Lost a Filling or Crown? What to Do Until You See the Dentist
Losing a filling or crown can leave a tooth feeling sharp, sensitive, or suddenly vulnerable. The first priority is to protect the area, avoid making the damage worse, and arrange a dental evaluation as soon as possible. A lost restoration does not always mean the tooth itself has broken, but the reason the filling or […]
In-Office vs At-Home Teeth Whitening: Which Gives Better Results?
In-office and dentist-supervised at-home whitening can both lighten natural teeth. The biggest difference is speed and supervision. In-office teeth whitening usually uses a higher-strength whitening system under direct dental supervision, so changes can be seen sooner. A take-home teeth whitening kit from a dentist works more gradually and gives you more control over when you […]
Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: Understanding the Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis and periodontitis are both forms of gum disease, but they are not the same condition. Gingivitis is the early stage, when the gums are inflamed but the supporting bone and connective tissues have not been permanently damaged. Periodontitis is more advanced. It involves loss of the tissues and bone that help hold the teeth […]
Are Dental Sealants Worth It? Benefits and Who Needs Them
For many people at higher risk of cavities, dental sealants are worth considering because they protect the deep grooves of molars where toothbrush bristles do not always clean effectively. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sealants on permanent molars can prevent about 80% of cavities for the first two years and continue […]
Knocked-Out Tooth? What to Do in the First 60 Minutes
If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, act immediately. Pick it up by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with water without scrubbing. Replant it in the socket right away if you can do so safely. If not, keep it moist in milk or an emergency tooth-preservation solution […]
Dental Bonding vs Veneers: Which Fixes a Chipped Tooth Better?
Dental bonding and veneers can both improve the appearance of a chipped tooth, but they solve slightly different problems. Bonding adds tooth-colored resin to rebuild a small area, usually with little enamel removal. Porcelain veneers cover the front of a tooth and can change its overall shape or color. Your dentist needs to examine the […]
Dental Fillings 101: Types, Procedure, and What to Expect
A dental filling repairs a cavity or a small area of tooth damage after your dentist removes the affected tissue. The material restores the tooth’s shape and helps you chew comfortably. Most fillings are completed during one visit. The right material depends on the tooth, the size of the repair and your oral health. Here […]
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Signs, Process & Recovery Tips
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of your mouth. Some come in normally and never need treatment. Others have too little space, emerge partly through the gums, or become trapped beneath the surface. If a wisdom tooth is painful, repeatedly infected, decayed, or damaging a neighboring tooth, your dentist may recommend […]
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Right for You?
Invisalign and traditional braces can both straighten teeth and improve a bite, but they ask different things from the person wearing them. Invisalign uses removable clear aligners. Braces use brackets and wires that stay on the teeth. Neither option wins every case. The better fit depends on the tooth movement you need, your bite, your […]
Temp Crown vs Permanent: What’s the Difference?
A temp crown vs a permanent crown comes down to purpose and material. A temporary crown is a short-term cap, usually made of acrylic or composite. It protects your tooth for a couple of weeks while a dental lab makes your custom permanent crown. A permanent crown is the final restoration, made of porcelain, ceramic, […]