Southwest Dental Blog

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!

A gap in your smile can make you look older than you actually are. As such, if you have lost any number of teeth, you may be worried about how the empty space could affect your appearance. Fortunately, there’s a way to rebuild your smile while also taking a few years off your facial appearance: dental implants. Below is a quick look at dental implants and how they can help you look younger.

Dental implants are considered to be the best way to replace lost teeth because they look and function just like the real thing. They can restore a patient’s ability to chew and smile, allowing them to consume a wider variety of foods and make a sharp and confident first impression. While they can last for decades, their lifespan depends mostly on the patient’s oral hygiene and overall health habits. Here are a few habits you might want to break after receiving dental implants.

Have you ever wondered why your teeth appear to be small? When looking at pictures of others, you may long for a more uniform, beautiful, and eye-catching smile. Treating stains, chips, and other imperfections might seem easy, but is making teeth longer even possible? If you are seeking an answer to the question, “How can I fix my small teeth,” you’ve come to the right place. Here, a local dentist explains how cosmetic dental services can give you the smile of your dreams.

Rejuvenating your smile with veneers is no small investment, which is why it’s a good idea to do everything you can to preserve your new restorations and maximize their lifespan. One of the ways you can get 25 or more years of use out of them is with a good oral hygiene routine, which includes a non-abrasive, yet effective toothpaste and toothbrush. Read on to learn more about how the toothpaste you use can impact the health of your veneers.

It’s true that veneers can tackle a majority of cosmetic flaws, but that’s because the treatment is largely customizable, from the shape and size of the restorations to the materials they’re made from. Because of this, they’re an excellent option for patients facing all different types of issues. Read on to learn more about the four different types of veneers you can have crafted to rebuild and rejuvenate your smile.

With how common it is to have a stained or otherwise discolored smile, it should come as no surprise that many people search for ways to whiten their teeth at home. As far as DIY whitening is concerned, there are plenty of options to choose from – but they generally come with a certain level of risk compared to a professional treatment. Below, you can learn more about some common at-home teeth whitening trends – and the dangers they pose.

Perhaps you have a big event coming up. Maybe you are simply tired of hiding your discolored teeth in photos. Regardless of your situation, usually the most effective way to do so is whitening with your dentist, not strips you find at the store. But when you go in to have the treatment done, the dentist first looks at your teeth and gums for signs of cavities. Is this really necessary? Can you move forward with treatment if you have a cavity? It turns out that this step is important! In this post, you’ll learn how teeth whitening works and why cavities and this treatment don’t mix well.