The temporomandibular joints that hinge your jaw are somewhat complex, which allows them to perform the sophisticated movements of biting, chewing and grinding food. This is possible thanks to a series of muscles, tendons, and ligaments working in concert with the jaw. This allows your lower jaw to slip and to apply grinding force. Unfortunately, there are times when mechanical injury... read more »
While it is unfortunate, there are times when a blow to the face or severe tooth decay can cause so much damage to a tooth that it needs to be extracted. Eventually, the tooth will need to be replaced. If the lost tooth is not replaced, the surrounding teeth will eventually start to twist and migrate to fill the void.... read more »
Anxiety about visiting the dentist is a pretty common issue. Many adults in America have such a bad phobia of visiting the dentist that it prevents them from getting the dental care they need in order to stay healthy. If this describes you in any way, then it's high time you take a second to look at sedation dentistry. It... read more »
You’ve probably heard of gum disease, and you may even know what you should do to prevent the problem. For instance, you probably know that if you keep up your oral care, you’ll be much more likely to avoid gum disease altogether. However, as you probably know, gum disease can lead to a number of serious issues. Fortunately, if you... read more »
Your tooth enamel gets its hardness from microscopic mineral crystals. Unfortunately, the natural processes of oral bacteria and the acidic foods and beverages you enjoy can erode these crystals each day. In time, this will make your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay and sensitivity. Fortunately, exposing your teeth to fluoride will help you restore the mineral content of your tooth... read more »
Sometimes the dental language might be a bit confusing and overwhelming, which could make your dental appointments stressful and bewildering. So, to help you understand the dental language a little bit more, your dentist, Dr. John Hobgood, and our Algiers Dental Associates team are happy to give you the definitions to the following commonly used dental terms: Dental filling: A... read more »
Did you know that your teeth get their color from their inner layer of dentin and not the outer enamel? Enamel is actually translucent. And as we age, dentin naturally yellows. This means that even with effective brushing, our teeth will end up getting darker over time. There are a wide variety of whitening treatments available to help get teeth... read more »
What do you know about TMJ dentistry? Do you know what you can do if you have problems with your TMJ? Similarly, do you know why it’s important to address issues with your TMJ? You see, your TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. If it is damaged or not working properly, you may experience pain... read more »
There are millions of adults in the United States that need orthodontic care. Whether it is to solve an underlying problem or simply create a better looking smile, they are in need of braces. But many of them are hesitant to get braces because of their age. Let’s face it: you don’t want to be the only one in the... read more »
If you’re missing a tooth, you know the process can be embarrassing, but did you know that missing teeth can also lead to other issues. Fortunately, there are several options you can consider to address this problem, including crown, bridges, and implants. Still, while we recommend considering all of your options, please don’t dismiss dental implants outright. Dental implants are... read more »