Rodney L. Allen, DDS Blog

If you’re frustrated by a crooked grin, you’re not alone. Over 9 million people in the United States receive orthodontic treatment each year. Although many patients seek treatment to enhance their appearance, straightening your smile can also improve your oral health. It’s harder to thoroughly brush and floss teeth that are overcrowded or misaligned because not all surfaces can be reached. Unfortunately, this leaves you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.

Fortunately, your dentist can help by providing orthodontic solutions like braces or Invisalign. How do you know, though, which option is best for you? Continue reading to learn more about each so you can decide!

One of the first things that people notice about you is your smile, and if yours is flawed, it can leave you feeling less than worthy. You might find yourself avoiding conversations or social activities if you’re overly anxious about being judged. Fortunately, your dentist can mend or mask imperfections with cosmetic dental bonding. Before you can move forward with this treatment, though, you must first consult with them to ensure that it’s the best way to meet your needs. Keep reading to learn more about it so you can decide if dental bonding is a good fit for you!

St. Patrick’s Day is a time of celebration. Whether you’re Irish or not, the fun and festivities associated with this annual event cause many people from around the world to break out their green attire, enjoy colorful spirits, and embrace the luck of the Irish. Unfortunately, having too much fun can often lead to potential problems, especially when it concerns your oral health. To minimize your risk of a dental emergency while partying with friends, here are three tips to keep in mind.

Dentures have long been associated with seniors, but the reality is that they serve a much broader range of patients. While age-related tooth loss is common, these incredible prosthetics can address a variety of dental needs at any stage of life. But why would a younger person need dentures at all?

Continue reading to learn why dentures may be needed earlier in life and how they can benefit patients of all ages.

If you have a decayed tooth, you might feel tempted to opt for a less costly amalgam (metal) filling. It’s the tried-and-true material that has historically been used for dental work like repairing cavities. Today, however, most dentists rely on tooth-colored materials for the same fixes. Continue reading to learn 4 reasons why you might want to opt for the upgraded option when it comes to restoring your teeth!

While dentists always want to avoid extracting teeth, doing so is sometimes necessary to preserve a patient’s oral and overall health. Tooth extractions can alleviate chronic pain, prevent further injuries or infections, and keep teeth from being forced out of alignment, but the recovery period afterward isn’t known for being free of unpleasant aftereffects. Here are a few issues that can arise when traveling by air after tooth extraction and a few tips for alleviating them.

Few people have perfect teeth naturally. Not to mention, age, trauma, and poor oral hygiene can take a toll on the appearance of your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can give you a stunning smile that you’ll be proud to show off. You don’t have to be rich or a celebrity to revamp your pearly whites. Cosmetic dentistry is affordable for people from all walks of life. You have more options than ever before to invest in the smile of your dreams without spending your life’s savings.

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Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is a colorless, odorless gas that has been used as an anesthetic and sedative in dentistry for more than a century. When inhaled, it slows the body’s reaction time, raises the pain threshold, and creates a sense of well-being while leaving the patient awake and alert enough to communicate with the dentist. It works quickly and is eliminated from the body shortly after the treatment ends. Here’s why nitrous oxide is considered one of the safest forms of dental sedation as well as a few uncommon side effects.

Cavities aren’t the only issue to affect your dental health. Gum disease is equally damaging to your smile. Not only can it wreak havoc on your oral health, but it’s also connected to potentially deadly medical concerns. Here are 5 interesting facts about gum disease you may not know.

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In life, there are very few events that can truly feel like transitions from one life to another. Moving out of your parent’s house and into a college dorm or rental apartment is one of the biggest. Living on your own is a big step that sees you take full responsibility for your own needs, especially your oral health.

Continue reading to find the most important or useful items to stock in your dental kit when you finally strike out on your own.