East Side Family Dentistry

One of the reasons people prefer professional teeth whitening over at-home whitening kits is because of the immediate results. Most kits take a minimum of two to four weeks before you can see any difference in the color of your teeth, whereas professional treatment gives you results in about an hour.

Teeth whitening, as we know it today, has actually been around for over a century, although different methods have been used. In 1877, oxalic acid was used as a whitener, in 1884, hydrogen peroxide, and in 1918, the use of high intensity lights was introduced to speed up the bleaching process.

There are many benefits to dental implants. As they are placed in the spot where the missing tooth was, they do not impact healthy teeth. Instead, they actually help to prevent healthy teeth from shifting which would happen if an empty space were left for an extended period of time.

Have you been considering having an infected tooth extracted instead of undergoing a root canal? Remember, keeping your teeth in place is the best way to preserve the shape of your mouth.

The external tooth enamel surface is not opaque and this layer can thin over time. As a result, 9 out of 10 people experience some yellowing of their teeth as they age, because the internal yellowish dentin layer becomes more visible through the enamel.

Are you a smoker? If so, be aware that tobacco could stain your teeth.

The most advanced form of periodontal disease is called "chronic periodontitis." This can be hard to spot, since it progresses relatively slowly in most people, usually during adulthood. A periodontist can help spot this and take actions to help treat the condition.

The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of a healthy smile is a mouth filled with shiny, white teeth. The gums, however, play a crucial role in keeping your teeth in the proper place and presenting an attractive smile.

Some experts believe gum disease bacteria may contribute to other medical conditions. This can happen when bacteria migrate from the mouth to other parts of the body. Although the research is ongoing, gum disease has been linked to conditions like stroke, diabetes, and increased risk for heart disease.

There are numerous causes for the tissue inside the root canal to become inflamed or infected, some of which include deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.

In a post root canal procedure known as an apicoectomy, an endodontist opens the gum tissue near the root of an infected tooth and removes the infection. He also removes the root so as to prevent future infection. A small filling is placed in the root as well as some sutures to help the tissue to heal.

Did you know that chewing ice and hard candies can actually cause you to break your teeth over time? Therefore, it is important to avoid these activities if you want to maintain the health of your teeth.