My gums around one tooth are swollen – what could it be?

When gums swell around a single tooth in this way, it usually indicates an infection. This is called an abscessed tooth, and it can be very painful. If left untreated, it is possible for the infection to spread, leading to more serious dental problems. What causes an abscessed tooth? When a cavity is left untreated, […]

My tooth keeps hurting, what do I do?

If you are experiencing tooth pain that won’t go away, it is important that you contact one of our dentists right away. When a tooth hurts constantly, particularly if the tooth pain is unbearable, it could be a sign of a serious dental problem. In many cases, this type of pain indicates a tooth has […]

My Gums Bleed All the Time

It can be easy to dismiss gums that bleed when you brush, particularly if you aren’t experiencing any unusual pain or sensitivity. However, bleeding gums can be an indication of a serious dental health issue. If you notice that your gums are bleeding, when you brush or otherwise, it is important that you contact us as soon […]

My Tooth Just Broke, and it Hurts

Although teeth are one of the strongest materials produced by the human body, they are not indestructible. It is possible for them to become injured, and even crack or break. If your tooth just broke, it is important that you contact Stonebridge Dental right away for treatment. In the event that you cannot visit our office immediately, there […]

My Night Guard Keeps Falling Out

Your night mouth guard is intended to fit over the teeth while you sleep in order to protect them from damage, usually from teeth grinding (bruxism). If your night guard keeps falling out while you’re sleeping, this indicates that the fit may not be quite right. If you’ve bought your night guard over-the-counter from a drugstore, it may […]

My Tooth Extraction Won’t Stop Bleeding

How to care for a tooth extraction After undergoing a tooth extraction, it is important to follow the proper aftercare procedures for at least 24 hours after having your tooth pulled. If your tooth extraction won’t stop bleeding, contact us immediately so we can determine the best action to take to alleviate the issue. While […]

My Tooth Tastes Bad

If your tooth tastes bad, there are several possible reasons for this. Infection can result in a bad taste or bad breath The most common reason your tooth tastes bad unrelated to your diet is infection. Whether it is discharge from an abscess emptying into your mouth, or there is an infection present in the gum […]

Telescopic Loupes

The dentist performs most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of funny looking glasses called surgical telescopes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.

Intraoral Camera

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums. With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent […]

Electronic Claims

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time […]

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum […]

Paperless Charting

Our office is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from […]

Stop Snoring Devices

Snoring is more than just disturbing to your regular sleep patterns; it can also be a sign of a serious problem known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for a moment while you sleep. Even though you may not be aware of it, this causes you to […]

Advanced Oral Cancer Screening-Visalite

Over 30,000 new cases of oral cancer will be detected in the US alone each year. Oral cancer is the only cancer that is on the rise, but the most curable if caught early. The thing about oral cancer is that it may start off so harmless looking; a small bump or lump, a red […]

Dental Bridge

Losing a tooth is no laughing matter, and can be much more serious than you might think. If the gap where the missing tooth was located is left untreated, the teeth around the area may shift, eventually even coming out of socket. This can be incredibly painful, as well as affect your ability to speak […]

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth that has become broken or is showing signs of serious decay. The crown can hold a severely decayed tooth together in order to prevent breakage, or hold a broken tooth together. They may also be used to support a tooth that has […]

Dental Implant Restoration

A dental implant restoration is considered to be one of the greatest innovations in modern dentistry. Dental implants are ideal for patients who are missing one or more teeth as a result of periodontal disease, injury, or even age. Missing teeth can cause you to feel self-conscious and reluctant to smile. Dental implants can restore […]

Dental Night Guards

Dental mouth guards / dental night guards can be custom-made by your dentist, and usually consist of a flexible plastic that has been molded to fit the specific shape of your teeth and bite. These guards can help protect your teeth and jaw from a number of different physical activities and sports where your mouth […]

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are material shells placed over the visible area of teeth, and can be used to correct a number of dental issues. In addition to giving you a brighter and whiter smile, dental veneers can be used to repair teeth that have become broken, chipped, or cracked, as well as teeth that are worn […]

Oral Hygiene Care

Besides making and keeping bi-annual appointments with your dentist for cleanings, keeping up your good oral hygiene practices is one of the most important things you can do for your dental and overall dental health. Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily can keep your teeth and gums in good condition, protecting you from harmful bacteria growth, tooth […]

Lumineers

Having a brilliant, white smile is more than just a sign of good health. It can encourage you to smile fully to the world, making you appear to be a more happy and confident person. LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are a porcelain dental restoration that can help permanently whiten and brighten your smile. Unlike regular veneers, […]

Composite Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite fillings – also known as tooth-colored fillings – are dental restorations designed to be inconspicuous and natural in appearance. They blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people. Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond […]

Dental Health and Your Diet

Your body works hard to convert the foods you eat into energy. You may not think twice about what you are eating – especially when it comes to grabbing an afternoon snack or sipping on a vanilla latte on your commute. But the food you put in your mouth affects more than just your waistline. […]

Bad Breath

Having bad breath can be an embarrassing problem – especially if you are regularly face to face with other people. Known professionally as halitosis, bad breath plagues many people every day. Most cases of bad breath can be remedied by efficiently brushing the teeth. However, some types of bad breath are chronic or recurring, which […]

How to Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is probably a standard part of your daily routine, but chances are you aren’t following the American Dental Association’s guidelines for cleaning your teeth properly. The ADA currently recommends that you brush your teeth at minimum of two times each day – preferably morning and night or anytime you eat foods that […]

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening procedures are used to brighten the appearance of a patient’s smile – sometimes by as many as 5 to 10 shades in a single session. According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening procedures have become some of the most popular esthetic dental treatments among patients throughout the country, including. Professional teeth whitening […]

