Indy Dental Group blog

When missing one or more consecutive teeth along the upper or lower row of your mouth, many dentists recommend a dental bridge to restore the visual aesthetics and normal use of your smile. Reliable and natural-looking, these restorations allow you to embrace a new appearance that blends in beautifully, so others will never be able to tell you have artificial teeth. But how long do they last and what can you do to extend their lifespan? Keep reading to find out.

Everyone is looking to save money these days, especially when it comes to oral healthcare. With so many social media trends encouraging people to try new methods to replace missing teeth and restore damaged smiles, the risks of more serious dental issues are quickly increasing. Before you attempt any DIY approach to tooth replacement, consider these 3 reasons why it’s best to leave this type of treatment to the professionals.

When learning you need a dental crown to protect a vulnerable tooth, you may be concerned that you’ll be forced to wear a metal restoration that creates a spotlight on your dental work. Fortunately, advancements in dentistry and newer materials now make it possible to create more aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking crowns. But how can your dentist match them to look just like regular teeth? Keep reading to find out.

Natural teeth are designed to remain firmly in place for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, decay can form, and infections can put your oral and overall health at risk. When faced with a tooth that is in bad shape, you may wonder if a root canal is the right option, or if your dentist should move forward with tooth extraction. Before deciding, read on to learn the pros and cons of these services and why opting for a root canal is likely to be the better option.

Tooth extraction may be recommended if your dentist believes it is necessary for your oral health. Whether it is decay, an infection, or facial trauma that brings you to this point, it’s important to remember that your future smile will benefit from the removal process. But how long should you expect to wait before being able to receive a dental implant to fill in the gap?

No matter if it’s one tooth or several that need to be extracted, having them replaced is something you don’t want to neglect. Read on to learn what kind of timeframe is typical when looking to receive dental implants after tooth extraction.

Although it’s best to plan any kind of dental procedure when you have ample time to recover at home, it’s not always possible. This is especially true if you plan a vacation but suddenly learn you need a tooth extraction. You may wonder if it’s safe to move forward with your trip, especially if you’re flying. While some potential issues can occur, keep reading to learn how to remain comfortable in transit so that your mouth heals successfully.

Teeth whitening is one of the few cosmetic dental treatments that is purely aesthetic. Because of this, dental insurance unfortunately doesn’t typically offer any coverage for patients seeking pearlier teeth. But an enhanced smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem, and studies show that employers gravitate towards whiter dental lineups. So it makes perfect sense that many people would turn to DIY teeth whitening!

However, the vast majority of over-the-counter products fail to deliver satisfying results. Is the newest trend, activated charcoal, another item on a long list of disappointments? Or is it the breakthrough whitening solution everyone’s been waiting for? Keep reading to find out!

When your dentist mentioned “orthodontics”, alarm bells might have gone off in your head, shouting, “The brackets are coming, the brackets are coming!”

Traditional braces strike dread into the hearts of many. Their metal wires and brackets can seem like a prison sentence for your teeth. Fortunately, they’re not your only option for correcting misalignment. Invisalign can achieve fantastic results with fewer restrictions – metaphorically and literally! Keep reading to learn how Invisalign clear aligners can free your smile.

For more than two decades now, patients from all around the world have addressed overbites, overcrowding, and everything in between without metal brackets and wires thanks to Invisalign. In fact, that’s one of the many reasons it’s so popular: the aligners are virtually undetectable. Of course, that doesn’t make this orthodontic treatment any less of a commitment. With this in mind, read on to learn five things you should know before getting Invisalign!

Many people who are not happy with their smiles may be able to benefit marvelously from cosmetic dental treatment. Unfortunately, there are a few popular misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry floating around that may discourage some individuals from seeking procedures that can significantly improve their lives. Here’s a brief overview of a few of these common falsehoods as well as the truth about these effective and reliable treatments.

When faced with a dental emergency, it can be unnerving because of the sudden pain you may be experiencing. It can also cause you to panic if you don’t have dental insurance to help cover part of the cost. Before putting off necessary treatment because you don’t think you can afford it, an emergency dentist explains how you can get the immediate care you need using alternative payment solutions.

Invisalign aligners are known for their subtlety. Many teenagers and adults prefer braces made of clear plastic as opposed to those made of bulky, visible metal, but is it possible for these custom trays to lose their nearly invisible appearance? If you want to make sure your orthodontic treatment remains discreet, your dentist shares four tips you can use to properly maintain your Invisalign.

Choosing Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your teeth can be an ideal alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires; however, there is a certain level of responsibility you must agree to if treatment is to be successful. While there are many benefits to wearing these removable trays, including greater flexibility when eating, forgetting to wear your aligners can lead to delays. Keep reading to find out what your dentist recommends if you want to stay on track while wearing Invisalign.

Dental anxiety can make even the simplest dental appointment stressful for you and your family. That’s why many dental practices offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to help create feelings of calm, reducing fear and allowing the patient to relax. But despite its benefits, there are many misconceptions about it. If you’re interested in sedation for you or your child, here are a few common myths you needn’t worry about!

If you or your child suffers from anxiety or dental phobia (odontophobia) you or they may need a little help relaxing at your oral health appointments. Nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to the rescue! Nitrous oxide is a safe, colorless, mildly sweet-smelling gas that is used as a sedative in many dental procedures. It helps elicit feelings of calmness and reduces your gag reflex, yet it keeps you awake and alert enough to follow instructions and communicate clearly with your dentist.

For many individuals, chewing a piece of gum is a mindless activity. For others, it’s a way to curb an addiction to tobacco products or food. Unfortunately, if practiced too frequently, it can begin to take a toll on one’s jaw, resulting in chronic pain. If you already exhibit the symptoms associated with TMJ, keep reading to find out whether your favorite gum can be at fault for your increased discomfort.

If you don’t struggle with dental anxiety, you may wonder why your dentist is recommending sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is commonly used to help ease nerves and calm the fears of those who dislike visiting the dentist’s office, but are there other reasons it might be helpful? Read on to discover the alternative benefits of sedation and how it can help you during your next appointment.

There are various types of flaws that can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Whether it is chips and cracks caused by sports-related injuries, stains and discoloration left behind by years of drinking coffee, or gapped and misshapen teeth that are the result of improper tooth development, finding a solution to conceal these imperfections can feel defeating. However, with cosmetic dentistry continuing to increase in popularity, patients have the option to choose between custom veneers or direct bonding. Find out more about each and which one might be best for your unique needs.

Private dental insurance can be an overwhelming topic for many individuals. It often takes someone with training and expertise to fully understand the details and verbiage associated with various programs. If you are considering enrolling in your employer’s plan, you may wonder about some of the terms used as part of your policy – one of which is “deductible.” Learn more about this term and how you can start saving more each time you visit the dentist’s office.

It’s no secret that most dental insurance companies do not offer coverage for cosmetic dental treatments. After all, they are deemed “elective procedures” because they do not provide ways to improve one’s oral health. Instead, they are designed to enhance appearances and help patients achieve greater confidence. But are there any instances in which an insurance provider will provide some sort of coverage for cosmetic services? Keep reading to find out.