Having a smile full of stains can leave you feeling so self-conscious about your appearance that you remain tight-lipped or try to avoid spending time with others. This can dent your self-confidence, resulting in fewer professional opportunities, less rewarding relationships, and a lack of social activities.

Your dentist can brighten your grin with whitening treatments, but many patients wonder whether they can achieve the same results with over-the-counter products. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why it’s better to have your discoloration addressed by a professional!

If you have a toothache, it can be hard to focus on anything else. Naturally, you’ll want to do anything in your power to make it feel better until you can be seen by your dentist. If you are experiencing dental pain, here are a few tried-and-true home remedies that may make your mouth feel better until your emergency dentist appointment.

Dental crowns are designed to protect and restore damaged teeth, but they don’t last forever! Over time, wear and tear or oral health issues can compromise a crown’s effectiveness, necessitating a replacement. But how are you supposed to know when it’s time to see your dentist? Continue reading to see the top five signs to watch for and what to do if you suspect your old crown needs attention.

Dental crowns are quite versatile and are often recommended in a wide variety of situations. However, it’s a mistake to assume that all dental crowns are exactly alike. Regular crowns and implant crowns may seem similar on the surface, but they’re used in very different ways. To help you understand why your dentist may recommend one type of crown over the other, here’s a closer look at the differences between regular dental crowns and implant crowns.

You’ll likely look into “laughing gas” if you need sedation dentistry, but you probably won’t commit right away. Most folks want the details on this option before they make their choice. In fact, many people want the answer to a specific question first: How long does laughing gas last? The good news is that your local Plano dentist can address this concern. To that end, here’s a primer on laughing gas, its timeline compared to oral sedation, and who’s best suited for it.

If you suffer from dental anxiety and are considering using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation during your next appointment, you may be wondering what side-effects you can expect from this treatment. Generally speaking, nitrous oxide is a very safe and effective treatment that can be used by almost anyone, even children or patients with medical conditions. But on occasion, you may experience some unexpected side effects. Here’s everything you need to know about what could happen while taking nitrous oxide.

Cavities aren’t the only threat to your dental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 50% of adults have a form of gum disease. The preventable infection can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. However, it can also affect your overall wellness. Untreated gum disease has been linked to various health issues, including heart attacks, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Thankfully, your dentist has the solutions you need to stop the infection in its tracks. Here are 3 of the most common periodontal procedures used to treat gum disease.

(more…)

Invisalign is renowned for its ability to straighten teeth discreetly, but can it also address more complex issues like overbite and other bite problems? The answer is yes! But how exactly do these clear plastic trays achieve such results? Read on to explore how Invisalign can correct various bite issues and what you can expect from treatment.

You can’t start your day without a nice cup of coffee. Something about your ritual is just so soothing (or maybe it’s the caffeine), and it helps get you through the morning. Many Americans relate, which is why teeth whitening is a popular trend. With great beverages comes great responsibility, unfortunately. Coffee is a glorious burden that will quickly stain your pearly whites.

So it’s a good thing there are many teeth whitening options available – though some are better than others. Keep reading to find out why it might be best to simply visit your dentist.

Tooth extractions are one of the most common procedures performed at dental offices. Since it involves an extensive process, you’ll typically expect to receive medication during the treatment to help you stay comfortable and pain-free. Other than the usual local anesthesia, your dentist may offer sedation dentistry for further relaxation. Keep reading to learn about the different types of sedatives that are used for tooth extractions.