Root canal therapy (RCT) is one of the most feared dental procedures, but it shouldn’t be! During Root Canal Awareness Week, we want to share information about RCT to help our patients who need endodontic therapy feel more at ease about their treatment. “Root Canal” Defined First things first– let’s make sure we understand the basic terms. Technically speaking, the root canal is the pulp or inner part of the tooth, not a ...
The temporomandibular joint (also called the jaw joint or TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body. These all-too-important joints allow us to speak, chew, yawn, and laugh. So, when our jaws fall victim to injury or dysfunction, it can have devastating effects on our physical, mental, and social health. Luckily, calling attention to these overworked (and underappreciated!) joints can help you avoid painful TMJ disorders in the future. And ...
October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Let’s talk about the amazing world of dental hygiene and our awesome dental hygienists. Dental hygienists assist the dentist with performing dental cleanings and other preventative care such as dental sealants and fluoride treatment. They are an essential part of every dental practice and celebrating Dental Hygiene Month means celebrating them too. How important is dental hygiene? Much like personal hygiene, dental hygiene focuses on your oral health ...
Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ (also known as DARW) is held the first full week in March (this year, it's March 6-12), and we want to take this opportunity to give our hard-working dental assistants the recognition they deserve! Our dental assistants are crucial to the success of our practice. They perform multiple functions, and we couldn't provide the level of patient care we do without them. One of the dental assistant's most ...
There are some things those of us over a certain age know all too well, like minivans without screens, phones attached to cords, and silver dental fillings. We’re now reaping the rewards of advancing technology (for the most part). Road trips are quieter thanks to mobile entertainment systems, phones are everywhere (usually in our hands), and metal amalgam fillings are no longer the only option. Today, dental practitioners can place composite resins, also known ...
As children, we’re taught that if we don’t take care of our teeth properly – brush daily, floss regularly, and watch our sugar intake - we’ll get cavities. However, as adults, we realize that there’s more to oral health than avoiding cavities alone - enter enamel erosion. What is tooth enamel? Enamel is the tooth’s thin, translucent outer layer. Harder than bone, tooth enamel is the first line of defense against decay. It ...
In an ideal world, we would all have a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss ready for use after every meal, snack, and coffee break. Realistically, however, this level of oral hygiene adherence rarely (if ever) occurs. So, what does that mean for those of us who generally go all day without so much as a swish of mouthwash? Are we really doing more harm than we know? And, what about those people who forget to ...
The holidays are here and with them come all the joys of the season – lights and decorations, time with friends and family, and those special treats we only get this time of year. Unfortunately, the special treats we love so much can lead to damaged teeth and an unwanted trip to the dentist, which will definitely not have you feeling holly and jolly. We don’t want you to miss out on all the fun ...
Unlike homeowner’s or automobile insurance, dental insurance is something you definitely WANT to use. Other insurance plans are often designed to cover a loss. For example, your homeowner’s insurance will reimburse you if you lose your home to a fire or natural disaster and if your car is damaged in an accident, your car insurance pays to have it repaired. Of course, specific coverage amounts vary depending on the policy, but the premise ...
Plaque, like many oral health concerns, begins as a silent menace. You may recognize this colorless, sticky film as the fuzzy coating you feel when you first wake up. For many people, a colorless film on the teeth may be the only sign. However, in some cases, more noticeable symptoms, such as receding gums or bad breath, occur. What is plaque and what causes it? Plaque forms in your mouth throughout the day as you ...
