The occlusal or biting surface of molars and premolars can often have deep pits and fissures. From a functionality standpoint, this helps back teeth chew tough foods. However, these areas can sometimes trap plaque and residual food particles, which promotes cavity formation. If the cavity is modest in size, your dentists can usually repair it using an inlay or onlay... read more »
Sometimes on rare occasions, a blow to the face or a hard fall can cause damage to your bridge or one of the two abutments anchoring it in your mouth. The chances of this are even higher if you participate in contact sports without the protection of a quality mouth guard. If your bridge has been damaged or part of... read more »
Have you had filling fall out? Have you ever cracked a tooth? Do you even have parts of a tooth completely missing? Luckily, there is something you can do about these issues—namely, using dental inlays and onlays. While we recommend thinking about dental crowns and fillings, we recommend also thinking about the benefits of these restorations. You see, inlays and... read more »
The strength of your tooth enamel allows you to bite and chew hard foods. Unfortunately, there are times when a blow to the face or an accident can actually crack a tooth. This is even more likely if you participate in contact sports without having the protection of a quality mouthguard. An oral emergency like a cracked tooth can cause... read more »
There are several key components to a truly effective oral hygiene routine. If any one of them is inadequate it could ultimately lead to oral health complications, including problems with tooth decay and periodontal disease. Dr. Seth Rumley offers these key considerations to help ensure that your oral hygiene routine and oral health are the best they can be. First... read more »
If you could look at your teeth at a microscopic level, you would find that your tooth enamel is composed of tightly packed mineral crystal structures. Every day, the acidic foods and drinks you consume, as well as the natural bacteria in your mouth, can actually erode the density of these mineral crystals. If it is not effectively countered on... read more »
A pain deep in the gums or radiating from inside of a tooth should be seen as a serious warning sign of a more significant problem that is developing. Dr. Seth Rumley strongly suggests that if you have a toothache develop, especially if there’s no direct trauma associated with it, you need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.... read more »
Even though your new bridge is made from materials that are not vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease and the bacteria associated with it can still pose a significant threat. If residual food particles and plaque aren’t removed from your teeth and gum line they can harden into tartar, which promotes gum disease. Chronic gum disease can cause your gums... read more »
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a damaging oral condition cause by a buildup of plaque. If left untreated, gum disease can have severe, long-lasting health effects. When residual food particles are left in the mouth, they form plaque—the filmy layer on your teeth. If left untreated, plaque then becomes a hardened tartar that builds up along your gum lines,... read more »
Digital X-rays are a safe, helpful diagnosing tool. Our dentists use them to spot any dental issues that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. At Midtown Dental, we utilize digital X-rays to: - Detect decay that is not visible with the eye alone - Locate decay beneath an existing filling - Reveal bone loss caused by gum disease... read more »