One of the less-widely-known procedures cosmetic dentistry provides is aesthetic crown lengthening, sometimes called a gum lift or gum contouring. If you have a nice proportion of tooth-to-gum tissue in your smile, you’ve probably never thought about your gums as a cosmetic issue. However, if you’ve ever felt your smile is too “gummy” or that…
It’s debatable whether any of us are particularly wise when our wisdom teeth begin to erupt, but they are certainly the last permanent teeth to appear in the mouth. For most people, the third set of molars will try to erupt through the gums sometime between the ages of 16 and 19 years. This can…
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis) and have gum recession, you may have had a gingival graft or connective tissue graft recommended by your dentist or periodontist. While the prospect of gum surgery can sound frightening, the purpose behind treatments like these is to help you hold onto your teeth for as long…
When you think about dentures, you might imagine an uncomfortable set of false teeth that slips out of place when you’re eating. Perhaps you remember your grandmother’s teeth sliding out of place at Thanksgiving one year? For centuries, unstable and poorly fitting dentures were the reality for patients who had lost their natural teeth. Up…
Most of us like to take pride in looking our best. We keep our hair groomed and our clothes clean, and try to present ourselves nicely to the world. We also take care of our bodies to stay in good health. The problem with teeth, however, is that they don’t always look as perfect as…
If you’ve done any research into cosmetic dentistry, you’ve no doubt heard of porcelain veneers. This treatment is the most comprehensive way to improve the way your teeth look. In just a couple of weeks, veneers can deliver a complete smile makeover, by changing the appearance of all the teeth that show when you smile.…
It’s estimated that one in three Americans is not getting the dental care they need. Some people have legitimate dental phobias, but for others it’s more a “phobia” of losing a whole paycheck in one appointment. Medical and dental treatments can be expensive, but everyone deserves high quality dental care. What can you do if…
Dental extractions may be needed for a number of reasons. Sometimes a tooth is too badly damaged by a cavity or a deep crack to be restored. If this happens to you, you should always proceed with the recommended extraction, as an infected tooth can ultimately lead to an abscess in the gum tissue. Dental…
Have you ever experienced dry mouth, due to illness or as a side-effect of a medication? At the time, you likely noticed how unpleasant it feels when your mouth and throat feel dry, itchy, and sticky. You may have thought “what a nuisance!” but you probably didn’t realize how serious this condition can be. Dry…
Most Americans will need a dental restoration (filling) at least once in their lives, but do you know what that means? How are white fillings different from metal ones? Are the metal ones safe? How long do they last? If you’ve ever wondered about dental restorations, this post is for you! Fillings are used to…