

Implant Procedure
How are dental implants placed? Most dental implant surgery procedures are performed in the dentist's office and occasionally in a hospital setting. Local anesthesia is usually adequate for these out-patient procedures but various other forms of patient sedation (such as nitrous oxide, and oral/or intravenous sedation) may also be used. Adjunctive surgical procedures, such as bone augmentation, may be performed as separate procedures or at the same time as implant placement.

Common Causes of Tooth Loss
If you have lost one or more teeth, dental implants are an excellent treatment option. Tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons - congenital absence, trauma, dental disease (e.g. caries or periodontal disease), as well as mechanical failure.
Congenital absence It is not uncommon for a tooth or teeth to be congenitally absent. Most commonly, the primary (baby) tooth is present but there is no successor (permanent tooth) to replace it. Frequently, this will be apparent wh

Tongue Piercing and Tooth Gaps
Parents and teens, take note: researchers have discovered that patients who wear a metal stud in a tongue piercing may not only be risking their dental and overall oral health but are also at risk for developing orthodontic problems. A case study at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in New York followed a 26-year-old woman who had developed a diastema, or space between her front teeth, over a seven-year period because the barbell-shaped tongue stud in her to


Who is An Implant Candidate?
If you're interested in replacing a missing tooth or teeth, dental implants may be an option for you. Most people are good candidates for implants. A good candidate should have the following: Healthy gums Enough bone to anchor the implants in the jaw — Some people who have lost bone in their jaw still can get implants, but first the bone must be rebuilt using special procedures. A commitment to taking very good care of the implanted teeth and surrounding gums — Daily brushing

Dental Health Resolutions for the New Year
Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key wit


Plaque and Tartar
Definition Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and along the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. As plaque forms and is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar — sometimes called calculus — which is calcified (or hardened) plaque that attaches to the enamel on your teeth, as well as below the gum line. Signs & Symptoms Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are