I’ve seen more than my share of “suspicious tissue change” in my dental career. I promptly refer these patients to an oral surgeon for evaluation, but some don’t take it …
Blog
What Teeth Say About Age
We’ll all get older and wiser. Research has shown that one significant visual indicator of age is the condition of one’s smile. Many studies have been conducted, using portraits of …
All I Want for Christmas is My Four Front Teeth
Mildred has been my patient for almost 20 years. When her husband passed, she “treated” herself to what he’d considered an impractical car – a red, Honda Accord. My staff …
The Expertise for Dental Implants
Today, every budding dentist is trained to place implants when completing their graduate education. But it wasn’t always like this. When I was in dental school at Northwestern University, this …
Receding Gums (Gingiva)
When teeth appear to “grow longer” over time, it doesn’t mean that they actually do. Teeth erupt in a certain shape and size. They are only able to wear down, …
One Tooth that Doesn’t Like Cold Food or Beverages
This subject often comes up, only after a long pause from a patient, in response to my question, “Have any teeth been bothering you?” They’ve taken the time to think …
Are Wisdom Teeth Wise?
Known in dentistry as “third molars”, they are often called “wisdom teeth” in society. These teeth arrive in the mouth sometime during high school or early adulthood – at a …
True Confessions
I don’t like embarrassing people. I value each and every one of my patients, many who have been in my practice for over 20 years. But I am compelled to …
Flattened Molars
Last week, I saw new patient, Maggie, for a toothache. Her tooth had cracked in half, right down the middle and required extraction. Maggie claimed that she has been grinding …
Personal Wellness
I’ve been in a dentist for over 43 years, sometimes treating patients with a damaged self-image. They lack confidence, do not take pride in their accomplishments, or avoid social interactions. …