Whether it’s a sudden crunch on a popcorn kernel or the gradual wear and tear over time, losing a dental filling can happen in an instant. Those who have gone through it before know it’s not a pleasant experience. If you haven’t yet had a dental filling come loose—that’s good! But what would you do if it did happen? Continue reading to find a step-by-step guide to handle the situation if you find yourself with a lost dental filling. 1. Don’t Panic and Find the Filling The first step is to stay calm and assess the situation. If you feel any discomfort or sensitivity in the affected tooth, take ..read more

A dental crown can restore a tooth to its original appearance and save it from extraction after injury or severe decay. They are incredibly common restorations in part because they are so durable and versatile. They can last for up to twenty years with proper maintenance, and modern dentistry allows them to appear completely natural and be placed in one visit through CEREC technology. If you have a dental crown appointment coming up, here’s what you can expect from the procedure. How Is a Tooth Prepared for a Dental Crown? Your dentist will take the following steps to prepare your tooth to re ..read more

Losing a tooth can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. Dental implants are the best solution for this problem, but if you also grind your teeth, there can understandably be a bit of apprehension in seeking out the treatment. After all, dental implants are a big expenditure, and bruxism (the clinical term for impulsive teeth grinding) can put that investment at risk. Read on to learn about steps you can take to manage your bruxism and keep your implants healthy. How Does Bruxism Affect Dental Implants? Dental implants rely on the successful integration of dental implants with the su ..read more

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you know how challenging it can be to complete tasks that you once found easy. Tooth loss can also lead to additional oral health issues, like bone loss, misalignment, and more. You may have heard about some DIY tooth replacement options some people have been opting for as opposed to seeing a dental professional. Continue reading to learn why this isn’t the best solution. How Does DIY Tooth Replacement Work? While it is never recommended to try to fix a tooth without the help of a dental professional, many people do attempt to do this on their own. Here ar ..read more

It’s only natural to feel nervous if you’re missing teeth. After all, a smile affected by tooth loss isn’t a pretty sight. Your gapped grin could be a source of insecurity and even depression. Luckily, a solution to this problem already exists: dental implants can boost your confidence by restoring your smile! You see, these prosthetics have features that improve your body image. To learn more, here’s a summary of four such factors from your local Lynchburg dentist. Implants Look & Act Like Natural Teeth Obviously, the biggest confidence-booster implants offer is a restored smile. They fi ..read more

Regular exercise is a great way to improve your physical fitness and overall well-being. It can strengthen your body, build muscle, reduce stress, and promotes better sleep. However, it’s important to be aware that exercising regularly can also have some effects on your oral health. Read on to learn more about the potential impacts of exercise on your oral health and how you can safeguard your mouth from potential harm. The Most Common Oral Health Issues Among Athletes Sports drinks are commonly promoted as a healthy choice for athletes to replenish electrolytes post-workout. While they can h ..read more

When you’ve finished a big meal, you probably want to reach for whatever you can to get any leftover gunk out of your teeth. A lot of the time, that’s a toothpick—plenty of people carry them around, and restaurants often keep them by the front exit. However, the uncomfortable truth is that toothpicks can do more harm than good. If you’re wondering why that could be the case, here are a few reasons these tools can be dangerous.  Why Are Toothpicks a Problem? As convenient as toothpicks are, there are quite a few ways that using them can go wrong. In the worst cases, using a toothpick can ..read more

Have you suddenly started experiencing pain on one side of your jaw? There could be multiple explanations, some of which are more serious than others. Being aware of what can cause one-sided jaw pain is important for knowing when you need to give your emergency dentist a call. Here are 5 reasons why your jaw might hurt.  1. Some Type of Dental Problem Jaw pain can be a side effect of a variety of dental issues. Maybe you’re grinding and clenching your teeth at night due to bruxism. Perhaps one of your teeth has become extensively damaged or decayed. Or you might be suffering from gum dis ..read more

Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth if you have gaps in your beam. They fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration over four to six months to give you a durable, long-lasting solution to gaps in your grin. They look and feel like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. But can they be used to replace front teeth? Continue reading to learn if this is possible. Is It Possible to Get Implants for Your Front Teeth? The short answer is yes, it is possible to get dental implants to replace your front teeth. In fact, dental implants are a great option f ..read more

As you might know, nutrition can positively affect your oral health. Your teeth, gums, and related areas can get healthier and stronger with the right foods and drinks! Given this fact, then, recent studies have found that vitamin K2 can also help your mouth. In particular, the nutrient seems to stimulate and improve jawbone density. To prove these claims, your Lynchburg dentist is here with the details. Read on to learn how vitamin K2 benefits your jaw and its pearly whites. What’s Vitamin K2? Vitamin K2 — one of the three types of vitamin K — is a tissue and bacterial product found in anima ..read more