Downtown Family Dentistry of Leesburg Blog

How to Pick Between Dental Fillings and Dental Crowns

August 8, 2023

3D render of a dental filling

Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems that any dentist will have to deal with, which is why it’s no surprise that there are several ways to handle it. Both dental crowns and dental fillings are able to deal with cavities, and both are well within most dentists’ areas of expertise.

However, if you’re someone who needs one of these restorative treatments, you might not necessarily know the difference between them. That can make it hard to decide which one is best for you. If you’re in that position, here’s what you should know about how to contrast the two procedures.

(more…)

Why You Don’t Want Sunburned Lips!

July 25, 2023

Woman with brown hair in a sun hat putting lip balm on in front of a light blue sky background

During the summer months, there are so many opportunities to get outside and enjoy yourself, whether it’s at the swimming pool or a family barbecue in the backyard. While you may be in the habit of wearing sunblock to protect your skin, did you know that your lips can also get burned? If they do, it could negatively affect your oral health as well as your general well-being. Keep reading to learn how you can keep your lips safe this season!

(more…)

Smile Like It’s Summer: 5 Oral Health Tips for Vacations

July 20, 2023

Smiling couple sits in back of boat.

Just because you’re off-duty from work doesn’t mean you’re off-duty from brushing your teeth. While summer is a great time to take that cruise or hit the pool at the resort, oral hygiene remains just as important as ever. Taking care of your teeth will keep them healthy for any voyage. Read on for five tips that are certain to help you keep your smile in top shape this summer vacation.

(more…)

How to Handle Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare

June 8, 2023

woman holding her cheek and tooth in her hand

Often, wisdom tooth extractions are the first time that a patient has ever had a tooth removed. The procedure itself is fairly easy considering you won’t be able to feel your mouth, but many patients are naturally concerned about what aftercare will entail.

If you have a wisdom tooth extraction coming up, here are a few things you should keep in mind directly after the procedure.

(more…)

4 Health Issues that Can Result from Impacted Wisdom Teeth

May 6, 2023

a digital image of impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last of your pearly whites to develop. They usually come in during the last years of being a teenager or early adulthood—between the ages of 16 and 24. While wisdom teeth can oftentimes develop without any issues, they can cause issues for some people. In some cases, the third molars can become impacted below the gumline, leading to oral health issues. Read on to learn four problems that can result from impacted wisdom teeth and what to do about them.

(more…)

Why Does My Jaw Hurt on Just One Side?

April 6, 2023

someone holding their cheek in pain

Have you recently noticed that your jaw has been hurting on just one side of your mouth? Uncovering the culprit behind any kind of mouth pain can be difficult, especially when you’re actively dealing with discomfort.

Your emergency dentist can help you in diagnosing the issue, but it can be helpful to try and develop a working theory for what the problem might be before you see them. To help you do that, here are some of the most common conditions that can cause jaw pain on one side of your mouth.

(more…)

How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?

March 8, 2023

person with jaw pain holding face

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The disorder can cause pain, discomfort, and restricted jaw movement, making it difficult to eat, speak, and even sleep. If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ, you may be wondering how long it takes to treat the condition. Keep reading as we take a closer look at how long TMJ treatment typically takes and what factors can impact the duration of treatment.

(more…)

Gray Teeth: What Causes Them, and What You Can Do About Them

February 25, 2023

Smile in grayscale

Everybody’s teeth look a little bit different. While most people want a whiter smile, it’s perfectly natural for teeth to turn a little yellow with age.

However, some discoloration is more serious than others. Gray teeth, for example, can be indicative of a host of oral health problems. If you want to know a little bit more about gray teeth, where they come from, and what you can do about them, here’s a guide that can tell you what you want to know.

(more…)

When Can I Get Dentures After a Tooth Extraction?

February 6, 2023

patient looking at their new dentures

Tooth extractions can sound intimidating, but if you’ve been dealing with a bad tooth for a very long time, having it removed will free you from a lot of discomfort.

Dentures are one of the most common tooth replacement options, especially for patients who have recently had several teeth removed. You might wonder how soon after a tooth extraction you could get fitted for a dental prosthetic. Here’s a guide that can tell you everything you want to know.

(more…)

Do I Need a Root Canal if I’m Not in Pain?

January 18, 2023

a patient showing a dentist where their tooth pain is

Experiencing tooth pain can be frustrating, especially knowing that’s one of the most common signs that you require a root canal. While some patients may be tempted to put off visiting their emergency dentist to see if the issue handles itself, that will most likely result in worsening oral health and more serious and permanent problems. Even if your tooth pain stops, seeing an emergency dentist for treatment is a necessity, and here’s why.

(more…)