My Ellicott City Dentist Blog

Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments for repairing cavities and restoring teeth. If you’ve recently had a filling or are considering getting one, you might wonder: how long will it last? The truth is, the lifespan of a dental filling depends on several factors, including the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and even your daily lifestyle choices. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.

While no one is ever overjoyed to learn that they need to have a tooth extracted, this procedure can be the best way to preserve a patient’s oral health in many cases. For example, a decayed tooth can spread its infection to other areas of the mouth if it is not removed, and extraction can often relieve the constant pain that can arise from dental crowding. However, dry socket is a severely painful complication that can happen after a tooth extraction. Here’s what this condition is and how you can avoid it.

According to the American Association of Endodontists, people are more scared of needing a root canal than speaking in public or being trapped in an elevator. If you share that sentiment, then it’s likely because you’ve heard bad things about this procedure, like it’s painful or can make you sick. That’s why it’s so important to fact-check what you’ve heard with your dentist! In the meantime, you can read on for five root canal truths you should know.

When dentists talk about the quality of their patients teeth, they often focus on the way that plaque, bacteria, and gum disease all affect their oral health. This is obviously incredibly important, but it’s far from the only thing that can influence the color and shape of your smile.

In fact, people often find that their smile changes a little bit as they get older, and not always in a way that they’d like. While you can’t do anything about the passage of time, there are actually quite a few treatments that potentially reverse its effects on your teeth. Here are a few examples.

At your first Invisalign appointment, you might feel a bit of information overload. Don’t worry – the transition to life with clear aligners is pretty easy since you don’t have to change your diet or your oral hygiene regimen. That said, it’s always a good idea to keep these important Invisalign do’s and don’ts in mind to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan!

Practicing excellent oral hygiene isn’t only the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease; it’s also a courtesy to your loved ones! Valentine’s Day is a time when romance is in the air, so you’ll want to know that your breath is fresh as possible well before you go in for the smooch. Here’s why proper dental care is so crucial to the health of you and your partner as well as a few tips for keeping your breath as fresh as the spring wind.

Invisalign is an excellent way to realign your smile without the dietary restrictions or conspicuous metal parts that come with traditional braces, but you might be wondering how you can stay on top of your treatment while celebrating the Halloween season. Fortunately, it’s perfectly possible to have a terrifying blast of fun while wearing clear aligners. Here’s a Halloween survival guide for Invisalign patients.

Are you embarrassed by a gap between your front teeth being the focal point of your smile? You’re not alone. Many people have the same concern, but you don’t have to live with it. Cosmetic dentistry is the solution for you. You have more options than ever before to close the space. Here are a few ways you can enhance your smile without spending a fortune.

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Dental emergencies can often be unsettling or stressful, especially when they happen when you least expect them. Whether you’re experiencing a pesky toothache, or you have a knocked-out tooth, you’ll want to seek treatment from your dentist right away to preserve your smile. However, if you’ve never had to attend an emergency dental visit before, it can be overwhelming when you arrive at the office. Keep reading to learn what you can expect during your appointment and how your dentist can help save your pearly whites!