Ornelas Family Dentistry Blog

If you have a severely injured or decayed tooth or recently underwent a root canal, your dentist will likely want to place a dental crown to prevent it from sustaining additional damage or developing disease. These tooth-shaped caps are customized to fit over the affected tooth so that you can continue using it to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

But it’s natural to have questions about these restorations, like what they’re made from. Continue reading to learn more about the options to help determine what type of dental crown might be best for you!

Gum disease is a sneaky condition that millions of people suffer from. It can start small, but if left alone, it can spell disaster for your oral health. Your dentist will have to break the news that you need professional treatment to improve your gums and prevent reinfection. This often comes in the form of scaling and root planing. What is involved in the process and how much will it cost? If you’re concerned about your budget, learn whether dental insurance can help.

You’re at the dentist for one of your annual checkups and they drop a bomb on you: you need a root canal! You’re confused; you take care of your teeth and can’t remember the last time you had a toothache. The thing is, pain isn’t the only indicator that a root canal is necessary. These other symptoms could tip your dentist off and lead them to recommending the treatment.

Many people think of their dental health separately from their general well-being, but the truth is that the two are closely connected together. For instance, severe gum disease is known to affect other health conditions, such as diabetes.

But did you know that your dental condition can also potentially affect your brain health? A 2023 study identified a potential link between oral bacteria and brain abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.  Continue reading to learn more about the connection and how you can prevent potential problems!

A bright, white smile is often associated with good health and confidence. However, many people notice their teeth becoming yellow over time, even when they brush regularly. Tooth discoloration is common and can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding the causes can help you take the right steps to improve and maintain your smile.

Here are 4 common causes of yellow teeth and what you can do about them.

With the rise of social media, how someone looks has only become more important. While you may want your teen to avoid these kinds of pressures, they may be starting to worry about how they dress, among other things. In fact, their smile might be one that they want to fix up. They might ask about various products, but cosmetic dentistry can give them safe, effective results. Here are three age-appropriate treatments they can benefit from.

Searching for the right dentist is both personal and highly involved. Dentists have all kinds of services and titles to sift through, which can make it hard to know what they can and can’t do. For example, do you need a cosmetic dentist to whiten your teeth, fix a chip, or place veneers? Nope—a general dentist can do it all! Keep reading to clear up all the confusion and see what different kinds of dentistry have to offer.

Your dental hygienist doesn’t just help you care for your smile when you’re sitting in the dental chair. She is frequently the unsung hero of your dental office, helping where needed and keeping patients feeling comfortable no matter what treatment they’re receiving. In honor of Dental Hygienist Week this April 12-18, here’s a closer look at what your dental hygienist does, and why she’s such an important part of your dental team!

St. Patrick’s Day is all about festive foods, colorful drinks, and celebrating with friends—but it’s also a day when dental practices often see a surge in emergency visits. From chipped teeth to irritated gums, the morning after can bring unwelcome surprises.

The good news? With a little awareness and moderation, you can enjoy the holiday while keeping your smile safe.

The loss of one or several teeth in a row can make it difficult to smile proudly and feel confident when speaking or chewing. Thankfully, many people have used beautiful and functional dental bridges to replace one or more missing teeth with lifelike restorations. Here’s a quick look at how dental bridges work and how you can keep your appliance in gorgeous shape for years.