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Lakewood Complete Dentistry Blog

Now’s a Better Time Than Ever to Brighten Your Smile! Here’s How Teeth Whitening Has Evolved Over Time

December 13, 2024

Before and after teeth whitening

If you look at the cosmetic dental treatments available today, you might notice that they are safe, administered in sanitary environments, and only minimally invasive if at all. However, people have tried a wide range of methods to pretty up their smiles over the centuries, and many of them would be downright gross or scary by modern standards. Here’s a brief overview of a few primitive teeth whitening treatments to help you appreciate just how amazingly safe and effective modern cosmetic dental procedures are.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Produces Amazing Results, but Is It Safe?

Lady thinks something over

Cosmetic dentistry has transformed the smiles of millions of people into beautiful new states, but some prospective patients may be concerned about whether these treatments are safe. The truth is that these procedures are safe, comfortable, and generally noninvasive. Here’s a brief guide to a few popular cosmetic dental procedures as well as how your dentist will ensure your safety and comfort.

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Can Gum Disease Cause Alzheimer’s?

November 21, 2024

Woman with gum irritation

The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. This means, if you are experiencing gum disease, it can have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing. It has even been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading to learn more about the connection between gum disease and brain health as well as some steps to keep your gums healthy going forward.

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The Effects of Gum Disease: Its Impact on Your Facial Shape

November 14, 2024

person with lower gums that appear red

Gum disease is quickly becoming one of the most common oral health problems seen by dental professionals today. Impacting millions of Americans, its damaging effects can spell disaster for patients’ oral and overall health. But did you know this harmful infection can also take a toll on your facial shape? Keep reading to learn what can happen if you fail to receive treatment and what you can do to avoid looking much older than you really are.

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Dental Crowns: An Abridged History

October 8, 2024

a closeup of a dental crown

Dental crowns have played a significant role in dentistry, evolving from rudimentary restorations to sophisticated tools for preserving oral health and aesthetics. Needless to say, many of our smiles would not be in great shape without the help of these innovative solutions – however, crowns have not always looked or felt as they do now. They’ve seen quite a few changes over the course of humanity, believe it or not! As we reflect on their history, we can appreciate the advancements that have shaped modern prosthodontics.

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Oral Architecture: How to Help Your Dental Bridge Last Its Longest

September 13, 2024

Dental bridge

From London Bridge to Galloping Gertie, history is full of frightening accounts of what happens when bridges fail. While dental bridges can be fantastic ways to replace lost teeth, they can also fail early if they don’t receive proper care. Certain bad habits can degrade the components of your dental restoration or erode the cement holding them in place, eventually causing them to break or fall out. Luckily, there are a few simple best practices you can adopt to keep your bridge in great condition. Here’s a quick guide to how you may be able to help your appliance last longer.

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The Step-by-Step Process of Getting Dental Veneers

August 13, 2024

person going through last step of the veneer process

Porcelain veneers are a sought-after choice for addressing smile imperfections such as cracks, gaps, chips, and minor misalignments. Unlike traditional orthodontics, the veneer process is more streamlined, though it involves several key steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the porcelain veneers process, providing a comprehensive overview of what to anticipate on your path to a stunning smile.

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Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth? The Truth May Surprise You

July 12, 2024

Patient wincing due to her wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are an example of a mostly useless feature of your mouth. In most cases, they become a source of discomfort, requiring extraction. But did you know that some patients have these extra teeth while others don’t? If you want to learn more about these mysterious molars, continue reading. You’ll become an expert and learn why they don’t always make an appearance.

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Do I Really Need an Extraction if My Tooth Isn’t Bothering Me?

June 17, 2024

Woman on blue background holding up hands to support question mark illustrations

The human body is complicated. Usually, it’s pretty good about telling you when something’s wrong, which might be why you thought you didn’t need a tooth extraction. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, warning signs aren’t always communicated. If your dentist is suggesting your tooth needs to be evicted, that could very well be the case. Keep reading to learn about the more common reasons why.

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How to Avoid Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction

May 6, 2024

Woman with dental pain looked over at her dentist

If you need a tooth extraction, you’re probably focused on the actual extraction part. That’s understandable. After all, the words “tooth extraction” don’t exactly make you think of rainbows and butterflies. However, there is one post-op complication you’re going to want to know more about before your treatment: dry socket. What is this dental discomfort, and what can you do about it? Keep reading to find out more.

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