Dental sealants are a thin layer of composite resin that is brushed onto the chewing surfaces of the back molars. They are used to prevent cavities by acting as a barrier to stop cavity-causing bacteria from coming in contact with the tooth surface.
Read MoreAn oral exam may seem like a dentist just looks at your teeth quickly. In reality, your dentist does a lot more during an oral exam to protect your dental and overall health.
Read MoreRecovery time from a tooth extraction will vary from person to person, depending on the type of extraction, the dental health of the patient, the size and location of the tooth, and the patient’s adherence to the post-operation instructions.
Read MoreIf you were not born with nice, bright, uniformly shaped teeth (like most of the world), your dentist can transform your smile with veneers. Veneers are thin, shells of porcelain or composite resin that is permanently bonded to your teeth.
Read MoreThe best age to begin orthodontic treatment is different for every child, but between ages 9 and 14 is the most common time. The ideal time for a child to begin orthodontic treatment is after they have lost all their baby teeth and before they go through puberty.
Read MoreFluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is proven to strengthen and protect teeth from decay. Most toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride, and most municipalities add fluoride to their water supply to prevent tooth decay in the population. Dentists offer treatments of concentrated fluoride in the form of a gel, varnish, rinse, or foam.
Read MoreAn intraoral camera is a small, handheld camera used by dentists to show patients their teeth up close. It is about the size and shape of a pen or wand, with a tiny, high-resolution camera on the end, so your dentist can easily move it around to show you different areas of your mouth.
Read MoreIf your dentist has informed you that you should have a wisdom tooth extraction, you probably have a lot of questions. A wisdom tooth extraction is an incredibly common procedure. For many people, however, it is their first experience with surgery, so it’s best to prepare as much as possible to prevent post-surgery complications.
Read MoreWhen you decide to invest in professional teeth whitening services, you likely want to do everything you can to make the procedure worth the cost. To have an effective whitening treatment, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
Read MoreDental crowns are very common and the procedure for one is relatively quick. A crown can be used to protect a tooth from damage or to enhance the appearance of the tooth.
Read MoreDental emergencies can happen to anyone, and they can be caused by many things, like a sports injury, extreme tooth pain, or a broken crown. If you experience a dental emergency, you should call your dentist immediately. Here is how your dentist can help in an emergency.
Read MoreHaving an oral examination by your dentist is one important thing you can do to benefit your oral health. An oral exam is used to prevent and diagnose conditions, and for your dentist to learn and record your health and history. A new dentist will usually conduct an oral exam at your first appointment, so they can provide you with the best care.
Read MoreOne-third of all dental emergencies happen while playing a sport. Wearing a mouth guard can greatly decrease your chances of having a dental emergency. Contact sports involve a lot of hitting or running forcefully into other players, so getting hit in the mouth is bound to happen. If you don’t wear a sports guard, a blow to the mouth could cause a broken, loose, or knocked-out tooth.
Read MoreEach day, there are more than 41,000 root canals performed in the United States. Root canals are commonly done by endodontists (dentists who specialize in the inner parts of the tooth). Unfortunately, many people can’t tell on their own if they need a root canal. There are a few common signs that you need a root canal. It will be useful, first, to understand the basic anatomy of a tooth.
Read MoreDental implants are quickly becoming the popular choice of tooth restoration over other options like dentures or bridges. They last a long time and are nearly identical to real teeth in feel, function, and appearance. To address the lifespan of a dental implant, it’s important to understand the elements of an implant first.
Read MoreDental X-rays are a very important part of maintaining good oral health. X-rays are captured images of your teeth and mouth that help your dentist evaluate your oral health and determine the dental care you need. They are used to identify problems, like cavities, gum disease, and impacted teeth.
Read MoreWhether you are missing some or all your teeth, dentures can help. Partial dentures and full dentures are the two main types of dentures.
Read MoreDentists can specialize in an area known as dental sleep medicine. This field educates and trains dentists to treat sleep apnea and loud snoring. Collaborating with doctors, dentists who specialize in dental sleep medicine find the best treatment plan to alleviate a patient’s sleep disorder.
Read MoreFluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in many foods and water and helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. American communities began fluoridating their water systems in 1945 to boost the dental health of residents. Since then, tooth decay has decreased by 25 percent nationwide.
Read MoreWhen you smile, do you smile with or without your teeth? Many people who hide their teeth when they smile feel self-conscious about their teeth. If you are looking for a self-esteem boost and a reason to smile big, Hale Family Dentistry offers cosmetic dentistry services that may help.
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