Grant E. & Mark A. Smith, DDS Blog

Fear of the dentist is surprisingly common. Many people experience anxiety or even intense fear at the thought of a dental visit, sometimes without a clear personal reason why. This has led to an important question: does fear of dentists come from the media? While media isn’t the only cause of dental anxiety, it often plays a significant role in shaping how people perceive dental care.

If you’re considering your tooth replacement options, you’re probably already aware that when it comes to prosthetics, prices and styles can vary wildly.  While dentures are typically the most affordable option, they don’t last long and they’re not as comfortable and secure as other types.  Conversely, dental bridges are more secure than dentures, but unless you’re missing between one and four teeth in a row that are surrounded by two healthy abutment teeth, they won’t work for you. But dental implants are a different story. These durable, lifelike prosthetics are a permanent solution to tooth loss of any kind and in any location, but unfortunately, many patients decline them because of their higher initial cost.  Here’s why when it comes to restoring your smile, it pays to consider the overall value of your treatment, not just the upfront price tag!

You have the right idea: a dental implant isn’t a “real tooth,” doesn’t have nerve-endings, and therefore can’t register pain like natural pearly whites. But that doesn’t mean you’re imagining your discomfort! Since the oral cavity is rather small, pain signals can get “jumbled up.” Basically, irritation in nearby teeth or gum tissue might feel as though it’s coming from the implant itself, even though it technically isn’t.

That said, it’s worth investigating your discomfort with your dentist in Sherman. Keep reading to learn what could be going on.

Having a smile that exudes confidence is a dream for many people. It can make you feel good, but how can you get to that goal? Your dentist is here to help with the many cosmetic dental treatments out there. They do a great job of giving you a gorgeous grin, but some may ask if these services are painful to get. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect.

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your smile, you likely came across a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments. They can help address flaws in your teeth that bother you, but you may feel hesitant to dive into the services due to some misconceptions you’ve heard before. Perhaps you don’t want to seem vain or heard there’s a huge paywall, but these are just misunderstandings. Let’s clear the air and debunk four common myths about cosmetic dentistry.

Facial pain can sneak up on you in strange ways. Your cheek might throb, your jaw may ache, or your whole face could feel swollen and sore. While it’s easy to assume it’s a sinus problem or “just stress,” the real culprit might be lurking in your mouth. Continue reading to take a closer look at five dental emergencies that could be behind the pain in your face.

If you’ve broken a leg or an arm, you probably can correctly assume that you should head to the nearest emergency room right away. However, many patients struggle with knowing whether they need to call their dentist immediately for a toothache.

Unfortunately, dental problems rarely resolve themselves and usually worsen over time, so it’s better to contact your dentist sooner rather than later. Continue reading to learn more about potential causes and when your toothache is considered a dental emergency!

Dentures are a versatile solution that can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality regardless of how many teeth go missing. Whether you require a full or partial set, there are many advantages to being fitted with these prosthetics. Once they’re in place, you can enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling confidently like you used to.

However, that’s only as long as you care for them correctly. Continue reading to learn about three bad habits to avoid that can damage your dentures!

The average mouth has over 10,000 taste buds. They don’t just cover your tongue. The roof of your mouth also has taste receptors that send signals to your brain. Your taste buds work with your sense of smell, allowing you to experience full flavors. Concerns about dentures affecting your taste sensations are normal, but there’s no reason to worry. Here’s what you need to know about dentures to enjoy a variety of flavors.

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The standard recommendation is that everyone visits their dentist twice a year for a cleaning and a checkup. Do you often delay or even neglect these appointments because you dislike the sensation of having your teeth cleaned? You are far from alone. That is why some dentists have started offering an alternative to traditional teeth cleaning methods: Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). What exactly is GBT, how may it benefit you, and is it worth it? This blog post explains what you should know.