The Laser Dental Group

Taste Loss: Could It Be a Dental Problem? Most adults know that poor oral hygiene results in cavities and gum disease, but did you know that it can also cause taste loss? From salty to sweet, spicy to savory – failing to take proper care of your mouth can impede your ability to taste and enjoy just about any type of food set before you. Dentists call this condition "dysguesia", and if you haven't heard about it, here's what you should be aware of to prevent and/or treat this unpleasant taste disorder. Symptoms And Causes While other disorders can dull taste ("hypoguesia"), or leave you without the ability to taste anything at all ("aguesia"), dysguesia is typically characterized by a particularly foul, metallic or rancid sensation in the mouth. In many cases, patients who suffer from this form of taste loss may also experience Burning Mouth Syndrome, a painful oral disorder typically characterizedby numbness, burning or tingling a...

With terms like PPO, HMO, in-network, and out-of-network to describe dental benefits, it's no surprise that many don't understand how to make the most of their plan. This means you may be overlooking benefits that are critical to maintaining your oral health. Don't settle for just what you understand as part of your coverage. Read on for 5 simple tips to take advantage of everything your plan has to offer. Tip #1: Take Time to Understand Your Plan The best way to take advantage of your plan is to ensure you know the type of plan it is and its deductibles, copayments and annual maximums. There are two main types of dental plans: HMO Plans - with an HMO, you'll be required to choose a dentist in your primary network to handle most of your needs. You are charged a relatively low copayment for office visits, procedures etc. There is no coverage if you visit an out-of-network provider. HMO's typically have no deductible or maximum. PPO Plans - With a PPO, you...

Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. But some common habits could be reducing the durability of your teeth without you even realizing it. By recognizing the habits that can compromise the structure and health of your smile, you can take steps to protect it. 1, Avoiding Regular Dental Care Many individuals skip regular dental cleanings or avoid getting necessary procedures due to anxiety, a lack of time, or other personal reasons. However, doing so can cause tooth cause tooth decay, gum disease and other common oral health issues. As such, you should be sure to visit the dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and also, as necessary, if you notice a change or issue with your teeth. 2. Brushing Too hard Brushing is an essential component of good oral health, but not when done incorrectly.  Brushing too hard can wear down enamel, irritate your gums, increase your teeth's sensitivity, and cause cavities . By purchasing a soft bristled or an electronic toot...

What if your dentist told you that x-rays can be done in a single sweep, expose you to less radiation than a round trip flight from Paris to Tokyo, and result in a complete, 3-D picture of your mouth in as little as a few seconds? For anyone who has ever had a mouthful of bitewings, it's a dream come true, thanks to a relatively new technology called "cone beam radiography". If you've never heard of it, you could be missing out. Here's the scoop on this revolutionary diagnostic tool and what it could mean for your oral health. What Makes Cone Beam Radiography Different? Unlike traditional x-rays, which require exposure for one flat image, cone beam radiography - also known as cone beam computed technology, or CBCT - can yield hundreds of images from just a single scan. Rather than having a beam pointed to a specific area of the mouth, a machine rotates around the patient (similar to CT scanners used in the medical field), capturing panoramic images of the mo...

The verdict is in: electric toothbrushes are here to stay, and they mean business for your teeth! By now, you've probably seen them on the shelves, on TV or in magazines. Dentists endorse them, and most are ADA-approved - but if you swear by your manual toothbrush, these benefits just might convince you otherwise. The Pros of Using An Electric Toothbrush Making the switch from a manual to an electric toothbrush doesn't change the amount of time it takes to thoroughly brush your teeth (approximately 2 minutes), nor should it alter your brushing techniques, but this is where the similarities end.  Some of the biggest advantages of electric toothbrushes over traditional toothbrushes are: 1. Effortless brushing. Because a motor oscillates and rotates the brushes for you, it requires less energy to brush your teeth.  Many even find the rounded handle of electric toothbrushes to be easier to hold, and with less force required, brushing can still be done thoroughly without u...

There's no way around it: the time has come for your wisdom teeth to be extracted.  According to the horror stories out there, you are in for nothing but non-stop agony, but you don't have to share the same fate! Being proactive and fully prepared for what happens during and after surgery can minimize the pain and help ensure a smooth recovery.  Make the experience easier  on yourself by following these expert tip and tricks. Read the procedure and recovery guidelines well in advance. Understanding what to expect at every stage of the process can help you plan and gather  items for  your recovery more efficiently.  Knowing potential complications that can arise such as Dry Sockets, a painful condition due to blood clot failure or Parasthesia,  a  numbness of the lip, chin and/or tongue- can also help you detect and address  serious problems immediately.  Be sure to raise any questions or concerns with...

When it comes to taking care of your teeth and keeping your smile looking great, your toothbrush plays an essential role.  But, how much thought do you actually give to your toothbrush when selecting one or caring for it over time?  Probably not much! Choosing the right toothbrush, caring for it, and knowing when to replace it are all essential components of great oral health.  Below, we discuss each to ensure your toothbrush is helping rather than harming your smile! Choosing the Right Toothbrush The toothbrush aisle at any store can be overwhelming, making it difficult to find exactly what you're looking for.  It may help to know that the best toothbrushes all share a few common characteristics: Head Size - For most adults, the toothbrush head should be half an inch wide and one inch long.  This will help to ensure that all surfaces of the teeth can be reached.   Bristle Type - Soft bristles are ideal are ideal for most people; they feel best...