On regularly scheduled dental visits, most of us can get in and out, in under an hour, teeth glistening, breath smelling minty fresh, a clean sheet, free of cavities and plaque.  But occasionally, a mouth x-ray can reveal more serious issues, causing a follow up visit or a more intense fix to be necessary.  What, exactly, is the most complicated dental procedure for most dentists (and patients)?  Most dentists would say it is the “beloved” root canal. A root canal is often discussed when a patient complains of severe tooth pain, most notably, while they are eating.  In this [...]

While the advance in AI (Artificial Intelligence) may make English teachers around the world cringe, it is simultaneously working to improve and simplify the way modern medicine is approached, dentistry included. The algorithms and patterns provided by AI data can help with accuracy in a diagnosis, improving patient results. AI’s precision allows scans and images to be analyzed with more exactness than the human eye can observe. Ultimately, this leads to detecting harmful conditions like cancer, cavities, and gum complications earlier, saving patients from more invasive treatments in the long run. Dentists can utilize the positive impacts of AI [...]

Do you ever see celebrities on the red carpet and wonder, “How in the world do they get such perfect, white teeth?”  Well, we know the first answer to the question: MONEY. But what if the answer could be simpler (and cheaper) than that? Because cosmetic dentistry has grown in its popularity and accessibility, most people can obtain the smile of their dreams without going bankrupt. It’s likely that what you see on TV or in the magazines is thanks, in part, to a few dental options, starting with veneers. They are typically thin, porcelain shell-like covers that go [...]

We tend to take for granted the functions of our body that help us function in the little and big things. We don't think about eating. We just do it. We don't think about talking. We just do it. We don't think about chewing and swallowing. We just do it. Learning a bit more about the anatomy of the mouth may make you appreciate what such a seemingly small part of the body does to help you get through each day. The mouth is made up of 2 distinct parts: the vestibule, the part between your lips and teeth [...]

For inquiring minds who’d like to know what will ruin their teeth the quickest, read on.  Perhaps you’ll think twice, in the future, if you practice any of the habits below: Having poor oral hygiene.  Duh.  It sounds self-explanatory, but what exactly does strong oral hygiene entail?  Brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing your mouth with water after eating when a toothbrush isn’t available.  It’s likely there’s something on that list we are leaving out, to be honest. Grinding or clenching teeth.  This one is tricky, because often, it happens at night, as we sleep.  Uncaught it can [...]

When I was a kid, it seemed that only a select few were getting braces. These days, almost every young face has a mouthful of gear and adults are often sporting braces too. (Hello, Gen Z.) So what gives? Have things changed that much in the last 30 years? For one, it is much more “normal” now to do things not simply for functional reasons but for cosmetic ones too. Many adults who have suffered from misshapen teeth can now afford to have them realigned. Some have suggested that the “zoom effect”, as researchers have coined it, has made [...]

Dr. Moore recently told one of our patients during a check-up that they had an issue with recessive gums and heeded a warning. Her immediate reaction was: “Well, what the heck does that mean?” Recessive Gums Often, as we get older, our gums tend to recede (like some hairlines do as well), and it exposes more of the nerve, leaving it unprotected and sensitive. The recession of gums can also be the result of genetics, smoking or aggressive brushing over many years. While it is impossible to reverse the condition, it is possible to manage it through antibiotics, treatments [...]

Like it or not, a dental emergency can arise at any moment, without notice, causing discomfort and distress for everyone involved. Whether it’s a mouth injury from a sporting event or an infected tooth causing debilitating pain, prompt dental care is crucial to improving the situation. Dental health heroes step in, daily, to help suffering patients by eliminating pain and restoring smiles. Take the story of Nora, a young softball player. Amid a competitive game, Nora captured a ground ball, turned to tag the opponent, and ended up colliding with the player. The impact resulted in Nora having a [...]

When natural teeth, gums and tissues need replaced, dentures come into the picture. Not only can dentures help boost the confidence of the wearer, but practically speaking, dentures also help with basic skills like talking and eating. Though pricey, depending on the circumstances, most dental insurance providers will cover at least half of the cost of the procedure and apparatus. Dentures have come a long way in the last few years. Maybe some of us envision the traditional denture our grandparents wore, sliding it out on the dinner table napkin, entertaining (or scaring) the grandchildren with their gummy smiles. [...]

Do you ever feel a little anxious sticking a tube of toothpaste in your carry-on bag, wondering if it will get squeezed onto your freshly pressed dress clothes!? Well, fear no more. Try out a toothpaste tablet. What? That’s right. Instead of using a tube of toothpaste, you can toss in a tablet, chew it into paste form, and stick a brush in your mouth to carry out the normal brushing experience. This waterless tablet is essentially toothpaste powder formed into a tiny, circular tablet. It makes it easy for travel, eliminates the nasty blue goop found on the [...]