Hooks Family Dentistry Blog

If you were working full time, then you likely had dental insurance through your employer. However, you lose it when you retire, so getting the oral healthcare you need may be tougher. This can be trouble for many older adults, as federal programs like Medicare doesn’t always cover dental treatments. For instance, if you need dentures, then you may be out of luck. Thankfully, you aren’t stuck in a bind. Here’s how an in-house membership plan can benefit seniors.

Cosmetic dentistry has grown tremendously in popularity over the past few decades. What was once considered a luxury reserved for celebrities is now more accessible, affordable, and effective than ever before. Today, millions of people choose cosmetic dental treatments to improve not only the appearance of their smiles but also their confidence and quality of life.

If you’ve wondered why so many people are investing in their smiles, here are a few reasons cosmetic dentistry continues to gain popularity.

At the end of the day, sleep apnea is an inherently “bad” condition. Anyone with a case of it will suffer some harm to their health. Even so, some parts of your life really can make sleep apnea worse. You should thus monitor your habits and actions, if only to ease your symptoms. As proof of these claims, here’s a primer on four factors that can worsen a case of sleep apnea.

Although there are many differences between you and your friends, family, and neighbors, one concept that holds true for most people is the desire to live a long, healthy, happy life. Unfortunately, however, if you suffer from untreated sleep apnea, you could be putting your health and longevity at risk. Here’s a closer look at how this condition could increase your risk of developing life-threatening conditions that could lower your life expectancy.

An infected abscess, a chipped tooth, or a laceration to the mouth can all be extremely painful. In fact, they’re even considered dental emergencies. But when they happen, where should you turn? Often, patients in pain head to their local emergency room, but do ER’s handle dental emergencies? Here’s why when it comes to urgent oral health problems, it’s better to head to an emergency dentist.

Dental emergencies can happen at the most unexpected moments—during a meal, while traveling, or even at home on a quiet afternoon. While you can’t always prevent these situations, you can be prepared for them. Creating a dental emergency kit ensures you have the tools you need to manage pain, protect damaged teeth, and stay calm until you can see a professional. Here’s what to pack to keep yourself and your family ready for anything.

For many patients, dental insurance can be one of the most frustrating barriers to visiting the dental office. With low maximums and unclear benefits, it’s not always known what exactly you’re investing in when you buy dental insurance. On the other hand, if you’re uninsured, paying out-of-pocket for dental care can get expensive quickly. Fortunately, there’s a happy medium between the two, and that’s signing up for an in-house membership plan through your dental practice. Here are four reasons you should consider an in-house plan!

Your dentist usually does everything they can to repair any damage to your natural teeth to preserve them. However, if you have a tooth that’s too severely injured to be mended, they might have no choice but to extract and replace it.

Then, you must care for your mouth correctly after your procedure so it can form a blood clot to protect the recently exposed nerves and bone tissues. Otherwise, you might develop a painful complication, dry socket. Many patients wonder if it’s okay to drink alcohol after their treatment, but it’s not usually recommended. Continue reading to learn why!

Ah, coffee. It wakes you up, keeps you warm, and helps you start the day. But wait! Before you indulge in that first sip, if you’ve recently had a tooth extracted, it’s important to temporarily hold off. Here’s how long you should delay that mug of java, and what you can drink instead to protect your smile!

Though it’s very natural to feel nervous about needing a tooth extraction, this procedure is nothing to fear. In fact, an estimated 55,000 teeth are extracted here in the United States each day! If you’re scheduled to have a tooth removed, here’s what you can expect from the treatment, and how to make your recovery as smooth as possible.