Dental Procedures

You may not need to pull them after all (and spend three days as a chipmunk). But don't think that means the ordeal is over.

By Julia Layton

Though rare, infection from dental work, or even vigorous brushing, can lead to pericarditis. But what are the symptoms -- and when should you call your doctor?

By Brion O'Connor

You already brush with fluoride toothpaste. So do you really need a professional fluoride treatment at the dentist, too?

By Terri Briseno

Saliva plays an important role in your teeth's health. Think you know what its job is?

By Terri Briseno

Almost everyone knows they don't want to experience a root canal, but how many people really know what the procedure entails? Here, we break down the steps, so you know exactly what to expect if you find you need your pulp cleaned out.

By Maria Trimarchi

Missing a few teeth but can't imagine having dentures? Maybe implants are for you.

By Terri Briseno

You may have been lucky enough to have a tooth pulled at some point in your life, but do you know what the procedure actually entails? We'll give you the lowdown on what your dentist is up to when he's performing an extraction.

By Maria Trimarchi

We love celebrities with larger-than-life smiles, from Tom Cruise to Julia Roberts and even Gary Busey. But when it's your own teeth, can a toothy grin sometimes be too much?

By Jennifer Sellers

Despite the name, crowns aren't royal treatment for your pearly whites; they're restorative dental devices that can be painful and costly. Why might you need a crown, and what are they made of? Find out.

By Shanna Freeman

Missing teeth? A dental bridge could be the solution. Find out here.

By Michael Franco

We've all heard that fluoride is good for us but some people have concerns about the amount of fluoride they consume each day, between water, bottled drinks and toothpaste. What should they do at the dentist?

By Sarah Alban

Also known as dental porcelain laminates, veneers can go a long way toward improving the appearance of your natural teeth. But how long do they last?

By Tom Scheve

Delaying a root canal can lead to any number of bigger issues, including losing your tooth and, in the worst cases, even death.

By Sara Elliott

Happiness is something everyone wants to feel, and a smile tells the world you've got it. But when something like overlapped teeth makes you hide that smile, it's time for an adjustment.

By Kevin P. Allen

Removing a tooth is one of the most common dental surgeries performed. Learn why a tooth may have to be extracted, as well as what to expect when you're in the dentist chair.

By Stefani Newman

If your dentist suggests a root planing and scaling, do you think "root canal" and head for the hills? Relax, it's not that bad.

By Becky Striepe

Dental partials -- denture replacements for single or multiple missing teeth -- are commonly used to return patients' smiles to their optimal beauty. How do these prosthetics fit into your mouth, and what are the other options?

By Maria Trimarchi

While a bridge and a partial technically do the same thing (replace missing teeth), how that goal is achieved is quite different based on which you have.

By Sara Elliott

While many people set aside money to cover medical expenses, dental work often isn't included in those savings. If you have to have a dental procedure but can't immediately pay for it, you may be able to finance it.

By Stefani Newman

If you've got an unsightly gap in your smile caused by tooth loss or removal, flipper teeth could help you out. But how long are flippers a viable solution?

By Tom Scheve

Does going to the dentist literally make your stomach turn? You're not alone.

By Terri Briseno

Going to the dentist is bad enough. But does she really have to use that awkward dental dam, too?

By Terri Briseno

With age comes wisdom -- and the wish that you had taken better care of yourself when you were younger. Now that you're an adult, can you do anything to strengthen your chompers?

By Michael Franco

A trip to the dentist can be as painful on your mouth as it is on your wallet. Read on to learn why caring for your teeth could end up costing you an arm and leg.

By Chris Opfer

For several decades, fluoride has been added to water in efforts to prevent tooth decay. However, many are rethinking the safety and success of such measures. Learn about the pros and cons of water fluoridation.

By the editors of PureHealthMD