Lakewood Complete Dentistry Blog

Gum disease is quickly becoming one of the most common oral health problems seen by dental professionals today. Impacting millions of Americans, its damaging effects can spell disaster for patients’ oral and overall health. But did you know this harmful infection can also take a toll on your facial shape? Keep reading to learn what can happen if you fail to receive treatment and what you can do to avoid looking much older than you really are.

Dental crowns have played a significant role in dentistry, evolving from rudimentary restorations to sophisticated tools for preserving oral health and aesthetics. Needless to say, many of our smiles would not be in great shape without the help of these innovative solutions – however, crowns have not always looked or felt as they do now. They’ve seen quite a few changes over the course of humanity, believe it or not! As we reflect on their history, we can appreciate the advancements that have shaped modern prosthodontics.

From London Bridge to Galloping Gertie, history is full of frightening accounts of what happens when bridges fail. While dental bridges can be fantastic ways to replace lost teeth, they can also fail early if they don’t receive proper care. Certain bad habits can degrade the components of your dental restoration or erode the cement holding them in place, eventually causing them to break or fall out. Luckily, there are a few simple best practices you can adopt to keep your bridge in great condition. Here’s a quick guide to how you may be able to help your appliance last longer.

Porcelain veneers are a sought-after choice for addressing smile imperfections such as cracks, gaps, chips, and minor misalignments. Unlike traditional orthodontics, the veneer process is more streamlined, though it involves several key steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the porcelain veneers process, providing a comprehensive overview of what to anticipate on your path to a stunning smile.

Wisdom teeth are an example of a mostly useless feature of your mouth. In most cases, they become a source of discomfort, requiring extraction. But did you know that some patients have these extra teeth while others don’t? If you want to learn more about these mysterious molars, continue reading. You’ll become an expert and learn why they don’t always make an appearance.

The human body is complicated. Usually, it’s pretty good about telling you when something’s wrong, which might be why you thought you didn’t need a tooth extraction. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, warning signs aren’t always communicated. If your dentist is suggesting your tooth needs to be evicted, that could very well be the case. Keep reading to learn about the more common reasons why.

If you need a tooth extraction, you’re probably focused on the actual extraction part. That’s understandable. After all, the words “tooth extraction” don’t exactly make you think of rainbows and butterflies. However, there is one post-op complication you’re going to want to know more about before your treatment: dry socket. What is this dental discomfort, and what can you do about it? Keep reading to find out more.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks on the planet, but you may be wondering how long you should wait before enjoying this beverage after having a tooth pulled. After a tooth extraction, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions precisely to prevent infection and ensure that the wound heals properly. Here’s why you should wait a while before enjoying a cup of coffee after having your tooth pulled.

99.7% of adults say an attractive smile is an important personal asset, but few people have perfect teeth naturally. Not to mention, injuries, poor oral hygiene, age, and many other factors can affect the appearance of your teeth. No matter the reason, you can have a flawless smile to be proud of. Here are the best reasons to invest in a smile makeover.

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Once you near the end of your orthodontic treatment, it’s time to say goodbye to the little bumps known as Invisalign attachments. For months, these tiny protrusions have been helping your teeth move into their desired positions. Now that your results have been achieved, their services are no longer required. But does it hurt?

Continue reading to learn more about Invisalign attachments and what it’s like to have them taken off.