Spillman Family Dental Blog

When it comes to your oral health, waiting until something hurts isn’t always the best approach. Cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, and other dental problems can develop quietly before noticeable symptoms appear. Regular dental visits and good daily habits can help identify potential problems early, when treatment may be simpler and more manageable.

You are far from alone if the thought of a dentist’s visit is enough to make you break out in a cold sweat. Millions of grown adults suffer from dental anxiety! But there’s a solution to your fears: nitrous oxide. Yes, what’s commonly known as “laughing gas” has helped plenty of nervous Nellies get the dental treatment they need. What’s the catch? Well, here’s the rub: it’s not right for everyone. Read on to discover if you’re a good candidate for nitrous oxide sedation.

If you’re feeling a dull ache or sharp pain toward the back of your mouth, your wisdom teeth may be the culprit. These third molars typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties, and for many people, the process comes with real discomfort. But what’s actually causing your pain? Keep reading to learn the various causes of your pain and see when wisdom tooth extraction might be necessary.

Few dental procedures have a reputation quite like the root canal. Many patients hear the words “root canal” and immediately worry about two things: pain and cost. While modern root canal treatment is typically much more comfortable than people expect, concerns about expense are understandable.

So, are root canals expensive? The answer depends on several factors, but in many cases, root canal therapy is actually one of the most cost-effective ways to save a natural tooth.

If you are missing one or a few consecutive teeth, a dental bridge is an affordable way to give you your smile back. They are able to restore both the appearance and function of your missing teeth. This type of restoration is durable and can last for many years when cared for properly. However, it isn’t unheard of for dental bridges to become dislodged. Read on to learn why this can happen and you should handle the situation.

Getting dentures is a major step toward restoring your smile, oral health, and confidence. While many patients are excited about the improvements dentures bring, it’s completely normal to notice a learning curve when it comes to speaking.

Your tongue, lips, and cheeks have spent years working with your natural teeth. Once dentures are introduced, your mouth needs time to adjust to the new shape and positioning. Certain words may feel awkward at first, and you might notice small changes in pronunciation while your muscles adapt.

The good news is that most people adjust successfully with a little patience and practice.

Many people struggle with complex or severe oral health challenges. If you are among them, you have reason to be optimistic! Modern dentistry offers full mouth reconstruction, a customized treatment plan that has the goal of restoring your smile’s health and beauty to the fullest extent possible. What procedures might be included in your full mouth reconstruction journey? This blog post discusses five of the most common.

Since a smile makeover can involve many different dental cosmetic treatments, you might be wondering how long the entire process will take. After all, you have some planning to do! Depending on the specifics, you might have to take some time off work, reschedule other appointments, or make arrangements for transportation. Knowing what your treatment schedule will look like is more than a little important.

While the answer isn’t exactly straightforward, don’t worry. Your dentist will be able to help!

If you are looking to get a bright smile you love, then you might’ve done some research online to see your options. One do-it-yourself hack you might’ve run across is how turmeric can give you the whiter teeth you desire, but does it really work? Here’s all you need to know about this spice and what it can do to give you the aesthetic grin you dream of. 

Did you know that tooth extractions have an incredibly high success rate of 95% or more? That means you’re unlikely to develop complications once your problematic tooth is removed, if you follow your provider’s post-operative directions carefully.

These are intended to help your mouth heal quickly and effectively after your treatment while avoiding common adverse effects, such as dry socket, which can occur if the blood clot that forms at the site is injured or dislodged. For example, your dentist might ask you to abstain from drinking alcohol until your mouth has healed. Continue reading to learn why!