Are you embarrassed by a gummy smile? Maybe your gum line has been damaged by an infection or injury? No matter the reason, your dentist can improve your smile with gum recontouring. You don’t have to worry about a scalpel or sutures because a soft tissue laser offers a less invasive approach, but is it safe? Yes! Here is why laser gum recontouring is a great option to improve your smile.

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In the world of restorative dentistry, few options are as impressive or versatile as the dental crown. Capable of easily assisting damaged, decayed, or otherwise compromised teeth, dental crowns are durable and capable of enduring for upwards of 10 or so years before needing to be replaced. However, how are you supposed to know when the time comes to replace your dental crown? Here are four signs that your dentist thinks you should keep an eye out for so that you can ensure your restoration is replaced when necessary.

Did you know cavities aren’t the only culprit of tooth loss? Gum disease is also a leading cause of missing teeth. Not only can the preventable infection wreak havoc on your smile, but it is linked to many health problems, including cardiovascular disease and respiratory illnesses. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about gum disease, which can cause it to go undetected until it results in significant complications. Here are the facts you need to know behind 4 common myths about gum disease.

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Tooth decay is the most common oral health condition, despite being preventable. 92% of adults have had a cavity, which is most often treated with a dental filling. It’s a convenient and effective solution to treat decay while restoring the function of the tooth. Unfortunately, fillings don’t last forever, but many things will affect the lifespan of your filling. Here’s when you can expect to need a replacement. 

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Setting goals for yourself can be a great thing. On that note, so can New Year’s resolutions. Especially when they involve attempting to improve your health or maybe your financial situation. When you find a resolution that can potentially do both, now you’re on to something. When you commit to improving your oral health, it can improve your overall quality of life and save you a pretty penny when it comes to paying for dental treatments after you’ve developed problems. You can alter your daily regimen, and before long you’ve changed a problematic behavior without even thinking about it. Keep reading for suggestions on New Year’s resolutions for a healthy smile from your dentist in Tyler.

Now that we’re in the holiday months, you’re likely getting ready for the gift-giving season. If you’re a parent, one of the biggest highlights of the festivities is to watch your children open their presents and sift through their stocking stuffers. While candy and other tasty snacks are popular gift ideas, most of us know how detrimental they are to your little one’s oral health. Keep reading to learn about three smile-friendly ideas you should consider for stocking stuffers this year!

When you first get a dental crown to protect your weakened or damaged tooth, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely to be, “How long will it last?” After all, no dental restoration can be expected to last forever; sooner or later your crown will need to be replaced. So exactly when will that be? Here’s what you need to know about the average dental crown lifespan – and what you can do to help extend it.

Approximately 75 percent of Americans have dental insurance. However, since many seniors are no longer working and aren’t receiving dental benefits through their employers, many find that they can no longer afford proper oral care. But dental care is important at any age, especially for seniors. If you’re no longer covered by your employer’s insurance, there is another option for getting the dental care you need: a membership plan. Read on to learn how one can benefit you.

There are many reasons why people might eat a vegetarian or vegan diet. For some, it’s for the sake of improving their physical fitness. Others, meanwhile, avoid meat or animal products out of ethical concerns. However, you likely haven’t considered how a vegan diet affects your oral health. Apparently, it can harm your pearly whites if you’re not careful. Still, you can avoid that pitfall with help from your Tyler dentist. Read on to learn ways vegan eating can hurt teeth and some related oral health tips.

If you previously received metal fillings, you might not see any need to switch them out. After all, your dentist thought they were good enough at the time of treatment. Why should you bother with new ones at this point? Well, science has since learned that these amalgam fillings have serious problems. Plus, better, tooth-colored models are now available. To learn more, here’s a summary of why to replace metal fillings with updated versions.