – a device that creates more space in your child’s mouth by widening the roof of the palate. This process can sound daunting to both child and parent, but it is common in orthodontics. Are palate expanders necessary? How does it work? Will it hurt? We’ll answer those questions and more about

Everything About Atrophic Glossitis

Abnormal tongue conditions can look alarming. Atrophic glossitis is one of these conditions. Luckily, with a dental professional on your side, they can put your mind at ease and get your tongue back to its normal self. Spotting a Tongue Problem Glossitis is a general term referring to all conditions that cause inflammation of the tongue. Atrophic glossitis occurs when the small doorknob-like projections on the tongue, called papillae, are worn

Five Signs You May Have Enamel Dysplasia

We’ve all heard that enamel is important to tooth health. But what happens when your enamel doesn’t develop properly? Enamel dysplasia is a condition that affects the normal levels of one’s tooth enamel. A form of exceptionally hard tissue, enamel acts as a protective outer shell to cover the part of the tooth that contains the sensitive pulp, dentin, and cementum tissues. The condition is usually caused by hypoplasia, which

Dental Emergencies and Sports Safety 101

Definition Any trauma to the mouth that may cause bleeding and lacerations to the gums, and dislodge, or fracture teeth, and may require immediate medical attention. Signs and Symptoms As with any trauma to the mouth, you should consult your dentist immediately to determine if treatment is required. The dentist will examine the affected area and may take X-rays. If you are in pain from a broken, cracked or chipped

Porcelain Vs. Prepless Veneers

Everyone deserves a naturally healthy smile—but sometimes, aesthetic issues can get in the way. That’s why several people turn to veneers, which are strong tooth coverings that can help people who suffer from tooth decay, chipping, gaps, staining, or an uneven bite. While there are pros and cons to explore related to what material you choose for your veneers, this article looks at two types of veneers—porcelain and prepless—that mainly

Retainers After Braces: Types And Maintenance

The use of retainers after braces is an essential part of the continuing maintenance of teeth and will go a long way toward keeping the same bite and smile that the braces have formed over the last few years. Read more about the importance of wearing retainers after braces. After orthodontic treatment is complete, your child will have their braces removed – marking the end to the most challenging part

What Is a Melanotic Macule?

If you’ve noticed a dark spot on your lips or inside of your mouth, you’re far from alone. Many underlying causes can produce a darkening of spots on your lips or mouth, also known as hyperpigmentation. We’re here to help you understand when this is a melanotic macule, what the other causes are, and if you should talk to a professional. Characteristics of a Melanotic Macule Dark spots that appear

What is Lip Cancer? Causes, Signs and Symptoms

There is a lot of misinformation about lip cancer—or lip melanoma—out there. Lip melanoma is a type of oral skin cancer. One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. If caught early, it can be treated and removed. So it’s essential to know the different signs and symptoms, how lip cancer differs from other types of cancer, and what treatment is available. Managing Dry Socket