Stitches are frequently used after a variety of oral procedures such as extractions and wisdom tooth removal. Thanks to advances in technology, these stitches are usually self dissolving. They are comprised of a special material that can safely remain in your body for an extended time period. Depending on the procedure you received, these stitches should dissolve on their own... read more »
Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures performed in our office. You may need a tooth extraction if you have a crowded mouth, infection, are at risk for an infection, or are dealing with gum disease. Before pulling your tooth, a dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed.... read more »
In the past, the only way for patients to achieve straight teeth and beautiful smiles was traditional metal braces. While traditional metal braces are incredibly effective, they can make patients, especially teens and adults feel embarrassed. Over 20 years ago, Invisalign made its debut. Invisalign clear aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces and allow patients to straighten their... read more »
After you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, you’ll likely be satisfied with your new smile and ready to show it off to the world. If you’d like to keep your smile for years to come and ensure all the time and money you invested into Invisalign pays off, you’ll need to wear a retainer. The main job of a retainer after... read more »
A “cavity” is a more common term for tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria called plaque. When you eat and drink, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that can cause the enamel (the outer layer of a tooth) or the root surface to breakdown. Typically, plaque can build up around the gumline or on the molars in the back... read more »
Many of our patients here at Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry play a variety of sports. Whether they play baseball, football, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, or another sport, they wonder how it will affect their orthodontic treatment. Recently, we’ve had several patients ask us whether they can bite through Invisalign while playing sports. We recommend that patients that play sports... read more »
Acidic foods and beverages such as oranges, pineapples, apple juice, yogurt, cottage cheese, and certain types of meats are tasty. However, the acid in them can be harmful to your teeth and lead to decay, discoloration, and sensitivity. The good news, however, is that you can reduce the damage acidic foods and beverages bring to your teeth by being mindful... read more »
Have you noticed a black space between your teeth that looks like a triangle? If so, you may be frustrated and unsure of what’s going on with your teeth. You may wonder whether your teeth are separating, thinning, or shrinking. Let’s take a closer look at what causes black triangles and how they may be resolved. Black triangles are usually... read more »
The desire for a pretty smile has been increasing over the years. As the dental industry grows, and as technology advances, obtaining your dream smile is not so far-fetched anymore. Dentists have been finding new ways and perfecting the skills when it comes to providing their patients with their teeth goals, and they are talented in what they do! Professionals... read more »
There are so many delicious spicy foods. Hot peppers, curry, jalapenos, and salsa are just a few examples of the most common ones. While some people love spicy foods, others do not like them or cannot tolerate them. Whether or not you like spicy foods typically depends on the amount of papillae you may have. Papillae are the tiny bumps... read more »