Even though you may be able to adapt to a space in your mouth after loss of a tooth, over time complications will arise due to movement of remaining teeth and bone loss. The surrounding teeth tend to move into the space. Movement of teeth changes one’s bite.  Biting forces that the previous tooth withstood are put on other surrounding teeth and often times at wrong angles due to the rotations that occur.  A change of bite and increase in forces can be a spiral effect that causes further tooth loss or need for more dental work. Bone loss not only reduces integrity of bone but causes cheeks to collapse in and possible enlargement of the tongue. Options to replace a missing tooth are: Implant with crown Bridge Implant partial/Complete Dentures Partial/Complete Dentures If you are missing a tooth, it is strongly advised to make an appointment with your dentist.  For further questions, call...

Bruxism is the involuntary or habitual action of clenching and grinding teeth. A nightguard is a custom fitted appliance made by your dentist.  It protects your teeth from the side forces caused by clenching and grinding at night time.  Without proper nightguard treatment, over time bruxism can cause significant damage to your teeth, jaws and muscles.  Often one may not know they are grinding because it occurs during sleep.  Nightguards do not always eliminate the habit of clenching and grinding, but it protects your teeth from the effects.  Essentially the nightguard wears down instead of your teeth, muscles and supporting structures. Signs of grinding in the mouth include:    Flat spots or concavities Short teeth Sensitive teeth Gum recession Cracked or broken teeth Muscle tenderness in the facial/jaw muscles Headaches Causes of bruxism are not always known.  However, stress and anxiety are common triggers.  A misaligned bite or missing teeth may be other reasons.  If you have one or many of these symptoms, it is strongly advised to make an appointment with a dentist. CONTACT US...

  Gum disease is very common and affects more than 50% of the adult population. Symptoms could be as little as bleeding gums, or as severe as losing teeth. So how can you tell if you have gum disease? Bleeding gums while brushing and flossing is the first stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Although you may not see any swollen gums, do not overlook this. This is the best time to act. Make sure you are brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and using mouth rinse in your oral hygiene routine. If the bleeding persists, you will want to get a hold of your local dental professionals. While gingivitis is reversible the next stage, bone and gum loss, is not. When plaque builds up under your gums and is not removed tartar starts to form. Irritants like tartar that stay under the gums for a prolonged period of time will cause bone and gum loss also known as periodontal disease. Depending on how much bone you have lost your teeth may become mobile. Other signs of progressed periodontal disease are gum recession, bad breathe and tastes. If you believe you have tartar build up or periodontal disease,...