When properly aligned, your teeth work together as a synchronized team. But when they don’t, the consequences affect far more than just your smile. Bite alignment issues, also known as malocclusion, can trigger headaches, jaw pain, tooth wear, and even keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Many patients live with these issues for years without realizing their bite is the problem.
The dental industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades. Once considered the gold standard for dental restorations, mercury amalgam fillings have largely fallen out of favor among modern dental professionals.
When it comes to oral surgery, few procedures are more common than removing wisdom teeth. While they can help with chewing when they come in properly, these third molars often create problems that require professional intervention, leaving many patients with questions about the process, recovery, and what to expect. As dental professionals, we’re here to help you better understand what wisdom teeth are, the most common signs of problems, and what to expect when having them removed.
Bad breath, or halitosis, affects nearly everyone at some point. But despite how common it is, many people are embarrassed to discuss this common oral health concern. Understanding what triggers halitosis and how to combat it effectively can transform your confidence and social interactions. As dental professionals, we are here to help! Read on to discover dentist-recommended solutions for fresher breath.
Tooth sensitivity affects millions of people worldwide. That sharp, sudden pain many experience when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods can disrupt daily life and make eating an uncomfortable experience. As dental professionals, we’ve seen patients try all sorts of things to minimize sensitivity. Let’s take a closer look at treatments and home remedies that actually work.
Oral cancer affects more than 54,000 Americans each year and accounts for roughly three percent of all new cancer cases in the United States. But despite these alarming statistics, many people remain unaware of the importance of regular oral cancer screenings or the warning signs that could save their lives.
Picture this: you’ve just had a tooth removed and feel relieved that the procedure is behind you. Then, your dentist mentions something called a “bone graft.” Suddenly, what seemed like a straightforward extraction becomes more complex, and you may wonder whether a bone graft is really necessary. You’re not alone. Most patients have questions when bone grafts enter the conversation, and rightfully so. The thought of needing additional treatment can seem daunting, especially when you’re already dealing with a missing tooth.
If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, it could be due to grinding your teeth at night. This condition is known as sleep bruxism and affects approximately 10-15% of adults. Stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, certain medications, and disorders like sleep apnea can all contribute to nighttime grinding. With a force of up to 250 pounds — far more than normal chewing — grinding damages tooth enamel, causes jaw pain, and creates other oral health problems.
Gum disease affects more than a billion people worldwide, often progressing silently until it causes significant damage to the teeth’s supporting structures. When advanced periodontal disease creates deep pockets between the teeth and gums, patients require surgical intervention. Pocket reduction surgery, or osseous surgery, is a powerful weapon against periodontal disease.
We’ve all heard horror stories about dental appointments gone wrong, so it’s unsurprising that many patients feel anxious when their dentist recommends a root canal. This common procedure carries an undeserved reputation for being extremely painful, but in reality, these treatments help relieve pain, not cause it.