Radiant Dental Blog

Dental implants have become a trusted way to replace missing teeth. They can look and function much like natural teeth, making them an excellent option for people who have lost a tooth. But if your natural teeth are healthy, you may wonder whether you can have them removed and replaced with implants anyway.

Technically, a dentist can remove a tooth and place an implant when appropriate. But replacing a healthy, functional tooth simply because an implant is available usually isn’t recommended. When it comes to your smile, your natural teeth are still the first choice whenever they can be reasonably maintained.

If you need dentures, you’re likely curious as to how long you’ll have to wait before you can finally eat, speak and smile comfortably again. The denture process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your oral health, the type of dentures you need and whether you require tooth extractions or other procedures first.

Getting used to dentures can take some time, especially when you’re learning how to keep them comfortable and secure throughout the day. Denture adhesive can provide some extra stability, but using it correctly is important. Too much adhesive can be messy, while too little may not provide the hold you’re looking for.

So, how do you use denture adhesive? The process is fairly simple once you know what to look for, from preparing your dentures to removing leftover adhesive at the end of the day.

If you’re preparing to have your wisdom teeth removed, or you’ve recently had the procedure, you may be wondering about the stitches your dentist or oral surgeon placed afterward. One of the most common questions patients ask is whether those stitches will dissolve on their own or if they’ll need to come back to have them removed.

The answer depends on the type of stitches that were used, but in many cases, you won’t need to do anything except follow your aftercare instructions and give your mouth time to heal.

Having a tooth extracted is a common dental procedure, and most patients heal without any issues. However, one complication that can occasionally occur is dry socket, a painful condition that develops when the blood clot protecting the extraction site becomes dislodged or fails to form properly.

While dry socket is relatively uncommon, understanding what it is and how to prevent it can help you recover more comfortably after an extraction.

Under normal circumstances, most people can count on their dentist to do everything in their power to protect and preserve their natural teeth and gums. However, if you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth or have developed advanced gum disease that has destabilized one or more teeth, your provider may have no recourse other than to recommend extraction and replacement.

It’s natural to feel a little nervous about your upcoming procedure, but thankfully, this treatment usually helps more than it hurts. Continue reading to learn about 3 benefits of removing a troublesome tooth to help set your mind at ease.

Dental crowns are a versatile solution that can be used to improve your dental health in several different ways. For instance, they can protect and rebuild damaged or decayed teeth, anchor a dental bridge, or cap a dental implant.

Historically, these prosthetics were made from amalgam mixtures of metal and usually looked gold or silver in appearance. Although these dental crowns are incredibly resilient, they can also be problematic, which is why many dentists recommend replacing them with more contemporary, tooth-colored versions. Continue reading to learn about 3 convincing reasons to make the switch to a more lifelike restoration!

Do you have a damaged tooth that needs additional support? It might be recommended that you get a dental crown. A crown is placed over the chewing surface of damaged teeth to improve its appearance, protecting it from additional damage. Dental crowns today can be designed to perfectly match the color of the surrounding teeth, but how is this possible? Read on to learn more about how this process works.

The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every six months for a routine checkup to monitor your oral health and professionally clean your teeth. This allows your provider to catch and treat any areas of concern, like thinning enamel or swollen gums, before they become problematic.

However, many patients are surprised when their oral healthcare provider takes their blood pressure during these routine appointments. Continue reading to learn more about why this is sometimes included so you know what to expect from your next standard visit!

Chipped or cracked teeth can happen suddenly—and often while enjoying foods you may not expect to cause damage. While teeth are strong, they are not indestructible. Certain textures and eating habits can increase the risk of dental emergencies. Knowing which foods to approach with caution can help protect your teeth and keep your smile intact.