It’s not uncommon for patients to undergo a combination of dental procedures alongside each other, like having one or more teeth extracted and getting dentures. However, it’s important to have a realistic expectation of the timeline, because giving your smile enough time to heal is a crucial part of the process. Read on to learn what your timeline will look like from the moment your tooth is extracted to when your smile is complete again.

At each of your checkups and cleanings, your dentist and hygienist will examine your smile for signs of gum disease, which is one of the most common oral health conditions in the world. This includes measuring the pockets of your gums to make sure they don’t become too deep, leading to the accumulation and collection of harmful oral bacteria that can lead to severe infections. If you learn that you have periodontal pockets, there are ways to address them. Read on to learn more about this oral health concern and how you can address it.

Restorative dentistry is a term that encompasses a wide range of treatments that rebuild teeth that are impacted by decay, infections, and dental damage. Within that category are dental crowns and fillings, and while they both rebuild damaged teeth, they may be recommended by your dentist in different situations. Read on to learn the difference between these two treatments and find out which one you may be able to benefit from.

Tooth loss is an unfortunate reality for millions of Americans. In fact, the American College of Prosthodontists estimates that around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, while 40 million are missing all of their teeth. If you’re a part of this statistic, you’ll be pleased to know that your dentist offers several restorative solutions, including dental bridges and partial dentures, to restore your smile to its full function and appearance. Read on to learn the difference between these two prosthetics and what one would work best for you.

Dental bridges are widely regarded as a trusted, gold standard treatment for replacing several consecutive missing teeth. They’ve been around for centuries, but by utilizing modern techniques and materials, they’ve taken on a more lifelike appearance and longer lifespan. If you’re investing in restoring your smile with either a traditional or implant bridge, you’ll want to do everything in your power to be able to enjoy your restoration for as long as possible. Read on to learn how you can extend the average lifespan of your dental bridge.

After living with missing teeth, getting dentures is an investment in your quality of life and physical and emotional health. For many, the benefits that they offer are priceless. However, that doesn’t cancel out the fact that you could need to pay out-of-pocket for them depending on a variety of factors, like your health insurance coverage, what materials you choose to have them crafted from, and more. Read on to learn about four important cost factors of dentures that will go into determining the final price tag of your treatment.

Now that you just got your dentures, the days of having immense difficulty eating some of your favorite foods and always hiding your smile are behind you. With your new replacement teeth, you’ll be able to restore your oral function and health, giving you the confidence boost you need to move through life without the cloud of tooth loss looming over you. However, it is important to have realistic expectations of your new prosthetic, because after all, they aren’t your natural teeth. Read on to learn what you can expect as you adjust to your dentures as well as some practices to speed up the process.

Finally renewing your smile with a set of custom-designed, functional full dentures can be exciting, and while you may be tempted to never want to remove them, that’s not recommended. Your gums support your prosthetics throughout the day, and it’s important for them to have time to rest and recover to avoid sores and pain from developing as a result of having them in 24/7. Read on to learn how wearing them for prolonged periods of time can harm your mouth and how to take proper care of them.

If you’re missing teeth, you may be surprised to know that you’re in the same boat as millions of others in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 170 million people are missing at least one tooth, while 40 million are missing all of their teeth. Not only can this problem impact your day-to-day life by making tasks like eating and speaking harder, but when left unaddressed, they can also impact your appearance. Read on to learn how missing teeth can affect the look of your face and what you can do to stop other unwanted side-effects.

The American Dental Association along with dentists everywhere recommend coming in for a professional checkup and cleaning twice a year, or every six months. These appointments play a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums and helping avoid serious oral problems, like tooth infections and severe cavities. It’s good to come prepared for your appointment to make sure that your dental cleaning doesn’t take longer than necessary and avoid any insurance miscommunications that could make you wait a little longer in the lobby. Read on for four ways you can prepare for your upcoming routine checkup and cleaning.