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are clear coatings applied to the surfaces of a child’s molars to prevent the development of tooth decay. They work by preventing food and plaque from resting in the grooves and crevices of molars – an area especially susceptible to cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. […]

Dentures

Dentures are an effective and affordable way of replacing missing teeth. Composed of a durable plastic resin and sometimes porcelain, both partial and full dentures can be fabricated to look and feel natural. Today’s dentures are custom-fit to make it possible to eat foods with confidence and speak articulately. Depending on the patient’s preferences and […]

Bite Guards

A bite guard is a dental appliance custom-fit to a patient’s teeth. Bite guards serve varying purposes and are often recommended for use in patients of all ages. It is important that bite guards be professionally fit, rather than purchased over the counter, as this ensures maximum comfort and protection during wear. Professional dental guards […]

Partial Dentures

Like a bridge, partial dentures rest on surrounding teeth to fill in the gaps where one or more teeth are missing. But unlike a bridge, partial dentures are fully removable by the wearer. Partials are affordable alternatives to other types of dental prosthetics and are custom-made to blend in with each patient’s natural teeth. It takes […]

PFM Restorations

Porcelain fused to metal, or PFM restorations have been a standard in restorative dentistry for more than three decades. During that time, dentists around the world have adopted PFM crowns and bridges due to the versatility for use, as well as their ability to be matched to surrounding teeth. PFM crowns provide an excellent balance […]

Provisional Restorations

Provisional restorations are often used during complex restorative dental procedures to serve as temporary prosthetic replacements while patients wait for a permanent restoration. Provisional restorations offer patients to try-out the look and feel of the final prosthetic and make any necessary changes before the final fabrication and fitting. Unlike temporary prosthetics of the past, modern […]

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures used to remove decayed, damaged or otherwise problematic teeth. Dentists usually make every effort to preserve natural teeth, although sometimes an extraction is necessary. Although the procedure is performed in a dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office, it is considered surgery. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be […]

Sports Mouth Guard

Dental mouth guards have long been used to protect the teeth, gums and supporting tissues from damage, injury and trauma. There are two types of sports mouth guards – over the counter and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many dental patients require the benefit of a customized dental mouth guard fitted […]

Dental Cleaning & Consultation

Dentistry is intended to be primarily a preventive practice. One of the main parts of this practice is your dental cleanings and exams. While you may be tempted to skip your bi-annual visit to your dentist’s office, this could prove disastrous to your oral and overall health. Regular dental cleanings provide you with a number […]

Cosmetic Dentistry

Your smile is the first impression that others have of you, so it makes sense that you would want it to be bright, white and healthy. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, more than 99 percent of all American adults believe that a smile is an important asset for social situations. Perhaps that […]

General Dentistry

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are a more streamlined way of taking dental radiographs. Like traditional x-rays, digital versions provide an in-depth view of the structures of the mouth, helping dentists detect complications and develop effective modes of treatment. Digital x-rays are capable of revealing hidden caries, bone erosion, and even tooth decay hiding beneath restorations. Requiring less […]

Veneers and Laminates

Dental veneers – also known as laminates – are used to cosmetically enhance the appearance of one or more teeth. Veneers are very thin, porcelain or resin shells that are customized for a desirable color and shape. They are bonded to the surface of the teeth to reshape broken, misshapen or irregular teeth, as well […]

TMJ Treatment

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing. When patients experience disorders of this joint, they are said to have a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness near the jaw, as well as popping or clicking […]

Root Canals

Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with badly infected roots. The pulp is the live portion of the tooth that extends into the root and contains nerve endings and tissues. When it becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling and even total tooth loss unless treated. Root canals remove […]

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are more extensive than dental fillings but less so than caps and crowns. They are typically formed in a dental lab and are made of gold, porcelain or resin depending on the patient’s needs and aesthetic goals. An inlay refers to a restoration that is formed to fit […]

Dental Implants

Dental implants are surgical-grade root devices that support permanent tooth prosthetics that are manufactured to last a lifetime. These artificial roots are anchored in the bone beneath the gums where they become fused into the jaw. A crown is mounted atop the implant for a long-lasting and natural looking smile. Many dentists and patients prefer […]

Removable Dentures

Dentures are removable tooth prosthetics designed to look and function like natural teeth. For thousands of years, some form of denture has been used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, although today’s dentures are much more advanced and easier to care for. Most dentures are composed of replacement teeth attached to plastic […]

Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that are used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. Crowns – also known as caps – are fixed over the surfaces of natural tooth structures or dental implants. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are anchored in place […]

Dentistry Post-Op Questions

If you are undergoing a dental procedure or operation, you will be given a set of post-operative instructions to abide by in the hours, days, and weeks after your treatment. Following these instructions is essential to preventing infections in surgical sites, protecting restorations, and minimizing the possibility of experiencing complications. Post-operative instructions vary from procedure […]

Fluoride and Decay Prevention

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has been shown to help strengthen teeth in children and also prevent decay in people of all ages. Topical fluoride, in particular is helpful for promoting oral health. The American Dental Association has publicly endorsed the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries, as has the […]

How to Floss Your Teeth

Flossing is an important part of an oral hygiene routine, but research suggests that fewer than half of Americans do so daily. Flossing is simple and only takes an extra couple of minutes per day. Developing a healthy habit of flossing can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and it may allow you to keep […]

Electric Brush vs. Manual Brushes

Preventative dentistry is about more than just visiting your dentist twice yearly for an exam and thorough cleaning. In fact, the majority of your preventative care is done at-home as a part of your normal hygienic routine. Many residents use manual toothbrushes to remove debris and plaque from their teeth. However, electric brushes have become […]