Do you get nervous at the idea of seeing the dentist? Dental anxiety is more common than you may think! In fact, it is estimated that dental anxiety and dental fear affect approximately 36% of the population. A further 12% are suffering from extreme dental phobia! Fortunately, there are sedation options out there so even the most fearful patients can get the essential dental care they need. IV sedation is one of the common options, but what exactly is it? Continue reading to learn about some of the common drugs that are used in IV sedation to help patients feel relaxed.

As the soft tissue surrounding your teeth diminishes, a condition known as gum recession emerges. This phenomenon unveils the tooth roots, forming gaps or pockets along the gum line, which may become breeding grounds for harmful oral bacteria, thereby jeopardizing your oral health. If you or someone you care about experiences this, you might be curious about the factors that contribute to gum recession and seek effective measures to manage it. Read on as we explore three primary causes of gum recession and delve into strategies for addressing this issue.

Gum disease has two major stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder stage, and it can often be reversed if you take the right steps. Meanwhile, periodontitis can potentially lead to tooth loss and other severe problems, and it can only be managed instead of outright cured. Given these facts, it’s important to be able to catch gingivitis long before it can turn into periodontitis. Below, you will find an overview of some of the symptoms of gingivitis as well as what can be done to treat it.

Realizing that your gums are receding can be a shocking experience, especially if you’ve practiced excellent oral hygiene and have not noticed any major discomfort. Unfortunately, receding gums are a common issue that might be caused by factors outside of your control. Since gum tissue will not regrow on its own, gum graft surgery is the only way to reverse its recession. While gum recession is fairly common, it needs to be treated because it can lead to tooth decay or loss. If you are wondering if gum grafting is painful, read on to learn what you can expect during and after the treatment.

If you’ve lost a tooth, your confidence was probably lost along with it. If you’re embarrassed by your smile, a dental implant can fill the gap. You don’t have to worry about it standing out from your natural teeth. It will blend in with your smile, so only a trained dental professional will know it is there. You won’t have to think twice before showing your pearly whites.

(more…)

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth, offering a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Proper preparation before implant placement is crucial to achieve the best post-op results. Understanding these procedures will help you make informed decisions and ensure the long-term success of your dental implant journey. Keep reading as we delve into the three key treatments that may be necessary before undergoing dental implant placement.

If you’re looking into tooth replacement options, you’ve probably heard a lot about the merits of dental implants. They’re considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, feeling much more natural and being much more durable than dentures and bridges.

However, they’re also the only tooth replacement option that requires surgery. It’s understandable for that to make you nervous, or to even wonder whether the surgery is safe. If you’re in that position, here’s a guide that will tell you what you need to know about the safety of dental implants.

Did you know that almost half of all adults in America suffer from gum disease? Unfortunately, because early signs and symptoms often go undetected, many people don’t realize they have it until it’s too late. The good news is your dentist can easily spot it during biannual checkups and treat it before it worsens. With their help, you can keep from needing more complex and expensive treatments down the line. Read on as a dentist in San Antonio explains how using your dental insurance benefits can help you avoid gum disease and save you money.

If an oral health professional tells you that you need a crown or a filling, you probably already know that it’s to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. But what if they’re recommending crown lengthening? What sort of problem is that meant to address? While the procedure is sometimes performed for cosmetic reasons, it can also be a necessary step in restoring your smile. Here’s what you need to know about crown lengthening and why it might be needed.

The gums are an essential component of your oral health because they protect the more vulnerable areas of your teeth that aren’t covered by thick enamel. This includes the roots, which also stay in place with the help of the gums. If they aren’t healthy or they begin to recede, your risk for experiencing issues like sensitivity and tooth loss goes up. Have you noticed your gums beginning to recede? You may qualify for gum disease therapy, including gum grafting. Learn how the process works and whether it’s right for you!