Kathy Lam, DDS Blog

Dental crowns serve to cover and protect damaged teeth while restoring them to their original size, strength, appearance, and function. While crowns can last for up to fifteen years or more with excellent care, certain bad habits can dramatically diminish their life expectancy. Here’s a brief overview of what can cause a dental crown to fail along with a few tips for making them last longer.

It’s easy to forget that you have a dental filling until something happens, and it comes loose. Whether you were eating sticky candy that yanked it out of place or regularly grind your teeth, it’s important to get to your emergency dentist quickly to replace it. It was protecting a wounded tooth, and you don’t want to risk additional injury now that it’s dislodged. It’s normal to feel anxious in a situation like this, so keep reading to learn about 4 proactive steps you can take to help yourself if your filling falls out!

Today, dental implants are touted as the golden standard of tooth restoration. They have an incredibly high success rate and can last 20+ years with the right care making them a reliable, long-term solution. That said, dental implants have a long history and weren’t always as effective as they are in our current era. Keep reading to learn about their evolution, and why there’s no better time than now to move forward with treatment!

Nearly half of Americans over the age of thirty have gum disease. The most tragic thing about the situation is that this uncomfortable, gross, and destructive condition can usually be completely avoided with proper dental care. In honor of Gum Care Month this September, here are a few interesting facts about gum disease to help you understand the risks and keep up the important work of preventing it.

Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and using mouthwash daily are probably what come to mind when you think about your oral hygiene routine. However, there’s a hidden third step that has major benefits to your oral health! Drinking plenty of water ensures you are looking after your body and can prevent many dental issues. Here’s what hydration can do for your oral health.

Dentures are among the most tried-and-true tooth replacement solutions, capable of restoring several lost teeth in a row or even one or both arches! Several patients turn toward dentures due to their accessibility, ease of use, and relative cost-effectiveness; however, when it comes to maintenance and upkeep, it’s normal to have questions and concerns. Some even wonder if it’s okay to brush them while they’re being worn; here’s more information from your dentist, along with some tips for properly cleaning your dentures.

A beautiful smile is attributed to youth, confidence, and success; however, few people have perfect teeth without a little help from a cosmetic dentist. Veneers are a popular solution to create million-dollar smiles. You don’t have to be rich or famous to revamp your pearly whites. People from all walks of life are transforming their teeth with veneers, like many of your favorite social media influencers. Huda Kattan, Tana Mongeau, and Gigi Gorgeous have shared their experiences with their online followers, showcasing the benefits of veneers. Here’s how you can get your smile ready for the spotlight. 

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Teeth can last for a lifetime, but cavities are a leading cause of tooth loss. Although they are 100% preventable, 92% of adults have had at least one cavity. Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, tooth decay can occur, but it doesn’t have to lead to missing teeth. Early detection is vital for treating cavities while they are small. Advanced technology allows your dentist to spot the earliest signs of decay using a cavity detection system. 

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That means that people around the world are getting ready to celebrate with loved ones through food, fun, and presents. It also means that things may look a little different for people who have false teeth. Dentures fill in the gaps in your smile, but eating with them is pretty different from doing so with your normal teeth. Since the holidays often consist of a lot of eating, it’s important to know the proper way to do it with dentures. Continue reading to learn what foods you can’t eat with these restorations and what you should eat instead.

A comforting cup of coffee. A bowl of plump cherries. A much-needed glass of wine. A spicy colorful curry. These are some examples of beverages and foods (although delicious) that can cause staining and yellowing of your teeth. But why? And what can you do about it? Your dentist in Wheaton is here to explain the connection between tannins and teeth staining…and what you can do to get a bright white smile!