Archive for 2017

Does Tooth Extraction Cause Changes in Alignment?​

After a tooth extraction, some patients report feeling as if their alignment has changed. The most common complaints are that their teeth don’t seem to meet as they used to, or that their bite feels slightly different. Can a tooth extraction affect your bite, the alignment of your teeth or how they fit in the […]

Is Oral Cancer Curable?

A diagnosis of oral cancer strikes fear in the hearts of patients and their families. Unfortunately, this disease remains all too common. The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that about 49,750 people in the United States will be stricken with oral or oropharyngeal cancer in 2017. Patients diagnosed with oral carcinoma often have many questions regarding […]

Dental Implant Surgery Pros & Cons

Are you considering dental implants? Thanks to advances in the techniques and materials used today, this surgery is a safe and effective method of restoring missing teeth. And for most patients, the benefits of implants clearly outweigh any potential drawbacks. To help you decide if dental implants are for you, let’s take a look at […]

Do I Have to Get All 4 Wisdom Teeth Out at Once?

Even if only one or two of your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, your oral surgeon is likely to recommend that you get all four of them removed. Is this really necessary? Wouldn’t it be better to space out the tooth extractions, or simply keep the teeth that aren’t causing any problem? The truth […]

Does Sleep Apnea Always Cause Snoring?

Both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring can disrupt your sleep. And although the two conditions frequently go hand in hand, they don’t always. Consequently, sleep disorders like OSA often go undiagnosed, as not every patient shares the same symptoms. Left untreated, OSA can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart attack, […]

Do Black Raspberries Hold the Key to Oral Cancer Prevention?

Oral cancer prevention is a pressing medical issue, and one that scientists continue to research. Much of the current research focuses on changes in lifestyle and eating habits, as certain foods and behaviors are known or suspected to influence the development of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Studies have revealed that eating black raspberries could aid […]

Is Tooth Extraction Safe if You’re Sick?

You have a tooth extraction scheduled, but you woke up with the sniffles. You feel run down and think you might have a cold. Should you reschedule your appointment? Cold and flu season is well underway here in Utah, so this is a common question from patients who have an upcoming oral surgery. But whether […]

Could Your Chronic Headaches Be Due to a Bite Problem?

If you suffer from chronic headaches, a dental bite problem could be to blame. Headache pain can be difficult to diagnose and treat. In seeking relief, you may have already seen your physician and tried potential medical remedies. But if your frequent headaches continue, it may be time to see an oral surgeon. For some […]

What to Eat — and NOT to Eat — to Improve Oral Health

Eating right can improve your oral health as well as your overall well-being. Your mouth is sensitive, and proper nutrition sets the foundation for optimal dental health. The USDA dietary guidelines recommend that we eat a wide variety of nutritious foods each day, consisting mainly of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats […]

Avoid Oral Surgery by Minimizing Tooth Misalignment

Tooth misalignment is often passed down from one generation to the next. However, oral habits and dental issues during childhood can also play a role in the development of a problem bite, a condition known as malocclusion. For some patients, even radical orthodontic treatment is insufficient for correcting significant jaw or tooth misalignment. Instead, they […]