Legacy Dentistry Blog

Many patients get anxious about tooth extractions because they worry that the procedure will be long and agonizing. Fortunately, that’s not usually the case. During your appointment, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic so you don’t experience any discomfort and can offer sedation options for those who are overly anxious. That means you’re not likely to feel much during the removal itself. Afterward, however, it’s important to care for your mouth properly to avoid a painful complication known as dry socket. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and how you can prevent it!

It’s natural to feel nervous if you’ve just learned that you need a root canal. Many patients get overly anxious because they have questions or aren’t sure what to expect. One common inquiry is about how long the procedure will last. It’s often assumed that this is a long and painful process, but that’s fortunately not the case. Keep reading to learn more about how long it typically takes to get a root canal!

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many individuals find themselves with a moment to unwind. While this period is perfect for catching up on shows, diving into a good book, or simply enjoying some relaxation after months of hosting gatherings, cleaning, and cooking, it’s also an ideal time to book an appointment with your dentist. Keep reading to discover four compelling reasons why scheduling your dental checkup early in the year is beneficial.

Most people have heard about nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” for helping them relax while receiving dental care. However, your dentist might be able to offer you something a little stronger if necessary. With more options available today, you may be eligible for solutions such as IV sedation, which can be provided through many forms. Read on to learn about four of the most commonly used drugs for this medication and when it’s best to use them during your dental visit.

You expect to see wrinkles and white hairs as you age, but you may not have expected your smile to show the passing of time. Stains, cracks, and other issues can make you look years older than your true age. You can revitalize your smile with cosmetic dentistry. It is never too late to invest in a youthful smile.

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Toothaches are as disruptive to your daily life as they are painful. After hours or even days of pain, when the ache suddenly subsides you may feel like it’s time to celebrate. While it’s understandable to feel joy in relief, now is the time to see a dentist. You may need a root canal treatment.

If you want to learn why sudden pain relief may be a sign of something much more serious, continue reading.

Let’s face it, root canals have a bad reputation. Although much of what you’ve heard isn’t true, no one wants to undergo dental work. However, if your dentist recommends root canal therapy, don’t put the procedure off for too long. According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, 97% of root canals are successful, but if you wait, it may be too late to save your tooth from needing to be removed.

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Fluoride, for better or for worse, is one of the most famous aspects of protecting oral health. It plays an important role in supporting enamel, and therefore in staving off tooth decay.

However, lots of people aren’t fully aware of what fluoride actually does, or why it’s in toothpaste, mouthwash, and even drinking water. If you want to learn a little bit more about the role that fluoride plays in your oral health, here’s some information you might find useful.

Dental implants are often celebrated for their durability—studies show that 95% of them succeed at 20 years, and many of them last as long as 30 if you maintain them well.

As you may have guessed from that statistic, caring for your dental implants isn’t all that difficult either, usually involving all the same things you were doing to take care of your natural teeth. However, if you really want you’re them to last as long as possible, a change in your diet may be a good idea. Here are some guidelines for a dental-implant-friendly diet.

If your palms sweat when it’s time to visit the dentist or you need dental work, sedation dentistry can help you sit back and relax. Sedation is a popular option for people with certain situations, like dental-related anxiety or lengthy treatment plans. Your dentist will determine the best sedative to meet your needs; however, you may have to pay for it out-of-pocket. Not all dental insurance covers sedation dentistry, but there are exceptions. Here’s what you need to know to determine how much you’ll have to pay. 

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