Have you checked your gums lately and noticed a weird swollen spot? Gum bumps are fairly common and can stem from a variety of causes. Some are harmless and go away on their own, while others may need attention from your dentist right away! But how can you tell one case from another? Keep reading to learn what might be causing your oral issue and what you should do about it.

No one likes the idea of getting a tooth pulled. You might be especially reluctant to consent to the extraction procedure if you are not in any pain! Still, in the vast majority of cases, it is wise to listen to your dentist’s recommendations (of course, you are always free to seek a second opinion if you have doubts). This blog post discusses just a few reasons why you may need to undergo an extraction even if your tooth does not hurt.

One of the best and worst things about the internet is that you can learn about anything at any time. So when a person is told they need a tooth extraction, many will hop online and learn about a potential complication following the procedure called dry socket.

While this only occurs after 1-3% of all extractions, it does cause some patients to feel worried and nervous (even to the point of avoiding the treatment). Thankfully, in addition to being relatively rare, dry socket can be avoided just by keeping 5 simple things in mind.

Whether you’re planning on hitting the road or taking flight on the way to a memorable trip, or you want to just plant yourself by the pool in a beautiful locale so you can relax while doing a whole lot of nothing, now is the perfect time of year. Of course, toothaches and other urgent dental issues have a tendency to show up at the worst possible time, and they don’t care what your itinerary might be. That’s why, for peace of mind, scheduling a quick trip to your dentist could be one of the smartest things you do this summer.

About 1 in 6 Americans will experience a dental emergency this year, whether it involves a toothache that keeps them up at night or an accident that results in a cracked or knocked-out tooth. In these situations, getting professional attention is essential for stopping the pain and preventing the problem from becoming worse. But, while a dentist will be more than happy to help, will your insurance do the same? How does dental insurance handle emergency dentistry? Will you be fully covered, or should you expect to pay for everything out of pocket?

Dental problems always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times. You could find yourself in urgent need of care on the weekend, in the evening, or when you are far away from your regular dentist. What should you do in such a situation? This blog post provides some practical guidance to help you find an emergency dentist ASAP. It also has tips to help you care for your mouth while you are waiting for your appointment.

It may seem harmless, but a severe toothache deserves quality dental care. The pain could point to an oral infection – something only a dentist can treat. That said, don’t just be passive as you wait for your dental visit. Try some home remedies for toothaches before the appointment; they should ease your discomfort. As for suggestions, your Eugene dentist will gladly offer a few. Here are four things that reduce toothaches from the comfort of your home.

During October, most people are thinking about pumpkin spice treats and spooky costumes. But did you know that it is also Dental Hygiene Awareness Month? That’s right — it is the perfect time to evaluate your habits to determine if you are doing all you can to maintain a clean and healthy mouth. What are some specific things you should do to take care of your smile? This blog post explains.

One of the biggest advantages of getting dental implants to replace missing teeth is that they have been shown to last decades longer than traditional bridges and dentures. There are countless documented cases of patients having them for 20, 25, 30, and even 35+ years without having to get an update or replacement. Whether you’re still thinking about dental implants or have already received them, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to ensure they stand the test of time.

Are you the type of person that has to spend a day or two hyping yourself up before calling to schedule a dental appointment? Do you always wait until something feels off or is hurting? Have you had to fight the urge to cancel appointments? If any of this sounds familiar, you are far from alone. Millions of Americans deal with dental anxiety, but fortunately, today’s dentists have more ways than ever to help you stay calm and cool while in the chair. One of the simplest is oral conscious sedation, and to find out more about how it works, keep reading.