Lifetime Dental of Agawam Blog

Gum disease is often thought of as an oral health issue, but its effects can extend far beyond the gums. One lesser-known consequence is how gum disease can affect facial shape and appearance over time. When left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to structural changes in the mouth and jaw that subtly, and sometimes dramatically, alter the way your face looks.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it affects millions of people—often without noticeable symptoms at first. While it’s primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, many patients wonder whether the condition can be passed from person to person like a cold or the flu. The answer is a bit more nuanced. Gingivitis itself isn’t contagious in the traditional sense, but the bacteria that contribute to it can be shared.

When it comes to transforming a smile, veneers are often a reliable treatment option. They have helped countless patients get the perfect grins they love by covering a wide range of dental flaws. But since they are shells that bond to the front of teeth, people often wonder if they’ll have sensitivity afterward. Keep reading to learn what you should expect and how you can ease any discomfort you feel.

Porcelain veneers can be artfully crafted to change the size and shape of teeth you’re not cosmetically satisfied with. This is what they’re most well-known for, and it’s probably the main reason why you’re considering them in the first place. But if you’re not quite sure you want to commit to the treatment, it would help to read some information you might not have heard before!

Keep reading, because these four lesser-known reasons to get porcelain veneers could just help you make a decision.

In its early days, cosmetic dentistry  was thought to be something that was reserved only for celebrities and socialites. But today, this elective branch of oral health care is more popular than ever, even among those who aren’t rich and famous. If you’ve been considering improving your smile but aren’t sure you’re a good candidate, here’s a closer look at some popular treatments and how to tell if they could be right for you!

Dental implant surgery is a highly effective way to replace missing teeth, restore your smile, and improve oral function. While the procedure has a high success rate, proper aftercare—especially in the days and weeks following surgery—is essential to healing well and avoiding complications. One of the most important aspects of recovery is watching what you eat. Certain foods can disrupt healing, cause pain, or even lead to implant failure. Here’s a look at the foods you should avoid after dental implant surgery and why.

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there! Because they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t achieve with dentures or dental bridges. If you have suffered from tooth loss in the past, you may feel self-conscious about the gaps left behind, dental implants are likely the perfect option to restore your smile and your confidence. Read on to learn about all of the different ways that dental implants can boost your confidence.

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of additional benefits that you can’t find with dentures or dental bridges. One of the best things about dental implants is that they have an incredible success rate of over 95%. However, failure can still happen if you aren’t careful. Here’s what you should know.

Upon finding out that you have gum disease, you’ll naturally want to ask your dentist about what treatment options are available. Depending on how advanced your gum disease is, they may sometimes recommend a tooth extraction. Will this treatment help put a stop to the problem? And if not, what is its actual purpose? Here’s what you should know before having a tooth removed as part of your gum disease treatment.

If you’ve just had a tooth extraction or if you’re gearing up for one, you may have heard the words “dry socket” tossed around.  Whether you heard about it from your dentist or a friend who had a painful experience, it can be a frightening prospect. The good news is that while the condition is painful, it’s also pretty rare. In fact, if you follow good advice, you can avoid it altogether! Continue reading to learn everything you need to know to ease your mind and protect your smile.