Westside Dental Associates

Use It or Lose It: 4 Ways to Maximize Your Dental Insurance

October 2, 2023

Hand underlining dental insuranceDid you know your oral and general health are closely connected? Healthy teeth and gums are necessary to feel your best. Brushing and flossing can keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay, but they aren’t enough. Regular dental care is essential for prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment. However, many people delay seeing a dentist because they are worried about large bills. If you have dental insurance, there’s nothing to fear. Here are 4 ways to maximize your dental insurance to keep your mouth and body healthy for minimal expenses.

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Lost a Dental Filling? Here’s What to Do Next

September 8, 2023

A man at the dentist looking at his new dental filling

Dental fillings are an easy and affordable way for your dentist to fix small cavities and keep your teeth looking great. However, they don’t last forever and may fall out before you replace them. If this happened to you today, would you know what to do?

Chances are that the exact steps would elude you, especially if panic sets in. Continue reading to learn how to deal with this situation.

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Let’s Get Something Straight: What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

August 24, 2023

Woman has questioning expression

Many people out there want a prettier smile, and modern dentistry has ways to make that happen. Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term describing dental treatments that can repair or cover up flaws in a patient’s teeth. They can make teeth straighter, whiter, and shinier and fix minor damage, but even better, they can noticeably boost a patient’s self-esteem. Read on to learn about what some of these procedures are and what you can expect from undergoing them.

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Your Lower Denture Won’t Stay Still? Here’s Why

August 15, 2023

a mature man thinking about his dentures

Dentures are an effective and long-standing solution for replacing missing teeth. While they often provide numerous benefits for a patient’s smile, some people experience complications with their lower ones moving out of place. If this is something you’re struggling with, there are certain things you can do to resolve the issue. Read on to learn why your lower denture might not stay in place and the steps you can take to ensure a more comfortable and stable smile.

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How to Get Rid of Denture Sores

July 21, 2023

Woman with dentures at dentistNew materials and technologies allow dentures to look and feel more realistic than ever before. Advanced technology is used to create an acrylic base to hold prosthetic teeth. It will sit on top of your gum tissue, relying on suction to stay in place. You can expect it to take a few days to get used to wearing new dentures. It’s not unusual for your gums to be a little sore, but it shouldn’t be an ongoing issue. Whether you have new dentures or have had the same set for years, don’t ignore inflammation or pain. Here’s what might be causing it and what you should do to stop the irritation.

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The Waiting Game: How Long Is Too Long Before Dental Implants?

July 20, 2023

Woman with questioning expression.

Tooth loss usually isn’t sudden. It can also be the result of a planned extraction due to a severely fractured tooth, advanced tooth decay, prolonged gum disease, or some other type of issue. Thanks to dental implants, gone are the days when a patient must endure life without a beautiful, realistic set of replacement teeth. Dental implants mimic natural teeth in color, luster, form, and function, making them virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the smile.

Even though dental implants are ideally placed immediately or shortly after the tooth extraction, some people go for years without replacing their missing teeth. Fortunately, the procedure can be performed successfully even after the natural teeth have been gone for many years. Read on to find out more about dental implants after an extended period of missing teeth.

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How Many Dental Implants Do I Need?

June 21, 2023

person wondering how many dental implants they need

Is your smile less than perfect? Each smile is distinct, with unique characteristics like chipped teeth and gaps. Even so, having missing teeth can affect one’s self-esteem. Luckily, dental implants offer a solution to give you a full, beautiful smile once more. But how many implants are needed? There are several factors influencing the quantity and types of dental implants you’ll need, so keep reading to learn more.

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A Guide to How to Eat When You Have Dentures

June 6, 2023

smiling older woman wearing dentures

If you wear dentures, you’re well aware of the significance of selecting foods that enhance your comfort and overall dining experience. Making wise food choices can significantly affect your ability to savor meals and ensure the proper functionality of your dentures. Whether you’re a novice denture wearer or seeking advice to enhance your eating habits, keep reading to uncover the foods to avoid with dentures and healthier alternatives.

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Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?

May 24, 2023

a woman smiling happily as her dentist examines her dental implants

If you are considering completing your smile with dental implants, you are probably aware of the various benefits they offer. Considered the top choice for restoring missing teeth, they give incomparable stability and longevity. Since they replace the tooth from root to crown, they not only return the functions of having a complete set of pearly whites but also look completely natural! However, you may still wonder if they are susceptible to tooth decay. Here’s what to know about dental implants and cavities.

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Are Dental Implants the Pinnacle of Restoring a Smile?

May 4, 2023

a dentist showing a replica of a dental implant

The benefits of modern advancements in technology and techniques are plentiful. People can get problems solved much easier and reliably than before. This even includes missing teeth! Dentures or dental bridges were the only solutions for a gapped smile for many years. Now, dental implants are considered the top of the game in tooth loss solutions. But are they the absolute pinnacle of restorations? Is there something better coming? Here’s what to know about dental implants.

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