Lauri Barge, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Dental implants require a firm foundation to ensure optimal stability and support once a custom restoration is secured. For many patients, especially those living without teeth for some time, this often means undergoing additional procedures to help improve jawbone density. If your dentist recommends a sinus lift before clearing you for dental implant surgery, here’s why.

Previously, patients struggling with tooth loss had limited options. That’s no longer the case! Dental implants have completely revolutionized the dental field because they look great, they feel natural, and they are inserted directly into your jawbone. So, it’s not surprising that millions of patients have chosen to restore their smiles with this tooth-replacement solution! If you are considering doing the same, then keep reading to learn five facts about dental implants.

The teeth play several crucial roles in communication since they help us form the words we speak and make up the smiles we use to signal good will and joy to other people. Tooth loss is an unfortunately common problem, but some people may be hesitant to commit to replacing missing teeth if other people aren’t noticing them. Here’s a brief guide to the consequences of tooth loss and the advantages of replacing the missing teeth in the back of your mouth.

If someone in your family is dealing with gum disease, you may wonder if this condition is hereditary. The American Dental Association reports that genetic factors can increase a person’s risk of gum disease, and these infections can lead to serious consequences for your oral health if they are left untreated. Here’s what you should know about how some genetic conditions can increase your risk of gum disease as well as a few tips for keeping your smile healthy.

Gum disease is an incredibly common issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease at one severity or another. When untreated, it can progress, causing a wide range of issues. This can be anything from tooth loss to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. The good news is that your dentist may be able to help reverse your symptoms, but this depends on what stage of gum disease you have. Continue reading to learn about the different stages of gum disease and how they can be addressed.

Probiotics are an interesting concept. Just by ingesting some “good bacteria”, you can ward off “bad bacteria” and help your body function optimally. Talk about irony! What’s more is that there are many different strains of healthy bacteria with different benefits – just like how there are different strains of harmful bacteria that cause different illnesses.

With all that variety, you may or may not be wondering whether there’s a probiotic that can help prevent gum disease. As it turns out, a recent study suggests the answer to that could be a resounding “yes!”.

Summer is the season that everyone seems to look forward to. Whether you’ve taken a few days off work to get some much-needed rest, or you have planned an elaborate beach vacation, there is plenty to be excited about. If you truly want to make the most out of the summer months, professional teeth whitening is an excellent option to help you get there. Continue reading to learn three reasons why this summer is the perfect time to get your teeth whitened.

The rise of homeopathic and DIY solutions isn’t all bad. It’s good to be resourceful and health conscious. However, social media is probably too fast for its own good. One of the latest trends in homebrew teeth whitening solutions, charcoal, has several misconceptions that simply need to be put on blast. Keep reading to find out whether you need to dump out your toothpaste.

Many people wish that they could have a prettier smile but aren’t sure how they can achieve that. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatments that can whiten, brighten, and reshape teeth to create a gorgeous new grin. If this sounds like a great idea, you may also wonder how long these treatments can last. Here’s a quick guide to a few popular cosmetic dental treatments including how they work, how long they can last, and how to help your results last for as long as possible.

If you’ve ever avoided dental appointments because they make you nervous, you’re not alone. Many people experience so much anxiety that they have a hard time sitting still long enough to get through their procedure or are scared that it will hurt and so they procrastinate scheduling it. Thankfully, your dentist can offer sedatives to help you feel relaxed so that you can receive the oral care you need.

Although they are frequently used to help patients feel at ease, that’s not the only benefit they provide. Continue reading to learn about 3 additional reasons why you might want to consider sedation dentistry!