Does mercury in the silver fillings in your mouth pose any long-term health risks? Does fluoride, in spite of everything we've been told since childhood, actually cause more harm than good? What does the latest research reveal about tobacco use on your overall oral health? This section is dedicated

People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left untreated, can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth. One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your

People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left untreated, can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth. One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your

How To Handle A Knocked Out Tooth A tooth completely knocked out of its socket The tooth reimplanted and splinted for stabilization With timely action and some knowledge, a tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket often can be successfully reimplanted and last for years. However,

Any kind of cut to your face and the delicate soft tissues inside your mouth should be addressed immediately in order to prevent further tissue damage and infection. If a traumatic injury involves a broken facial bone such as the jaw, nose, chin or cheek, maxillofacial surgery may be required. With

Naturally occurring latex has been linked in recent years to allergic reactions in people who use such products as latex gloves. The proteins in the latex, which can also become airborne, can cause problems in vulnerable people such as breathing problems and contact dermatitis. Some allergic reactions,

Living with Braces Braces need some “breaking in” before you feel comfortable with them. Your teeth will be tender up to a few days after an appointment. Avoid foods that are hard and/or sticky so we recommend you eat a soft diet. Don’t eat tough meat or raw vegetables as they may damage your

There are many methods for relieving oral pain. They include: Ice packs on the affected area. Avoiding hard candy or ice. Avoiding sleeping on your stomach. Dentists use a wide array of pain management tools, including: Anesthetics such as Novocaine. Analgesics such as aspirin

When facial reconstruction, including procedures involving the oral cavity, is called for, a specialist is needed. Surgical procedures of the neck and head area are performed by a maxillofacial surgeon. Common maxillofacial procedures include denture-related procedures and jaw surgery. Jaw Correction Protruding

Certain kinds of medications can have an adverse effect on your teeth. Long ago, children exposed to tetracycline developed tooth problems, including discoloration, later in life. The medication fell out of use, however, and is not an issue today. The best precaution is to ask your family physician

Some dental procedures, such as tooth extractions and oral surgery, may call for our office to prescribe medications before or after a procedure. These medications are used to prevent or fight an infection, or to relieve any post-operative discomfort and pain. For these reasons, it is extremely important

Fixed bridges and implants are often used to replace missing teeth and to correct some kinds of bite problems. Crowns and bridges are the most effective procedure for replacing missing teeth or bite problems.

The Food and Drug Administration classifies mouth rinses into two categories - therapeutic and cosmetic. In general, therapeutic rinses with fluoride have been shown to actually fight cavities, plaque and gingivitis. On the other hand, cosmetic rinses merely treat breath odor, reduce bacteria and/or

Implants for Multiple Teeth If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots. What are the advantages of implant-supported bridges over fixed bridges or removable partial dentures? Dental

Myths and Facts about Orthodontics Many people have formed opinions about orthodontists based on myths. This page is designed to distinguish between the myths and the facts. Myth: Orthodontists are only required for orthodontic cases of complex nature. Fact: Orthodontists are appropriate doctors

It has long been known that good nutrition and a well-balanced diet is one of the best defenses for your oral health. Providing your body with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals helps your teeth and gums—as well as your immune system—stay strong and ward off infection, decay and disease. Harmful

Newer kinds of fillings made from composite resins and porcelain can restore unsightly fillings; many people are surprised how natural these kinds of filling materials can make a tooth once covered by the old-fashioned silver amalgams.

Oncology Reference Guide to Oral Health Head and Neck Radiation Therapy Pre-Cancer Treatment Oral Health Examination Chemotherapy Oral Complications of Cancer Treatment Blood and Marrow Transplantation Head and Neck Radiation Therapy Patients receiving radiation therapy to the

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers today and has one of the lowest survival rates, with thousands of new cases being reported each year. Fewer than half of all people diagnosed with oral cancer are ever cured. Moreover, people with many forms of cancer can develop complications—some of

Oral Cancer Exams and Biopsies Every visit to our office includes an oral cancer screening exam. However, you are the most important person in an early diagnosis. You should look for any sores or lesions in your mouth that do not heal within two weeks. If you notice these, contact us for an appointment

Oral piercings (usually in the tongue or around the lips) have quickly become a popular trend in today’s society.  With this popular trend, it is important to realize that sometimes even precautions taken during the installation of the piercing jewelry are not enough to stave off harmful, long-term

FAQs What is meant by orthodontics? Orthodontics is an important branch of dentistry that deals with correcting the positioning of the jaws and the alignment of the teeth. What is an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a dentist who receives two to three years of additional training and education

Orthodontic Glossary Our orthodontic glossary is a definition of terms used on our website and in dentistry and orthodontics. Please click on a link below to go directly to that section of the glossary. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A Alveolar bone The jaw bone that

Orthodontic Treatment for Children  Early correction and treatment of misaligned teeth ensure your child’s dental health will be addressed at an early age. According to the American Dental Association, a child should visit an orthodontist by the time he or she is seven years old. Our comprehensive

Pain can occur in any number of places in your mouth: teeth, gums, roots, the palate, tongue and jaw. Cavities are a common culprit causing pain. Untreated cavities can impact nerves because of infections of the tooth and gums. Impacted and abscessed teeth and sore jaws from teeth grinding are other

LUMINEERS® A Simply Perfect Smile A life-changing new look is as easy as LUMINEERS. No pain. No temporaries. Just a perfect, attractive smile that lasts—and a confident, new outlook on life. LUMINEERS provides protection and perfection. Highly durable and ultra-thin, LUMINEERS are porcelain

Pericoronitis Pericoronitis is a common problem that occurs around a partially impacted lower wisdom tooth.  The literal definition of pericoronitis is inflammation around the crown. A piece of gum tissue appears over the biting surface of the tooth, which is very difficult to clean. Debris collects

Periodontal exams are vital in the maintenance of your oral health as they are used to assess the health of your gums and teeth. They can help your dentist diagnose gum diseases, gingivitis and periodontitis. These exams can also reveal receding gums, exposed roots, tooth grinding and other problems,

Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums after eating foods that produce acids. These foods may include carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as candy and cookies, and starchy foods such as bread, crackers, and cereal. Tooth decay, commonly known as cavities, occurs when

Post Op Care of Extractions The treatment of extractions can be quite a painful experience for your child if not handled properly. The following information is to help you learn how to improve your child's recovery. Bleeding Once the extractions are done, the bleeding will gradually decrease. The

Infants Infants should be seen by our office after the first six months of age, and at least by the child's first birthday. By this time, the baby's first teeth, or primary teeth, are beginning to erupt and it is a critical time to spot any problems before they become big concerns. Conditions like

Pulpotomy (Child Root Canal) The build up of decay can reach the nerve/pulp of the baby tooth and cause pain. In order to relieve the pain, we need to remove the nerve from the nerve chamber of the particular tooth. This is similar to an adult root canal but does not take as long since only the pulp

Retainers There are certain tips to follow for wearing, and properly taking care of, your retainers. Your retainers should be in one of two places at all times; either in your mouth or in their case. Take your retainers off while eating. Maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing

Ridge Augmentation A key to dental implant success is the amount and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. Ridge deformities of the upper and lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone and tissue thickness for either an esthetic and functional bridge or dental implant restoration.

Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions What is root canal treatment? Root canal treatment is the removal of the nerve and blood vessels of a tooth for the purpose of trying to save the tooth from extraction. A simple analogy is removing the wick from a candle. The void where the wick was is cleaned