Goodyear Family Dentistry Blog

With cosmetic dentistry, the possibilities for improving your smile are seemingly endless. But what many patients wonder when considering this elective branch of oral healthcare is if it’s painful. The great news is that most cosmetic dentistry treatments don’t hurt at all, and any discomfort can be prevented with the help of numbing or even sedation. Here’s a look at a few popular options, and what you can expect to feel if you get them!

Dental anxiety is incredibly common, which is why so many dentists offer sedation dentistry in the form of nitrous oxide. Often known as “laughing gas,” this sedation medication can help patients feel more at ease. However, many patients refuse to use it because the idea of falling asleep at the dentist is frightening.

But does it really make you sleepy? Keep reading to clear the air on what this sedation method does and how it can help you receive necessary treatment.

Did you know that an estimated 15% to 36% of people around the globe experience anxiety around dental appointments? If you’re worried that an upcoming procedure or service will hurt, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, your dentist offers multiple types of sedatives to help you feel calm and relaxed, including nitrous oxide. If you’re unsure what to expect from this medication, continue reading to learn about 3 things you should know before it’s administered!

Once you lose a tooth, it’s gone for good. Sure, replacements like dental implants come surprisingly close to the real thing, but nothing feels quite like a natural tooth. So, when your dentist tells you that you need a tooth extraction and you’re not even in pain, it may feel unnecessary! Doesn’t something serious have to be wrong to require extraction? Understanding the real reasons for removing a tooth can help you have a clearer idea of your oral health and care.

It’s pretty safe to say that nobody looks forward to a tooth extraction. But for many people, getting one sounds a lot worse than it truly is. That’s because when it comes to this common procedure, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. If your dentist has recommended removal of a tooth or teeth, here’s some clarification regarding some popular misconceptions about this important treatment.

For a smooth recovery following a tooth extraction, preventing dry socket is crucial. Dry socket is a painful complication that arises when the blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged, exposing the nerves and bone. This can lead to significant pain and delay healing. To help you avoid this condition and ensure a comfortable recovery, read on to learn about the five main signs of dry socket and four essential tips to prevent it.

A bright smile offers priceless benefits, but teeth come in many shades and tones naturally. Not to mention, they can change color over time for various reasons, like drinking a lot of coffee. If you’re worried about saints or discoloration affecting your appearance or self-esteem during an upcoming special event, your cosmetic dentist can reveal a bright smile with teeth whitening. However, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to visit your dentist. Here’s when you should start the process to ensure your smile is its whitest before the big day.

(more…)

For most of your life, you’ve probably only had to worry about your oral health and yours alone. While there’s certainly a lot to learn about when it comes to oral healthcare, you probably have a lot of it down by now.

However, if you’re a new parent, there’s also a lot to learn about your child’s oral health. Children’s dentistry is a field unto itself, and one that can be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with it. Here are three things you might want to know about this area of dentistry if you’re a parent.

Did you know that according to the American Dental Association (ADA) the average person has between three and eight fillings, and that 175 million fillings are made each year? With so many restorations out there, you might think that fillings are always enough intervention to save a damaged tooth. Unfortunately, however, sometimes a traditional filling just isn’t enough, and your tooth may need a restoration called a crown. Think of crowns as deluxe fillings. Though they are different, they still serve the same purpose: to restore the tooth following damage. But that’s where most of their similarities end.

If you need a dental crown, the traditional process can be lengthy, involving multiple visits and waiting periods. However, with advancements in dental technology, same-day crowns offer a quicker and more convenient option. But just how long does it take to make a same-day crown? Continue reading to learn the process of same-day crowns and find a timeline for your care.