One of the most difficult things as a parent is to see your child frightened or in pain.  Often just the thought of taking your baby to the dentist or oral surgeon may be so anxiety provoking for both of you, that it may seem impossible to even schedule the initial visit.  No parent wants [...]

One of the most common questions people ask me about dental implants is not about the procedure, but if their insurance will cover it. As a general rule of thumb, most do not. So when preparing financially for an implant, plan on paying out-of-pocket. Over the last several years, more dental insurances have begun to [...]

Almost weekly, we see emergency patients referred for completion of teeth extractions already initiated by their dentist. Here is a common scenario: Dentist tells the patient that the tooth extraction is an easy one. He begins the procedure but gets stuck in the middle due to either difficult and strong roots or tooth fractures during [...]

When should bone grafting be done following extraction of a tooth? It is a question often asked by patients and also some dentists. The procedure is called extraction site bone preservation and augmentation grafting. It is highly recommended for any patient having tooth extraction, to inquire about bone grafting from the oral surgeon and discuss [...]

Many general dentists are performing surgical placement of dental implants without proper training or knowledge. This trend is largely due to the down economy and encouragement from dental implant companies who want to increase sales by sponsoring weekend courses. Many dentists now offer discount dental implant fees to allure patients to their offices. And patients [...]

With the world all a-buzz about radiation levels in airport scanners, one has to wonder about the safety of exposure — or repeated exposure — to dental X-rays. Are they safe? The short answer is, “yes.” But it’s a qualified “yes.” As with any kind of diagnostic X-ray, dental X-rays, including “panoramic”, “full-mouth series”, “bite-wings”, [...]

Last week, I found myself in need of a chiropractor — a specialist I have never required before. So I asked a few friends for recommendations of who to see. A physician acquaintance answered with the names of three chiropractors and suggested I pick any of them. Another friend told me she knows of several [...]

There’s a silly dentistry cartoon of an open mouth, tongue sticking out, with little teeth characters marching out on the tongue. The punchline is, “Were outta here!” Clearly, because the owner of said mouth failed to take good care of the teeth and gums. Before yours decide to uproot and look for a healthier habitat, [...]

“Herodontics” is a term used by some to describe measures far beyond reasonable to salvage a failing tooth. After all, the oath traditionally taken by dentists is to save the tooth, no matter what it takes. For example, let’s say you have a tooth with deep decay and your dentist tells you that, sure, it [...]