Having a Crowning Smile

Has one of your teeth been damaged due to trauma or decay? Do you have a blemish on a tooth that you’d rather not see anymore? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a dental crown may provide the result you desire. Crowns can restore a tooth’s natural appearance and function and can also hide unsightly blemishes as... read more »

Could You Be Courting Gingivitis?

Do you think your gums are slightly red or puffy? Are they uncomfortable when brushing your teeth or flossing? If you said yes to any of these questions, you may be in the early stages of periodontal disease. Commonly known as gingivitis, this infection in the gums can be mild but could potentially become more serious if left untreated. The... read more »

Bridging the Gap to Your Smile

Is there a gap in your teeth that keeps you from smiling? A bridge may be the right solution for you. Bridges are a permanent prosthetic that may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. They are cemented to the neighboring teeth. If the gap is left unfilled, the remaining teeth could shift or rotate which could... read more »

Oral Health 101: TMJ Disorder

Do you have pain or tenderness in your jaw? Is it difficult or painful to chew? Does your jaw lock, making it difficult to open or close your mouth? Do you have consistent pain around your ears? If you deal with any of these symptoms regularly, you may need to be seen for TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. This is... read more »

How Pericoronitis Affects Wisdom Teeth

Do you know the term pericoronitis? Coming from the words perio (for surrounding teeth) and corona (for crown), the term can be broken down to tooth crown condition. Also known as operculitis, pericoronitis is the inflammation of the soft tissues which neighbor erupting chompers, often wisdom teeth. When the soft tissues covering pearly whites do become infected and inflamed (regularly... read more »

Dental Sealants Can Help Protect Back Teeth from New Cavities

The teeth in the back of your mouth are very important for chewing and grinding the foods you eat. This includes eight premolars that also aid with biting off hard foods, as well as eight large molars that are primarily tasked with grinding tough foods into small pieces that are safe to swallow. Genetics can sometimes contribute to deep pits... read more »

Before Your Root Canal Procedure

What do you know about root canals? What do you know about root canal services? Here is a small bit of data we’ve assembled to help you know what you can expect during a root canal treatment. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any additional questions about root canals. When you stop in for a root canal... read more »

An Abscess Requires Professional Care

An untreated cavity can sometimes lead to cavities accessing the pulp and other sensitive structures in a tooth. As this happens, tooth decay can compromise the tooth and even cause a dangerous abscess to form in your gums. An abscess is created when bacteria forms pus around your gumline. Common symptoms include a toothache and pain and pressure in the... read more »

A Tooth with a Severe Cavity May Suffer a Fracture

When a cavity goes without professional treatment, decay can slowly start to affect the tooth’s structure. You may find yourself chewing on a piece of food and your tooth cracks. The pain that results can sometimes be severe and the bacterial presence in the area can lead to other complications. Sometimes, Dr. Rai can treat a tooth in this condition... read more »

4 Ways to Take Care of Your Smile

Taking care of your smile doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are four ways you can take care of your smile. Brush: Brush your teeth! There are no shortcuts--but luckily, it’s really easy to integrate into your daily routine. Brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure, two times a day, for two minutes each time. Floss: Floss once a... read more »