South Ridge Dental Blog

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.

Dentists consider dental implants to be the finest tooth replacement solution available because they look and work just like real teeth while lasting for several decades or even a lifetime with excellent care. They also boast a success rate of a whopping 95% or more, making them a sound investment in a patient’s oral and overall health. Here’s a brief overview of how long you can expect your dental implants to last as well as how you can help them last for as long as they can.

For patients with missing teeth, dentures are a life-changing treatment that can reconnect them to their smiles and their families. Not only do dentures restore the aesthetics of your teeth, but they also restore their function. With how valuable they are, it’s no wonder patients ask if they can wear them all the time. But is continuous wear safe? Continue reading to learn why you should take your dentures out and give your mouth a break!

It can be surprising for some patients when they sit down in the dentist’s chair for their procedure and their provider pulls out a blood pressure cuff. Although you’ve probably learned to expect this at doctor’s appointments, it may feel out of place in this setting. If you find yourself wondering why it’s necessary, you’re not alone! Many patients have asked, and so your dentist has put together the following information to help explain why it’s necessary. Keep reading to learn more!

If you have a noticeable gap between your teeth, it might make you feel a bit self-conscious about your appearance. It could also leave your gums exposed to irritants. Certainly, orthodontic treatment is one possible way to get rid of the extra space, but is there a faster solution? Is it possible to use dental bonding to close a gap between teeth? In some cases, yes. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment and what it can accomplish.

The American Dental Association recognizes February as National Children’s Dental Health Month. This second month of the year is dedicated to improving the dental health of children while educating parents about the best ways to set their kids up for beautiful and healthy smiles for life. To celebrate the occasion, here are a few best practices for caring for children’s oral health and educating them about the importance of dental hygiene.

As the ball drops and the New Year begins, you have a clean slate for the coming months. Prioritizing your oral health sets the tone for a year of confident smiles and days full of enjoyment and laughter. However, your journey all begins with a single step—scheduling early dental checkups with your dentist.

Why should you go early? Continue reading to discover the benefits you gain by getting into the dentist’s office at the beginning of the year.

Most of the time, dentists are able to perform their treatments on patients with no trouble. However, there are times when they might ask you to take a short round of antibiotics before your treatment begins. But why is that? It all has to do with the way that bacteria spreads and interacts with your body.

If you want to learn why antibiotics are sometimes necessary for dental procedures, continue reading.

Are you embarrassed by tooth stains? You have multiple options to treat discoloration. Besides traditional teeth whitening, you may also be a candidate for porcelain veneers. They can create a picture-perfect smile that can last for a decade; however, if discoloration is your only concern, it’s an invasive method. On the other hand, a whitening treatment can get your pearly whites dramatically brighter without altering your teeth, but it won’t fix other issues, like chips or gaps. Improving your smile is a big decision. Here’s what you need to know to choose between teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.

(more…)

As the holiday season brings joy, laughter, and plenty of festive feasts, it also marks a spike in dental issues. Post-holiday dental checkups often reveal unexpected cavities and other oral health woes. But aren’t the holidays the most magical time of year? How could this happen?

If you want to find the answers to these questions, continue reading. You’ll learn the reasons behind this annual trend and see how common holiday habits can impact your oral health.