Given its framing, many people now see gum disease as a lifestyle problem. They think you’ll only be at risk if you don’t brush enough, eat too much junk food or smoke. However, recent research shows that infected gums can run in families; some people are born with a higher risk of getting it. Your Federal Way dentist will even share the supporting research with you. To that end, keep reading to learn the answer to a pressing question: Is gum disease genetic?

Have you been considering upgrading your grin with cosmetic dentistry but have been too anxious to schedule your consultation? If so, you’re not alone! An estimated 36% of Americans are afraid of the dentist, and it’s not uncommon to avoid undergoing procedures if you’re scared that they’ll hurt or are unsafe.

Thankfully, most cosmetic dental services are considered non-invasive and usually don’t require lengthy recovery times. Continue reading to learn more about 3 popular ways to enhance your appearance!

Many people with aesthetic dental issues are eager to perfect their teeth but don’t know how to get started. After all, it can be hard to know which procedures are needed to achieve the desired results. Thankfully, your dentist offers various services to help upgrade your grin, regardless of the circumstances.

Continue reading to learn about three popular cosmetic procedures that can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence in your smile!

For several decades, dental implants have been lauded as the “gold standard of tooth replacement” – and when you see the long list of benefits that they offer patients who’ve suffered from tooth loss, it’s pretty easy to understand why this is a fitting nickname. That said, dental implants have changed quite a bit over the years to become the impressive solution they are today. Here’s a closer look at this evolution and why getting dental implants is one of the best things you can do if you’ve been without a complete smile for some time.

If you are getting your wisdom teeth removed, you will likely have some questions about what to expect following your procedure. Namely, what do you need to do to care for your incisions so that they heal properly and do not become infected.

Thankfully, caring for your mouth after extraction is easy as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions. Here’s what you need to know about successful recovery from wisdom tooth removal.

When you have a tooth extracted, one of the keys to proper healing is the formation of a blood clot in the space. This clot seals up the wound, stopping the bleeding and protecting the gums, nerve endings, and bone from bacteria and food debris. As the site heals, the clot dissolves. But sometimes during the process, the clot can become dislodged, causing a painful condition known as dry socket. Dry socket doesn’t just hurt, it can put your incision site at greater risk for infection and even prolong your healing time. As a result, you should do everything you can to avoid this outcome.

Maybe you’re experiencing some dental discomfort and know what’s coming next, or maybe you’ve already received a treatment recommendation from your dentist. Either way, you know that your dentist’s preference is to preserve your tooth with a root canal. But you also know there’s technically a second option: tooth extraction. The thought of getting the whole thing over with and removing the troublemaking pearly white is pretty tempting.

If the pressure of making a decision is getting to you, don’t throw darts at a wall just yet! Here’s everything you need to know about these two treatments.

If you have less-than-perfect teeth, you’ve probably thought about giving your smile a makeover at least once. But it can be difficult to justify a cosmetic dental treatment, especially if the economy keeps whisking away your savings.

If you find yourself thinking “it’s not necessary, I can carry on without it,” “I’m not sure the treatment will be worth it,” or “maybe one day when I’m rich,” then keep reading. There’s some valid math magic that will help satisfy the left side of your brain.

Everybody wants a beautifully aligned set of teeth, but many are hesitant to commit to traditional braces because they involve significant food restrictions and wearing conspicuous metal parts for a year or more. Luckily, Invisalign can realign teeth with removable and virtually invisible clear aligners that allow the patient to eat whatever they want. Here’s a short list of common questions about Invisalign to help you know if this treatment might be right for you.

Dating can be one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of adulthood, and adding an uncertain factor like Invisalign is tough. However, with the right mindset and a little preparation, your dating life doesn’t need to grind to a halt. You can still turn on the charm while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

If you want to be more confident in your dating life while wearing Invisalign, continue reading.