Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

After a long day, you may be ready to do nothing but get ready for bed. Your blanket is calling your name to drift you off into dreamland and have a rejuvenating rest. But what if you start to feel some dental discomfort creeping up? It can disrupt your needed sleep, but how can you stop it? Here is what to do if you have a toothache at night and what you should do first thing in the morning.

Dental misalignments can lead to a host of issues like difficulty chewing, problems with speaking clearly, and being shy about showing your smile. Thankfully, Invisalign can be an excellent way to straighten out mild to moderate misalignments without the irremovable metal parts and frustrating dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. Here’s a quick guide to how you can make sure your Invisalign treatment stays on track while traveling for business or pleasure.

It can be hard to throw a fun holiday party without tasty snacks, but many seasonal favorites such as candy canes, cookies, coffee, and alcoholic beverages can be harsh on your guests’ teeth if they aren’t careful. Thankfully, there are a few delicious appetizers that can keep your party happy and festive while providing benefits for everyone’s oral health. Here’s a quick look at some tasty and tooth-friendly treats that are perfect for your gathering.

Bleeding gums can be alarming, especially if it happens when you brush or floss. Often, this is a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup and inflammation. While professional dental care is essential for long-term gum health, there are several effective home remedies you can try to reduce bleeding and soothe inflamed gums.

Every Invisalign treatment plan will be tailored to each patient’s unique situation. However, the one thing they’ll all share is the 20+ hour-a-day wear time rule. That’s why, if you discover that you’ve misplaced one of your aligners, it can easily become a worrisome predicament, especially since you’ll want to avoid delaying your progress as much as possible. Here are several tips on what NOT to do and the steps to take if you lose your Invisalign trays.

Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of treatments to enhance the appearance of your smile. Whether you’re dealing with discolored teeth, gaps, chips, or alignment issues, there’s likely a solution that fits your needs. One of the most common questions patients ask is: “How long will cosmetic dentistry take?” The answer depends on the specific procedures involved, your personal goals, and your oral health. Let’s explore the timelines of popular cosmetic dental treatments so you know what to expect when planning your smile makeover.

As you look for solutions for your missing teeth, you may have seen dental implants. They are a gold standard restoration, but the more you research them, the more you hear about the different materials they can be made of. Depending on which you choose, it can make a difference in their lifespan. Keep reading to learn more about how they affect the longevity of this tooth replacement option.

If you’re missing multiple teeth, restoring your smile is more than just a cosmetic decision—it’s essential for your long-term oral health. Two common solutions are dental bridges and partial dentures, both designed to replace missing teeth and help you chew, speak, and smile with confidence. But how do you know which one is right for you?

Let’s explore the key differences, benefits, and considerations to help guide your decision.

Nowadays, dentists prefer to fill cavities with a tooth-colored composite resin. In the past, this modern solution was still in development, so to address injured teeth, dentists would rely on metal amalgam for restorations. This material is very resilient; in fact, plenty of people still have this type of dental work.

With the advancement of dentistry, many patients wonder if they should replace their silver fillings with a modern version. Continue reading to learn more about these amalgam fillings so that you can feel confident in your decision about your dental health. 

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!