When a tooth is suffering from a painful infection, a root canal treatment could be the best option for saving it. But who should you turn to for the procedure? Can your emergency dentist do a root canal, or will you require the services of a specialist? Here’s what you need to know when choosing an expert to treat your infected tooth and restore your oral health.

When most people hear the word “cholesterol,” they usually think about heart health — not dentistry. But new research is exploring a surprising connection between “good” cholesterol and the future of root canal treatment.

Scientists are currently studying whether high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as “good” cholesterol, could someday help improve the way infected teeth are treated. While traditional root canal procedures remain highly effective today, this developing research may lead to gentler and more biologically supportive treatment methods in the future.

Here’s what researchers are learning and why the discovery is generating excitement in the dental field.

Most people think of gum disease as a problem that only affects the gums and teeth. However, advanced gum disease can actually change the structure of your face over time. Because your teeth and jawbone help support your facial shape, damage to these structures can lead to noticeable changes in appearance.

If you have a sweet tooth, you’re not alone. Sugar cravings are incredibly common, and desserts, candies, and sweetened drinks are often part of everyday life. Unfortunately, sugar is also one of the biggest contributors to tooth decay. The good news is that enjoying sweets doesn’t automatically mean cavities are inevitable. With smart habits and a little planning, you can protect your teeth while still indulging occasionally.

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? It’s the perfect time to take a closer look at your oral hygiene practices and make sure that you’re doing everything you can to prevent dental issues. Chances are that there’s at least a little room for improvement in your oral care routine; as such, here are 4 tips that can help you maintain a cleaner, healthier smile.

Dental crowns are a popular solution that can be used in various capacities. For example, they can cover damaged teeth to restore their appearance and functionality, protect teeth that underwent a root canal, anchor a dental bridge, or top a dental implant to close the spaces in your smile.

Although these tooth-shaped caps are typically quite durable, they’re not invincible. Continue reading to learn about 4 steps to take to get proper emergency dental care if your crown is lost or dislodged!  

If you’ve heard of Invisalign, you know it differs from “traditional” ways to straighten a smile. This treatment uses clear trays – worn over both rows of your grin – instead of metal brackets and wires. That said, you may be wondering: Could you just get Invisalign for your top teeth? You needn’t mull the question long; your Fuquay-Varina dentist will address it. So, here’s a primer on Invisalign for your top teeth, its risks, and how to pull it off safely.

Maybe you’ve heard of the saying “if the boot fits, wear it.” It’s sage advice for owning up to your mistakes, but also a pretty good slogan for Invisalign aligners. If they fit, then you should wear them for about 22 hours per day to stay on track with your treatment plan. If they don’t…well then that’s a problem that needs fixin’! Aligners that are the wrong size could prolong your treatment.

That sounds unpleasant, so how do you go about getting them refitted? Keep reading to find out!

Unfortunately, dental emergencies don’t cooperate with your schedule. They simply pencil themselves in whenever it suits them! So, when a dental emergency strikes, whether it’s a sudden toothache or a broken molar, your first thought is usually getting relief. However, quickly afterward, your next question will probably be “Can I afford it?” This is usually where dental insurance comes in, but will it cover an emergency visit? Continue reading to break down the basics of dental insurance coverage for emergency appointments so you know what to expect.

More than 500,000 Americans are choosing dental implants to replace their lost teeth. They are the most reliable method of treating tooth loss. A dental implant has over a 95% success rate at lasting for 30 years or more with the right care, like brushing and flossing. However, dental implants are associated with a large price tag. It does not have to cost an arm or a leg to invest in dental implants. Here’s how much you can expect to pay when treating your lost teeth.