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Smiley Family Dentistry Blog

Dental Bridge or Partial Dentures: Which is Best for Me?

January 8, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 5:27 pm
An assortment of tooth restorations on a blue background

It’s unfortunately common to lose one or more teeth over the years, but you don’t have to live with gaps in your smile forever. Your dentist has multiple methods to fill in the spaces left behind by multiple missing teeth, like dental bridges and partial dentures. How do you know, though, which restoration is right for you?

The answer, of course, depends on your unique circumstances so you’ll need a consultation with your dentist first. Then, you’ll want to be well-informed about the options to make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn more about both treatments to make the right choice when the time comes!

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It’s Not Because They’re Going Out of Style: Here’s Why Gums Can Recede

November 10, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 9:19 pm
Gum disease

Though the teeth often take all the credit for a lovely smile, the gums are truly the unsung heroes behind a beautiful grin. Your gums provide your teeth with both a stable foundation and their supply of nutrients, and keeping them in good shape is crucial to your oral health. Unfortunately, many a patient deals with a receding gumline, which exposes the roots of their teeth and makes them more vulnerable to injury and decay. A receding gumline is often a sign of gum disease and requires professional attention for treatment. Here’s some information on what can cause a receding gumline.

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Demystifying Root Canal Treatment: How Long Does It Really Take?

September 7, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 11:33 am
3D render of a root canal

Even if you’re in the middle of a dental emergency, you are still probably pretty busy. Time doesn’t stop for anyone, which means that even your oral healthcare must follow a certain schedule. Say you’re getting a root canal—you probably want to deal with your infected tooth as quickly as possible, but you also may want to know how long the treatment will take you overall.

If you’re curious, here’s what you should know about the length of the treatment and what getting a root canal overall entail.

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Dentures Debut: What to Expect in Your First Month

July 21, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 6:18 pm
An older man smiling after getting his dentures

Many people are now considering dentures as a long-term solution to their future oral health for the first time, and they have lots of questions.

Depending on the process you went through to receive your dentures, you might have been without teeth for a few months before your prosthetics arrived.

All that is behind you now and with this new journey comes excitement and a period of adjustment. The first month is a pivotal phase when the most adaptation occurs after your transformation. Continue reading to understand the challenges ahead and find some tips that are vital to your success.

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Are Pacifiers Good for Your Child’s Oral Health?

February 7, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 5:11 pm
child sucking on a pacifier

Taking care of any child is stressful; parents have to take into account a lot of conflicting information about what’s best for children and turn it into something that their child will actually do.

For example, many parents have anxiety about pacifier use; they may have heard that pacifiers are important, but that they can also lead to serious problems with children’s tooth alignment. If you want to know about how pacifiers can affect oral health, for better and for worse, here’s a guide that can help you.

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The Connection Between Food & Your Child’s Smile

January 9, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 6:03 pm
a child smiling and eating healthy foods with her mom and dad

It’s a wonderful thing to see your little one growing healthy and happy, and that includes their smile! So, naturally, you want to do all you can to protect their teeth and gums, especially considering the statistics regarding children’s oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. The percentage jumps to 57% by the time they reach ages 12-19! One of the contributing factors is diet. Read on to learn more about the link between food and your child’s dental health, as well as some nutritional tips!

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What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, and What Can I Do About It?

December 9, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 5:55 pm
Portrait of a baby sprouting their first teeth

When your child’s first baby teeth start to erupt, it can be a cause for celebration, but it’s also the beginning of a whole new set of concerns. On top of the stress of teething, now you have to worry about your child’s oral health in ways that you haven’t before. One new challenge they may face is dealing with the potential for tooth decay. So-called “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” can catch parents off guard if they aren’t prepared. Thankfully, once you know what to look for, your child’s teeth should be fine. Here’s a quick guide to understanding baby bottle tooth decay.

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I Lost a Dental Filling: What Should I Do?

November 2, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 8:12 pm
patient suffering a lost dental filling in Waverly

The world seems to come to a screeching halt when you get smacked in the mouth, and there are few things as anxiety-inducing as slowly raising your hand to feel if you’ve lost a tooth. But sometimes it isn’t your teeth that get knocked out; it’s also possible to lose a dental filling! Here’s more from your emergency dentist in Waverly about why this can happen and how to handle the situation.

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How to Find an Emergency Dentist When You Need One

October 12, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 8:14 pm
Man having a dental emergency, touching his cheek

When you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it can be hard to think about what you should do. It’s important to slow down and take things one step at a time. There are people who can help — you just need to make an emergency dental appointment. If you don’t know how, here’s a guide that can help you.

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4 Things to Keep Out of Your Mouth

August 23, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsmiley @ 2:28 am

Woman biting her fingernails Your dental health is important for more than just a beautiful smile. Research has found several connections between oral and general health. Issues with your teeth and gums can increase your risk of various health problems, including heart attack and nutritional deficiencies. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments can keep your smile healthy; however, multiple factors affect your oral health, like the foods you eat and certain habits. Don’t let simple mistakes compromise your pearly whites. Here are 4 things your dentist recommends you keep out of your mouth to prevent a dental emergency.

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