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Photography by Dr. Padval

Composite Fillings

What is a composite resin (white filling)? A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:02:00-08:00February 13, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

The Routine Smile Exam

Good For More Than Just Your Teeth! When you visit our office for that routine smile exam, our team does a lot more than just probe for cavities. In addition to caring for your teeth, we’re giving you the next best thing to a complete physical examination. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your family physician, it just could prove a lifesaver! How’s that possible? Your mouth is a unique meeting place of teeth, skin, muscle, fluids, and germs. It gives us [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:01:52-08:00February 6, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

What You Need to Know About Root Canals

It's understandable that you might feel a bit afraid when you hear "root canal," but with modern anesthetics you'll rarely be in any pain and it is a necessary procedure to save your tooth. Below we answer some of the frequently asked questions associated with root canals. What is a root canal? Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:01:43-08:00January 23, 2024|Endodontic Dentistry|

The New Way to Straighten Teeth

With Invisalign® Ever wish that you could have perfectly straight teeth…without months of wearing those geeky metal braces? And wouldn’t it be nice to get your teeth straightened without anyone outside the family even knowing about it? Believe it or not, there’s a new way to straighten teeth—invisibly. And our office can walk you through it! The process is called Invisalign, because it uses a series of nearly undetectable aligners instead of brackets and wires. Even up close it’s really hard to see that [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:01:35-08:00January 16, 2024|Orthodontic Dentistry|

Putting the Squeeze on Toothpaste

Why is brushing with it important? Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes caries, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. Second, the toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen. Third, special [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:01:26-08:00January 9, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Metal Free Fillings

Are Yours to Choose! The esthetic result is beyond compare: with tooth colored fillings, your teeth will look as fresh, white, and natural as when they first grew in. Chewing puts incredible stresses on teeth. That’s why, in the past, filling cavities and restoring damaged teeth involved a tradeoff—usually between strength and good looks. You don’t have to be a dentist to know that gold or silver is not a natural component of teeth. Today, you have a choice of restoration options. The most [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:01:16-08:00January 2, 2024|Cosmetic Dentistry|

Pregnancy and Oral Health

How does pregnancy affect my oral health? It's a myth that calcium is lost from the mother's teeth, but you may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary change is a surge in hormones--particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone-- which is linked to an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth. How does a build-up of plaque affect me? If the plaque isn't removed, it can cause gingivitis--red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. [...]

By |2023-12-26T08:00:21-08:00December 26, 2023|Patient Education|

Dentures: Get Your Smile Back

What is a denture? A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Who needs a denture? Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. They improve chewing ability and speech, and provide support for facial muscles. They will also [...]

By |2023-12-19T08:00:00-08:00December 19, 2023|Restorative Dentistry|

Holiday Stocking Stuffers

As you're looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season, the last things you might think to shop for are dental supplies. Although offbeat, many dental home care products make practical, fun Christmas gifts. Here are some ideas: Christmas is a good time to tuck a new toothbrush in everyone’s stocking. We suggest you purchase a soft-tipped brush with curved bristles. Soft bristles won’t scratch tooth surfaces or damage gum tissue. A worn-out brush with frayed bristles just won’t do a good job of cleaning [...]

By |2023-12-12T08:00:10-08:00December 12, 2023|Preventative Dentistry|

Expiring Insurance Benefits—Use Them or Lose Them!

What if someone gave you free money to spend on improving your smile? With one string attached: use it all by New Years’, or lose it. Well, for those fortunate enough to have insurance, there are several ways to take advantage of your plan's benefits before they expire at the end of the year. Many dental insurance policies provide a certain dollar amount of coverage to be provided over one calendar year (January through December). Benefit money not used by December 31 is not carried [...]

By |2023-12-05T08:00:15-08:00December 5, 2023|Patient Education|