United Dental Centers of Merrillville Blog

If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction—or are preparing for one—you’ve probably heard of a condition called dry socket. The name alone can sound intimidating, and many patients worry about the pain it can cause. While dry socket is a possible complication after an extraction, especially wisdom tooth removal, it’s also preventable and treatable when handled properly. Understanding what dry socket is, why it happens, and how to avoid it can help you feel confident and calm about your recovery.

While most dentists do everything possible to preserve natural teeth, sometimes a tooth extraction is the best—or only—option to protect your oral health. Removing a tooth may sound intimidating, but modern dentistry makes the procedure quick, comfortable, and safe. Understanding why extractions are sometimes necessary can help ease your mind if your dentist recommends one. Here are 5 common reasons for tooth extraction and why it may be the right choice for your smile.

If you’re considering dental implants, your first step will be a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. This appointment is more than just a quick conversation—it’s a thorough evaluation to determine whether implants are the right choice for your oral health and lifestyle. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.

Dental implants are the option out there. Since they option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range for additional benefits that you can’t find with dentures or dental bridges. To achieve this, getting dental implants requires a multi-step process that takes place over the course of several months. Here are some common questions that patients have about their upcoming treatment.

Dentists regard dental implants as the best way to replace lost teeth in no small part because they are more than 95% successful even ten years after being placed. However, dental implants can be damaged by factors like infection and injury, which can cause them to loosen and fall out. Here’s a quick overview of a few signs that may say your implant is about to fail.

It’s normal to be a little nervous when you learn you need a tooth extraction, but the truth is that this is a very safe and common procedure. In fact, on any given day in the United States, an estimated 55,000 teeth are extracted by skilled dentists just like yours! If you’re curious about what to expect during this procedure and how to ensure that you have a smooth recovery, keep reading for more information.

Seemingly everyone wishes they had a bright white grin, though very few people come by them naturally. Years of repeated or prolonged exposure to dark foods and drinks that stain can leave your once-pearly whites tinted more brown or yellow.

Although you may feel tempted to try over-the-counter products to lighten your smile, they may cause issues like dental sensitivity, especially if you already have thinned enamel or tooth decay. Continue reading to learn why applying whitening products over cavities is a bad idea, and how your dentist can help you safely achieve the perfect shade!

If you’re a makeup wearer, you likely know (or want to know) the colors that are most flattering to your face. After all, not every shade goes well with every complexion. When it comes to lipstick, however, choosing the wrong shade can be a double whammy: not only could it look bad with your skin tone, but it could also make your teeth look darker or discolored! Here are a few of the best lipstick colors for making your teeth look whiter when you wear it.

Aging is just a normal part of life. Sure, we can try to delay it by eating right, wearing sunblock, and staying active, but there’s only so much we can do to prevent it. When it comes to your smile, the appearance of your teeth can age you, too. Whether they’re stained, chipped, worn, or have any other issues, this can cause you to look older than you are. Here are a few cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help take years off your smile and boost your confidence, too!

If you’re seeking a way to restore your smile after tooth loss, dentures are an excellent choice. They are a versatile solution that’s capable of replacing a few or all of your missing teeth. Once in place, they grant you the freedom to grin, speak, and eat more like you used to, potentially enhancing your daily quality of life.

However, some foods can be harmful to your restoration. Continue reading to learn about 4 foods to avoid so you can keep your prosthetics in tip-top shape!