As your child’s smile develops, the last adult teeth to show up are the molars in the back of the mouth, aka the wisdom teeth. These teeth may erupt on the top and bottom of their mouth on both sides. They typically come in anytime between ages 17 and 21. While it’s always nice to have enough molars to chew... read more »

If you have lost teeth in the back of your mouth (whether from tooth loss from an extensive cavity, trauma, or periodontal disease), you should consider replacing them to keep your bite functioning properly and to preserve proper facial structure. It is because losing the molars in the upper jaw can cause tooth loss and an expansion of the sinuses.... read more »

If you have ever had a toothache, you already know how much it can hurt. But rather than ignoring the toothache and hoping it will go away on its own, it really should be seen to rule out the need for a root canal to restore a damaged tooth. Most folks associate root canals with pain, but ignoring an infected... read more »

September is National Gum Care Month, so let’s talk about everything related to gums. This month is a good time to reflect on your dental health and commit to taking better care of your gums. Sometimes, we forget your gums help keep your teeth in their place and functioning at top capacity. When your gums are damaged, you risk losing... read more »

When it comes to your jaw, some things can go wrong that may necessitate medical intervention. Specifically, if you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), which is one of the most common pain disorders our oral surgeons see. This disorder affects millions of Americans, most often women, although anyone can have TMJ symptoms. You might have TMJ if you find yourself... read more »

If you have had a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, you are in good company. Dental implants are a popular choice for those seeking an effective tooth replacement option. Since dental implants handily replace one or more lost teeth by replicating both the tooth root and the crown of the tooth, they appear to make durable, long-lasting, and... read more »

If your dentist has recommended a crown lengthening procedure from a periodontist, you are not alone. While many people haven’t heard of crown lengthening before, it is a common treatment and can sometimes be a pre-treatment to having a dental restoration done. Crown lengthening can take care of a problem where you might have an excess gingival display or a... read more »

When it comes to your smile, taking care of your teeth is an investment in your oral health that pays many dividends. With tooth loss, missing teeth can affect you in multiple ways. Even losing just one tooth can cause problems. Some of that is emotional, as people often feel self-conscious and embarrassed to smile if a prominent tooth is... read more »

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax and sit still comfortably when you have dental work done. Sedation is especially helpful if you have oral surgery by relieving any anxiety and making you comfortable. There are varying degrees of medication sedation that can be used such as light or minimal sedation, medium or moderate sedation, and deep sedation. Light... read more »

Oral pathology involves diagnosing and treating dental diseases, including tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and even impact your general health. These diseases can arise in the teeth, the supportive bone, the temporomandibular joints and other soft tissue like the tongue, gums and salivary glands. Signs that you might have an oral condition needing treatment... read more »