John White DDS

Your third set of molars in the back of your mouth are called the wisdom teeth. While the rest of the permanent teeth will come in during the teenage years, wisdom teeth don’t typically begin to make an appearance until the early 20s. These large teeth are “vestigial,” which means that humans have evolved to no longer need them. In fact, some people don’t develop all four of their wisdom teeth, or sometimes they have none at all! However, most people who do have wisdom teeth have them removed because of their potential to cause oral health problems and discomfort.

The average human’s mouth isn’t large enough to accommodate a third set of molars, so when the wisdom teeth begin to come in, they can cause a bevy of issues. One of which is impaction, where they become stuck in the jaw and unable to emerge from the gumline entirely. If you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed, it’s important that you keep an eye out for warning signs that they could be impacted. Here are the top three signs that you need to visit your dentist about impacted wisdom teeth.

The latest advancements in dentistry allow your dentist to preserve your teeth for longer than ever; however, tooth loss is still a prevalent problem. Research shows 120 million people have lost one or more teeth, while 35 million adults have experienced complete tooth loss. Although there are many solutions to rebuild a beautiful smile, 500,000 people each year turn to dental implants. If you’re like many people, you might believe the dental implant cost exceeds your budget, but this may not be true. While you’ll initially pay more for them, they are the most affordable treatment. Here are 4 ways they can save you money down the road.

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A set of dentures can effectively replace both your top and bottom arch of teeth with relative ease. When taken care of, they can last quite a long time and give you the confidence to show off your smile. However, they do come with a few caveats. For one, they won’t last forever, and using a denture that needs to be replaced can lead to numerous oral and overall health issues in the short and long-term. If you notice any of the following issues with your denture, it’s time to get it replaced.

If you’re missing teeth, you have more options than ever to rebuild a beautiful smile. Among the many choices are dental implants. You’ve probably heard about their benefits because they treat the entire tooth structure, but is the dental implant cost really worth it? Although you may pay more for them upfront than traditional treatments, they are the most affordable long-term. In fact, here are 3 ways they can save you money down the road.

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You have just had your very first dental crown placed, but now what? Do you just care for it like a normal tooth? How should you proceed? Dental crowns are a very common type of restoration. Dentists use them for a variety of different problems like teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken, or damaged by tooth decay. Fortunately, they aren’t too difficult to care for. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about the best way to keep your dental crowns in good shape.

Are you needing to have your wisdom teeth removed in the near future? You aren’t alone. Many people don’t have enough room in their jaws for their wisdom teeth without causing issues. The most common age for wisdom teeth removal is between the ages of 17-21, but it can be earlier or later depending on your individual situation. Like any procedure, wisdom teeth removal requires a period of recovery time. But how many days should you take off from your busy schedule? Continue reading to learn the recommended amount of time to reserve and more about the recovery process.

During COVID-19, everyone is encouraged to minimize trips to the hospital as much as possible. This helps you avoid being exposed to the virus, reduces the strain on overworked hospital staff, and also saves critical medical supplies. In addition, don’t forget that dental offices are still open for emergency care and are often better-equipped to handle dental emergencies anyway! With that said, there are a small number of exceptions that may require medical care. Keep reading below for information on different types of dental emergencies and why you should always call an emergency dentist before going to the ER. You’ll also get some great tips for preventing dental emergencies altogether!

After your wisdom teeth are removed, their empty sockets are left behind. To protect the bone and nerve endings underneath, your body will form a blood clot that’s meant to stay in place until the gums have healed. But if this clot is dislodged, recovery will take longer – and you’ll experience a lot of pain and swelling! To prevent dry socket in Asheville, read on to learn 4 simple tips for keeping your blood clot safe.

Wisdom tooth extractions are extremely common; every year, 5 million people have their wisdom teeth removed. But even routine procedures carry some level of risk. An improper extraction could lead to infection, cavitation (a hole in the jaw surrounded by decaying tissue), and permanent numbness in your lips and tongue due to nerve damage. Is a wisdom tooth extraction worth these potential complications? Here’s what you need to know before committing to the surgery.   

For patients who are missing some of their teeth, getting dental implants can be an excellent, life-changing solution; your new smile will look and feel natural, and you can comfortably eat whatever you want. However, if you have already done some research online, you may think that you won’t be a candidate if you’re already suffering from decreased bone density in your jaw. Fortunately, recent research shows that isn’t necessarily true.  Keep reading to learn about the link between bone density and dental implant success – and how it could make all the difference when getting new teeth.