Spillman Family Dental Blog

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!

If you’re considering implant dentures, one of the first questions you may have is how long the process will take from your initial consultation to receiving your final restoration. While implant dentures offer life-changing stability, comfort, and confidence, they do require multiple steps to ensure long-term success. The full timeline can vary from person to person, but understanding each stage will help you know what to expect along the way.

Protecting your child’s smile is a lifelong commitment, and good oral hygiene habits are just the beginning. Even with consistent brushing and flossing, some areas of the mouth—especially the grooves of the molars—can be difficult to keep clean. That’s where dental sealants come in. These thin coatings provide an extra layer of defense against tooth decay. If you’re curious about how they work, here are answers to some of the most common questions parents have about sealants.

Asthma primarily affects the lungs, but its impact can reach far beyond your respiratory system—including your mouth. People with asthma may face a higher risk of developing oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth. Understanding this connection can help you take preventive steps to protect your smile while managing your asthma.

Are there a few details about your smile’s appearance that you would like to change? Perhaps you would like brighter teeth, or maybe you feel self-conscious about minor misalignment or other aesthetic issues. Regardless of the imperfections that bother you, you might hesitate to pursue cosmetic dentistry because you have heard some people express concerns about its safety. But there is really no need to worry! In this blog post, you will learn why you can undergo cosmetic services without being overly concerned about your smile’s health.

Many patients experience anxiety when it comes to dental appointments, regardless of the reason for them. Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning or have a more complex procedure to undergo, your provider can offer sedation, like nitrous oxide, to help get you through it.

However, you might avoid this medication if you’re scared it will render you unconscious during your treatment. If you’re worried that this sedative will “knock you out”, continue reading to learn why you can safely set your concerns aside!

TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a common affliction. It develops when inflammation or damage occurs in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are also known as the jaw joints. It can certainly be uncomfortable, but some people mistakenly believe that it is not a big deal. They might view it more as a nuisance than anything else. The truth is, though, that failing to treat TMJ disorder can lead to some major consequences for both your oral and overall health! This blog post explains the importance of seeking timely professional care.

While dental crowns may seem like an amazing new form of dental technology since they are so uncannily lifelike, the truth is that dentists have been using these appliances in some form to restore damaged teeth for thousands of years. However, placing these appliances today is more comfortable and convenient than it has ever been before. Here’s a brief guide to how dental crowns are placed and how the process is rendered completely painless.

Sometimes, myths and urban legends can be fun to tell your friends around the campfire. But while they’re usually harmless and meant to entertain, misinformation can also be very dangerous. Take for example the following misconceptions about tooth extraction. While it’s true that your dentist would prefer to save your natural teeth, if they have recommended you have a tooth removed you can rest assured it’s in your own best interest. Here’s why there’s no need to worry about these four common myths about tooth extraction.

Gaps in your smile can affect more than just how you look – they can impact your ability to chew, speak, and feel confident. Dental implants are one of the most effective long-term solutions for replacing missing teeth, offering a full smile that looks completely natural. However, if you’re pregnant, you may need to hold off on this treatment. Read on to learn why dental implants are typically postponed until after pregnancy and what you can do in the meantime.