Sports are a fantastic way to stay active, healthy, and build a sense of camaraderie among athletes. However, with the thrill of competition comes the risk of injuries, some of which can lead to dental emergencies. The American Dental Association projects that one-third of all dental injuries are sports-related. Protecting your teeth during sports is essential, and being prepared for potential dental injuries is equally important. In this blog, we will explore common dental emergencies resulting from sports injuries and provide guidance on how to handle them. Types of Dental Injuries ..read more

No one likes to hear that they have a cavity but if one does develop, it’s important to treat it as early as possible with the right method. There are two main ways that a cavity can be restored: fillings or crowns. When it comes to large cavities, crowns are often the better option. Why Choose a Crown Instead of a Filling?  Restoring a cavity requires the removal of the infected or decayed tooth material. Smaller cavities can be treated with fillings since there is enough structure left to support the tooth. However, for large cavities, significant removal of the tooth material is needed ..read more

Although crowns are a reliable tool for tooth restoration, the teeth are still susceptible to decay and damage over time. One type of decay that is indirectly caused by crowns is margin decay. Luckily, with early diagnosis and treatment, the teeth can be protected and your beautiful smile restored. What is Margin Decay?  Tooth decay is a breakdown of the tooth’s enamel caused by harmful bacteria that feed on sugars and carbohydrates left on the teeth. As the bacteria eat through the tooth material, a cavity forms. Cavities and tooth decay can form on any tooth as the result of improper br ..read more

One thing that keeps many people from going to the dentist is outdated tools and techniques. If you’ve ever had to get a restoration in the past, you may have had to make an impression to create a “map” of your teeth. Although this allows your dentist or orthodontist to make restorations, it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Thanks to newer technology, you no longer have to make impressions. Called CAD/CAM technology, this new tool allows our team here at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics to provide a more enjoyable experience. Here’s what to know about CAD/CAM and dental restorations ..read more

A commonly made misconception is that your silver amalgam filling will last forever. Amalgam fillings are highly durable but are not meant to last forever. You can typically expect the average amalgam filling to last fifteen years in the mouth before needing a replacement. Overall, amalgam fillings are very strong but will eventually fail and must be replaced with a new filling. Amalgam fillings are made with a mixture of silver, mercury, copper, tin, and zinc. Since amalgam fillings are made with metals, they are sensitive to force, temperature, and traditional aging. What causes an Amalgam F ..read more

Periodontal disease is a common term that your dentist might use during an appointment. Although it may sound scary, periodontal disease is actually very treatable and can be prevented with the right steps. Here is what to know about periodontal disease and its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics. What is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal disease is a type of infection that affects the teeth and gums. It can be serious, even causing you to lose teeth – in fact, it’s the number one reason that adults lose one or more teeth – because it damages the ligaments ..read more

Dental implants are one of the best options for replacing a single missing tooth. Implants are made of two parts – a small titanium post that is inserted to replace the natural roots of the tooth, and a custom-made crown. Here’s what to know about single tooth implants and how our team at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics can help. What Problems Are Caused By a Missing Tooth? Missing teeth (even a single one) can cause many compounding problems. These can include joint pain, grinding, clenching, shifting, difficulty removing plaque and bacteria, and bone loss in the jaw. Bone Loss Normal ..read more

Dental fillings may fail for a number of reasons, but fixing them is not typically a big issue. That’s not necessarily the case for amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings can release a small amount of mercury vapor when they fail and that can lead to certain health risks in some patients. Even removing the filling can release a small amount of mercury vapor but it can be necessary to ensure your tooth is protected and you maintain good oral health. What are Amalgam Fillings? Amalgam fillings, commonly known as silver fillings, are actually made of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc. They are t ..read more

Wisdom teeth removal involves the extraction of your third molars, or the four permanent teeth located in the back of the mouth in both your upper and lower jaws. These teeth often erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, and most people have all four wisdom teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not cause any issues at all. However, sometimes they grow in at an angle or are partially impacted in the jawbone or underneath the gum tissue. This can result in a range of issues such as pain, gum disease, tooth decay, and cyst development around the teeth. Benefits of Having Wisdom Teeth Removed Having your ..read more

Although it may not seem like it, your teeth are vulnerable to the bacteria in your mouth pretty much around the clock. Your mouth is full of chemical reactions taking place during and after you eat, whenever you drink something, and while you sleep. These reactions are strong enough to erode the strongest substance in your body: your tooth enamel. Without proper dental care, tooth erosion can lead to issues such as cavities, which can be addressed with our dental team before they become bigger, more expensive or invasive issues. What Are Cavities? Cavities are just that: cavities that form in ..read more