OS Dental Blog

When you’re considering options for replacing missing teeth, you may be tempted to choose a temporary fix like dentures. After all, they do look very realistic, allow you to enjoy many of your favorite foods, and they’re a lot more affordable than most other types of restorations. But what about bone loss? Without proper stimulation, your jaw can begin to deteriorate, causing you to lose even more teeth. Here’s what you need to know about this dangerous degradation, how dentures could make it worse, and how dental implants could prevent it.

Achieving a full, complete, natural-looking smile with dental implants may be the ultimate goal, but before you can obtain it, you must meet with your dentist to discuss your candidacy for treatment. Each dental implant consultation sheds light on a patient’s oral and overall health, as well as on whether their jawbone is dense enough to support these prosthetics. Your dentist will likely do most of the talking during this visit, but it’s essential that you come prepared with your own questions. If you are struggling to come up with some before your appointment, here are three to consider.

You may not see why it’s a big deal if you have a missing back tooth. After all, it’s not visible to the people around you or making your smile look less pleasant. However, the problem goes deeper than mere cosmetics. Left untreated, your missing tooth could cause long-term harm to your oral health. If you’re interested in learning more, your Mesquite dentist can help. Here’s a summary of risks surrounding a missing back tooth and why to replace it with a dental implant.

While occasional sleep issues aren’t a big deal, things change when you have restless nights frequently. The latter implies that you’re facing the typical signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. If so, you’d do well to see your local dentist for the appropriate rest-enhancing care. This approach would greatly enhance your health and improve your overall quality of life. For the more specific details, here’s a primer on why to get sleep apnea treatment in Mesquite.

When you go in for your regular dental visit, you probably expect a cleaning, a quick check for cavities, and a friendly reminder to floss more often. But your biannual checkup involves much more than that. Dentists perform a detailed evaluation of your entire mouth — and even your overall health — to make sure nothing goes unnoticed.

Here are a few things your dentist may be checking during your visit that you might not realize.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that effects approximately 30 million Americans. This can result in various negative consequences, like loud snoring, fatigue, and difficulty focusing on tasks during the day. Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of other health conditions throughout the body, including those that lead to vision loss. Continue reading to learn more about this connection and what you can do.

Dentures are a reliable way to restore your smile and confidence, but just like natural teeth, they require consistent care to look and function their best. By taking proper care of your dentures, you can help them last longer and protect your oral health.

Do you have a sore jaw, and have you noticed a loud ringing sound in your ears that you can’t explain? If so, you might suffer from tinnitus related to a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These sliding discs anchor your jawbone to your skull just in front of each ear, but dental misalignments or teeth grinding can overwork them. This contributes to painful inflammation that can impact your jaw, neck, and ears because they’re in such close proximity.

If you’re unsure why you’ve heard a high-pitched tone, continue reading to learn 3 signs that it’s due to TMJ overcompensation!

Porcelain veneers are a dynamic dental treatment that can instantly improve the look of your smile.  They can be used to change the shape, size, color, and even the appearance of the spacing of your teeth. But many patients don’t know exactly how many veneers they really need. Too many can take their toll on your wallet, but not enough could cause your smile to look mismatched. Here’s a closer look at how your dentist determines the number of veneers you’ll need, so they can provide you with a beautiful, balanced smile for years to come!

Modern dentures are a far cry from the uncomfortable, basic models of the past. They can replace several missing teeth, a full arch, or even your entire set of teeth. With dentures, you can regain some bite strength, making it easier to eat, smile, talk, and laugh confidently. However, if your dentures are broken or don’t fit properly, you may experience issues like trouble chewing, indigestion, or even nutrient deficiencies. They can also affect your speech and are more prone to slipping out of place. Keep reading to discover five signs that it might be time to talk to your dentist about getting new dentures.