Westside Dental Associates

Sedation dentistry has been used for centuries to help patients feel more comfortable during dental treatments, yet myths and misunderstandings still keep many people from considering it. If dental anxiety or fear has been holding you back, learning the truth about sedation can help you take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Let’s bust some of the most common myths about sedation dentistry.

Given what you’ve heard, you may think Invisalign protects your teeth as it works. Many people see its plastic as a “smile shield” – something that defends against oral health risks. That said, you can actually get cavities during Invisalign treatment if you’re careless. Unless you actively look after your grin, the aligners won’t prevent decay. To prove these facts, here’s a primer on Invisalign and how to avoid tooth decay during treatment.

When you feel a bump on your gums, it can be worrying. You might ask yourself how it got there or what you should do about it. There are several causes that may lead to these bumps. Some are more concerning than others, but having your emergency dentist take a look is likely the way to go. Here are five reasons why you may have gum bumps and why you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.

It can be hard for some people to invest in themselves. Maybe you feel guilty about splurging on an elective treatment or feel like your money should be spent on something for your home or family. But the truth is, self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, the adage “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is the perfect sentiment when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. After all, if you’re unhappy with your appearance, it can cause myriad problems in other areas of your life.

If you’ve been considering veneers but haven’t been able to justify choosing yourself, here are a few amazing benefits of this confidence-boosting treatment that will have a positive effect on you and everyone around you!

Did you know that visiting your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months can help prevent potential emergencies? Consistent visits allow them to monitor your condition, enabling them to catch and address any issues before they worsen. For instance, they can identify and fill a cavity before it becomes infected and requires a root canal.

Although some issues are completely unavoidable, there are many ways to keep common oral issues at bay. Continue reading to learn 3 ways you can safeguard your smile!

When pearly white teeth become stained, they typically turn a yellowish hue. So if your teeth look more gray, you might be worried about what that could mean. While gray teeth can sometimes be a sign that something’s wrong with your oral health, there are plenty of other possible explanations. To know for sure, you’ll have to visit your dentist – who can also recommend the best treatment option for you.

Dental veneers can make your smile look absolutely stunning – just ask Hollywood stars like Morgan Freeman and Tom Cruise! The process, however, isn’t a one-and-done appointment like teeth whitening or dental bonding. You’ll have to go through at least five separate steps in order to complete your dental cosmetic transformation.

If that seems overwhelming, don’t worry – this post lays out everything you need to know about getting dental veneers in a quick, easy-to-read guide!

Your dentures can’t help you if they don’t fit right. After all, if they’re not secure and comfortable, they won’t be able to assist you with chewing your food, improving your speech, or restoring your smile. If you’re struggling to get a good connection with your lower prosthetic, here are a few reasons this may be happening, and what you can do to correct it.

Gum disease is one of the most prominent oral health conditions out there. In more severe instances, some people are even recommended to get a few of their teeth extracted. But does this procedure fix gum disease? Read on to learn what to expect as well as other methods that can keep your periodontal tissue safe.

Once you receive your permanent dental crown, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing your damaged tooth is protected by a quality restoration. That said, maybe your upcoming appointment is still weighing on your mind. Learning more about the treatment process can help ease your nerves by giving you a sense of what to expect, and fortunately, that’s exactly what this post aims to do! Simply keep reading.