You have no shortage of options when it comes to finding things to spend your time and money on. These days, a million and one different products are all clamoring for your attention, whether it be through TV commercials or online shopping suggestions. Obviously, you can’t invest in everything, and to narrow down your choices you’ve probably asked yourself, “How will this change my life?”

Cosmetic dentistry sometimes gets written off as being superficial, but it has at least four good answers to that question! Find out why so many patients choose to beautify their smiles.

With a personalized smile makeover, you can completely transform your teeth by addressing all of the aesthetic issues that have been bothering you. But just how long will it take to achieve the results you want? Before you commit to the smile makeover process, it’s important to make sure that you have a realistic idea of what the timeline will look like and the factors that can influence it; here’s a brief overview of what you need to know.

If you are missing one or more of your teeth, it can be challenging to complete tasks that you once found easy. The good news is that there are various tooth replacement options to help restore the appearance and function of your teeth. Dental bridges are an excellent solution for those who are missing one or a couple of consecutive teeth, but they do have a small chance of failing. Here’s how this can happen and what you can do to avoid it.

Imagine you just finished one of your favorite meals, but there is a morsel that’s stuck between your teeth. You get a toothpick to try to get it. You poke and prod until it finally comes out, but did you know that there are other, safer options? As convenient as this household object is, it can cause some serious harm to your oral health. Here’s how toothpicks can damage your smile.

When it comes to restoring a damaged tooth, dental crowns and fillings are two of the most common solutions your dentist may recommend. Both can restore the function and appearance of your tooth, but they serve different purposes depending on the extent of the damage.

Understanding the differences between these treatments can help you feel more confident about your dental care decisions.

Once you’ve had a tooth removed, you’ll likely want to take your mind off your prior procedure. That’s only natural – missing teeth aren’t exactly happy subjects to ponder. Still, don’t use coffee as your go-to distraction; this drink could harm your mouth post-treatment. You’ll need to focus on other beverages – and your recovery in general – instead. If you’d like to learn more, here’s a primer on the matter from your Cary dentist.

Toothaches are never a great experience. They can be short-lived, while other times, they can last for weeks! Maybe you even had a toothache that lasted for a long time, but one day, the pain suddenly stopped. Before you start celebrating, this isn’t necessarily a good sign.

The next time you visit your dentist, they may recommend a root canal on that tooth. You may push back a little and ask, “Why do I need that procedure if I don’t have any tooth pain?” Before you try to postpone the treatment, here’s why a root canal may be your best option, even if you are experiencing no discomfort.

As we age, our bodies go through many changes, and our oral health is no exception. One of the most common dental issues faced by older adults is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. In fact, studies by the American Academy of Periodontology show that 64 percent of adults over the age of 65 have some form of gum disease. While it may seem like an inevitable part of getting older, there are specific causes and risk factors that contribute to the condition, and many of them can be managed with proper care.

Dental implants can potentially last for decades. If you’re wondering just how long the lifespan of your own implant posts will be, the answer depends on a number of factors. Obviously, the care that you give your smile is a major one, but the materials used can also make a difference. Below is a closer look at the materials that dental implants are made out of and their impact on longevity.

You might know that the dental implant process is fairly involved. You’ll need good oral health in order to proceed, and once you do, you’re looking at oral surgery and a 6-month recovery time (on average!).

It will be well-worth it for a full smile and improved oral function, but it makes sense that you’d want to be prepared for starting the process! These dentist-approved tips will help you get ready for this life-changing treatment.