Having one of your teeth restored with a crown requires two separate appointments. During the first appointment Dr. Spear removes most of the affected enamel from the tooth, leaving behind an abutment that will later anchor your new crown. The abutment then has a hard plastic cap of a temporary crown cemented over it to protect the abutment while a... read more »

Your wisdom teeth are essentially molars 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 wisdom teeth at all. Wisdom teeth usually start to emerge... read more »

Toothpaste is a very important tool for removing bacterial plaque. If food particles and plaque aren’t removed, they can harden into tartar, which can lead directly to gum disease. In the past, toothpaste was actually sold in a powder form. Today, most toothpaste brands are sold as either a gel or paste. Some also include fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth... read more »

Dental crowns are common dental products that restore your smile. There are many reasons to choose to repair your smile with this restoration. A dental crown is an artificial cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to improve its health and condition. More reasons include: •To hold a cracked tooth together •To restore a broken or worn tooth •To... read more »

The natural processes of the bacteria in your mouth, as well as acidic foods and beverages, can cause a microscopic erosion of the mineral crystals that make up your tooth enamel. If this microscopic enamel erosion is not countered by regular, daily exposure to fluoride it can pose several threats to your oral health. The microscopic erosion creates tiny channels... read more »

The new bridge fitted by Dr. Spear effectively restores the full function, structure and appearance of a missing tooth. Even though your new bridge is not subject to tooth decay, it will still need to be cleaned and maintained in your daily oral hygiene routine. Hardened tartar from residual food particles and plaque buildup will greatly increase your chances of... read more »

Dental X-Rays are great images that can help you prevent as well as identify dental issues. This is extremely beneficial because it can help you maintain a strong and healthy smile as well as treat problems at the early stages of development. This technology makes it possible to identify any issue in the mouth, even if it’s impossible to be... read more »

Everyone knows that they are supposed to floss their teeth once a day. However, some may wonder if using a water pick can be just as effective as flossing. Here we analyze the benefits of water picks and their role in dental health. What Are Water Picks? Water picks are also known as oral irrigators, dental water jets, and water... read more »

If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, or one that needed to be extracted after being damaged in an accident it can seriously compromise your mouth and impact your quality of life. Beyond simply limiting your ability to chew food it might also cause a slur in your speech or be noticeable in your smile. Even if you learn to... read more »

A child who learns great dental health habits becomes an adult with great dental health habits. To this end, the American Dental Association sponsors “National Children’s Dental Health Month” every February, in hopes of raising awareness among children (and their parents) about the importance of maintaining good oral health. But how can a family incorporate National Children’s Dental Health Month... read more »