Yes. A tooth that has lost its blood supply may gradually become gray, brown, or even appear black over time. While discoloration doesn’t always mean the tooth is dead, it’s an important sign that should be evaluated by a dentist. What Is a Dead Tooth? A “dead tooth” is a tooth whose pulp is no…
A tooth infection is more than just a toothache. Without treatment, the infection can continue to spread, causing increasing pain, damage to the tooth and surrounding bone, and in some cases, more serious health complications. Prompt treatment often provides the best opportunity to save the tooth. What Is a Tooth Infection? A tooth infection occurs…
Yes—many infected teeth can be saved with root canal treatment. A root canal removes infected tissue from inside the tooth, disinfects the root canals, and seals the tooth to help prevent future infection. Whether a tooth can be saved depends on the extent of the damage and the overall health of the tooth. What Happens…
Dental implants are often considered the closest replacement for a natural tooth, but they aren’t the right choice for everyone. Whether they’re “worth it” depends on your oral health, your goals, and the long-term benefits they may provide compared to other tooth replacement options. What Makes Dental Implants Different? Unlike a bridge or removable partial…
The way your teeth fit together affects more than your smile. While malocclusion describes the alignment of your teeth, occlusal dysfunction refers to how your bite functions. Understanding the difference can help explain why some patients experience tooth wear, broken teeth, or jaw discomfort—even if their teeth appear straight. What Is Malocclusion? Malocclusion simply means…
Crooked teeth are often thought of as a cosmetic concern, but they can also affect your oral health. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, crooked teeth may make it more difficult to clean your teeth, contribute to uneven wear, and affect the way your bite functions. Are Crooked Teeth Just a Cosmetic Issue? Not…
An overbite describes how your upper and lower front teeth fit together when you close your mouth. A small overbite is completely normal and helps your teeth function properly. However, a deeper-than-normal overbite can sometimes contribute to tooth wear, jaw problems, or other oral health concerns. What Is an Overbite? An overbite refers to the…
A filling that falls out can be surprising, especially if it wasn’t causing any pain. In most cases, fillings don’t simply “pop out” on their own. A lost filling is often a sign that something has changed with the filling or the tooth supporting it. Is It Normal for Fillings to Fall Out? Eventually, it…
A lost filling doesn’t always cause immediate pain, but it should never be ignored. Once a filling falls out, the tooth loses the protection the filling was providing. Delaying treatment may allow the tooth to become more damaged and increase the need for more extensive dental care. Why Do Fillings Fall Out? Fillings can last…
Not exactly. A filling doesn’t “turn into” a root canal. However, a tooth that once needed a filling may later require root canal treatment if decay progresses, a crack develops, or the nerve inside the tooth becomes damaged. Early treatment often helps reduce the risk of more extensive dental care. Does a Filling Cause a…