Archive for 2016

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: Not as Scary as it Sounds

Simply hearing the words “bone grafting” is enough to scare some patients, just as the thought of having a root canal makes some shudder. Consequently, the news that you need bone grafting may seem frightening. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry, because the procedure is not at all scary or painful. Understanding how the grafting […]

Corrective Jaw Surgery Resolves Common Bite Problems

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, can provide a solution when the jaws are not properly aligned or when the teeth don’t meet as they should. A combination of both orthodontic and surgical procedures can correct skeletal and dental irregularities to make chewing, speaking and breathing easier. The goal of orthognathic surgery is to improve […]

Congenitally Missing Teeth: Causes and Treatments

Congenitally missing teeth (CMT), known as hypodontia, is a condition in which the permanent teeth do not develop. Hypodontia is one of the most common dental abnormalities. According to research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the congenital absence of teeth may affect as many as 16.2 percent of the population. Why do some […]

Women’s Oral Health Influenced by Hormones

Unlike men, women’s oral health can be significantly affected by the unique hormonal changes they experience throughout their lives. In fact, according to the Office on Women’s Health, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, female hormones can lead to an increase in several dental issues. Women also are more susceptible […]

Dental Implant Tips for a Successful Recovery

The success rate of dental implants is high. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), more than 95 percent of implants are successful. But you can further boost your chances of a successful recovery by making wise decisions about your oral health care. Below are our top tips for protecting your […]

3 Reasons to See Your Oral Surgeon

When is it time to see your oral surgeon for an exam? Although your family dentist can assist with your periodic oral health exams and maintenance, some symptoms call for scheduling an appointment with our office instead. Don’t let too much time pass if you experience any of the symptoms listed below. Although most are […]

Can Your Oral Health Suffer from Piercings?

Can your oral health be compromised by piercings on your tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula? These body adornments may look cool, but this hot fashion trend can actually have a detrimental effect on your health. A piercing can result in side effects and complications, particularly if you are not diligent about your dental hygiene habits. […]

Understanding Oral Cancer: Are You at Risk?

Oral cancer will strike more than 48,000 U.S. residents in 2016, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). That’s equal to roughly 132 new cases every day. Almost 20 percent of these patients will die as a result of this pervasive disease. What are your chances of being diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer? […]

Dental Implants or a Bridge: Which Is Right for You?

Both dental implants and fixed bridges can be used to successfully restore gaps in your smile. For decades, bridges were the go-to choice for most multi-tooth dental restorations. Today, however, we have another excellent option — dental implants. So what is the difference between these tooth restoration methods? And which one is the right choice […]

Research Links Head and Neck Cancer with Poor Oral Hygiene

Dental professionals have long believed that head and neck cancer (HNC) may be associated with lack of oral hygiene, and now that theory has been proven correct. A recent, wide-reaching study has demonstrated that poor oral health care habits are a contributing factor for these devastating forms of cancer. How the Cancer Study Was Conducted […]