Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc Blog

Have you ever gone to the dentist, expecting to be recommended a dental filling, only to be told you need a crown? Well, this is more common than you’d think.

But what exactly are dental crowns, and when are they needed?

Let’s get into it.

If you have a dental filling, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the CDC, about 90% of American adults have at least one dental filling. And while the majority of people have dental fillings, many people don’t realize that dental fillings actually have an expiration date (which is why proper oral care is so important!). 

Sometimes, with the amount of different dental procedures that are there, it can be tough to remember which is which. We get it!

Two of the dental procedures that people mix up are dental implants and dental crowns.

We all want white, bright, beautiful teeth. And while there are multiple teeth whitening solutions available for your natural teeth, things are a bit different when it comes to dental crowns.

Since we want you to be happy with your smile, we wrote this guide so that you are aware of the reality of teeth whitening when you have a dental crown, and what your options are.

Do you remember the days when you could easily tell when someone had a dental filling because you could see a piece of silver in their mouth when they smiled? While those silver (amalgam) fillings are not as common as they once were, they still exist.

But what exactly are silver dental fillings, and why do we not see them as much we used to?

Your oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. In fact, poor oral health has even been linked with other conditions like heart disease and strokes. While good oral health starts at home by brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugary foods as much as possible, visiting the dentist for regular teeth cleanings and checkups is also very important. 

If you’re in the Burbank, CA area, you might have noticed that there are A LOT of dental practices. It can be difficult to weed through all your options to choose the best dentist for you and your needs.

Your choice of dentist and dental office can have a significant influence on your oral health (which influences your overall health).

Most people know that they should visit the dentist often. In fact, 85% of Americans believe that oral health is important to their overall health. But is there a discrepancy between how often people think they should be going to the dentist and how often they actually do? 

An estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. This only gets worse with time, as 30% of people from ages 65 to 74 have no natural teeth left.

Dental implants are a possible solution to this problem. Yet, a common question among people considering this treatment is: are dental implants permanent?

TMJ pain is no laughing matter. It can greatly affect your quality of life, so it’s important to understand what you can do to help alleviate or manage your symptoms. Luckily, there are many things that can be done to help.