When a restoration or filling is adapted to a prepared cavity to remove bacteria and decayed tooth, it is intended to repair that area of tooth for a long time. Restorations or fillings can fail due to recurring decay (a dental cavity that develops at the margin of a filling), coming debonded from the tooth (in the case of a... read more »
When your crown was cemented or bonded in place, it was intended to last for many years. While it is rather rare, it’s still not unheard of for something like a blow to the face, a bite issue, or chewing on your favorite sticky candy to cause a crown to come out. If you have lost a crown you should... read more »
There are two different classifications of bruxism (BRUK-SIZ-UM) awake and sleep. They both have to do with the grinding, gnashing or clenching of teeth, the main difference is quite obvious, being whether you are awake or asleep. When someone grinds their teeth while they are asleep it is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. Many people who suffer from this often... read more »
Your wisdom teeth are essentially molars, sometimes referred to as your third molars. They were necessary from a time when our ancestors survived on a diet of crunchy foods and roots. Most people have four wisdom teeth. However, it is not uncommon for some people to have as many as six, while at the same time, some people never develop... read more »
If you have some dental issues you may be confused about who to contact. You may be wondering if you need a general dentist or a specialist and you may be wondering what the differences are between them. The purpose of this blog is to alleviate that confusion. Who is a general dentist? A general dentist is a primary care... read more »
A report stating that the dental insurance industry generated $82+ billion dollars in the U.S. in 2020 is a pretty clear indication that dental insurance is here to stay. About 90 percent of employers with 500 or more employees offer dental benefits and about 50 percent of all companies offer dental coverage. Dental insurance is becoming a common health benefit.... read more »
Cosmetic dentistry is one of Dr. Spear's many passions. To have a patient come in with complaints about their smile of any kind and transforming the patient's smile and confidence is such a rewarding task for doctor and patient. A person's smile can light up a room. The biggest transformation is in how the person sees themselves and this radiates... read more »
Maintaining a healthy smile takes a lifetime of care and commitment. It's crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of your teeth and gums to prevent oral problems. The right care starts with the right products and habits. Brush Properly: Frequency, Technique, Time, Tools Frequency It is a general recommendation to brush at least twice a... read more »
Why Veneers? Before we jump into the cost of veneers, let's first understand what they are. Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front, sides and top surface of teeth to improve their appearance and shape. They're often made from porcelain, glass-ceramic or resin-composite materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers can be used... read more »
You probably understand that there are many things you should do to keep your teeth healthy and strong. For instance, you may know that you should floss and brush regularly. You’ll also need to schedule regular dental cleaning appointments. Many people, at any age, decide to have their wisdom teeth removed due to painful tooth eruptions or to protect the... read more »