Dental veneers are often to thank for the beaming, perfectly white, aligned smiles on celebrities. As a cosmetic dental treatment, veneers can completely transform a less-than-perfect smile. Dental crowns are also used cosmetically to improve the appearance of misshapen, small, cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth. However, whereas dental veneers are only used for cosmetic purposes, […]
Children, teens, and adults should see a dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and oral exam. Infants should see a dentist for the first time when they get their first tooth, or reach their second birthday. Patients with active gum disease, a history of cavities, certain dental restorations, or pregnant patients may benefit […]
A custom mouthguard, also known as an oral appliance is manufactured to perfectly fit your teeth, protect your bite, and feel comfortable when wearing. By contrast, a mouthguard from the pharmacy, retailer, or online outlet is touted to be one-size-fits-all, but in reality, rarely fits comfortably. Here is why a custom mouthguard is far superior […]
If your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, it’s because it’s the last option for saving a natural tooth. Root canals are prescribed when a tooth has developed a cavity (decay) that has reached the interior of the tooth (pulp). A root canal will also be prescribed for teeth that have experienced […]
If you’ve been diagnosed with TMJ disorder or bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth), your dentist may prescribe a custom night guard. Custom night guards (oral appliances) are specifically manufactured to fit your mouth, protect your teeth, and eliminate strain on the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint). Getting used to sleeping with an oral appliance can […]
Regular teeth cleaning helps dental patients improve their oral health. At least twice annually, dentists recommend that their patients visit the office for a dental cleaning and comprehensive oral examination. During these appointments, the dentist and hygienist check for signs of emerging problems, remove plaque and tartar, and polish the teeth to a beautiful shine. […]
Root canals are one of the best ways to save an ailing tooth, and thanks to modern dental practices the procedure is generally quick and painless. However, root canal treatment does involve digging into a tooth to get at the infected pulp inside, so you endodontist generally won’t recommend a root canal unless there is […]
Most patients' recovery from a root canal takes only a few days. You may experience some minor soreness for 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, but over-the-counter pain medications should be enough to control it. Why Are Root Canals Necessary? A root canal is a routine, non-surgical procedure that treats inflammation or infection in […]
Are you experiencing discomfort in your teeth? Do you have a chipped or broken tooth? Are you worried about the appearance of your teeth? If so, it’s time to consider a dental crown. Dental crowns are a great way to protect, restore, and enhance the look of your teeth. They improve the function and appearance […]
One of the reasons dental implants are deemed the best restoration available for missing teeth is their durability. Dental implants for single teeth last at least 20 years, but with excellent care and hygiene may last much longer, and even a lifetime. Implant-supported dental bridges and implant-supported dentures can also be expected to last decades. […]
Composite fillings, also known as white tooth fillings or tooth-colored fillings, are the most natural in appearance when it comes to choosing a material to fill cavities. Given that dental fillings are the most common type of restorative dental treatment, it is understandable that patients would want an option that most closely resembles the look […]
A dental crown is a tooth replacement that restores the function, feel, and look of your smile. Dentists can use crowns to restore and save a tooth that has significant damage. In this procedure, they remove all of the decay and infection, then use a crown to restore the original shape of the tooth. Dentists […]
Porcelain veneers are a non-surgical cosmetic dentistry option for improving the look of your smile. Veneers can correct issues such as stained, crooked, or damaged teeth and can be an excellent option for adults and teens alike. What Are Porcelain Veneers? Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your […]
Investing in a mouth guard means you are taking strides toward better oral health. Most often they are recommended by dentists if there are some signs of bruxism - clenching or grinding - which can be dangerous for your teeth in the long run. By regularly using a mouth guard, sometimes referred to as a […]
Your smile is powerful and you want it to look good. So, you do what everyone is doing these days and call your dentist to inquire about porcelain veneers. After all, they can turn even the most aesthetically flawed teeth into perfection. The question is, how long can you count on them for a beautiful […]
Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your smile and your confidence, so it’s important to spend time doing the research to find the most qualified cosmetic dentist near you. Unfortunately, because cosmetic dentistry is not recognized by the American Dental Association as a dental speciality like orthodontics or endodontics, you might have trouble knowing what […]
