Southwest Dental Blog

Under ideal circumstances, you would be able to retain your natural teeth throughout your lifetime. Sadly, that might not be the case. Due to things like decay, accidents, or gum disease, you might come to the point where you require a tooth extraction. It is only natural to feel a bit nervous about the removal procedure! This blog post explains how tooth extractions are performed and what they feel like. Hopefully, it will make you feel more prepared for the road ahead.

Having a healthy, beautiful smile that appears flawless is what many people desire. Unfortunately, daily wear and tear, stains, and small imperfections leave individuals unhappy with how their teeth look. The good news is that cosmetic dentistry can fix all of these issues; however, it’s no secret that these services (i.e., veneers, teeth whitening, etc.) are usually not covered by dental insurance. What should a person do? For some, paying out of pocket isn’t possible. Are there instances where partial coverage is provided? Read on to discover how much financial help you can expect from your insurance company.

Traditional dentures are one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth because they are cost-effective and functional. However, if you have dentures, you may know from experience that they certainly have some downsides. Could attaching them to dental implants improve the way they work and feel? Yes! This blog post discusses some reasons why you should consider upgrading to implant dentures.

If you have lost all or most of your teeth, you have two main types of tooth replacement options: implant dentures or traditional dentures. Both treatments come with their pros and cons, but if the health of your jawbone is a major priority for you, dental implants are certainly the better option. This blog post explores how both treatments can affect bone loss in the jaw.

With Invisalign, you can straighten your crooked teeth and correct other orthodontic issues without having to worry about unsightly brackets and wires. But what does the treatment mean for your oral health? Do you still have to watch out for cavities while wearing Invisalign? And if so, what can you do to reduce the risk of them forming? Here’s what your dentist has to say.

Many people’s nervousness about visiting the dentist is rooted in the instruments they use, like gag-inducing putty. However, new technological advancements in dentistry are coming out every day that make your experience more positive and comfortable, like the iTero digital impression system. This small, handheld scanner is able to precisely capture a detailed blueprint of your mouth to craft dentures, crowns, mouthguards, and so much more, all within a matter of minutes. Read on to learn four benefits of seeing a dentist that has made the transition to digital impressions.

Whether offered through an employer or purchased on your own, dental insurance is a worthwhile investment when it comes to total body health. Just like all other medical appointments and services, the cost can add up quickly. Without a safety net to help cushion the financial responsibility, it can leave many patients to forgo necessary treatment and risk worsening oral health. If you are thinking about enrolling in a private dental insurance plan, find out more about one key component – deductibles – and how you can quickly start saving.

It’s natural to be fearful when it comes to a dental emergency. You’re in pain and unsure of what will happen. Adding to the stress of it all is whether your dental insurance will help pay for your initial visit. Before you assume the worst, read on to discover why you may not have much to worry about in terms of the financial side of emergency dentistry.

It is common for people to undergo wisdom tooth removal when they are in their late teens or early adulthood. In fact, in some circles, this procedure is regarded as something of a rite of passage. It is especially recommended in cases where the wisdom teeth are fully or partially impacted (stuck beneath the gumline). But what if you choose not to remove your impacted wisdom teeth?  What dangers and risks might you face? This blog post explains what you should know.

Dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to replacing teeth—and it’s estimated that over 5 million implants are placed annually! Once placed, they’re capable of restoring pearly whites in terms of looks and functionality. But despite an impressive 95% success rate, dental implants are still susceptible to issues that might cause them to fail. Here’s a brief overview of dental implant failure and some signs that might indicate it’s occurring, so that if you have dental implants, you can quickly seek the help you need!