Congratulations on deciding to wear braces this year! You can expect to wear your braces anywhere from 1-3 years depending on your growth, how complex the problem is, and of course, how well you care for your braces with your daily oral hygiene routine. Your Specific Treatment Plan Modern methods... Read more »
Endodontics • General Dentistry • Holistic • Oral Surgery • Periodontics •
In honor of February's Gum Disease Awareness Month – a global public awareness campaign for preventing gum disease – our practice wants to help spread the word about this insidious disease. That's because it can destroy your smile if it is left untreated. Fortunately, you can take action to help... Read more »
On a functional level, your nose serves the simple purpose of helping to pass air from the outside world into your respiratory tract. Special cells inside your nose also provide you with a sense of smell as well as certain aspects of your sense of taste. Natural deviations and injuries... Read more »
The hair follicles on your body play a variety of roles. Things like eyelashes, nose hair and eyebrows help protect sensitive parts of your face. Hair on the head as well as other parts of the body was once critical during the process of human evolution. Genetics and certain hormones... Read more »
The natural process of aging gradually starts to affect the facial skin. Reduced exfoliation and collagen production, as well as other natural processes, can also affect your eyelids and the skin surrounding your eyes. As time goes on, both the upper and lower eyelids can start to sag and droop.... Read more »
Your facial features not only play a critical role in your non-verbal communications, but they can also often impact your self-esteem when you look in the mirror. Time and genetics can also combine to soften the facial features of certain individuals which could leave you looking older than you really... Read more »
Collagen is a special type of protein structure manufactured by your body to be incorporated into certain types of connective tissues as well as your skin. As you grow older, your body gradually decreases collagen production, which can have a significant impact on the health and elasticity of your skin.... Read more »
Time, genetics and certain lifestyle factors can potentially combine to have a profound effect on the health and appearance of your skin. The effects of skin aging brought on by slower exfoliation, decreased collagen production, nutritional choices and unprotected sun exposure are often most pronounced on the face and neck... Read more »
Perky breasts and a high bustline are typical hallmarks of a youthful bust profile. However, human breast tissue is made up of a complex amalgam of healthy fat tissues, mammary glands and various connective tissues held in shape by the skin. It’s an unfortunate fact that time and gravity are... Read more »
We are pleased to offer quality, custom dentures for our patients needing to replace lost teeth, and even more happy that we can create them right here in our office! Our dentures are designed to fit comfortably and look natural so you can smile without feeling self-conscious. We can also... Read more »
Did you know that sleep apnea can be related to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, particularly if you have been suffering from symptoms such as chronic headaches? TMJ affects your jaw joints where the lower jaw connects to the upper jaw and can leave you with jaw pain along with pain... Read more »
When it comes to your oral health, saving your natural tooth is usually the most desirable option whenever possible. That is why preventing tooth decay and cavities is the goal of your daily brushing and flossing oral hygiene care. Still, there are times when a root canal is needed to... Read more »
Facial trauma (or maxillofacial trauma) can happen when you are involved in an injury to your face or jawbone. Such injuries may arise from being in a car accident, a fall, sports injury or work, for example. These may be categorized as soft tissue injuries of your skin or gums,... Read more »
While your teeth seem like the "stars" of your smile, if your gums are in poor health they can weaken your teeth and their stability. The new year is the perfect time to take stock of your oral health, especially your gums. The easiest way to monitor your gum health... Read more »
When your child's permanent (adult) teeth begin emerging around the age of six, you can expect these teeth to last them for their lifetime. Protecting their adult teeth becomes a priority, and that's why they need to be brushed and flossed as their teeth erupt so they don't succumb to... Read more »
Whether you live in an area that gets snow and ice, or you travel to vacation spots to engage in winter sports, you need to be mindful of oral injuries, particularly when you are wearing braces! It's always important to wear a mouth guard when engaging in potentially hazardous sports... Read more »
If you find yourself with bad breath or have had someone remark on your breath, you might be experiencing halitosis. Bad breath may come and go depending on what food you are eating or if you have "morning breath," common in those who tend to breathe through the mouth. Still,... Read more »
Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a surgical procedure that fixes abnormalities in the jawbones by realigning them correctly and enabling the teeth to function properly. This surgery involves aligning the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin to improve their form and function with the help of wires, screws... Read more »
This time of year, your child is likely consuming lots of sugary treats like candy canes, cookies, cupcakes and more. While you know sugar is bad for your child's smile, convincing them of that might be a little harder. Instead, focus on teaching them how taking good care of their... Read more »
With the new year around the corner, why not consider taking the next step to create a more beautiful smile? Orthodontics was initially a treatment that folks considered to be limited to children and teens, but today it is increasingly popular with adults. No matter what your age, orthodontic treatments... Read more »
Endodontics • General Dentistry • Holistic • Oral Surgery • Periodontics •
Winter is here and if you are exposed to the harsher weather, you could find yourself experiencing more cold and canker sores, chapped lips and dry mouth from the colder, drier conditions of the season. The good news is, there are steps you can take to protect your mouth, teeth,... Read more »
Time tends to catch up to all of us. As the calendar pages peel away, many people experience a gradual decrease in their metabolism, which increases the likelihood of gaining fat. As you continue to age, a slow reduction in muscle mass can further slow your metabolic rate, making it... Read more »
If you take good care of your dentures, they will not only fit better but last longer too! They will feel better in your mouth and your smile will look its best. You'll also be able to speak, chew and eat more easily. To make sure your dentures get the... Read more »
Metabolic changes associated with aging, as well as certain lifestyle and nutrition choices, can lead to a gradual buildup of body fat. While increased exercise and healthy food choices can certainly help improve your overall body composition, stubborn areas of fat may yet remain. There are several ways to address... Read more »
November is National TMJ Month, a time when we create awareness around this common oral health issue and offer solutions. If you find yourself constantly feeling pain and tenderness in your jaw muscles, hear clicking and popping noises when you move your jaw joints, or have a hard time opening... Read more »
If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may be a candidate for wearing an oral appliance to help you breathe better as you sleep. Known as oral appliance therapy, a mandibular advancement device or splint can help you with snoring and apnea issues. With over... Read more »
Did you know that only about half of Americans floss their teeth every day? And nearly 20 percent don't floss at all. If you want a healthy smile, we encourage you to floss once a day, every day. You probably already know that the American Dental Association advises flossing your... Read more »
There are times when a patient needs oral surgery to reshape, smooth, and polish the jawbone when teeth are extracted or lost. Known as an alveoloplasty, this bone leveling is a surgical smoothing and recontouring of the jawbone ridge. Leveling Jawbone for Dentures This bone reshaping can be performed as... Read more »
Dentists who concentrate in the areas of the mouth specific to the gum, bone, and tissues that protect and support your teeth are called periodontists. Periodontists immerse themselves in an additional three or more years of in-depth, graduate studies after dental school. It allows them to graduate with knowledge of... Read more »
As a parent, it is an exciting time when your child's first baby teeth erupt, signaling that their smiles are developing right on time. Even though these primary teeth will eventually fall out to make room for their permanent adult teeth, these baby teeth are important to your child's dental... Read more »
Once the hard work of straightening your teeth is completed, the next phase of your orthodontic treatment begins: keeping your teeth aligned with a retainer! You don't want any setbacks after taking the time to get them straightened. This means wearing your retainer as prescribed by our orthodontist. It will... Read more »
When it comes to your dentures, you may over time require adjustments to keep them fitting their best. Our denture experts offer hard, soft and temporary denture relines to make sure your appliance continues to serve you well so you can smile with confidence. If you're wondering why this is... Read more »
Upcoming holidays are around the corner, and you're probably already thinking of all the foodie goodness coming your way. November is Good Nutrition Month, so you might want to consider adding healthy options to your meals to maintain good oral and general health and wellbeing. The goal of our dental... Read more »
