Dental fillings are used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. By removing the damaged part of the tooth and filling it with an inert tooth-colored material, your dentist is able to prevent any further decay. Cavities are incredibly common, and the procedure to fill a cavity is minimally invasive and relatively quick. However, without…
Wisdom teeth removal may be required for several reasons. Wisdom teeth, which typically erupt in early adulthood, are known to cause issues relating to crowding and alignment. If they do not erupt properly, wisdom teeth are prone to decay. If your dentist has recommended a wisdom tooth removal procedure, you may have concerns and questions…
Tooth decay is a common oral issue. At one point in life, nearly all adults have discovered they have a cavity, as a part of their routine cleaning and exam. In some cases, when decay has been undetected and untreated for some time, the extensive decay may require a root canal. This procedure will clean…
Laser dental treatments continue to receive praise in the field of dentistry. Lasers can assist with a variety of dental procedures, including teeth whitening, filling cavities, and reshaping the gums. An advantage of laser dental procedures is that they can be safer and more effective than traditional options. Quick healing, disinfection, and comfort during the…
If experiencing a toothache, tooth nerve damage could be the culprit. Tooth nerve pain may be sudden and have the potential of causing disruptions to your everyday life. Dental trauma services can relieve pain and restore your teeth to full functionality, but in the meantime, there are ways to relieve some pain at home. Columbia…
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…