From your first visit to the dentist, you learn about cavities and how not having a cavity is cause for celebration. Many of us strive to care for our teeth between dentist visits just so we can hear those words, no cavities! But what exactly is a cavity? What does it feel like? And how […]
As a provider of dental implants in Holyoke, we hear a number of questions from patients about the cost involved in getting implant-supported restorations. Although most people understand that dental implants are the ideal solution for missing teeth, it’s common for patients to have reservations about the price. Below, we answer some of the most […]
Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dental treatments at our practice. Why is it so popular? It’s simple: most people experience stained or discolored teeth at some point in their lives, whether it’s from a coffee habit, aging, or a medication they’re taking. Before committing to teeth whitening, patients usually want […]
Root canal treatments are recommended whenever the pulp tissue inside a tooth is infected or inflamed. Although a tooth can also be extracted in these circumstances, a root canal allows us to save your natural tooth, which is the best possible outcome for your oral health. During a root canal procedure, the pulp is removed, […]
Do you want whiter teeth? Maybe you’ve noticed when you look in the mirror or see pictures of yourself that your teeth are looking a little dull or discolored. This is completely normal. Teeth yellow over time due to the things we eat and drink or other habits like smoking. There are a variety of […]
Getting dentures for the first time takes some adjustment. Anytime you introduce something foreign to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as getting braces, it can take some time to get used to. There may be some soreness and general discomfort. But once your mouth gets accustomed to the dentures you’ll likely find that […]
Everyone knows that regular dental visits are important, but their benefits go far beyond simply preventing cavities. Here are some of the reasons you should make your routine dental visits a priority. Your Oral Health Is Linked to Your Overall Health When your mouth is unhealthy, it impacts your entire body. In particular, research has […]
Are you in need of full mouth teeth replacement? A complete arch or row of artificial teeth is called a denture (also known as a prosthesis). There are two basic types of dentures: traditional and implant supported dentures. Both options have their pros and cons. If you’re trying to decide which option would be better […]
Do you brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush? Brushing is important to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, and a manual toothbrush can do a pretty good job. Unfortunately it leaves a lot of room for error. It’s easy to miss spots and brush too hard or not hard enough. These days […]
Oral care can sometimes become more difficult as you age. What may have been sufficient in the past may not be enough to keep your teeth and mouth healthy throughout your lifetime. Aging brings about changes, such as a higher risk of health issues, an increase in medications you may take, and lifestyle changes. As […]
Are you worried about having bad breath? It’s a common fear, because it is difficult to tell when your own breath is less than fresh. Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, can be caused by many different factors. But there are ways to prevent it and correct it. Consider the top 10 causes of bad breath […]
Do you want a bright white smile? Whitening treatments are some of the most commonly purchased dental products. Over the counter whitening treatments can help, but professional whitening treatments tend to give you better results. But before you spend money on whitening products, you may want to consider what is causing your tooth discoloration in the first […]
From an early age, we are told how you should take care of our teeth, but are you supplied with the knowledge and techniques on how to properly take care of them? Many people learn ineffective or damaging habits over time. Without properly addressing your at home oral care, not only can these bad habits inflict […]
The term “root canal” has become synonymous with “painful” and “unpleasant”. However, that is not really accurate. With advancements in modern dentistry, a root canal is no more painful than a routine cavity filling or any other basic dental procedure. Along with this myth, there are many others that deserve to be debunked. If you […]
Are you in need of dental work and wondering how you’re going to pay for it? Dental procedures can be pricey and even if you have dental insurance, it doesn’t typically cover the full cost. But don’t worry, there are many ways to finance dental work in order to make it affordable. Call Oakdale Dental […]
Until quite recently, dentures and dental bridges were the best solutions to replace teeth that were missing or failing. Today, though, dental implants have become the gold standard. They replace tooth roots, reversing jawbone loss and providing a strong, durable foundation for top-quality replacement teeth. A single dental implant with a crown is the right choice for […]
Archeological records show that primitive dental implants may have been used since prehistoric times, and they were surprisingly common by 600 AD. Modern dental implants were developed in Switzerland in the 1970s, and they grew rapidly in popularity throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, dental implants are considered the gold standard to replace missing or failing […]