When you first start wearing dentures, it will feel strange having them in your mouth. Initial soreness and problems with talking and chewing is common in the beginning. Eventually, they will feel so comfortable that you won't even notice them anymore. So if you notice that your dentures are suddenly... Read more »
Did you know that breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancers impacting women today? In the U.S. alone, approximately 1 in 8 women who are born now will have breast cancer at some point in their lives. Thankfully, early detection and treatment increase a woman's chances... Read more »
Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) will have issues stemming from the joint that connects the jaw to the temporal bones in the skull. When it comes to temporomandibular joint disorder (and its accompanying pain, soreness and stiffness in your neck, face and jaw), a common treatment might include... Read more »
General health is a result of all the body systems working together, so when one area is suffering, it affects others. People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have trouble getting a good night from blocked airways collapsing and end up with disrupted breathing and snoring excessively. OSA affects anywhere from... Read more »
Did you know that wisdom teeth are actually not needed? Much like an appendix, these third molars are superfluous, and some people don't even develop them. Because of this, and because they often lead to problems over time, it is common to remove them before they can cause trouble. These... Read more »
Good oral hygiene is essential to healthy gums. When gum problems arise, such as gum recession, it can affect your oral health and your appearance. Receding gums result in the gum tissue wearing away and leaving your tooth roots exposed and vulnerable to root decay. These nerve endings often leave... Read more »
October brings visions of ghosts, ghouls and goblins for children, but for adults, it is also National Orthodontic Health Month. Orthodontists around the country (including us) like to celebrate this time by spreading awareness about the benefits of straight teeth and an aligned bite. Orthodontic Fun Facts - There are... Read more »
Endodontics • General Dentistry • Holistic • Pediatrics •
Happy October, everyone! It's one of the spookiest seasons of the year, and one of the scariest things we can think of is having problems with our teeth and gums. Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, we want to promote a healthy mouth for everyone by acknowledging the importance... Read more »
If you have broken or lost teeth from decay or injury, today's dentures are a great tooth replacement if you don't want dental implants. Dentures can provide you with a fully functioning set of teeth that look and feel natural. They can keep you looking younger by giving your cheeks... Read more »
The human body is a biological marvel rich with dynamic processes that integrate tissues, organs and systems that allow you to live a hopefully long life. However, the vicissitudes of growing older can start to affect its function as well as appearance. Changes in body composition, skin health and developing... Read more »
Approximately 10 million people in America have experienced or currently have TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) with a higher percentage of women than men. This disorder often involves pain in the jaw and the muscles in the face that control it and are known as temporomandibular disorders (or TMD). This discomfort... Read more »
Did you know that approximately one in five Americans experience sleep apnea in either it's mild or severe form and that another 80% of Americans go undiagnosed with this condition? Not only that, but those with the severe form of sleep apnea can wake up hundreds of times a night!... Read more »
What do your child and a crocodile have in common? Both grow new teeth when the old ones fall out! Okay, your child's permanent teeth come in when their baby teeth fall out, so technically they only grow new teeth once. And after their 20 baby teeth fall out, 32... Read more »
When you are wearing braces, nothing feels quite as important as what kinds of food you can eat. The wrong food can damage your braces or stain your teeth, particularly berries, curry sauce or grape juice. Protecting your new bands, archwires and brackets along with your teeth and gums quickly... Read more »
Endodontics • General Dentistry • Holistic • Oral Surgery • Periodontics •
September brings the month of National Gum Care, a time to raise awareness for healthy gums everywhere. No matter your age, you should always be striving for great oral care, and this doesn't just mean your teeth. Your gums are just as important when it comes to maintaining a great... Read more »
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that 300,000 breast augmentation procedures are performed every year. The size of the breast implants can vary from one individual to the next. Different fluids such as saline and silicone are often used to fill breast implant membranes that can vary in shape... Read more »
Did you know that having a sleep disorder – known as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, where the airway becomes blocked while you sleep – may result in issues with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ/TMD)? This is especially relevant if you have been having a lot of headaches. Breaking It Down... Read more »
