Wisdom teeth removal can be intimidating, even for those who don’t experience dental anxiety. Knowing what to expect during this procedure and how you can prepare, can help you better navigate this process. The first step is finding a dentist you can trust. The experienced team at Columbia Smiles, led by Dr. Michael Hsu, can…
The tooth’s nerves are found in the tooth’s pulp, a soft tissue in the interior of the tooth. Located far below the hard surface of the teeth, called the enamel, these nerves are highly sensitive. While they’re typically protected by enamel and the other outside layers of the teeth, dental trauma may expose the nerves…
Having a dental bridge, you may go for years without issue. Dental bridges feel and function like natural teeth, and with proper care, they should last for a long time. However, if you start to notice movement around this dental appliance while eating, drinking, or even talking, the dental bridge may have become loose. Continue…
Gums are often overlooked when contemplating oral health. If you brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly, you’re likely concerned about preventing cavities and other dental problems, but you might not think about your gums unless they become swollen or inflamed. However, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is one of the…
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure which is performed when the wisdom teeth erupt or cause issues. They may crowd other teeth or erupt only partially, leading to a risk of infection. Wisdom teeth removal and the use of anesthesia as part of the removal process is common. Understanding the effects of anesthesia…
Good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent a variety of oral health issues. This includes brushing and flossing daily as well as visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. One of the oral health issues that can result from poor oral hygiene is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. The soft tissue in…
It’s a common scenario: an individual has a big event coming up and begins to worry about how their smile looks. They might be concerned about their appearance in pictures or about the first impression that they’ll make. In this instance, they could look for DIY teeth whitening options to give them a brighter smile.…
Laser dentistry offers a comfortable, efficient, and safe alternative to traditional dental procedures. For patients who experience anxiety in relation to dental procedures, laser dentistry may be an effective option. Whether lasers are used to treat gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues, lasers have shown to offer improved healing and better results.…
Severe toothaches, ones where the throbbing tooth pain comes and goes, can be debilitating, preventing you from participating or enjoying daily activities. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, connect with your dentist right away. This pain could be caused by gum disease, decay, or damage, and if left untreated, these issues can lead to even more…
Gingivitis is a relatively common oral health issue. This mild form of periodontal disease appears in the form of inflamed or swollen gums and if left untreated, can be a precursor to more serious problems. Typically, the result of poor at-home oral hygiene habits, gingivitis can be treated by your dentist. It’s important to visit…