Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. Not only might you feel self-conscious about the changes to your looks, but you could also develop speech impediments or changes to your diet.

Thankfully, your dentist can provide lifelike dentures to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality, regardless of how many teeth have gone missing. However, many patients want to know whether these prosthetics improve their nutritional health. If you’re curious, continue reading to learn more about it!

Invisalign is a fantastic, low-profile way to straighten your teeth. Those who are familiar with metal braces might be especially interested in their slim fit, removability, and overall comfort!

While Invisalign is generally far less irritating to your mouth than braces, you may still experience some oral soreness as you adjust to your trays. Fortunately, this discomfort is often manageable. With these relief tips, you should be able to have a pleasant Invisalign experience!

Protecting your oral health isn’t just about caring for your teeth. Your gums are an important part of your mouth and must be protected as well. Failing to do so can lead to a variety of problems, including gum disease.

Gum disease has many stages, from gingivitis to full-blown periodontal disease. If caught early, gingivitis is reversible and should cause no permanent damage. But left untreated, it can eventually turn into periodontitis, and could end up costing you your teeth, gum tissue, and even your jawbone. Here’s a closer look at the stages of gum disease, and why it’s so important to treat it as soon as possible.

If you have a persistent or severe toothache, it’s natural to wonder whether it warrants an emergency visit to your dentist. After all, there are many potential causes behind your throbbing, and some are more urgent than others.

For example, it could be caused by an injured or decayed tooth that needs to be treated as soon as possible. However, there’s a chance you might be experiencing sinus aches that should be addressed by an appropriate physician. Continue reading to learn more about the difference between dental discomfort and sinusitis to know who to call for help!

One of the first things others notice about your teen is the quality of your smile, and it’s natural for young adults to want to make a good first impression. During adolescence, many people with dental issues start to worry about how others might perceive them. If their anxiety gets bad enough, they might avoid social encounters or extracurricular activities, which can detract from their quality of life.

Thankfully, your dentist offers several cosmetic services that can upgrade their grin, but are they safe for teenagers? Continue reading to learn about 3 popular treatments that won’t harm your youth’s smile!

Did you know that in the United States, and estimated 3+ million dental implants are placed annually? That number is only expected to grow as more people learn about the many advantages of these unique replacement teeth. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they are embedded directly into your jawbone for added strength and resilience.

Despite this, many patients hesitate to undergo the procedure because they’re worried their new teeth will look or feel awkward next to their natural ones. Continue reading to learn more about what sensations you can expect from your dental implants to set your mind at ease!

Many people want straighter smiles but don’t have dental insurance to help cover orthodontics like braces or Invisalign. If you’re worried about how to afford professional services, you might feel tempted to seek an alternative solution.

Several websites offer mail-order clear aligners that claim to be able to reposition your pearly whites safely, but are they safe and effective? Read on to learn about three possible risks of purchasing orthodontics online to understand why it’s better to see your dentist instead!

Sometimes getting a new routine to stick is much harder than the routine itself. If you’re following professionally recommended guidelines, brushing your teeth only takes two minutes. At a rate of two sessions per day, that’s only four minutes out of your day-to-day life. When put that way it sounds easy, doesn’t it? And yet new habits seem to last about a week before fatigue settles in.

Don’t lose heart! These habit-making tips can help you wrangle yourself and get the job done.

Sometimes, life will throw a curveball your way – and when it comes in the form of a dental emergency, it’s quite easy to feel defeated and frustrated. Not only is your smile now injured, but you must also seek emergency dental care to get things back on track! However, you might also be wondering if you can utilize your dental insurance plan when faced with this type of injury. Here’s what you need to know about dental insurance and its role when it comes to emergency dentistry.

A dazzling, white smile is something many patients aspire to. But for some, the road to perfectly pearly whites can be paved with discomfort. Teeth whitening done at home, especially with unproven products, can often lead to sensitivity. Even so, you shouldn’t let that stop you from getting the smile you’ve always wanted! Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy the benefits of whitening treatments while keeping your mouth happy and pain-free.