Endodontists have one essential goal – to save teeth. One method we use to save a distressed tooth is called pulp capping. If our endodontist determines that your damaged tooth requires a pulp capping, this root canal alternative isolates the decay from attacking the tooth's pulp chamber to keep the... Read more »
Tooth decay resulting in cavities should be treated as early as possible to prevent complications like dental infections. This is why regularly seeing your dentist is so vital, as cavities can be detected before they grow and damage teeth. Symptoms that might indicate having an infected tooth include intense toothaches,... Read more »
Have you been diagnosed with gum disease or periodontal disease? If so, you are not alone. A 2015 study affirmed that chronic periodontitis afflicted 47.2% of adults who were over 30 years old in the U.S. This oral condition, which is a result of the harmful effects of plaque –... Read more »
As your children and teenagers are headed back to school, you might be giving them a pep talk concerning the choices they make and avoiding influences like alcohol, drugs and tobacco. We all know there are multiple reasons why these items are not good for your children, but how does... Read more »
It is that time of year again where your children are headed back to school with their new backpacks, notepads and pencils! If they have braces, they will need some extra items in their backpack and locker. Our team wants to make sure your children are equipped with the tools... Read more »
We learn at a young age that brushing and flossing are vital to keeping your smile healthy. We need to continue these daily habits in our ongoing quest to maintain healthy smiles for strong teeth and gums. Seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups at least twice a... Read more »
When you wear dentures as a tooth replacement option, the appliance can shift as your mouth adjusts to them. Even after you have been wearing your dentures for some time, as the gum tissues and jawbone supporting them changes, the denture can loosen and shift. When this happens, you will... Read more »
When you look into the mirror each morning, do you recognize or see your younger self? Many people struggle with the sagging skin, lines and wrinkles that come with the appearance of skin aging. While potent skin creams and professionally administered facials might help, they can help stave off the... Read more »
If you are experiencing TMJ, a medical disorder in the temporomandibular joint which connects your jaw to your skull, you may be feeling pain in the chewing muscles and joints or have trouble opening and closing your mouth. You might also be hearing clicking, popping or grinding noises in your... Read more »
Did you know that approximately 20 to 30 percent of adults have obstructive sleep apnea or OSA? This condition is marked by the airway closing continually in your sleep so that air can't normally flow in or out of your nose or mouth. OSA can be linked to heart disease,... Read more »
Did you know that endodontic therapy could save your life? Studies have shown that an infection from an abscessed tooth can cause serious health problems. This problem is preventable with root canal treatment to prevent the abscess or a simple tooth extraction. When getting to the root of tooth decay,... Read more »
For many years, dentures were considered the only solution for replacing multiple or all missing teeth. But thanks to modern technology and advances in the dental implant dentistry, you have the choice of having All-on-4™ or Teeth-in-a-Day® restorations. This surgical and prosthetic process gives you dental implants and replacement teeth... Read more »
When it comes to your oral health, we want to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy so that you can preserve your natural teeth as long as possible. Although you do everything you can to keep up your smile, sometimes a tooth ends up needing to be extracted.... Read more »
If your child has a badly decayed primary or "baby" tooth that can't be fixed using a dental filling, our pediatric dentist may recommend placing a dental crown. These are "caps" that are created to fit over the top of a tooth that has been damaged and will restore its... Read more »
Did you know there is a lesser-known cause for headaches that can be attributed to malocclusion? Malocclusion occurs when the jaws and teeth are misaligned due to abnormal positioning of the teeth when the jaws close. This can cause an overbite, underbite, crossbite or teeth crowding. While people often try... Read more »
Holistic dentistry is an option that is becoming more prominent in the dentistry world. What this means for our patients is forgoing mercury amalgam fillings and restorations which use mixed metals that might react negatively to the body. Mercury-silver amalgam dental fillings emit mercury vapor, which is then inhaled into... Read more »
