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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
When you visit your dentist’s office for a checkup and cleaning, your dental hygienist typically uses specialized tools to remove hardened debris and food from your teeth. Among these dental tools is a scaler or curette – known as a plaque scraper or ultrasonic tooth cleaner – to remove the plaque and tartar buildup. Although consumer plaque scrapers are widely available, it’s not a good idea to use them yourself.
Perhaps you’ve sat in a classroom where solving calculus problems was as mysterious as the identity of Jack the Ripper. But never fear. We’re not talking mathematics – nor Victorian murders – but rather, we’re referring to dental tartar, also known as calculus. We’ll give you the 101 on dental tartar – how it develops, what mischief it can cause, how you can prevent it, and how to kill, er,
Congratulations! You not only survived but thrived with braces, and now you have a beautiful smile to show for it. Your braces required a lot of time and investment, so you want to make sure your smile looks as perfect as possible. Consider these cosmetic procedures — like teeth reshaping or whitening — after your braces are removed. Teeth Reshaping Tooth reshaping, also known as dental contouring, involves subtle changes