Patients who have discovered they need a filling are often concerned about the cosmetic consequences involved. Many of these fears find their source in these patient’s only having experience with older forms of dental filling, such as silver amalgam. Composite resins, also known as white fillings, are a newer form of restoration medium that mimics…
Your oral health is a vital part of enjoying life and having a smile that looks its best, but did you know that it could actually be critical to your longevity? Recent research has revealed that your oral health may have a broader impact on your overall health than was originally suspected. Patients who have…
Dentist help take care of people’s teeth, encouraging flossing, brushing, and mouthwash as the best defense against infections and injuries. However, sometimes life happens, and before you know it, you have an injury that you don’t know how to handle. Most people have a simple idea of what to do when it comes to their…
Good oral hygiene starts with your toothbrush. And with the incredible selection of toothbrushes available both at the store and in our office, it’s no wonder one of the most common questions we get from patients is whether manual or electric toothbrushes are better. Each one has its pros and cons. Really, the most important…
Dental implants are surgical-grade root devices that support permanent tooth prosthetics that are manufactured to last a lifetime. These artificial roots are anchored in the bone beneath the gums where they become fused into the jaw. A crown is mounted atop the implant for a long-lasting and natural looking smile. Many dentists and patients prefer…
Dentures are an effective and affordable way of replacing missing teeth. Composed of a durable plastic resin and sometimes porcelain, both partial and full dentures can be fabricated to look and feel natural. Today’s dentures are custom-fit to make it possible to eat foods with confidence and speak articulately. Depending on the patient’s preferences and…
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. People who smile more are perceived as being friendlier, more genuine, and even more successful. Smiling yourself can even boost your mood and make you feel more confident in stressful situations. Cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the appearance of your teeth so that…
In cases where teeth have become decayed, damaged, or lost altogether, restorative dental procedures are used to repair the issue and maintain proper function. Two commonly used restorative dental procedures are dental crowns and dental bridges. A crown, sometimes known as a dental cap, encases a tooth that was previously damaged or decayed to restore…
Tooth extractions are sometimes required to remove problematic teeth in order to prevent further damage to the gums or surrounding teeth. Most often, teeth are extracted because of severe decay or damage. Another common reason for teeth extractions is to remove impacted wisdom teeth. In some cases, teeth extractions may be followed by the placement…
Although root canals have a bad reputation, they are essential dental treatments that can save a severely decayed or damaged tooth. Our teeth are made up of three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. When tooth decay is able to erode both the enamel and dentin layers, it reaches the pulp, which is composed of blood…
Your body works hard to convert the foods you eat into energy. You may not think twice about what you are eating – especially when it comes to grabbing an afternoon snack or sipping on a vanilla latte on your commute. But the food you put in your mouth affects more than just your waistline.…
Having bad breath can be an embarrassing problem – especially if you are regularly face to face with other people. Known professionally as halitosis, bad breath plagues many people every day. Most cases of bad breath can be remedied by efficiently brushing the teeth. However, some types of bad breath are chronic or recurring, which…
Brushing your teeth is probably a standard part of your daily routine, but chances are you aren’t following the American Dental Association’s guidelines for cleaning your teeth properly. The ADA currently recommends that you brush your teeth at minimum of two times each day – preferably morning and night or anytime you eat foods that…
Composite fillings are aesthetic dental restorations that are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. They are commonly used to fill small to medium cavities, but can also be used to repair cracked or chipped teeth. Because they can be customized to your tooth’s natural color, they are also commonly referred to as tooth-colored fillings…
Preventative dentistry is about more than just visiting your dentist twice yearly for an exam and thorough cleaning. In fact, the majority of your preventative care is done at-home as a part of your normal hygienic routine. Many residents use manual toothbrushes to remove debris and plaque from their teeth. However, electric brushes have become…
Flossing is an important part of an oral hygiene routine, but research suggests that fewer than half of Americans do so daily. Flossing is simple and only takes an extra couple of minutes per day. Developing a healthy habit of flossing can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and it may allow you to keep…
If you are undergoing a dental procedure or operation, you will be given a set of post-operative instructions to abide by in the hours, days, and weeks after your treatment. Following these instructions is essential to preventing infections in surgical sites, protecting restorations, and minimizing the possibility of experiencing complications. Post-operative instructions vary from procedure…
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has been shown to help strengthen teeth in children and also prevent decay in people of all ages. Topical fluoride, in particular is helpful for promoting oral health. The American Dental Association has publicly endorsed the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries, as has the…
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing. When patients experience disorders of this joint, they are said to have a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness near the jaw, as well as popping or clicking…
Teeth whitening procedures are used to brighten the appearance of a patient’s smile – sometimes by as many as 5 to 10 shades in a single session. According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening procedures have become some of the most popular esthetic dental treatments among patients throughout the country, including. Professional teeth whitening…
Dental veneers – also known as laminates – are used to cosmetically enhance the appearance of one or more teeth. Veneers are very thin, porcelain or resin shells that are customized for a desirable color and shape. They are bonded to the surface of the teeth to reshape broken, misshapen or irregular teeth, as well…
General dentistry deals with the prevention, identification, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the teeth, gums, skeletal structures, and soft tissues of the oral maxillofacial region. General dentists, such as Dr. Ross Quartano and Dr. Zach Staples of Magnolia Dentistry, are primarily concerned with preventing dental disorders and helping you to maintain your…
Dental mouth guards have long been used to protect the teeth, gums and supporting tissues from damage, injury and trauma. There are two types of sports mouth guards – over the counter and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many dental patients require the benefit of a customized dental mouth guard fitted…
Preventative care is a foundation of dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist regularly – usually about twice yearly – for full cleanings, examinations, and consultations for potential treatment. Professional dental cleanings help remove built-up plaque that is not removable using conventional brushing and flossing. Often, dentists are also capable of identifying potential…
Provisional restorations are often used during complex restorative dental procedures to serve as temporary prosthetic replacements while patients wait for a permanent restoration. Provisional restorations offer patients to try-out the look and feel of the final prosthetic and make any necessary changes before the final fabrication and fitting. Unlike temporary prosthetics of the past, modern…
For years, dental x-rays have been used to diagnose oral health complications and detect decaying or damaged teeth. X-rays provide a unique view of the mouth that isn’t possible with a visual exam alone. When x-rays are taken, the teeth and bones absorb the majority of the ray, making them highly visible on film or…
Like a bridge, partial dentures rest on surrounding teeth to fill in the gaps where one or more teeth are missing. But unlike a bridge, partial dentures are fully removable by the wearer. Partials are affordable alternatives to other types of dental prosthetics and are custom-made to blend in with each patient’s natural teeth. It takes…
A bite guard is a dental appliance custom-fit to a patient’s teeth. Bite guards serve varying purposes and are often recommended for use in patients of all ages. It is important that bite guards be professionally fit, rather than purchased over the counter, as this ensures maximum comfort and protection during wear. Professional dental guards…
Digital x-rays are a more streamlined way of taking dental radiographs. Like traditional x-rays, digital versions provide an in-depth view of the structures of the mouth, helping dentists detect complications and develop effective modes of treatment. Digital x-rays are capable of revealing hidden caries, bone erosion, and even tooth decay hiding beneath restorations. Requiring less…