If you have recently learned that you have a badly broken, damaged, or infected tooth, our dentist may recommend having a dental crown placed. A crown or tooth-shaped "cap" is a fixed prosthetic cemented onto a tooth to restore its appearance, form and function as well as strengthen the tooth.... Read more »
Wearing removable partial or full dentures effectively replace missing teeth to restore your smile beautifully. And while your dentures will never succumb to decay like your natural teeth, your new false teeth still need to get the care and attention they require to serve you properly. Well cared for dentures... Read more »
When it comes to treating TMJ pain, a lot depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild and come and go, most of the time they will just go away on their own in a few weeks or sometimes months. In the meantime, there are some... Read more »
If you often find yourself waking up gasping for breath feeling like you can't breathe, or have been told you snore like a bear all night, you might have a common sleep disorder called sleep apnea. This happens when the throat tissues collapse and block your airways while you sleep.... Read more »
Getting your child involved in his or her own dental health could be a challenge initially. You might struggle with getting them to understand the importance of brushing their teeth or even trying to make them care. Beginning your child’s dental health education early can help get them involved and... Read more »
Traditional braces have come a long way when it comes to straightening crooked teeth. In fact, they are ideal for a variety of tooth issues, not just crooked teeth. They can effectively close gaps for crowded or overlapping teeth, fix misaligned or protruding teeth, align a bad bite, and match... Read more »
Endodontics • General Dentistry • Holistic • Oral Surgery • Periodontics •
Our team strongly encourages everyone to floss daily, but do you ever wonder why? Well, flossing is vital for top-notch oral health and smiles. It can help you and your oral health in more ways than you might realize. This means that if you forget to floss, your smile can... Read more »
Building up a good sweat, running that extra mile and making wise nutritional choices is not only invigorating, but it can also be an essential first step toward becoming your best self. With consistency, most people who embrace a healthy diet with regular exercise notice improvements in their health, appearance... Read more »
Our periodontist commonly performs frenectomies on patients of a variety of ages, and this minor surgical procedure alters the oral structure for the better. The frenum is connective tissue in the mouth that has three main categories. These include the buccal frenum connecting the gum tissue to the inside of... Read more »
There is no tooth substitute that looks, feels or functions exactly like your own teeth. This is why the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is committed to creating awareness for saving your natural teeth, dedicating the month of May to root canal awareness as well as recognizing endodontists, the people... Read more »
Did you know that people suffering from sleep apnea are up to five times at greater risk of having traffic accidents? Untreated obstructive sleep apnea doesn't just affect one's breathing and sleep quality but their quality of life with potential health risks. With obstructive sleep apnea (or upper airway resistance... Read more »
If you have jaw pain when you open and close your mouth, or feel a chronic dull ache around your ears and temple, you may have a TMJ/TMD disorder. This is especially possible if you also regularly grind your teeth while you sleep (a condition known as bruxism). Problems with... Read more »
This is the month where we recognize our mothers for all their efforts and take the opportunity to thank them for all they have done, which may also include them teaching us how to brush and floss. As a mother, your oral health is important to both you and your... Read more »
Summer is almost here and with it the start of fun recreational activities coupled with a slower pace. For teens today, braces are pretty much a rite of passage. The end result? A straightened smile they can flash proudly! Especially since a smile is one of the first things people... Read more »
Are you missing one or more permanent teeth? Do you have unsightly gaps in your mouth from tooth loss? If so, our denturist is pleased to offer full and partial dentures for patients who have one or more missing permanent teeth. It's important to replace lost teeth, for several reasons.... Read more »
If you struggled with chronic acne during your adolescent years, you may have lingering scars on your face or another visible part of your body. Some individuals who suffer a burn or a significant wound that becomes infected can also develop a noticeable scar. These dermal imperfections can leave you... Read more »
The size of a woman’s breasts is largely influenced by genetics. However, body composition can also affect breast size by increasing the amount of fatty tissue around the mammary glands and other breast tissues. Some women also experience a long-term change in the size and profile of their breasts after... Read more »
