How Routine Dental Checkups Help Your Smile in the Long Run

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will... read more »

Regular Oral Hygiene: Gum Disease’s Worst Enemy

It is no mystery that regular oral hygiene is essential to having a healthy smile, but did you know that your risk for developing gum disease is significantly lowered if you brush and floss regularly? It’s true! Periodontal disease, or the infection of the tissue surrounding your teeth, is principally caused by the buildup of dental plaque on teeth and... read more »

The Reasons Why Your Gums Have Pulled Away From Your Teeth

If your gums have pulled away from the base of your teeth, making your teeth look longer, exposing your roots and causing tooth sensitivity, then you’re a victim of gum recession. This can negatively affect the health, strength and beauty of your smile. Unfortunately, there are many causes of gum recession, and our dentist, Dr. Deborah Backiel, would like to... read more »

How to Have a Top-Notch Smile This Spring

You deserve to have a strong and healthy smile this spring. Having a top-notch smile can help you enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities without having to worry about your teeth and gums. Our dentists, Dr. Deborah Backiel and Dr. Dennis Sharkey, are happy to help you achieve the resilient smile you deserve by giving you the tips you... read more »

Things Not to Do With Your Invisalign® Aligners

Look at how clear your Invisalign® aligners are on your teeth. They truly are invisible. Nobody is going to notice that you are straightening your teeth until they come off and the job is done! Aren't you glad that you don't live "in the olden days" when the only option was to get a mouthful of metal? Well, now that... read more »

Various Issues Associated With Dental Veneers

Are you familiar with dental veneers? Dental veneers are tooth restoration treatment systems designed to improve the look of teeth by applying wafer-thin shells. The shells are bonded directly to the front of teeth to improve their look and to provide an extra layer of protection. Dental veneers not only improve the look of teeth but also their function. For... read more »

Relieving Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety occurs at all ages. Although we often think of children as being the only ones afraid to visit the dentist, the truth is that many adults can feel a great deal of stress over an upcoming appointment. This could be due to many causes, including stress or fear of the unknown. If you do have any concerns about... read more »

A Dental Crown Can be Used for a Tooth with a Bad Filling

Dental fillings typically bond with the surrounding tooth enamel and are designed to last for many years. But the results of poor oral hygiene can gradually start to affect the surrounding tooth enamel. As this starts to occur you might notice increasing sensitivity and discomfort in the tooth. This could be a sign that the dental filling is in distress,... read more »

Tooth Sensitivity Might Be Linked to Acid Erosion of Tooth Enamel

Brushing your teeth with sensitivity toothpaste might provide initial relief of tooth sensitivity; however, this might only be masking the symptoms of a developing dental health condition.   If you have been experiencing chronic tooth sensitivity discomfort, the wisest course of action is to seek diagnosis and treatment from an experienced dentist like Dr. Deborah Backiel. This can help catch... read more »

Choose a Dental Bridge to Restore a Lost Tooth

Has periodontal disease, a blow to the face, or another issue caused the loss of a tooth? Losing a tooth can make simple things like speaking and chewing more difficult. A lost tooth can also allow the remaining teeth from drifting out of place. Because of these and other reasons, if you have lost a tooth, Drs. Backiel and Sharkey... read more »