Westside Dental Associates

The holidays are here which for many people means gatherings with co-workers or parties with family and friends. Of course, it’s the time to be merry so you’ll probably be offered a glass of wine. Did you know, though, that this seasonal beverage contains tannins that can darken your teeth? Your dentist could tell you that red wine is especially infamous for staining and is a holiday favorite.  Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent damage and discoloration. Keep reading to learn about 4 of them!

As you might know, dental emergencies are often disruptive. They tend to happen at the worst possible times and places! Still, you can manage these incidents if you act quickly enough. All you need to do is find an emergency dentist ASAP. Once you have, your damaged smile will get much-needed care. Luckily, reaching the right dental specialist is pretty simple. Here are four crucial tips for finding an emergency dentist on short notice.

Your teeth aren’t the only component of a healthy smile. Your gums are equally important. Healthy gums can be pink, light pink, black, or brown. They are firm and resilient, so they shouldn’t move when you touch them or bleed after brushing and flossing. If your gums are spongy or feel soft, it can be a symptom of gum disease. The bacterial infection is a leading cause of tooth loss and is linked to various health conditions. If you notice changes to the color or texture of your gums, here’s why you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

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Did you know your oral and general health are closely connected? Healthy teeth and gums are necessary to feel your best. Brushing and flossing can keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay, but they aren’t enough. Regular dental care is essential for prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment. However, many people delay seeing a dentist because they are worried about large bills. If you have dental insurance, there’s nothing to fear. Here are 4 ways to maximize your dental insurance to keep your mouth and body healthy for minimal expenses.

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Dental fillings are an easy and affordable way for your dentist to fix small cavities and keep your teeth looking great. However, they don’t last forever and may fall out before you replace them. If this happened to you today, would you know what to do?

Chances are that the exact steps would elude you, especially if panic sets in. Continue reading to learn how to deal with this situation.

Many people out there want a prettier smile, and modern dentistry has ways to make that happen. Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term describing dental treatments that can repair or cover up flaws in a patient’s teeth. They can make teeth straighter, whiter, and shinier and fix minor damage, but even better, they can noticeably boost a patient’s self-esteem. Read on to learn about what some of these procedures are and what you can expect from undergoing them.

Dentures are an effective and long-standing solution for replacing missing teeth. While they often provide numerous benefits for a patient’s smile, some people experience complications with their lower ones moving out of place. If this is something you’re struggling with, there are certain things you can do to resolve the issue. Read on to learn why your lower denture might not stay in place and the steps you can take to ensure a more comfortable and stable smile.

New materials and technologies allow dentures to look and feel more realistic than ever before. Advanced technology is used to create an acrylic base to hold prosthetic teeth. It will sit on top of your gum tissue, relying on suction to stay in place. You can expect it to take a few days to get used to wearing new dentures. It’s not unusual for your gums to be a little sore, but it shouldn’t be an ongoing issue. Whether you have new dentures or have had the same set for years, don’t ignore inflammation or pain. Here’s what might be causing it and what you should do to stop the irritation.

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Tooth loss usually isn’t sudden. It can also be the result of a planned extraction due to a severely fractured tooth, advanced tooth decay, prolonged gum disease, or some other type of issue. Thanks to dental implants, gone are the days when a patient must endure life without a beautiful, realistic set of replacement teeth. Dental implants mimic natural teeth in color, luster, form, and function, making them virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the smile.

Even though dental implants are ideally placed immediately or shortly after the tooth extraction, some people go for years without replacing their missing teeth. Fortunately, the procedure can be performed successfully even after the natural teeth have been gone for many years. Read on to find out more about dental implants after an extended period of missing teeth.

Is your smile less than perfect? Each smile is distinct, with unique characteristics like chipped teeth and gaps. Even so, having missing teeth can affect one’s self-esteem. Luckily, dental implants offer a solution to give you a full, beautiful smile once more. But how many implants are needed? There are several factors influencing the quantity and types of dental implants you’ll need, so keep reading to learn more.