South Ridge Dental Blog

The holidays can be an enjoyable time full of cheerful decorating, delicious baking, family memories, and late-night movie-watching. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the worst times for your oral health. Amid all the hustle and bustle, you and your family may find certain habits changing or being neglected altogether, like brushing your teeth before bed or snacking on sweet treats all day. As you prepare for the weeks ahead, discover what problems dentists see most at the start of the year (i.e., cavities), and find out what you can do to keep everyone’s smile healthy and safe.

What’s the best way to save money on important dental care? Plenty of people simply take advantage of their dental insurance plans. However, many uninsured patients may instead sign up for an in-house membership plan offered by their dentist. How do dental insurance and in-house savings plans work? And which option is the right choice for your budget? Your dentist is here to answer these questions in order to help you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank.

Dental staining is a common problem that millions of Americans would like to fix, and yet it can be surprisingly complex. The factors that can contribute to yellowing pearly whites are many, ranging from daily wear and tear to certain medications. Depending on your stains, you could have an easier or harder time eliminating them.

Fortunately, dentists can address the various causes of a tarnished smile with cosmetic dentistry! If you’d like whiter and brighter teeth, keep reading to learn how your dentist may be able to help.

Dentists want patients to keep up with their oral hygiene routines year-round, as it’s the most effective way to minimize the chances of decay, cavities, and gum disease. However, during National Dental Hygiene Month this October, oral healthcare professionals are emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthier smile by providing helpful tips to make the daily process easier and more successful. If you want to give your teeth and gums a chance at a longer life, consider adding these three recommended steps to your routine.

Has your dentist informed you that you need a dental crown, or do you have a temporary crown that should be replaced with a permanent restoration? Perhaps you have been reluctant to move forward with treatment due to concerns about cost. The reality is, though, that acting sooner rather than later could actually help you save money! This blog post discusses why you should get your crown before the end of the year.

Do you need to have one of your teeth extracted due to decay, injury, or another oral health issue? A tooth extraction is never your dentist’s first choice, but sometimes pulling a tooth is a necessary step to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. The good news is that dental implants are available to replace the entirety of your missing teeth, not just the chewing surfaces. Continue reading to learn how long you need to wait after your extraction before you can get a dental implant.

You probably already know that brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is essential to prevent common dental problems like cavities and gum disease. However, if you don’t also see your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning, you could be putting your oral health at risk. They can find and address any areas of concern that you might not even be aware of before they can progress.

In fact, your dentist can learn a lot about you and your habits based on your oral condition. Continue reading to learn 3 common dental faux pas they can help you with at your next appointment!

Modern dentures are designed to be lifelike, beautiful, comfortable, and durable, but they do not last forever. Even with excellent care, factors like wear and tear and the changing shape of the mouth can alter the way a pair of dentures fits, requiring them to be relined, repaired, and eventually replaced. Here are a few signs to keep an eye out for so you can get a good idea of when it’s a good time to get a new set.

Dentures are the tried-and-true method for replacing missing teeth because they’re a versatile solution that offers many advantages. Whether you need a full or partial set, these prosthetics can be adapted to meet your unique needs. They restore your ability to eat and speak more normally, and today, they look more lifelike than ever, which can also boost your confidence.

However, you must care for your artificial teeth if you want to continue making the most of them. Many patients don’t realize that some of their habits could harm their dentures. Continue reading to learn about 3 things to avoid to keep them in excellent condition!

Dentures are a tried-and-true method for replacing lost teeth, and countless generations of patients have benefitted from these beautiful, lifelike prosthetics. However, there are few things out there that pose as big a threat to dentures as smoking – and with roughly 20% of the world’s population regularly smoking cigarettes and using tobacco, it’s important to highlight how these habits negatively impact dental health and dentures. Here’s what you need to know.