The look of our teeth says a lot about us. Do your teeth appear discolored and worn? That may leave you looking advanced in age or unhealthy. Are your teeth crooked or small? Misshapen or oddly shaped teeth are not attractive. If aesthetic dental issues leave you afraid to smile, it may be time to… Read more »
Plaque vs tartar. You probably know both dental terms. You may even understand that they are both bad for your teeth and oral health. The terms are related but not interchangeable. What’s the Difference Between Plaque vs Tartar? Before your next visit to the dentist, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on some dental terms…. Read more »
Modern dentistry has come a long way. Now, restorations can completely cover a tooth in a ceramic material that matches natural teeth. Emerging technological advances in porcelains and advanced techniques from master ceramists are allowing crowns that look real to be created. We welcome you to view our Before & After Gallery. You will see dozens… Read more »
Symptoms of broken tooth are sometimes difficult to distinguish from symptoms of other dental health issues. For instance, like bruxism or TMJ disorder, cracked tooth syndrome causes sensitivity to extreme temperatures. For example, eating ice cream, or drinking hot coffee may produce an aching sensation in your teeth. In severe cases, breathing hot or cold… Read more »
You have heard multiple times that a gum lift can help with a “gummy smile.” However, you’re not convinced that this is your problem. As a result, you don’t really know if coming in to talk with us is going to be the best idea or not. First, let us remind you that it’s always… Read more »
While you can certainly limit the effects of aging by keeping up with a healthy diet and lifestyle, smile changes with age are inevitable over time. With that said, should you assume that your teeth will become less bright, and look less healthy, over time? Your smile can certainly be affected over the years if… Read more »
Like all dental treatments, tooth extraction is typically a customized procedure that your dentist only recommends when absolutely necessary. Because the treatment involves removing a tooth, however, it can be more complex than other procedures, and in many cases, require further treatment to restore and preserve the rest of your smile. Today, we examine a… Read more »
Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorder, is more common than you may realize. However, many patients who experience it don’t realize that their chronic jaw pain (and other related symptoms) is caused by the disorder. Therefore, they don’t realize that an examination from their dentist could be their best option for finding relief… Read more »
In many dental emergencies, the situation involves trauma to one or more of your teeth. The severity of the damage depends on the emergency, and in severe cases, your tooth may have a large piece broken off of it. Unlike a cosmetic chip in your tooth, having a significant portion of its crown break can… Read more »
Dental crowns are so common that you likely know at least one person who has one, if you don’t have one yourself. Today’s crowns are often so lifelike that you may never notice just how many people you know with one, unless they want you to know. A dental crown is called such because it’s… Read more »
Much of cosmetic dentistry focuses on the size, shape, and appearance of your teeth. Yet, your smile’s appearance is also significantly affected by the shape and appearance of your gum line. Excessive or uneven gum tissues that cover a disproportionate amount of your tooth structure can make your smile seem “off” somehow. Fortunately, modern cosmetic… Read more »
Do you have tooth sensitivity? Does it hurt to chew, drink hot or cold beverages, or to brush? About 1 in 8 people complain to their dentists about sensitive teeth. Adults between the ages of 18 and 44 are 3.5 times more likely to have sensitive teeth than older adults, and women are 1.8 times… Read more »
Most people are aware that wisdom teeth can frequently cause trouble. However, did you know that unlike the rest of your teeth, you don’t really need them for your bite to function properly? Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are remnants of a time past, when our ancestors needed more biting and chewing power to eat… Read more »
When you’re faced with substantial dental treatment, such as tooth extraction, you may wonder if it’s really the best treatment or if an alternative option may be better for your oral health. At our office, providing expert second opinions is one of the many things that sets us apart, and for patients facing tooth extraction,… Read more »
Why do we take out wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the most frequently problematic types of teeth. By the time many people reach their late teens and early twenties, they’ve already begun to grow their last four molars. Unlike the other 28 permanent teeth, third molar extractions are done frequently… Read more »
Do you have a toothache? Do you know the causes of toothaches? Given their role in everything from processing your food to enunciating your words, your teeth go through a lot every day. Though they’re the covered in the most resilient substance your body produces (enamel), your teeth are not indestructible. If you haven’t already,… Read more »
Your dentist has been well trained on the oral-systemic connection. Mouth microbes can enter the bloodstream and affect other areas of your body. Your body is made up of many different systems. But no one system exists in and of itself. Each system is dependent on the others. For instance, your brain (nervous system) tells… Read more »
It’s estimated that 80 percent of all dental injuries involve at least one of the front teeth. With warm weather and lots of spare time, summer is a prime time for playing sports. Then, when summer is over, school sports will be in full swing. Dr. James Fondriest, would like to offer some tips about… Read more »
Do you brush before bed? Get home, check the mail, exercise, eat dinner, watch some TV or read, then shower, brush your teeth, and hit the sack. This is the routine for most Americans between 5 and 11pm, Monday through Friday. It seems like a good routine. There’s a balance of exercise, fueling the body,… Read more »