RiverPlace Dental Blog

Dental crowns are restorations that are used to protect teeth that have been structurally damaged as a result of decay or another reason. They are hollow and placed over a compromised tooth as a way to protect it from enduring additional damage. If you have had a dental crown for a while now, you may notice that a dark line has formed around it. Reason on to learn what this is and what you can do about it.

Dental fillings are a lifesaver – at least as far as your teeth are concerned. A filling gives your tooth a second chance after suffering from a cavity. But how long do fillings last? The answer depends on several factors, including the materials used and how well you care for your new and improved smile. With this in mind, keep reading to learn about the average lifespan of fillings, how to properly maintain them, and signs it’s time for a replacement.

There are a lot of traits that you inherit from your parents—virtually everything from the color of your hair to the length of your pinky finger is determined by genetics. But did you know that your genes can also leave you vulnerable to certain medical conditions? These can vary from the serious to the mundane, but one you should definitely be aware of is gum disease! Believe it or not, gum disease isn’t just the result of poor oral habits—unfortunately, genetics plays a role as well. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about this link along with some tips for keeping your smile healthy.

You’d probably think of going to your hospital’s emergency room in a medical emergency. That’s an appropriate response to take in most situations. However, a dental emergency is a bit different. Should the latter occur, it’d be best to see your local emergency dentist at their office.

Want to know what’s involved in an emergency dental visit?  Read on to learn four things you should expect from the experience.

As you know, brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing at least once is key to keeping your smile healthy and looking its best. Along with practicing good oral hygiene, eating the right foods is also an important part of maintaining a gorgeous grin, but consuming the wrong things or putting non-food items in your mouth can harm your oral health. Read on to learn about six things that you shouldn’t put in your mouth to prevent a dental emergency.

There’s never a good time for a dental emergency. From damaging one of your pearly whites to losing it altogether, having to stop what you’re doing and go to your dentist’s office to receive urgent care can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Though avoiding these situations is best, it’s wise to have a plan for what to do if the need for prompt treatment arises. Read on to learn about five factors that you should take into consideration when choosing an emergency dentist.

Every six months, you’re supposed to go to the dentist for a dental checkup and cleaning. This allows them to do a thorough exam of your mouth and to clean built-up plaque and tartar off your teeth. As a key part of maintaining good oral health, scheduling and attending these appointments is crucial. Even so, some people still avoid them out of fear of their dental cleanings being painful. Read on to learn whether dental cleanings hurt and what you can do to reduce sensitivity or discomfort.

Are you dealing with an achy tooth? Toothaches can be excruciatingly painful, and they never seem to go away on their own. Even if you think that you’re tough enough to handle the pain, this doesn’t mean that you should continue on without dental attention. Tooth pain means that something isn’t quite right in your mouth, so you should have your dentist take a look. Continue reading to learn whether or not a toothache is considered a dental emergency and some of the possible causes.

It’s no secret that flossing isn’t a very popular pastime. If you’re looking to improve your oral health but find flossing frustrating, you may be considering switching to a water flosser like a Waterpik. However, it’s important to do your research before swapping out your traditional string of dental floss! Read on as we go over some important differences between how each option works and help you determine which one is best for you.

While flipping through your monthly planner, you realize you have a dentist appointment coming up soon. Does the thought of it fill you with dread? If so, don’t worry – you’re certainly not alone. About 48% of Americans suffer from dental-related anxiety. In many cases, the anxiety stems from fear of the unknown. Because dentists use sharp and unfamiliar tools in your mouth, it’s easy to see why people are afraid of going in for a checkup or cleaning. Fortunately, learning about the different types of tools your dentist uses can significantly ease your nerves. With that in mind, here are five dental instruments often used during routine visits.