Costello & Dehart Dental Excellence Blog

Did you know that 92 percent of adults aged 20-64 have had at least one cavity? With a number that high, chances are many of them have needed a filling. But what many people may not realize is that fillings don’t last forever. Here’s a closer look at the different types of fillings available, and how long you can expect each of them to last.

You may already know that brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria to safeguard your child’s grin from common dental issues like gum disease and cavities. However, it’s not the only way to prevent potential problems from developing.

Your dentist can also provide sealants to shield their teeth from harm. If you’re unsure what this treatment is or how it can help, continue reading to learn about 3 frequently asked questions and their answers!

Finding a bump on your gums may come as a surprise to you. Naturally, you may not be sure exactly what to do next. There are many reasons you may notice a mysterious lump, but all should be taken seriously at first. Here’s why any unexplained changes to your oral health should be considered a dental emergency.

Chipping your tooth may not seem like a dental emergency, especially if it’s just a minor chip. But unfortunately, your teeth don’t self-repair, so any damage they incur must be repaired by a dentist. But what if it doesn’t hurt? Does it still need to be fixed, and if so, how urgently? Here’s everything you need to know about chipped teeth, and what to do if you have one!

Just like any type of pain, facial pain is a sign that something isn’t quite right. However, the issue at hand could be difficult to pinpoint on your own, especially if it is coming from within your mouth. You could be dealing with a dental emergency. There are a variety of ailments that could cause you facial discomfort. Continue reading to learn more about each one and what you should do next.

Watching your child play sports is both exhilarating and nerve-racking as a parent. It’s great to see them be active and have fun with their peers, but of course, you’re always a little worried about their safety. This can be especially true when a bunch of kids (and equipment) are flying around the field!

Every year, thousands of children experience sports-related dental injuries, but these can largely be avoided by having them wear a custom mouthguard provided by a dentist. Not only can this small piece of gear protect their smile, but it can also lower their concussion risk at the same time.

Do you have a child who is considered high-risk for cavities? Are you concerned that your efforts to help them brush and floss at home may not be enough to protect their pearly whites? A recent study found that silver diamine fluoride proved highly effective among school-aged children in preventing cavities as well as reducing the spread of those already formed. Keep reading to discover how this beneficial treatment option can safeguard your child’s smile as they grow.

If you’ve suddenly broken or lost a tooth, or developed a severe or persistent ache, then it’s important to contact your dentist so you can be seen right away. Oral issues don’t fix themselves, and your grin is vulnerable to additional injury or infection. Thankfully, many dentists offer same-day emergency appointments so you don’t have to wait for relief.

Despite this, many patients wait to contact their provider because they’re afraid. Continue reading to learn more about 4 things you can expect from your emergency appointment to set your mind at ease before you arrive!

It’s time to get the whole family in for their dental checkups, but there’s a reason you’ve been putting off this scheduling nightmare. Your household is a mixed bag of dental needs. Your child, young adult, and grandparents all need to see a different dentist at a different office. At the end of the day, you just don’t have enough colored markers to keep track of it all.

What you need is an office that can offer comprehensive dental care. Have no fear – family dentists are here to help! Here are just a few ways they can benefit you and your loved ones.

Everybody wants a knockout smile, but nobody wants to knock out a tooth. There are more than five million teeth lost every year in America, but there are steps you can take to save a dislodged tooth so it can be reimplanted in your gum. Here’s a brief guide to what to do when if your tooth is ejected from your mouth so that you can get it to the emergency dentist’s office as quickly as possible.