Do you regularly experience grinding or clenching of your teeth, or have a sore throat or laryngitis without an infection? Are your back teeth feeling sore or loose? Do you often have trouble swallowing? If you experience chronic pain in the jaw joints (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, made of... Read more »
Did you know that one of the leading causes of bruxism (teeth grinding) is sleep apnea? When you reach the deep sleep stage, your body's muscles relax, and that includes your neck, throat and the jaw muscles, which keep your airways open as you sleep. It isn't a problem as... Read more »
Summer will be here soon with more and more people heading outdoors, increasing the risk of dental injuries. Although our team is at the ready to assist you in the event of an emergency, oral injuries can often be avoided and are preventable with good dental habits. Habits to Avoid... Read more »
A healthy smile is not just about your teeth. In fact, without your gums to keep your teeth in place, your smile would be, well, toothless. Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) affects not only your oral health but your overall health, and research increasingly shows that the two... Read more »
Teens can often have poor oral hygiene or crowded/crooked teeth, leaving them more prone to cavities or other dental problems. There’s no doubt a lot is going on for teens, and sometimes their oral health is put on the back burner while they handle all of the other things going... Read more »
Spotting and treating tooth alignment issues early on is very beneficial for your teeth. This allows time to make repairs and align the teeth into their correct position. Your teeth are something you use to eat, smile and communicate with others, so it's important to take care of them as... Read more »
Spring has sprung, and summer is almost here! The sun shouldn't be the only thing shining bright this season. Your smile is a great feature to show off to friends, family, coworkers, social media, a date and everyone else! Need help to show off your smile confidently? Our team can... Read more »
When it comes to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ or TMJD), over 10 million Americans have it at one time or another, and 90 percent of those seeking treatment are women 30-50 years old. Still, the causes and symptoms of this facial pain are not completely understood, and it can be... Read more »
It's a bad idea to ignore persistent snoring, and not just because it stops those around you (as well as yourself) from getting a restful night's sleep. But while others may complain when you are loudly sawing logs every night, snoring throughout the night can harm your health, quality of... Read more »
Oral surgical procedures, whether dental, endodontic or periodontic are routinely done to help patients receive the care they need. One of the most common procedures for patients between 16-24 years old is wisdom tooth removal. For this and other oral treatments, pain management will be used to keep the patient... Read more »
When patients come in with damaged or missing teeth, dental implants are often an excellent solution. But sometimes implants aren't an option for those with insufficient bone height in the top jaw, or if the sinuses are too close to the jaw. For these patients to receive successful dental implantation,... Read more »
Does your child need a root canal treatment, called a pulpotomy, to save a damaged primary tooth? Are you wondering why children even get root canals? The truth is root canals - which save teeth that have a bacterial infection or inflammation in the tooth pulp - prevent primary teeth... Read more »
Ever since YouTube began helping people learn and execute do-it-yourself (DIY) projects with accuracy and success, it's become tempting to take on more challenging projects to save money. While this strategy works for learning how to crochet or paint your home, straightening your teeth should not be on that list... Read more »
Although we are turning back the clock for daylight savings, you can't turn back time on your teeth. Studies have shown that one in five Americans has untreated cavities, which is decay that has damaged a tooth's hard, outer enamel layer and created small holes. Cavities can arise in people... Read more »
Pregnancy and parenting can each be a special blessing in your life. The changes in your lifestyle and body are also often profound. For some women, carrying one or more children in her lifetime can stretch the abdominal skin, lead to muscle separation and cause excess fatty deposits to remain... Read more »
If you have lost multiple teeth and are wearing or will be wearing dentures, you might be a good candidate to restore your smile with a modern dental restoration known as dental implant-supported dentures. These custom-made dentures are like traditional dentures except they use surgically placed dental implants to act... Read more »
Did you know that sleep apnea is actually one of the most common sleep disorders today, affecting about 20 million Americans alone? Sleep apnea is a condition where you experience frequent pauses in breathing while you sleep. It's also one of the most undiagnosed conditions, which can be a problem... Read more »
