We hope our teeth last us a lifetime. Sometimes, we experience crowding, excessive wear or even jaw issues because of teeth alignment. Finger sucking, tongue thrusting and other habits can also cause teeth to malfunction. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see children and teens wearing braces. Over the years, orthodontics has advanced with a wide range of techniques and knowledge about how our teeth function, leading to better treatment options. Routinely bringing children to the dentist gives both the dentist and parents an idea of how a child’s smile is developing. Your dentist will assess not only for cavities, Read More →

When tooth pain strikes, our instinct is to get relief quickly. Toothaches seem to happen at the most inconvenient times and can put a damper on our plans. But often, there are options, such as root canals and extractions, to treat a tooth that is causing severe pain. If a tooth has been injured from previous trauma, dental work or decay, your dentist will assess the extent of the injury and determine whether the tooth is savable. If there is enough tooth structure left and the tooth hasn’t already been previously treated with a root canal, your dentist may recommend Read More →

Veneers have gained a lot of popularity over the years, due to the pleasant aesthetics they bring to a smile. Veneers are thin coverings that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They are used to replace the shape of teeth, fill spaces and blend colors of teeth that may have demineralization or discolored pits. There are two types of materials generally used for veneers: porcelain and resin/composite. Porcelain doesn’t stain as easy as composite/resin. For this type of veneers, the tooth is prepped and an impression is sent to a lab to makes the veneers. It can Read More →

A root canal may not be a dream day at the dentist, but sometimes it is necessary. In some cases, it is needed when a cavity is too deep and extends into the nerve of the tooth. A root canal may also be needed if a tooth has a crack that extends into the nerve. Both of these issues can cause a nasty toothache, which you’ll want taken care of quickly. What is a Root Canal? A root canal is a process in which the top of the tooth is opened and the nerve is accessed. The dentist or endodontist Read More →

A child’s first visit to the dentist is a special one, and we love to make it just that! We are often asked about the appropriate age for a child’s first dental visit. We usually say anytime is fine, if you have a dental concern. For a routine checkup, between the ages of 2.5 and 3 work well! The first dental visit consists of getting the child’s medical history, bringing them back to the exam room and familiarizing them with the dentist! A ride in the chair (even if on mom or dad’s lap) and showing our fun tools (the Read More →

Crowns are a common practice in dentistry. They are used to help prevent further cracking, to protect already heavily filled teeth, and for aesthetics. Many of our patients ask how long their crowns will last. The answer is: it depends! Crown Longevity Depends on Good Home Care There are many factors that go into the longevity of a crown. A big misconception is that crowns can’t get cavities. A crown is simply a real tooth, covered. The tooth still has a root and nerve. There are still surfaces of the tooth that are exposed and capable of getting cavities. Meticulous Read More →

Your child’s smile is bound to change throughout the years, as they transition from baby to permanent teeth. One of the most common question our Rochester family dentists get from parents is, “When will my child lose their first tooth?” The answer is not concrete. For many, the first tooth is lost between the ages of 5 and 7. Typically, the first teeth lost will be the lower, central incisors. When permanent teeth erupt, they tend to have bumps on the edge. These are called mammelons – and they are normal! As time goes on, they wear down to be Read More →

The number one concern of patients in my hygiene chair is sensitivity. It comes in all forms, caused by cold, hot or sweets. Simply brushing can also cause a feeling I describe as a “zing.” It can be frustrating, and even life altering, when tooth sensitivity prevents enjoying the things we once could – like ice cream! It is important to bring up any tooth sensitivity at your dental appointments. The majority of sensitivity comes from exposed root surfaces (recession). Sensitivity can also come from tooth issues such as cracks or nerve issues. Describing your symptoms and the location gives Read More →

Dry mouth has many causes, including medications, sleep apnea, allergies and dehydration. It is uncomfortable and, if untreated, can lead to accelerated cavities. Many times, a patient adds a new medication to their list that has the unwanted side effect of dry mouth. While medications are obviously needed to maintain your health, the side effects need to be monitored closely. Most patients introduced to these meds may have recession areas. These areas are more prone to cavities because they are not as strong as enamel. As a result, they tend to develop cavities when in the presence of dry mouth. Read More →

At Family Dentist Tree, we work with dental benefits every day. We know they can be confusing and difficult to navigate. While it’s important to review and understand your specific dental benefit package, here are some general tips to ensure that you are getting the most out of your benefits. Pre-authorizations If you are unsure of what your dental insurance will cover, ask your dental office to submit a pre-authorization. While pre-authorizations do not guarantee benefits, they are usually pretty accurate. If you have questions about your pre-authorization, talk to your dental office and they can help you understand your Read More →