O'Brien Dental Wellness Center Blog

If you develop a cavity in one of your teeth, the best way to stop the spread of the decay will likely be with a filling. In the past, dentists often used a material called silver amalgam for this purpose. Nowadays, though, most practices favor a more modern alternative: tooth-colored fillings. Why are tooth-colored fillings superior, and why should you choose them if there is ever a question about which material should be used for your fillings? This blog post explains five reasons.

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Dental bridges are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile’s appearance and function. With proper care, a dental bridge can last up to 15 years or more. However, like any dental restoration, bridges are not immune to problems. Understanding what can cause a bridge to fail helps you take steps to protect it and maintain a healthy, lasting smile.

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If you struggle with the consequences of missing teeth, you know that finding a solution can be a difficult decision. You want something that will fill the gap, function as a natural tooth, and last a long time. Dental bridges are one of several options that you have. If you are looking at the dental bridge lifespan, most of them can last up to a decade. However, this depends on multiple factors. Read on to learn more about dental bridges and how long you can expect them to last.

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Tooth loss can take a severe toll on your nutritional intake by making it harder to chew and digest many healthy foods like raw fruits and veggies, fresh meat, and savory nuts and seeds since they can be tough or crunchy. Thankfully, dentures can make it much easier to enjoy a healthy diet by restoring a significant amount of your chewing power. Here’s a brief look at how tooth loss can affect nutrition and how your dentist can help.

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Did you know that “periodontal disease” is just another word for “gum disease”? In dentistry, “periodontal” usually refers to your pink oral tissue. They’re part of the reason your teeth are able to stay in place, so it’s important to take good care of them.

“Great,” you might be thinking, “but what’s with the random facts?”

This month happens to be Gum Care Month, which is all about – you guessed it – your soft pink oral tissue! So why not learn a new fact or two to celebrate? With these periodontal facts under your belt, you’ll be more than ready for Gum Care Month.

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If you are like many people, then you may enjoy a nice cup of liquid gold in the morning. You might drink it at home before starting your day or use it to give you the boost you need for work. But with National Coffee Day coming up (September 29^th), you may be excited to splurge a bit on your favorite beverage. However, enjoyers beware because it can cause some oral health issues. Keep reading to learn how and in what ways you can drink it safely.

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A great way to keep your mouth healthy is by following a good dental routine. It may have already been drilled into you that you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. This is to help keep your smile strong, but do you rinse your mouth after you finish brushing? It may be a habit, but it might not be the best choice for your oral health. Keep reading to learn more about why.

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If you’ve had a dental crown for many years—especially one made of metal—you might not have thought much about replacing it. After all, it’s still doing its job, right? But even if your metal crown seems functional, there are several good reasons to consider an upgrade. From aesthetics to comfort to overall dental health, modern dental crowns offer significant advantages. Here’s why you shouldn’t think twice about replacing your old metal crown.

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If you want to repair your damaged tooth as quickly as possible, chances are that CEREC same-day crowns seem like a very attractive choice. But how much do you really know about this cutting-edge restorative option? Before committing to any sort of dental treatment, it’s important to learn as much as you can about it. Below are 4 interesting facts about CEREC crowns that you may not have known.

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Your toothbrush is your all-important first line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease, but these appliances are not designed to last forever. Using the same brush for too long can diminish its ability to properly clean your teeth and expose you to harmful bacteria. Here’s a brief guide to why it’s important to change your toothbrush every three months or so and a few signs that your appliance is ready to be replaced early.

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