A toothache can cause a great deal of pain. It can make it difficult for you to complete your everyday tasks and go about your routine. The good news, however, is that there are a number of medications and home remedies that may provide you with relief from your toothache. At Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we recommend the following:... read more »
Toothaches can be very painful. The good news, however, is that there are a variety of home remedies that can ease the pain and help you feel better. Here at Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we recommend the following toothache home remedies: Salt Water Rinse We suggest a salt water rinse as a first-line treatment. Since salt water is a... read more »
Pregnancy comes with a variety of side effects. While morning sickness is the one that is most commonly discussed, pregnancy can also lead to gum sensitivity. If you are pregnant and facing sensitive gums, you are likely dealing with a condition called gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums. Pregnancy gingivitis is the result of hormonal changes that increase... read more »
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 »